Quick answers — eating in Hanoi
- Best restaurant overall
- Hibana by Koki
- Best value
- Xôi Óc Chó (VND 30,000 - 60,000 / USD 1.2 - 2.5)
- Strongest cuisines
- Vietnamese, Modern European, Japanese
- Dishes to try
- Phở Bò, Bún Chả, Chả Cá Lã Vọng, Bánh Mì
- Booking window
- For starred or MICHELIN Selected restaurants, book at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Online booking is often available.
For top-tier restaurants, booking at least a week or two in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings. Dress codes are generally smart casual, with some establishments favoring a more elegant attire. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for excellent service, typically 5-10%. Dinner hours usually commence around 6:00 PM and extend until 10:00 PM.
Vietnamese
Best Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi
Vietnamese menus lean on herbs, broth and freshness rather than richness — an easy lunch choice on a long sightseeing day.
Tam Vi
One MICHELIN StarVietnamese · Ba Dinh · VND 500,000 - 1,000,000 / USD 20 - 40
Tam Vi celebrates traditional Northern Vietnamese home cooking in a charming, nostalgic setting reminiscent of an old Hanoi house. Dishes are meticulously prepared, emphasizing authentic flavors and seasonal ingredients. The experience offers a comforting glimpse into Vietnam's rich culinary heritage, served with warmth and simplicity, making it a local favorite.
Order: Cha ca (grilled fish with dill), Bun dau mam tom (tofu and rice vermicelli with shrimp paste)
Gia Restaurant
MICHELIN SelectedModern Vietnamese · Hoan Kiem · VND 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 / USD 60 - 100
Sam Tran
Gia offers a contemporary take on Vietnamese cuisine through a multi-course tasting menu, showcasing innovative techniques and refined presentations. Chef Sam Tran masterfully reinterprets traditional flavors using local, seasonal produce. The minimalist yet elegant dining room provides a sophisticated backdrop for an engaging culinary journey, pushing boundaries while honoring heritage.
Order: Seasonal tasting menu with evolving dishes
T.U.N.G dining
MICHELIN SelectedProgressive Vietnamese · Hoan Kiem · VND 1,800,000 - 2,800,000 / USD 70 - 110
Hoang Tung
T.U.N.G dining provides a unique 'Edgy Vietnamese' tasting menu experience, pushing culinary boundaries with imaginative presentations and unexpected flavor combinations. Chef Hoang Tung's innovative approach uses molecular gastronomy techniques while remaining rooted in Vietnamese ingredients. The modern, sleek interior complements the adventurous and thought-provoking gastronomic adventure.
Order: Multi-course tasting menu, constantly evolving
Ánh Tuyết
MICHELIN SelectedTraditional Vietnamese · Hoan Kiem · VND 800,000 - 1,500,000 / USD 30 - 60
Ánh Tuyết
Ánh Tuyết offers an authentic glimpse into royal Vietnamese cuisine, recreating dishes once served to royalty. Chef Ánh Tuyết meticulously prepares traditional recipes with precision and artistry, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant provides a culturally rich dining experience in a refined, traditional setting, celebrating Vietnam's culinary heritage.
Order: Phở cuốn (fresh pho rolls), Bún chả nem (spring rolls with grilled pork)
Madame Hien
MICHELIN SelectedTraditional Vietnamese · Hoan Kiem · VND 600,000 - 1,200,000 / USD 25 - 50
Didier Corlou
Set in a charming colonial villa, Madame Hien celebrates classic Vietnamese dishes with a touch of refinement. Chef Didier Corlou, who married a Vietnamese woman, infuses passion into his cuisine, offering a menu that pays homage to Hanoi's culinary traditions. The elegant garden setting provides a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
Order: Hanoi spring rolls, Beef Phở with truffle
Bún Chả Hương Liên
Bib GourmandVietnamese · Hai Ba Trung · VND 60,000 - 100,000 / USD 2.5 - 4
Famous for its Bún Chả, this bustling eatery gained international fame after serving President Obama. The grilled pork patties and slices, immersed in a savory broth with fresh herbs and vermicelli, are a quintessential Hanoi experience. It embodies simple, delicious, and authentic street food culture with efficiency and flavor.
