Insider’s Guide: The Best Restaurants in Hanoi

<p>As I sit here in another airport, my mind is singularly focused on the first bowl of pho I am going to consume upon my arrival to one of my favourite cities on earth—Hanoi. If I close my eyes and ignore the man snoring heavily beside me, and the child loosening its lungs in the far corner of this sterile airport, I can almost smell the streets, hear the honking and feel the frenetic energy of the city.</p><p>One image I can recall easily: me, sitting on a plastic stool, my face downward in a steaming bowl of pho as I take that first ceremonial inhale. The bouquet of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, green onion, and history inflate my tired travelling soul with joy, comfort and something akin to a strong hug from an old friend. After the passage of one more flight that image will be a reality.</p><p>As you may be catching on, I love Hanoi: I love its food, I love its dynamic busy streets, its hidden cafés, its cyclo drivers entreating me to take a ride at every corner. I love the plastic stools, and the French cafés, I love the smoke billowing up at the corner café—the remnants of some animal’s innards splayed out on a large cutting board so that patrons will know that it’s fresh and, therefore, unquestionably delicious. I love the women in strict heels and sharply-cut suits huddled together over a bowl of chicken’s feet, accompanied by plastic mugs of 333 beer at the end of their long workday; I love the kids fighting over the cubed-shaped treats smothered in sesame but tasting like bean curd; and I love the old men with their stained red teeth content to chew bettle nut all day and night in quiet contemplation as the city storms around them.</p><p>I even love the things I can’t bring myself to try (which isn’t much).</p><p><i>So where do I eat in Hanoi?</i> Good question.</p><p>I should preface by saying, I am a nostalgic person with a loyalty problem, so some of these restaurants have been indulged by my favouritism. Of course, I continue to explore and curate my list, I check in with my sources as soon as my feet hit the ground (the influx of cool and trendy places for me to investigate is a constant as the pace of this city—and the country for that matter—continues to change), but I always make time (and a little space in my tum) to frequent my old haunts. I still find a certain, likely understandable, comfort in seeing an old friend behind the spine of a familiar menu.</p><p>Here are a few spots that I think are a must if you are going to explore the city. Be brave intrepid travellers! Pick up your chopsticks, dispose of your fears and let your taste buds be the judge!</p><h2>The Old-School Institution</h2><h3>Cha Ca La Vong</h3><p>Located on a narrow street in the old quarter, this restaurant takes its name from its one dish wonder: Cha Ca La Vong! With a sea-green interior and a ladder disguised as a staircase to enter into the main floor, this is a place where English is rarely heard and you don’t have to bother thinking about what you want; instead you receive what they have, which has remained the same for decades.</p><p>A frying pan of fresh river fish will arrive at your table with a personal charcoal cooker. Accompanying this is a bowl of fresh rice noodles, peanuts and fresh herbs. As the fish starts to heat up and the smells of turmeric and dill start to bloom around you this is when you add the herbs into the frying pan (I personally like to add the peanuts at this time as well because I like them hot). Once you are satisfied that the herbs are cooked to your preference you take the fresh rice noodles and place them in your bowl, spoon up some of the fish, herbs and flavoured oil on top, add some fish sauce and chillies to further flavour (and a few more fresh herbs if that is your style) and enjoy!</p>

