Hanoi
Hanoi’s best Indian flavours feature at this cosy lakeside spot sandwiched between the lau (hotpot) restaurants on Truc Bach Lake. The ambience is more…
Must-see restaurants in Vietnam
Phu Quoc Island
With the coolest music in town, this cafe is excellent for sides of tourist info with its New Zealand ice-cream combos, toasted sandwiches, fish ’n’ chips…
Nha Trang
This classic Vietnamese restaurant is set in a traditional house in the countryside, 7km west of town, surrounded by rice paddies and a lotus pond. The…
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Moi Moi's super-relaxed and very rustic location is just the ticket for a lazy afternoon of playing pool, chilling in a hammock and snacking on…
Sapa
A smaller, more intimate version of Le Gecko, just a few doors away, with cabana-style architecture and slightly cheaper prices for almost the same menu…
Nha Trang
Owned by a welcoming Englishman, this tiny cafe down a little alley is tricky to find but well worth seeking out for fry-up breakfasts, muffins (including…
Con Dao Islands
This popular cafe is great for coffee (including espresso and cappuccino) or smoothies, plus Western comfort grub, including filling breakfasts, burgers,…
Ho Chi Minh City
This renowned spot, acclaimed by Anthony Bourdain, serves some of the best banh xeo (Vietnamese rice-flour pancakes stuffed with bean sprouts, prawns and…
Hoi An
For baked goodies, 9 Grains gives it the whole nine yards: from granola at brekkie to the artisan bread, pain au chocolat, croissants, cakes and pastries,…
An Bang Beach
Featuring a garden setting and decorated with colourful lanterns, Purple Lantern is a low-key family-owned restaurant a couple of streets back from the…
Mekong Delta
Here's how it works: grab a barbecue and order a wave of seafood to cook in the middle of the table, and wash it all down with some local beers. Staff don…
Haiphong
This well-established restaurant is run by Keralans from India so it’s the real deal, with pukka (authentic) milky chai, lassis (yogurt drink) and…
Hanoi
Surrounded by local cafes on ‘Coffee St’, Izakaya Yancha serves izakaya – think Japanese tapas – in a buzzy and friendly atmosphere. Secure a spot near…
Sapa
This French-owned place has classy service and a menu of flavoursome country cooking that jumps from French tartiflette casserole with potato, cheese and…
Hanoi
Housed in a restored 19th-century villa, Madame Hien is a tribute to French chef Didier Corlu’s Vietnamese grandmother. Look forward to elegant versions…
Cat Ba Island
Attentive service and smart decor, set around a central cafe counter, are the draws here, with tasty Chinese-style dishes (try the braised mushroom and…
Hoi An
English-speaking owner Son is a fantastic host at this popular little restaurant with an open kitchen and a short menu – try the fish in banana leaf or…
Tra Vinh
With a stylish interior and upmarket aspirations, this cafe wouldn't look out of place in Ho Chi Minh City. The friendly owner speaks some English, the…
Phu Quoc Island
This Scandinavian cafe and bakery doubles as a cocktail bar by night, so is a good spot any time of day. Healthy and delicious breakfasts are available,…
Ho Chi Minh City
A must for finely presented, traditional Vietnamese food, the airy and high-ceilinged loft of an old French-era shophouse is the setting for dining with a…
Dalat
The local speciality banh uot long ga here is among the best in town. The rice noodles are saucy not soupy and the fresh shredded chicken, herbs and…
Ho Chi Minh City
The cheap decor does Coriander few favours, but the menu is stuffed with authentic Siamese delights. The lovely fried doufu (tofu) is almost a meal in…
Mui Ne
Serving Swiss and French fare in stylish surrounds Modjo makes a fine choice for a gourmet meal. Specials include fondue, raclette and steak cooked on a…
Ho Chi Minh City
A handy location near Pham Ngu Lao's accommodation, air-con and a huge selection of street food from around Vietnam and the rest of the Asia are the…
Mekong Delta
This huge restaurant is set over four floors overlooking the river. It may look empty from downstairs, but count the number of motorbikes and you'll know…
Halong City
Airy and spacious, Linh Dan offers great local seafood dishes away from the touts of the town's seafront restaurants. The fish in clay pot with lemongrass…
Ben Tre
This rather grand-looking floating restaurant is set on a giant dragon boat and features three floors. The menu includes a dizzying array of Vietnamese…
Quy Nhon
Enjoying rolling your own meal? Head to this local joint for lipsmackingly authentic banh xeo pancakes: grab some rice paper and make an envelope with a…
Mui Ne
Serves tasty, great-value Greek-ish cuisine including mean shawarma (beef or chicken doner kebabs), shish kebabs and great salads (Greek, Italian, garden)…
Vung Tau
A chic, casual French bistro-deli with a fine pavement terrace. It's the best place in town for a Western breakfast or brunch (try the pancakes or eggs…
Quy Nhon
An inviting little bar-restaurant serving terrific pizza (try the sausage arrabbiata), filling pasta dishes, tasty salads, paninis and ribs. You'll find a…
Dalat
Casual, popular, foreigner-friendly place with bamboo furnishings run by a welcoming Hanoi couple. Strong on dishes such as coconut curry, mango chicken,…
Phu Quoc Island
You may not expect heaven to have basic wooden tables opening onto a road, but it does at this good-value family joint. With fresh, generous servings of…
Can Tho
Every evening the space between Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh streets comes alive with dozens of bustling food stalls selling grilled meats and tofu on…
Danang Region
Owned by a hip Japanese surfer, Burger Bros is a cool spot for excellent gourmet burgers, plus well-priced beer and terrific french fries and coleslaw…
Hoi An
Mexican flavours come to Hoi An at the excellent Hola Taco. The standouts are the tacos and enchiladas, both well spiced and ideal with a couple of Tiger…
Hue
A top, unfussy spot to try Hue's dizzying menu of royal rice cakes. Serving portions are pretty big, so rustle up a few friends to try the different…
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese comfort food served in simple but attractive surroundings. The menu ranges widely, from lots of different sandwiches – try banh mi bi (shredded…
Cat Ba Island
At this 'floating' fish-farm-meets-restaurant at Ben Beo Pier, select your seafood from the pen and it will be grilled, fried or steamed in no time…
Nha Trang
This intimate place is perfect for a budget veggie feed with good seaweed fried rice, bitter melon salad and green mango salads. The bamboo seating and…
