Laos Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Laos - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. 124 Thaluang Coffee

    $ | Coffee

    This heritage shophouse in Pakse's old quarter has been lovingly converted by its Japanese owner into a warm café space infused with minimalism and Lao touches. The coffee here might be the best in Laos, and there are fresh homemade pastries, too.

    124 Thaluang Village, Pakse, Champasak, Laos
    020-968--90070

    Known For

    • Homemade brownies
    • Artisanal drip coffee
    • Handicrafts for sale to support Lao communities

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sat.
  • 2. Acqua

    $$ | Ban Mixay

    All the usual Italian stalwarts grace the menu at this upbeat spot, along with imported oysters and Wagyu beef. The same owners also run the more casual Ai Capone next door, a traditional pizzeria.

    007/078 Rue Francois Ngin, Vientiane, Vientiane, Laos
    020-599–10888

    Known For

    • Pizzas
    • Lunch buffet
    • Extensive wine list
  • 3. Bouang

    $

    The decor of this colorful, French-owned restaurant is a throwback to the Asia of 50 years ago, but the constantly changing menu of Asian, Western, and fusion comfort foods is quite modern. The cinnamon pork stew in particular is a crowd favorite with both the Lao and expat clientele and perfectly accompanied by one of Bouang's signature cocktails. Seats on the porch allow for leisurely people-watching. 

    Sisavangvong Rd., Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    020-552--68098

    Known For

    • Gnocchi green curry
    • Fun atmosphere
    • People-watching from the patio
  • 4. Cranky-T Cafe and Bar

    $

    This charming restaurant dishes up savory Western comfort foods, delicious cocktails, and the best coffee in town. The well-traveled owner is also a vivacious fountain of knowledge about the area. In the evenings, it's a popular gathering spot for local expat NGO workers and UXO de-miners. There are other branches at Jar Site 1 and the airport.

    049 Ban Phonsavanh Xay, Xiangkhoang, Laos
    030-538--8003

    Known For

    • All-day breakfasts
    • Extensive wine selection
    • Korean-style chicken wings
  • 5. Kitchen by the Mekong

    $ | Ban Phonehueng

    The romantic restaurant of the boutique hotel that occupies the former royal residence serves exquisite cuisine in a serene, romantic setting. The Lao tasting menu, a good option, includes tamarind soup, orlam(spicy chicken stew), and sai oua, a homemade pork sausage, served with river weed and chili paste. Or else take on the signature pork-knuckle stew cooked in Lao beer.

    Kounxoau Rd., Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    071-213200

    Known For

    • <PRO>creative French chef</PRO>
    • <PRO>affordable prices</PRO>
    • <PRO>scenic setting</PRO>
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  • 6. L'Elephant Restaurant Français

    $$$

    One of Luang Prabang's finest restaurants offers traditional French food, with a dash of Lao influence, such as the chevreuil au poivre vert (local venison in a pepper sauce) and the several daily specials usually include fish fresh from the Mekong. Seating is available in the bright, airy dining room or on the sidewalk, behind a barrier of plants. You can order à la carte or opt for a three-course prix-fixe menu, and if you need relief from the heat, head to the air-conditioned section. 

    Ban Wat Nong, Kounxoua Rd., Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    071-252482

    Known For

    • Tartare
    • Lovely setting
    • Prix-fixe menus

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 7. La Signature

    $$$ | Muang Chanthabury

    The charming restaurant of the boutique Ansara Hotel serves authentic French cuisine in a romantic garden setting. Appetizers on the varied menu might include anything from fish carpaccio or a warm goat cheese salad to the over-the-top combo of fried duck and duck foie gras. For your entrée you can go haute with a rack of lamb or roast lobster, or casual with pizza or a croque-monsieur.