<h2>The Social Club</h2><h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHanoiSocialClub"><span style="color:hsl( 204, 100%, 21% );">Hanoi Social Club</span></a></h3><p>After a satiating lunch at Cha Ca I make my way further into the old quarter for a cup of ginger lemongrass tea. I always walk so that I can digest a bit and let the street scene lift me out of my head and into the moment of chaos that is everyday Hanoi. Located on 6 Ngõ Hội Vũ, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, the Hanoi Social Club is an institution among ex-pats and the in the know gen Xer’s of Vietnam.</p><p>Spread out over three floors, with the third floor being an outside terrace, the Hanoi Social club has a wonderfully rustic feel to it with beautifully distressed old wood furniture and rooms lightly decorated with Vietnamese art. This is a café that makes one feel a little lighter upon entering, as it tends to inspire the feeling—with me at least—that in this space one could quite likely compose a somewhat decent poem or, at the very least, read a book of decent poems and maybe even understand a few!</p><p>The menu is replete with fresh organic salads and light western-inspired dishes, with just enough choice to satisfy your pickiest friend or family member. When I pass an afternoon here I leave feeling a bit more wistful, a bit more cultured and a bit closer to the best version of myself.</p><h2>The Contemporary &amp; Family Friendly</h2><h3><a href="http://pizza4ps.com/"><span style="color:hsl( 204, 100%, 21% );">Pizza 4p’s</span></a></h3><p>No matter where I travel there is always one day in a week when I am overcome with a need for good pizza. And I am not talking about throwing processed cheese onto some dough and tossing it mindlessly into a fire! No, I am talking about Pizza: traditional Italian pizza that is usually only found in Italy proper. Luckily, there are, in my opinion, more and more places throughout the world that are no longer satisfied with presenting the poorer cousin to pizza, the international imitator, as I call it. Pizza 4p’s in Hanoi would make an old man with white hair and a curled mustache in Naples proud.</p><p>Located at 24 Lý Quốc Sư, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Pizza 4p’s makes its own cheese using dairy cows that graze in the highlands around Dalat. Focusing on the freshest local ingredients, each pizza tastes like it has been made with love and care and extreme attention to ratios. My favourite (if you’re looking for suggestions) is the Shrimp Mayo pizza on half and the four cheeses on the other. Then, I take the spicy oil and pour it onto my pizza (careful, it is quite spicy). I follow this with a sip of Chianti and this, my friends, I promise you, is a satisfying night out!</p><h2>The Lake View</h2><h3><a href="http://www.caugorestaurant.com/"><span style="color:hsl( 204, 100%, 21% );">Cau Go</span></a></h3><p>Situated on the sixth floor overlooking the watery oasis of Hoàn Kiem lake, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Hanoi at Cau Go. Located in the old quarter, its interior gives off an eclectic French Colonial vibe without trying too hard to be fussy. Currently, their menu is restricted to Vietnamese hot pot (<i>lẩu</i>) due to renovations. However, this should change soon! Drinks, snacks, and entrees are served daily from 10 a.m. If you can, request an outdoor table for a lovely patio view of Turtle Tower and Hanoi’s glittering lakeside.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>The Authentic</h2><h3>Pho Thin</h3><p>When I want pho, I also want what comes with pho. I want the shared tables and the loud crowds, the chopsticks on the tables and the bowls of chillies and limes and the fish sauce that came from an old family recipe passed down from generation to generation. &nbsp;I want to hear slurping, and laughing and children, and I want my shoulders to be side by side with a local as we lean forward and savour our bowls noodle at a time. &nbsp;I want to make conspiratorial eye contact with the old woman across the table as I bring the bowl up to my mouth at the completion of the noodles and drink the remaining broth. &nbsp;Located on 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam. &nbsp;Come here for the Pho and leave a changed person….or at least a satiated one!</p><h2>The Colonial</h2><h3><a href="http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-1555-sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi/index.shtml"><span style="color:hsl( 204, 100%, 21% );">Bamboo Bar at the Sofitel Metropole</span></a></h3><p>Sometimes the colonial vibe of the city is so strong that I am pulled without choice towards the epicentre of it all—the Bamboo Bar at the Sofitel Metropole. This bar to me sums up colonial elegance and makes me feel like I am someone a little more important than I am, a little more attractive, a little worldlier.