Order: Bún chả with nem cua bể (crab spring rolls)
Phở Bò Ấu Triệu
Bib GourmandVietnamese · Hoan Kiem · VND 50,000 - 80,000 / USD 2 - 3.5
This humble stall is a local institution renowned for its flavorful beef pho. The broth is rich and aromatic, simmered for hours, and served with tender slices of beef, fresh herbs, and rice noodles. It's an essential Hanoi breakfast or lunch spot, offering an authentic taste of one of Vietnam's most iconic dishes.
Order: Phở tái chín (pho with rare and well-done beef)
Xôi Óc Chó
Bib GourmandVietnamese · Hoan Kiem · VND 30,000 - 60,000 / USD 1.2 - 2.5
Xôi Óc Chó specializes in 'Xôi,' a Vietnamese sticky rice dish, often served for breakfast or as a snack. Their version, particularly with walnuts, offers a unique textural and flavor profile. It's a comforting and hearty meal, showcasing a beloved staple with simple, high-quality ingredients that delight local palates.
Order: Xôi Lạc (sticky rice with peanuts), Xôi Xéo (sticky rice with mung bean paste and fried shallots)
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Hanoi
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
A by T.U.N.G
MICHELIN SelectedModern European · Ba Dinh · VND 2,000,000 - 3,000,000 / USD 80 - 120
Hoang Tung
A by T.U.N.G, a sister restaurant to T.U.N.G Dining, offers a sophisticated modern European fine dining experience with a focus on premium ingredients and exquisite plating. The intimate atmosphere and attentive service elevate the tasting menu, which changes seasonally. It’s a showcase of refined techniques and global culinary artistry in Hanoi.
Order: Seasonal tasting menu showcasing European flavors
Chapter Dining & Grill
MICHELIN SelectedContemporary · Ba Dinh · VND 1,200,000 - 2,000,000 / USD 50 - 80
Logan Dang
Chapter Dining & Grill delivers a modern dining experience with a focus on grilled dishes and contemporary culinary interpretations. The menu emphasizes high-quality ingredients, artful presentation, and a refined yet relaxed ambiance. It's a place for sophisticated flavors and a well-curated wine list, ideal for a chic evening out.
Order: Grilled meats and seafood, seasonal appetizers
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Hanoi
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Hibana by Koki
One MICHELIN StarTeppanyaki · Hoan Kiem · VND 3,500,000 - 5,000,000+ / USD 140 - 200+
Yusuke Yamagata
Located within the Capella Hanoi, Hibana offers an exceptional teppanyaki experience where premium ingredients, including Wagyu beef, are masterfully prepared before diners' eyes. The intimate setting, complemented by skilled chefs, transforms dinner into a captivating culinary performance, focusing on precision, flavor, and elegant presentation.
Order: Omi Hime Wagyu beef, seasonal seafood teppanyaki
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Hanoi
Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn
An iconic spot for traditional Hanoi pho. Expect queues, self-service, and deeply flavorful beef broth with tender meat. A must-try for an authentic, no-frills pho experience. Prices around VND 60,000 - 90,000.
Bánh Mì 25
One of Hanoi's most famous bánh mì stalls, known for its fresh baguettes filled with a variety of delicious ingredients like pâté, pork, and fresh vegetables. Quick, affordable, and incredibly satisfying. Prices around VND 30,000 - 50,000.
Cafe Giang
Home of the original egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng). This hidden gem serves a unique, creamy, and rich coffee topped with a frothy egg mixture. A delightful cultural and culinary experience in a cozy, traditional setting. Prices around VND 35,000 - 50,000.
Chả Cá Thăng Long
Experience Hanoi's signature dish, Chả Cá (grilled fish with dill and turmeric), cooked tableside. Served with vermicelli, peanuts, and herbs. A lively atmosphere and a distinctive culinary tradition. Prices around VND 180,000 - 250,000 per person.
Nộm Bò Khô Long Vy
A popular street food vendor specializing in Nộm Bò Khô, a delicious dried beef salad with green papaya, peanuts, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a refreshing, flavorful snack or light meal. Prices around VND 40,000 - 70,000.
Local dishes
What to eat in Hanoi
Phở Bò
Vietnam's iconic beef noodle soup, featuring tender slices of beef, flat rice noodles, and aromatic broth simmered for hours with star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. Served with fresh herbs and lime. Find an authentic bowl at Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn, often with a queue but worth the wait for its rich, clear broth.
Bún Chả
A quintessential Hanoi dish consisting of grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served in a flavorful dipping sauce with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and pickled green papaya. It's a delightful interplay of sweet, sour, and savory notes. Famously eaten by President Obama at Bún Chả Hương Liên.
