Andrea Larice YapA true gastronomic haven, Hanoi stands as a fierce contender for the best Vietnamese fare in the country. While street food remains an important aspect of the city’s food scene, its burgeoning fusion cuisine and upscale dining choices offer innovative food experiences. But, no matter the food budget, the Vietnam capital promises a culinary adventure like no other. Curious? Read on to find out what the best restaurants in Hanoi have to offer!
Also read: 10 Airbnbs in Hanoi That Are Both Gorgeous and Affordable
Best restaurants in Hanoi for budget Vietnamese fare
1. Bun Cha Dac Kim
Image credit: Bun Cha Dac Kim Official Facebook Page
On your Hanoi food crawl, don’t miss out on bun cha! This traditional Vietnamese dish typically consists of barbecued pork patties served in a flavourful, tangy broth alongside rice vermicelli. Believed to have originated in the streets of Hanoi, the city capital brims with eateries that serve up this classic dish.
One of the best restaurants in Hanoi to try bun cha is none other than Bun Cha Dac Kim: a no-frills one-dish joint serving the delicious pork dish since 1965! This three-storey eatery packs a punch when it comes to its bun cha. So, expect generous portions of its grilled pork patties and braised pork slices, with heaps of veggies and rice noodles on the side.
Address: 1 Hang Manh, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
2. Bun Cha Huong Lien
Image credit: Bun Cha Huong Lien Official Facebook Page
If you’re even a tiny bit interested in Vietnam’s food culture, you’ve probably come across the iconic photo of late chef Anthony Bourdain and former United States president Barack Obama sharing a meal of bun cha. This historic moment catapulted local eatery Bun Cha Huong into international acclaim and has since become a hotspot among diners from all over the world.
What’s more? The bun cha served at Bun Cha Huong presents a satisfying blend of flavours with its grilled pork patties, fragrant herbs, and rice noodles. Additionally, its casual and unassuming atmosphere provides customers with an authentic experience of Vietnam’s street food culture.
Address: 24 P. Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam
3. Banh Mi 25
Image credit: Banh Mi 25 Official Instagram Page
Banh Mi 25 is one of the most popular Vietnamese sandwich shops in Hanoi! It’s famous for its authentic yet affordable banh mi: a crispy baguette that is filled with a combination of grilled pork, pickled veggies, pate, and fresh cilantro. It also offers a wide range of banh mi fillings to cater to various taste preferences, as well as a few vegan options for plant-based diners. Located in the Old Quarter, this humble banh mi shop attracts tons of locals and tourists on the hunt for quick but tasty bites.
Address: 25 Hang Ca, Old Quarter, Hanoi
4. Pho Thin Lo Duc
Image credit: Pho Thin Hanoi Lo Duc Official Facebook Page
From hole-in-the-wall eateries to side street stalls, it’s no secret that Hanoi boasts tons of dining spots for a bowl of pho. After all, it is the national dish of Vietnam!
One of the longest-standing restaurants in Hanoi to enjoy this noodle soup is Pho Thin Lo Duc. This renowned family-run restaurant was founded by Nguyen Trong Thin, who pioneered a distinctive twist on traditional pho called pho tai lan. This approach involves stir-frying the beef with ginger, garlic, and green onions before incorporating it into the broth. Thus, the beef is extra packed with flavours and aromatics! A constant magnet for pho lovers over the past 40 years, Pho Thin Lo Duc continues to operate from its original spot on Lo Duc Street.
Address: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
5. Pho Thin Bo Ho
Image credit: Pho Thin Bo Ho Official Facebook Page
Tucked away in a small alleyway in Hoan Kiem is the quintessential Hanoi-style pho shop, Pho Thin Bo Ho. It boasts a storied past dating back somewhat 70 years ago when it first started as a simple mobile cart selling the beloved Vietnamese noodle dish.
Until today, Pho Thin Bo Ho has stayed true to its original rustic charm and simplicity. The seating at this humble eatery is on small tables, often shared with other fellow patrons slurping on their noodles. Flavour-wise, its traditional pho features a clear, fragrant broth topped with tender chunks of beef and fresh cilantro.
Address: 61 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hanoi
6. Bun Cha Ta
Image credit: Bun Cha Ta Official Facebook Page
Located along Nguyen Huu Huan Street, aka Coffee Street, Bun Cha Ta stands as a top option for affordable Vietnamese eats and excellent service. It also offers abundant seating, which might not be the case for most traditional Vietnamese eateries! At Bun Cha Ta, take delight in its outstanding food quality and generous servings. For the ultimate treat, indulge in the full-course bunch cha and cap off your meal with its signature egg coffee.
Address: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Old Quater, Hanoi
Also read: 15 Best Coffee Shops in Hanoi for Delicious Brews and Brunch
7. Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su
Image credit: Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su Official Website
With 10 impressive beef pho options to choose from, including tai and chin (brisket), nam (flank beef), and bap tran (beef fillet), it’s no wonder how Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su draws crowds of locals and tourists to its restaurant. Often jampacked with customers every day, you’re considered lucky if you’re able to snag a seat! Despite the limited space and stark lighting, its perfectly balanced clear broth (in true Hanoi tradition) and tender beef make it all worthwhile.
Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Best restaurants in Hanoi for an elevated dining experience
8. Essence Restaurant
Image credit: Essence Restaurant Official Facebook Page
Located in the vibrant district of Ba Dinh, Essence Restaurant is a fine dining treasure not to be overlooked! With its warm and inviting ambience, this restaurant offers a sophisticated blend of Vietnamese and European fusion dishes, each one bursting with flavours. From time-honoured classics like bun cha and crispy spring rolls to more contemporary innovations, each dish is prepared with the finest local ingredients and culinary methods. And, whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, Essence Restaurant ensures there’s a dish to satiate your cravings.
Address: 38A P. Trần Phú, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam
9. Cloud Nine Restaurant
Image credit: Cloud Nine Restaurant Official Facebook Page
Looking for the perfect place for special occasions or romantic dinner dates in Hanoi? Cloud Nine Restaurant at La Siesta Premium Hotel is just the place to be. With its floor-to-ceiling windows that look out into Hoan Kiem Lake and classy interiors reminiscent of the Indochina era, it boasts an elegant setting for dining among the clouds.
Meanwhile, the menu offerings here are just as heaven-sent! On top of its extensive selection of international fare, it also serves beloved dishes from Vietnamese cuisine including dishes from all regions in the country!
Address: Cloud Nine Restaurant, No 27 Hang Be St, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
10. Stellar Steakhouse
Image credit: Stellar Steakhouse Official Facebook Page
With dry-aged steaks taking centre stage and sweeping panoramic Hanoi views, Stellar Steakhouse exudes a blend of old Hollywood charm and contemporary flair! A true standout in Hanoi’s emerging modern culinary scene, meat lovers can expect nothing less than a stellar dining experience.
Image credit: Stellar Steakhouse Official Facebook Page
Juicy steaks aside, it also serves up gourmet dishes like Russian king crab, succulent French oysters, and premium Kaviari caviar. What’s more? It features an in-house wine cellar, a cheese atelier, and a chic lounge dedicated to whiskies and sake. Talk about luxury at its finest!
Address: New Urban Area, 62nd Floor, Hanoi Landmark72 Tower Plot E6, Cau Giay, Ward, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam
Best restaurants in Hanoi for a taste of culinary fusion
11. La Badiane
Image credit: La Badiane Official Facebook Page
How about a French-Vietnamese feast at the 2023 Michelin-starred restaurant, La Badiane? Here, Chef Benjamin Rascalou combines gourmet cooking techniques with local ingredients to create bold fusion dishes. Unlike most restaurants, it does not have a menu with individual dishes to choose from. Instead, it provides thoughtfully curated sets designed to cater to various appetites.
Of course, the restaurant’s ambience is just as exquisite as its fare! Set in a brightly lit courtyard-style space adorned with flourishing greenery, it allows for a refreshing dining atmosphere.
Address: 10 P. Nam Ngư, Cửa Nam, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
12. The Hanoi Social Club
Image credit: The Hanoi Social Club Official Facebook Page
A top spot for delicious brunch, The Hanoi Social Club makes for the perfect chill hangout place in the city. Come around for its Western dishes like poached egg on avocado toast, fresh smoothies, and classic Vietnamese ca phe. Plant-based diners will be delighted to know that its menu comprises vegan and vegetarian dishes, too! Not only is the food hearty and filling, but the dining atmosphere also gives off a delightfully rustic and intimate feel.
Address: 6 Ng. Hội Vũ, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
13. Pizza 4P’s
Image credit: Pizza 4P’s Official Facebook Page
Japanese-owned Pizza 4P’s stands out from your typical pizza place. First established in Ho Chi Minh City in 2011, it made its way to Hanoi in 2016 and has since grown to over 10 outposts across the city. If you’re on the hunt for an extraordinary pizza feast, you might just be thrilled to know that it puts a distinctly Japanese twist to its Italian dishes! And yes, the menu here is not limited to pizzas; it also offers an extensive selection of pastas and salads.
Address (main branch): 43 Trang Tien Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 100000 Vietnam
14. Gia Restaurant
Image credit: Gia Restaurant Official Facebook Page
Seeking a Vietnamese fine dining experience? Enter Gia Restaurant, one of the first restaurants in Hanoi to receive the prestigious One Michelin Star! Rightfully so, as it skilfully fuses modern cooking techniques and playful flavours with the time-honoured traditions of Vietnamese cuisine. As for its dishes, it offers a tasting menu that evolves with the changing seasons, ensuring fresh and quality seasonal ingredients.
Address: 61 P. Văn Miếu, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Also read: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh: Which City in Vietnam Should You See First?
That sums it up for our list of restaurants in Hanoi you simply can’t miss! From beloved hole-in-the-wall eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants to upscale dining experiences, the city promises a food scene that is dynamic and ever-changing. Surely, after breezing through our picks, you’ll want to book that flight to the Vietnam capital — stat!