</p><p>Poolside, I usually order some light tapas off the bar menu which includes popcorn shrimp served with a spicy red chilli dipping sauce, some crudities and a cheese plate full of French cheeses that are just sharp enough to force me to follow my martini with a glass of rich French red wine. I like this bar. I like this bar a lot.</p><h2>The Youth Movement</h2><h3><a href="https://legout-degia.com/"><span style="color:hsl( 204, 100%, 21% );"><strong>Le Goût de Gia</strong></span></a></h3><p>Le Goût de Gia is the gastronomic creation of three young Vietnamese: a sommelier, a chef, and a restaurant manager, each of whom gained extensive experience in high-end restaurants abroad and in Vietnam before founding this elegant, refined fusion offering that has broadened the rich palette of dining options in Hanoi. With a focus on organic ingredients and bio-dynamic wines, the eclectic dishes at Le Goût de Gia have something for all tastes, vaulting it quickly into our list of favourites.</p><h2>The Wild Card – Street Style</h2><h3><strong>Quan An Ngon</strong></h3><p>This one will be a bit of a wild card. Quan An Ngon is, to me, the best way to experience street food without being on the street. If you want to be in one place where you can try all sorts of delicious and wonderfully varied local cuisine then this is your spot. Whenever I choose to go here I am never disappointed.</p><p>I walk into the large courtyard-type atmosphere full of locals and the odd back-packer and I slowly take in the scene to realize that now, after all of these years of coming in and out of Vietnam—to a foreign country with a language that still beguiles me and ingredients that in my childhood would look like something out of a Doctor Seuss book and a pace that can feel frantic and elegant all at the same time—it feels like home. To get close, or at least within proximity, of all of my feelings above, head to 18 Phan Boi Chau Street, Hoan Kiem District.</p><h2>Capital Cafes</h2><p>Vietnam is the second-largest producer of coffee in the world, and every Vietnamese city, town and hamlet boasts numerous relaxing cafes, where locals trade morning gossip or relax in the shade during the afternoon heat. We’d be remiss if we didn’t include some of our favourite cafes on the list. Among the many, many worthy choices in Hanoi, here are some of our favourites:</p><h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rengrengcafe"><span style="color:hsl( 204, 100%, 21% );"><strong>Reng Reng</strong></span></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>For coffee connoisseurs, this is the place to go! Much of Vietnam’s coffee is Robusta, but there are Arabica producers north of Hanoi. Reng Reng serves only this fine Vietnamese Arabica coffee with just a few variations. What more could you want, after all? As a bonus, the walk through the old quarter to the alleyway coffee shop is a joyful stimulant in itself. Sit in the minimalist second-floor room, look out on the local life, and savour that fragrance. Do one thing, and do it well; that’s the Reng Reng philosophy!</p><h3><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/bMm4y9yFkgtbi8n58"><span style="color:hsl( 204, 100%, 21% );"><strong>Đinh Cafe</strong></span></a></h3><p>Enter this old-style café via a deep, narrow alleyway and set of stairs. The interior looks like it hasn’t been remodeled in decades, and in this case, that’s the whole point. If you go early, you can be there among the locals and enjoy the view of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of the Jade Mountain. The menu includes regular coffees, egg coffee (a Hanoi specialty first concocted by a <span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);">resourceful bartender in the 1940s at the B&amp;R stalwart Metropole Hotel), as well as refreshing smoothies and fruit juices.</span></p><h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cafephocohanggai"><span style="color:hsl( 204, 100%, 21% );"><strong>Café Phố Cố</strong></span></a><span style="color:hsl( 204, 100%, 21% );"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></h3><p>Like Dinh Café above, this is an immersive atmosphere, but a completely different one: Café Pho Co is beautifully decorated as a classic upper-class home, with immaculate furnishings and artwork throughout. This is another option for a variety of drinks (including egg coffee) right near Hoan Kiem Lake. Three levels of seating areas, including the rooftop, overlook the airy courtyard full of bright flowers.&nbsp;</p>

