Top 9 Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Hanoi to Try

Hanoi is a food lover’s paradise, where traditional Vietnamese flavors meet modern culinary creativity. Whether you seek a historic dining experience, a plant-based feast, or communal-style meals, this guide to the best Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi offers more than just great flavors. If you're wondering where to eat in Hanoi Old Quarter or looking for the best Vietnamese restaurant in Hanoi Old Quarter, let’s explore the city’s most unique thematic restaurants, rich in local culture and authentic cuisine.

1. Fine Dining Restaurants (For Travelers Seeking Comfort & Elegance)

Sometimes, after a long day of exploring Hanoi’s street food markets, you might want to sit down for an elegant meal with impeccable service. These fine dining Hanoi Vietnamese restaurants deliver an authentic yet elevated experience, perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in the best meats and seafood Vietnam has to offer.

HOME Hanoi Restaurant

Address: 34 Châu Long, Ba Đình, Hanoi

Why It’s One of the Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Hanoi
Nestled inside a beautifully restored French colonial villa, HOME Hanoi Restaurant exudes an old-world charm while serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The atmosphere is cozy yet refined, making it an excellent choice for romantic dinners or travelers experiencing Hanoi for the first time.

Food to Try at HOME Hanoi

• West Lake Snail Pie – A local specialty with a delicate yet rich flavor
• Bún Chả Hà Nội – The legendary grilled pork with rice noodles, served Hanoi-style
• Lobster Dishes – Fresh, succulent seafood prepared with a Vietnamese twist

Perfect for: Couples, first-time visitors, or those who want to experience the best Vietnamese restaurant in Hanoi in a refined setting.

Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine

Address: 73 Cầu Gỗ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

Why You Must Visit Cau Go?
Perched above Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine offers breathtaking views of Hoan Kiem Lake while serving an authentic menu inspired by Vietnam’s regional flavors.

Must-Try Dishes

• Stir-fried Wild Boar – A rich and hearty specialty
• Ba Toa Beef Hotpot – A comforting, slow-cooked delicacy
• Fresh Seafood Selection – Enjoy some of the best-cooked meats and seafood in Hanoi

Perfect for: Travelers seeking a fine-dining experience with an iconic Hanoi view. If you’re wondering where to eat in Hanoi Old Quarter, this is a top pick.

Hanoi Garden Restaurant

Address: 36 Hàng Mành, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

Why It’s a Must-Try?
A staple in Hanoi’s food scene for over 20 years, Hanoi Garden Restaurant offers a beautiful indoor garden setting, perfect for those looking to escape the bustling food market chaos.

Top Dishes to Try

• Salted Fried Pork Ribs – Crispy on the outside, tender inside
• Roasted Beef in Bamboo Stalk – A unique and aromatic dish
• Seafood Hotpot – A warm, comforting meal made from the freshest meats and seafood

Perfect for: Families, groups, or couples looking for a mix of tradition and comfort at one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi.

2. Authentic Local Restaurants (For Foodies Who Want the Real Hanoi Experience)

If fine dining isn’t your style, then these authentic local restaurants will give you a true taste of Hanoi’s soul. Forget the hotel restaurants—these Hanoi Vietnamese restaurants are where the locals go when they crave flavorful, home-cooked meals.

Chim Sao

Address: 65 Huế, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi

Why It’s a Hidden Gem?
For a unique dining experience, head to Chim Sao, a restaurant that highlights the traditional cooking styles of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities.

What to Try Here?

• Water Buffalo Meat – A rare specialty dish
• Deep-Fried Grasshoppers – Crispy and surprisingly delicious
• Snails in Spicy Sauce – A flavorful and texturally exciting dish

Perfect for: Adventurous eaters looking to step outside their comfort zone and try authentic Vietnamese food not commonly found in tourist hotspots.

Quan Xua

Address: 59/25 Láng Hạ, Ba Đình, Hanoi

Why You Should Visit?
If you want to experience Northern Vietnamese family-style meals, Quan Xua is one of the best places to go. It’s a budget-friendly, nostalgic eatery that serves flavor-packed traditional dishes.

Top Picks

• Snail Hotpot – A must-try Hanoi specialty
• Frog Bamboo Shoot Hotpot – A unique and flavorful dish
• Sticky Rice with Chicken – Comfort food at its best

Perfect for: Budget-conscious travelers looking for a great meal without breaking the bank.

Net Hue

Address: 34-36 Thái Hà, Đống Đa, Hanoi

Why It’s Special?
While Hanoi is famous for its Northern cuisine, Net Hue specializes in Hue-style Vietnamese food, offering a completely different flavor experience.

Must-Try Dishes

• Khoai Cake – A crispy, savory Hue pancake
• Grilled Rice Cake – A delicious, smoky-flavored dish
• Stir-Fried Baby Clam – A delightful mix of textures and flavors

Perfect for: Travelers looking to expand their culinary adventure beyond Hanoi’s traditional flavors and experience a taste of Central Vietnam.

3. Unique Thematic Restaurants (For Travelers Wanting a Cultural Dining Experience)

For those seeking more than just a meal, these Hanoi Vietnamese restaurants offer cultural immersion, creative menus, and historic ambiance, making them some of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi for an unforgettable experience.

