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Whether a steaming bowl of pho, a banh mi roll that’s bursting with pork and pâté or one of the world’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants, Vietnam has it all and more. From northern Hanoi to southern Ho Chi Minh City, read on to discover our pick of the best restaurants in Vietnam.
Best restaurants in Hanoi
Cau Go
Renowned as one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi, Cau Go makes for the perfect spot to enjoy traditional deep-fried Vietnamese spring rolls or group lẩu (hot pot), with spectacular views over Hoan Kiem Lake and the French Quarter available from the restaurant’s seventh-floor terrace.
Hidden Gem Cafe
Part of an emerging trend of eco-friendly coffee shops, Hidden Gem Cafe is one of the largest of its kind in Vietnam. Alongside exceptional Vietnamese-style coffee, an all-organic menu and wholly thrifted decor make this spot an underappreciated must-visit.
Tam Vi
Hidden away in a vintage tea house off Nguyen Du Street, Tam Vi serves traditional Northern Vietnamese dishes, like crab soup with malabar spinach or chả ốc (Vietnamese ham with periwinkle snails). It’s also extremely budget friendly: Tam Vi also has the distinction of being one of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.
Le Beaulieu
Operating since 1901, Le Beaulieu serves triumphantly delicious French haute cuisine inside Sofitel Legend Metropole. Classic French flavours with a focus on seasonality and sophistication shine through the menu; visit on Sunday for one of the city’s most lavish seafood buffet brunches.
Hibana by Koki
The only Japanese restaurant in Vietnam with a Michelin star, at Capella Hanoi’s 14-seat house of teppanyaki Hibana by Koki affable chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi curates a menu with a decadent edge, with premium ingredients like abalone and uni (sea urchin) flown directly from Japan.
Best restaurants in Hoi An & Danang
Madam Khanh
Known as the ‘queen of banh mi,’ Madam Khanh lives up to the name, with warm baguettes, plenty of fresh herbs, signature sauce and marinated meats creating a perfectly balanced roll. MasterChef Australia’s Gary Mehigan said banh mi is his number one must eat in Vietnam, so don’t forget to tuck into one while you’re there.
Morning Glory Signature
At Morning Glory Signature, each contemporary Vietnamese dish is handpicked, closely personal and backed with high quality – and ultra-fragrant – local ingredients, including fresh chilli, coriander and lemongrass. With incredible views of Hoi An’s iconic Japanese bridge, it’s a wonderful place to stop for a breather.
Brilliant Top Bar
In the heart of Danang, Brilliant Hotel’s rooftop fun and vibrant bar, Brilliant Top Bar, offers sweeping views over Han River and the city. The bar’s menu serves unique Asian-European fusion dishes including BBQ pork ribs, lamb chops and a selection of wine and cocktails, with weekend events that include live music.
Wafel | Belgian Waffle Bar
Authentic Belgian waffles are a rarity in Vietnam, but Wafel’s freshly baked treats – made to order in a traditional cast iron – give even Europe a run for its money.
Thìa Gỗ Restaurant
Often considered one of the best eateries in Danang, Thìa Gỗ is a cosy gem with a wide range of Vietnamese favourites. Take a seat outside along the quiet, lush al fresco area to enjoy banh xeo (crispy turmeric pancakes) or some of the city’s best pho.
Com Nha Linh
Close to the popular My Khe Beach, the nostalgic Com Nha Linh offers many classics of Northern Vietnamese cuisine, with dishes including sweet and sour stir-fried squid and crab soup.
La Maison 1888
Danang’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, La Maison 1888 – designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley – has been crowned by Architectural Digest as one of the most beautifully designed restaurants in the world. The culinary centrepiece of InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort, the restaurant freely mingles inspiration from Vietnam, France and Japan with cuisine classics to grand desserts. Be sure to check out the wine list – the restaurant’s sommelier is considered one of Vietnam’s best.
Best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
The Monkey Gallery
Art enthusiasts owe it to themselves to check out The Monkey Gallery, complete with a masterpiece dining and dessert bar. Each meal is a work of art, backed by a breathtaking contemporary art gallery showcase.
Yakiniku Yazawa Saigon
For top-shelf wagyu and a meticulously curated selection of over 70 wines, Yakiniku Yazawa Saigon is where you need to be. With outposts across Japan, Singapore, USA and Europe, this Japanese BBQ restaurant has already made a name for itself abroad – but remains an excellent night out in Saigon.
Man Moi
With simple decor and an incredible garden setting, Man Moi has been a landmark of the city’s dining scene for over a decade. Meals are simple, hearty and delicious, with plenty of Vietnamese classics (plus a few surprises, like the grilled eel sausage topped with chillis and fresh herbs).
Square One
Effortlessly balancing traditional Vietnamese and French influences, Square One at Park Hyatt Saigon makes for a sophisticated evening out in Saigon, with French and Vietnamese tasting menus that are dressed to impress.
Pho Viet Nam District 1
Open 21 hours a day, Pho Viet Nam serves pho that’s cooked to perfection in a stone pot directly on the table. Fresh herbs, tender beef and scratch-made rice noodles – plus generous portion sizes – put Pho Viet Name District 1 a cut above the rest.
Anan Saigon
With Ho Chi Minh City’s first (and only) Michelin star, Anan Saigon is indisputably the city’s finest dining room. The tasting menu roams from Vietnam’s north to south, leaving no one hungry; timeless French tradition and a pinch of molecular gastronomy guarantee you’re in for an unforgettable feast.
Feature image: La Maison 1888, InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort.