Explore the best restaurants in Hanoi with Vietnam expert Nathan Lane. From iconic pho spots and street food to cafés, bars, and refined dining, discover where to eat in Vietnam’s vibrant capital like a local.

Vietnam

<p>From north to south, Vietnam is a contrast of distinctly local cultures. Welcome to a land of magic and mystery, whose rich history and fascinating cultural traditions are trumped only by the astonishing variety of its cuisine and unwavering graciousness of our local friends. Even with its vibrant economic growth, the country is as beautiful and enchanting as it was ten years ago.</p>

Explore breathtaking bays and lush rice terraces

Experience Vietnam with Butterfield & Robinson luxury active travel.

Vietnam | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

<p>If there’s anything better than luxurious hotels, beautiful landscapes and delectable dishes, it’s the ability to appreciate it all at your own pace. We’ve plotted out the quintessential Vietnamese experience, preloaded the routes onto your GPS, and lined up local friends from Hue to Danang to take you in deep. Prefer to go deep into the pool? Take the plunge – it’s your vacation.</p><p><em>B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane&nbsp;was named Vietnam’s Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler. </em></p>

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Authentic Food

<p>From rice paddies to pagodas, Vietnam dazzles at every turn—and this self-guided spin lets you savour it your way. Pedal peaceful backroads, feast with a local family, and coast along sandy trails from Hue to Hoi An. Feeling bold? Conquer the legendary Hai Van Pass. This journey’s got it all—except a fixed pace. That’s up to you.</p>

Uncover Vietnam's hidden charms

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Experience Designer

<p>Venture between lands where ancient temples rise from the jungle, rivers carve through timeless landscapes, and the air hums with the echoes of past civilizations. This journey through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia takes you from misty mountain valleys and emerald rice terraces to sacred caves and golden-spired temples. Ride along the Mekong, walk through hidden villages where time slows, and stand in awe before the stone-carved wonders of Angkor. As you move from one destination to the next, you'll be immersed in the warmth of local traditions, from Buddhist blessings to vibrant market scenes and uncover layers of history, culture, and natural beauty that make this corner of the world truly unforgettable.&nbsp;</p><p><em>B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.</em></p>

Active Adventure

Cultural Immersion

Luxurious Stays

<p>Misty mountains, golden temples and ancient stories—this journey through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is pure magic. We walk through rice terraces and hidden villages, cruise the Mekong, and stand in awe before Angkor’s stone-carved wonders. Along the way, vibrant markets, sacred rituals and warm welcomes reveal the heart of this unforgettable corner of the world.</p>

A cultural journey through ancient lands

Experience Designer 

<p>In Laos, discover a UNESCO-protected city filled with colonial architecture, a Buddhist legacy, and miles of tranquil Mekong-side riding with thriving landscapes on the horizon. Switch gears and explore Siem Reap’s ancient Khmer temples of Angkor at sunrise and revel in the mystical atmosphere. Across these unique regions, connect with the wilderness and culture through rare intimate experiences.</p>

Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia Multi-Active | Butterfield & Robinson

<p>Roll past friendly villagers, rice paddies and cruise up the Perfume River. Feel the rush of our favourite city, Hoi An, and savour the mind-blowing Viet fusion cuisine made by our local friends. Our incredible guides have been working with us for decades and have real chops. What more could you want? How about three nights at the riverside Anantara Hoi An Resort? Sleep on it.&nbsp;<em>(Price is inclusive of $170 internal flights.)</em></p>

<p>Culturally and naturally diverse, the path less travelled through Northern Vietnam reveals new wonders at every turn. Starting in Hanoi, explore the city on a cyclo ride and indulge your inner foodie alongside expert chefs. Head north and meander through the back roads of Ninh Binh and Mai Chau, where a natural labyrinth of soaring limestone mountains, crystal streams and hidden temples reveal the country's most authentic side. Along the way, our charming friends will open their doors for a glimpse into local life, from members of the Tay community to humble farmers replete with clever techniques.</p><p><em>B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.</em></p>

A Stroll For The Senses

<p>Vietnam's beauty knows no bounds. B&amp;R was one of the first travel companies to explore the country on two wheels, and our experience on the ground goes a long way. Over two decades later, we've scoped out more luxurious hotels, curated biking routes and exclusive experiences with our local friends—from historic Hoi An to the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. You'll roll past friendly villagers, cruise up the Perfume River, and even savour mind-blowing cuisine with relatives of the last Vietnamese dynasty.&nbsp;On this Expedition trip, the rich culture and serene bike routes are only trumped by the unwavering graciousness of our local friends.</p><p><em>B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.</em></p>

One-of-a-kind Hotels

<p>After more than two decades in Vietnam, we’re still uncovering gems to share with you. Ride from Ho Chi Minh City’s electric buzz to timeless Hoi An, past rice paddies, rivers, and smiling locals. Dine with a renowned chef, cruise along the coast, and savour every quiet path and warm welcome. This isn’t just a ride—it’s an immersion in a land that never stops giving.</p>

Charming towns & rural beauty

Vietnam Biking Expedition | Butterfield & Robinson

<p>Roll past rice paddies and cruise up the Perfume River. Feel the rush of our favourite city, Hoi An, and savour the mind-blowing Viet fusion cuisine made by our local friends. Our incredible guides have been working with us for decades and have real chops.&nbsp;Below are a few of our trip highlights in Vietnam to inspire your private, tailor-made journey.</p>

