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From curbside feasts on Lilliputian plastic chairs to superb fine dining, Hanoi’s restaurant scene has something for everyone. Locals are fiercely proud of their street food culture and this is where the essence of Hanoi’s food scene can be discovered. Signature northern dishes include bun cha (vermicelli with minced pork burgers), banh cuon (steamed rice rolls stuffed with minced pork, mushrooms, and shallots), and the ubiquitous pho, Vietnam’s nominal national dish, which comes in chicken and beef varieties. These classics represent just a tantalizing taste of what is on offer in the city. And with a seemingly endless array of vendors slaving over hot grills, simmering alchemy in large pots, or doling out pillow-soft steamed buns from a ramshackle cart, opportunities to eat like a local are limitless. In the past, Hanoi’s restaurant sector has suffered in comparison to its Kingly Street dining scene. That has changed significantly over the past decade or so. There is now an eclectic selection of interesting (and often excellent) eating spots that run the gamut from simple French bistros and laid-back cafés to opulent venues for multicourse blowouts and cutting-edge options that would not be out of place in the world’s major gastronomic hubs.
The outdoor area of this French-influenced venue is an ideal place for some very romantic dining and expat gatherings. The interior is equally convivial with stripped pine tables and wooden furniture. The food is a mixed bag of European dishes prepared and served with flare.
Serving countryside dishes with a refreshing modern twist, Luk Lak is a welcome addition to Hanoi's dining scene. Many of the dishes are head chef Madame Binh's take on recipes from a particular part of the country, such as the ga nuong Tu Le (grilled chicken with sticky rice from Yen Bai Province). The minimalist design with flashes of Hanoi's colonial heritage serves to enhance an already exceptional dining experience.
Probably worthy of a Michelin star of its own, T.U.N.G Dining offers an astonishing fine-dining experience. Head chef and co-owner Hoang Tung worked in various Michelin star restaurants in Scandinavia before returning to his home city of Hanoi, and his experience is reflected in both the cuisine and the minimalist decor. There is only one set menu that consists of 15 to 20 courses, each one illustrating Tung's culinary wizardry. The menu changes with the season and the restaurant can make adjustments if you have dietary requirements. Let them know when you make your booking, which is essential.
This fine-dining modern Vietnamese restaurant draws from the recipes and flavors of far-flung corners of the country for a creative tasting menu. There's an emphasis on the grill, but also attentive service and storied dishes. This is a worthy splurge option to round off a few days of street food and cheap eats in the capital.
The owner of Cousins (cugini means cousins in Italian) partnered with Italian chef Nico Ceccomoro to create an authentic dining experience at decent prices. Classy red and black interiors, sensual paintings, and a tree-shaded balcony make this location perfect for a date night. The menu is updated and expanded regularly, but you can’t go wrong with the pizzas or pasta, especially the tortellini with ricotta. There are also several fine wines to choose from.
One of the first restaurants to bring inspired French cuisine to the heart of Hanoi, La Badiane has main entrées that will set you back more than most restaurants in Hanoi, but the flavors are worth the splurge. The rich desserts are almost impossible to pass up. Those who order the tasting menu can elevate the experience with an optional wine pairing.
A new establishment tucked away on a high floor in an Old Quarter corner building, La Lot has excellent views of the busy, tangled streets below. But the rotating playful displays also offer visual nourishment. Highlights on the menu include the succulent ribs and any of the spring rolls on the appetizer page. Request a table by the window when making a reservation.
Delicious Italian food is served in this romantic brick eatery in front of the cathedral. Along with exemplary bruschetta (toasted bread with olive oil and various toppings) and homemade pastas, the Italian hosts serve excellent cappuccinos, Napoli-style thin-crust pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven, and interesting grappas—try licorice or peach.
Set up in a giant courtyard full of wooden booths, deck furniture, and barrels, the Moose & Roo Smokehouse at the American Center is chock-full of those looking for delicious smoked meats and comfort food. This lively restaurant promises Texas in Hanoi, and it delivers.
Aimed more at tourists than at local clientele, this restaurant within a renovated French villa provides a good introduction to Vietnamese cuisine. Just bear in mind that portions of the tasty and beautifully presented dishes, such as beef in coconut milk, can be disappointingly small. The restaurant's claim to fame is serving Shinto Abe in 2006, and they still offer a menu commemorating the event.
This West Lake institution serves some of the best, and best-value, Japanese food in Hanoi. The city has a sizeable community of Japanese expats, which means that this venue is reliably packed with homesick salarymen and women looking for an authentic taste of home.
Uu Dam Chay elevates vegan food with fruity salads, interesting tofu dishes (try one of the stuffed varieties), and creative mocktails. The restaurant is huge, but bookings are still recommended.
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