    Quai Fa Ngum, Ban Vat Chan, Hom 5, Vientiane, Vientiane, Laos
    021-213514

    Known For

    • Superb wine selection
    • Daily chef's plates
    • Refined atmosphere
  • 8. Manda de Laos

    $$

    With an unbeatable location over a UNESCO-classified lotus pond, this impressive wooden restaurant only serves traditional Lao food, all based on the owner's family recipes. The dishes, such as fish Hor Mok steamed in banana leaves or the delicious jungle honey-glazed spareribs, are presented with a panache that helps emphasize the venue's authenticity. Signature cocktails feature Lao ingredients combined with modern mixologies. Best visited at dinner when the flicker of light from dozens of lanterns makes it look extremely romantic.

    10 Norrassan Rd, Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    071-253923

    Known For

    • Beautiful setting
    • Authentic Lao cuisine
    • Creative cocktails
  • 9. Paste at the Apsara

    $$$$ | Ban Wat Sene

    As at the original location of Paste, a Michelin-starred restaurant based in Bangkok, the menu here is built on the traditional recipes of the Lao royal family, but with a slight update for modern tastes. The preparation, presentation, and taste are second-to-none in Luang Prabang.

    Ban Wat Sene, Kingkitsarath St., Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    071-254251

    Known For

    • Dinner set menus
    • Flavorful slow-roasted duck curry
    • Or Lam, a Luang Prabang ratatouille
  • 10. Popolo Cantina

    $

    This hip restaurant in the heritage home of a former French official serves refreshing Mediterranean fare such as huge salads, excellent wood-fired pizzas, and platters of beef carpaccio. Many dishes also feature savory local buffalo burrata cheese. There's also a full list of French wines and exclusive cocktail creations.

    201 Khounxoua Rd., Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    020-778--01767

    Known For

    • Mosquito mai tai
    • Belle burrata pizza
    • El cubanito sandwich
  • 11. Saffron Coffee

    $ | Coffee

    Contrary to popular belief, fine Lao coffee doesn't only come from southern Laos, it's also grown here in the northern part of the country, and this charming café, started over a decade ago, has helped change the lives of highland farmers in the surrounding rural areas. There are great sandwiches and pastries, but the absolute highlight is the artisanal coffee and the amazing views of the Mekong from their riverside terrace. Many an afternoon has been lost to gazing at boat traffic plying these waters. Cherry to Cup tours are also available for true coffee lovers. The upstairs is air-conditioned if you need a break from the tropical heat.

    Khemkhong Rd., Wat Nong Village, Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    071-212915

    Known For

    • Cheesecake brownies
    • Cascara, a tea made from coffee cherry husks
    • Ask about the Cherry to Cup tours
  • 12. Sticky Fingers

    $

    An institution on Vientiane's culinary landscape for several decades, this restaurant serves modern Australian and international comfort foods and a revolving weekly menu of specials showcases the dexterity of the Lao chef. The twice-weekly happy hours are great for meeting local expats.

    10/3 Francois Nginn, Vientiane, Vientiane, Laos
    021-215972

    Known For

    • Tom yum martinis
    • Half-price happy hours
    • Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs
  • 13. Tamarind Restaurant and Cooking School

    $ | Ban Wat Sene

    This riverside restaurant is the place to experience and understand Lao cuisine in Luang Prabang. The various tasting menus feature five traditional types of jeow, or dips, to be eaten with vegetables or sticky rice; there's also a "five-bites" selection that includes dried buffalo, sai oua (flavored local sausage), and other delicacies. The restaurant also runs a popular cooking school worth checking out.

    Kingkitsarath Rd., Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    071-213128

    Known For

    • Lemongrass stuffed with chicken
    • Watermelon and chili granita
    • Well-trained local staff

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 14. Tamnak Lao

    $

    A wonderful place to experience Lao cuisine and culture, the latter in the form of classical dances performed nightly, this restaurant provides a blissful retreat from the downtown tourist frenzy. You can dine either in the teakwood interior space or outside in the garden. The specialty here is the cuisine of Luang Prabang, such as the pla larb (minced fish with herbs). Dinner service doesn't begin until 6.