Unique Gastronomy

<p>Vietnam is a sensory adventure—rice paddies, river cruises, imperial tombs and street food that’ll ruin you for takeout forever (in the best possible way, of course). Bike to ancient villages, wander lantern-lit Hoi An and sip pho with our friends who know every shortcut and secret. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, this is history, flavour and soul—served B&amp;R-style.</p>

as wondrous as the first time we ventured here more than a decade ago

Venture off the beaten path and fall in love with Vietnam

<p>Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.</p>

Vietnam Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

<p>Pedal from floating markets to Imperial tombs along colourful country and coastal roads.</p>

You will be picked up at the airport in Hanoi and transferred to your hotel, Sofitel Metropole

<p>These destinations offer a rich fusion of history, culture and diverse cuisines. Explore the highlights, from lush jungles to scenic coastal roads. In Cambodia, marvel at the ever-changing history of Angkor Wat. Visit Vietnam and discover UNESCO-listed Hoi An, blending preserved history with Chinese temples, Vietnamese tube-houses, the ornate Japanese bridge, and eclectic restaurants. Conclude your week in Hue's Imperial City, where bullfrogs and crickets serenade you as Nguyen Dynasty relatives share grand history over royal cuisine.</p>

Historic Sites

Cultural Immersion 

<p>Pedal through our favourite corner of Southeast Asia, where ancient wonders pair beautifully with vibrant culture and outrageously good cuisine. Tuk-tuk past Angkor’s jungle-clad temples, then spin through Vietnam’s lush countryside and historic Hoi An. Cruise over the legendary Hai Van Pass, savour imperial flavours with Nguyen Dynasty descendants, and float down the (utterly magical, profoundly moving and aptly named) Perfume River.</p>

Enchanting Cambodia & Dynamic Vietnam

Venture off the beaten path and fall in love with Cambodia and Vietnam

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<p>In a corner of Asia known for its magic, we pull back the curtain on two distinct cultures united in the undeniable warmth of their people—and their delectable cuisine! Soak up quiet rice fields and endless miles of scenic coastal roads as we start in Cambodia for a behind-the-scenes look at Angkor's temples before flying to Vietnam where we'll immerse ourselves in both city and rural life.&nbsp;<em>(Price is inclusive of $390 internal flights.)</em></p>

Cambodia & Vietnam Biking | Butterfield & Robinson

<p>Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Northern Vietnam, where lush rice paddies, ancient forests and picturesque villages lie quietly. Your journey begins in Hanoi, where you’ll head to a local cooking school and indulge in your authentic creations. Wander to the ancient capital of Dai Viet and visit centuries-old temples. Take a scenic boat ride into mountain caves in Ninh Binh, then venture to one of the world's most biodiverse regions in the Cuc Phuong National Park. Spend each day exploring at your own pace before unwinding at your stunning hotel for the night.</p>

Great Walks

<p>Northern Vietnam serves up misty peaks, rice paddies, and ancient temples—hold the crowds, add a dash of extra charm. Cook like a local in Hanoi, boat into secret caves in Ninh Binh, and wander through biodiverse wonderlands in Cuc Phuong. This one's self-guided, so stroll at your own pace, snack often, and let Vietnam work its quiet magic.</p>

Wander through ancient forests and rice paddies

$5,700 based on 2 travellers. $4,795 based on 4 travellers. $4,595 based on 6 travellers.

<p>In Cambodia and Vietnam, every corner turned reveals a unique story woven by ancient histories and vibrant cultures. On this adventure, wander through sacred temples rising from the jungle floor in Cambodia, and experience the vast beauty of Angkor Archaeological Park. A short flight to Vietnam brings you to a different side of Southeast Asia teeming with culture, vibrancy and life. Starting in Hoi An, set out to explore local markets pulsing with energy, and travel under the iconic&nbsp;Hải Vân Pass, or "Pass of the Clouds" to bring us to the Imperial City&nbsp;of Hue. Dine aboard a cruise along the Perfume River, and head to the traditional home of our local friends for a special final night celebration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We've spent decades wandering these two countries for one simple reason: here, every step reveals a captivating story. We start by strolling through Cambodia’s jungle-cloaked temples, then hop to Vietnam’s energetic markets, take in Hoi An's colourful lanes, then cross beneath the majestic Hải Vân Pass en route to Hue’s Imperial City. And we finish aboard a Perfume River cruise, where our local friends have cooked up something special.</p>