37 Nam Trang

Address: 37 Nam Trang, Truc Bach, Hanoi

Stepping into 37 Nam Trang feels like stepping back in time. This retro-style eatery replicates the atmosphere of post-war Vietnam, where food was rationed, and meals were simple but hearty. If you’re a history buff or a traveler eager to experience authentic Hanoi Vietnamese restaurant culture, this place should be at the top of your list.

Why It’s One of the Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Hanoi?

• The menu reflects Northern Vietnamese staples—simple yet flavorful dishes once served in government-run food stalls.
• Expect grilled meats, broken rice, and deep-fried tofu, all served on old-school enamel plates.
• Enjoy iced tea in chipped mugs, bringing an authentic and nostalgic feel to your meal.
• The interior decor features ration books, vintage food coupons, and historical photographs, adding an educational twist to your dining experience.

Food to Try at 37 Nam Trang:

• Traditional Grilled Pork with Rice – A simple but satisfying meal.
• Northern-style Braised Fish – Slow-cooked in a clay pot for a deep, rich flavor.
• Vegetable Stir-fry with Bean Sprouts – A light but flavorful dish commonly found in Vietnamese food markets.

Perfect for: Travelers who want a taste of old Hanoi and a unique dining experience steeped in history.

Uu Dam Chay

Address: 34 Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

For those looking for a healthy, plant-based twist on Vietnamese cuisine, Uu Dam Chay is a must-visit. This Hanoi Vietnamese restaurant is a trendsetter in vegetarian dining, proving that meats and seafood aren’t the only highlights of Vietnamese food.

What Makes Uu Dam Chay One of the Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Hanoi?

• A stunning greenhouse-inspired rooftop with lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful dining experience.
• A creative menu that reinvents classic Vietnamese food with fresh, plant-based ingredients.
• A trendy yet spiritual ambiance, making it a favorite for both local and international diners.

Food to Try at Uu Dam Chay:

• Lotus Root Chips – A crispy, savory snack served with a light dipping sauce.
• Durian Pizza – A daring yet delightful combination of creamy durian and crispy crust.
• Fried Soft Tofu in Mushroom Sauce – A comforting, umami-packed dish perfect for any food lover.

Perfect for: Vegetarian travelers, health-conscious eaters, and those looking for a tranquil escape in the heart of Hanoi.

Au O Vietnam Kitchen

Address: 13A Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Nothing embodies the local culture more than family-style dining, and Au O Vietnam Kitchen brings this tradition to life with shared meals, hearty flavors, and an inviting atmosphere. If you’re traveling with friends or family and want to enjoy a traditional Hanoi Vietnamese restaurant, this is the place to be.

Why Au O is One of the Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Hanoi?

• A modern yet rustic ambiance, with an indoor patio overflowing with tropical plants, creating an urban oasis.
• The menu focuses on communal-style dining, with dishes meant for sharing, just like in a traditional Vietnamese home.
• Expect large portions of meats and seafood, served in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy.

Food to Try at Au O Vietnam Kitchen:

• Hanoi-style Grilled Chicken – A smoky, flavorful dish served with tangy dipping sauce.
• Slow-cooked Beef Stew with Lemongrass – A dish that showcases the rich flavors of Hanoi cuisine.
• Deep-fried Spring Rolls with Pork & Shrimp – A crunchy, savory appetizer that pairs perfectly with sweet chili sauce.

Perfect for: Families, large groups, and travelers who want to experience the joy of communal Vietnamese dining.

4. Essential Dining Tips for Travelers in Hanoi

Before setting off on your food and drink adventure in Hanoi, here are some essential dining tips to enhance your experience.

Best Times to Dine

• Lunch: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM (avoid peak times to get the best service)
• Dinner: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (some fine-dining restaurants require reservations)
• Night Markets & Street Food: Best enjoyed from 7 PM onwards when the city comes alive with food stalls.

How to Order Like a Local

• Many Hanoi Vietnamese restaurants have menus in Vietnamese. If unsure, point at the dishes others are ordering or use Google Translate.
• Expect family-style dining—many dishes are meant to be shared.
• Don’t be afraid to try new flavors—from noodle soup to deep-fried seafood, Hanoi has something for every palate.

Dietary Restrictions & Halal/Vegetarian Options

• Many Vietnamese dishes contain fish sauce and shrimp paste, so vegetarians should confirm before ordering.
• Halal options are available in select restaurants. Look for places that cater to Muslim travelers.

Hygiene and Food Safety Tips

• Always choose busy food stalls—if locals are eating there, it’s likely fresh and safe.
• Avoid raw vegetables in street food stalls unless they’ve been washed in filtered water.
• Carry cash—some smaller restaurants and street food markets don’t accept credit cards.

How to Get Reservations at Top Restaurants

• For fine dining spots like Cau Go and HOME Hanoi, book in advance via their website or social media.
• Walk-ins are possible for local eateries, but arrive early to secure a table.

5. Conclusion

From nostalgic food shops to innovative vegetarian cuisine and communal dining, Hanoi offers a wide range of unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you’re exploring street food markets or indulging in a multi-course feast at the best Vietnamese restaurant in Hanoi, you’ll find flavors that reflect the soul of Vietnam. For those wondering where to eat in Hanoi Old Quarter, these unique restaurants are a must-visit. So, next time you find yourself in Hanoi, venture beyond the tourist traps and dive into the culinary heart of the city.

Which of these Hanoi Vietnamese restaurants are you most excited to try? Share your experiences and let the food adventure begin!