Chả Cá Lã Vọng
A unique Hanoi specialty featuring turmeric-marinated catfish fillets cooked tableside with dill and spring onions. The flaky fish is then served with vermicelli noodles, roasted peanuts, and a fermented shrimp paste sauce (mắm tôm). A truly interactive and aromatic culinary experience at Chả Cá Thăng Long.
Bánh Mì
The Vietnamese sandwich, a delicious fusion of French colonial influence and local ingredients. A crispy baguette is filled with various meats (pâté, grilled pork, cold cuts), fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and chili. Customizable and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. Bánh Mì 25 is a popular and reliable choice.
Cà Phê Trứng
Hanoi's famous egg coffee, a surprisingly delicious concoction of strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy, airy foam made from egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk. It's rich, sweet, and comforting, resembling a liquid tiramisu. Giang Cafe is the original and best place to try it.
Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây
West Lake shrimp cakes, a popular snack consisting of crispy, deep-fried fritters made with sweet potato batter and whole freshwater shrimp. They are typically served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce and fresh herbs. Enjoy them with a view of West Lake at Nhà hàng Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây.
Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm
A classic Hanoi street food plate featuring fresh vermicelli noodles, fried tofu, various fried pork products (like chả cốm or dồi sụn), and fresh herbs, all served with a pungent fermented shrimp paste dipping sauce (mắm tôm). Not for the faint of heart, but incredibly flavorful and authentic. Try it at a local spot like Quán Bún Đậu Mẹt.
Nộm Đu Đủ Bò Khô
Green papaya salad with dried beef is a refreshing and tangy dish. Shredded green papaya, thinly sliced dried beef, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, and crunchy peanuts are tossed in a vibrant dressing of fish sauce, lime, sugar, and chili. A perfect light, flavorful snack often found at street stalls near Hoan Kiem Lake.
How to book a table in Hanoi
- · For starred or MICHELIN Selected restaurants, book at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Online booking is often available.
- · Many fine dining establishments offer more affordable set lunch menus, providing an excellent opportunity to experience their cuisine at a lower price point.
- · Some high-end restaurants may require a deposit for larger groups or during peak seasons; clarify this when booking to avoid surprises.
- · Be mindful of no-show policies; cancellations should be made well in advance to avoid potential charges, particularly for tasting menus.
FAQ
Hanoi restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Hanoi?
Hibana by Koki in Hoan Kiem is the benchmark table — Teppanyaki, led by Yusuke Yamagata, one michelin star, around VND 3,500,000 - 5,000,000+ / USD 140 - 200+ per person. Order the Omi Hime Wagyu beef, seasonal seafood teppanyaki
Where is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Hanoi?
Tam Vi in Ba Dinh is the Vietnamese table to book in Hanoi (VND 500,000 - 1,000,000 / USD 20 - 40 per person). Other strong options: Gia Restaurant, T.U.N.G dining, Ánh Tuyết.
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Hanoi?
A by T.U.N.G in Ba Dinh is the modern European table to book in Hanoi (VND 2,000,000 - 3,000,000 / USD 80 - 120 per person). Other strong options: Chapter Dining & Grill.
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Hanoi?
Hibana by Koki in Hoan Kiem is the Japanese table to book in Hanoi (VND 3,500,000 - 5,000,000+ / USD 140 - 200+ per person).
Where can I eat well in Hanoi without spending a fortune?
Xôi Óc Chó is the best-value table on this list at roughly VND 30,000 - 60,000 / USD 1.2 - 2.5 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn, Bánh Mì 25, Cafe Giang.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Hanoi?
For starred or MICHELIN Selected restaurants, book at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Online booking is often available. Many fine dining establishments offer more affordable set lunch menus, providing an excellent opportunity to experience their cuisine at a lower price point.
What food is Hanoi famous for?
Phở Bò, Bún Chả, Chả Cá Lã Vọng, Bánh Mì, Cà Phê Trứng — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Vietnam's iconic beef noodle soup, featuring tender slices of beef, flat rice noodles, and aromatic broth simmered for hours with star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. Served with fresh herbs and lime. Find an authentic bowl at Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn, often with a queue but worth the wait for its rich, clear broth.
Planning the rest of Hanoi?
The full Hanoi guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Hanoi travel guide