    100 Phonxay, 23 Singha Rd., Saysettha, Vientiane, Vientiane, Laos
    021-413562

    Known For

    • <PRO>local cuisine</PRO>
    • <PRO>French Colonial setting</PRO>
    • <PRO>fresh fish from the Mekong</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Sun.
  • 15. The Bamboo Lounge

    $ | Coffee

    A husband-and-wife team from New Zealand opened this restaurant that serves outstanding wood-fired pizzas, freshly baked bread, pasta, and other Western dishes you can enjoy with a real espresso or cappuccino. It's affiliated with Forest Retreat Laos, a trekking agency across the street that works with local people to create and promote sustainable tourism in the Nam Ha Protected Area.

    Main St., Louang Namtha, Loungnamtha, Laos
    020-296--43190

    Known For

    • Eclectic range of pizzas
    • Tasty burritos
    • Espresso drinks
  • 16. The River Resort Restaurant

    $

    The international team in the kitchen of the River Resort's elegant restaurant prepares fine Asian and Western dishes—the best food you will find in all southern Laos—with equal skill and panache. Highly recommended is the local Mekong fish, which can either be grilled and served with tamarind sauce and lime, or steamed in a banana leaf Lao-style.

    Ban Phaphinnoy, Rd. 14A, Champasak, Champasak, Laos
    031-511055

    Known For

    • Good wine list
    • Lao specialties
    • Good prices for this quality
  • 17. Villa Opera

    $$$

    This longtime Italian restaurant, in a beautiful colonial villa with a garden, is a bit out of the main tourist center but still reigns as one of Vientiane's steady grande dames. Villa Opera serves authentic pasta, baked entrées, and fresh salads along with items like the Pizza de Laos, made with chilies and Lao sausage. You can get a perfect espresso or a cappuccino, too.

    42 Rue Panya Si, Vientiane, Vientiane, Laos
    021-215099

    Known For

    • Homemade pasta
    • Longtime Italian favorite
    • Homely but high-end
  • 18. 3 Nagas Restaurant

    $$

    Crispy river weed with spicy buffalo jam and steamed mushrooms in an herbal mousse are just two of the local specialties served at this atmospheric restaurant on the front terrace of 3 Nagas Luang Prabang hotel. Set menus are available from 200,000 kip, though you can also order à la carte. Across the street, the hotel's trendy cocktail bar Nagini is great for a nightcap.

    Sakkarin Rd., Ban Wat Nong, Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    071-253 888

    Known For

    • Grilled buffalo with coffee sauce
    • Mango sticky rice with banana and rosella ice cream
    • Sampler menus perfect for Lao food novices
  • 19. Daauw Home

    $

    Inside a thatched hillside bungalow overlooking Houay Xai's main street, Daauw Home is run by a nongovernmental organization that helps local women and ethnic minorities empower themselves. Cooking over an open fire, the chefs prepare amazing dishes that diners enjoy with "mojitlao" cocktails. There are knockout sunset views, and a bonfire keeps things warm when it's chilly.

    Wat Jom Kao Manilat, Ban Houayxay, Bokeo, Laos
    030-904--1296

    Known For

    • Gai baan grilled chicken
    • Pizzas
    • Hmong handicrafts for sale
  • 20. Jasmine

    $

    A Pakse mainstay, this restaurant serves vegetarian and nonvegetarian Indian and Malay food, including excellent dosas and curries. Western-style breakfasts are prepared starting at 6:30 am—perfect for the early-morning minivan crowd heading to the 4,000 Islands.

    385 Banthaluang, Rd. 13, Pakse, Champasak, Laos
    031-251002

    Known For

    • <PRO>masala dosa</PRO>
    • <PRO>roti canai</PRO>
    • <PRO>rice and curries</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No credit cards

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