10 Best Restaurants in Hanoi, Vietnam (2026)

From street-side phở to elegant rooftop dining, we share the best restaurants in Hanoi for authentic Vietnamese flavours & hidden gems.

Hanoi is a popular destination and offers so much more than a handful of attractions and things to do in Hanoi. It has some of the best food in Southeast Asia, so we decided to reach out to travel experts and Hanoi expats to share the best restaurants in Hanoi.

Best Restaurants in Hanoi

1. The Note Coffee – Old Quarter

In the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, just north of Hoan Kiem Lake you will find the uber quirky and colorful The Note Coffee; perfect for breakfast or lunch in Hanoi and one of the best restaurants in Hanoi.

This fun cafe is typical of Hanoi’s buildings, a tiny 4-story affair, but this place certainly has a difference.  Every available space is covered in post-it notes professing profound (usually) messages of love, travel, philosophy or simple greetings and signatures.

Order an egg coffee (it’s like a meringue crossed with coffee, served hot and frothy and AMAZING) from the friendly staff who will provide you with your own pen and paper for you to immortalize your Hanoi visit on the crowded walls.

The very unique Note Coffee boasts super cool views of one of Hanoi’s busiest intersections and the tranquil lake beyond and it is such a special place.  If you visit Hanoi, it is an absolute must. It is open every day from 8am until midnight. And like everything in Vietnam, prices are nice and cheap. Even if you have only 2 days in Hanoi, try to get to this spot for a quick bite to eat during your trip.

Kris from Gadsventure

2. Cua Dong – Hoàn Kiếm District

In amongst the busy Hoan Kiem area where Pho vendors are a dime a dozen, we found this little gem on a busy street corner just two blocks from the famous lake, one of the best things to do in Hanoi. The outdoor seating and constant patronage make this one easy to spot. But despite the popularity, the pace of service is lightning fast! 

For 30,000 VND you will be treated to a light and refreshing bowl of pho with flavors that are subtle, yet satisfying. It was a clear top pick for us. Try the Chinese donuts as an add on. You can soak this savory treat into your broth to add a bit more body to your soup. They are not sweet at all like a western donut, but are of a similar texture that go well with your dish.

If you are a chili fan you will love the freshness and heat of the standard side. A minor selling point, but in an area where freshness and hygiene can vary this was a big one. Regardless of what you try here, this is one of the highly recommended, best restaurants in Hanoi to try.  

Address: 18 Hàng GaiHàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam 

James from Team AJ Travels

3. Cha Ca La Vong – Hoàn Kiếm District

Cha Ca La Vong is an institution among the best restaurants in Hanoi, and is still open at the same location, and run by the same family, after 5 generations; evidence to why this is one of the best places to eat in Hanoi. 

The restaurant specializes in one delicious dish, “Cha Ca”, which simply means grilled fish. The fish used in this famous dish is a type of large catfish (ca lang) that inhabits the rivers of northern Vietnam.

To prepare the dish, the fish is first to cut into bite-sized pieces and then marinated in a spice mix that includes galangal and turmeric, adding distinctive flavor and color.

The fish is lightly grilled in the kitchen, before being transferred to the table in a pan and placed on top of a small burner. Here, the waiter will mix spring onion and dill into the fish until the ingredients are hot and cooked through.

To complete the meal, the cooked fish is served with a bowl of springy rice noodles, peanuts, coriander, shrimp paste, and a fish dipping sauce, a combination that is both uniquely tasty and pleasingly textural.

Prices are set at 170,000 ND per person, which is on the more expensive side for stand-alone dishes in Vietnam, but worth the price to enjoy a tasty fish dish alongside a piece of Hanoi history at the same time. 

Cha Ca La Vong, 14 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Markus from The Roaming Fork

4. Pho 10

I remember my first day in Hanoi. I was nervous, uncertain, and slightly terrified to exit the front doors of my hotel and onto the busy streets of the bustling Old Quarter. But upon leaving the comfort of my temporary abode, I crossed the street and could smell this place instantly.

I wandered inside Pho 10 and sat down, ready to try my first pho in Vietnam; one of the best food in Hanoi to try at one of the best restaurants in Hanoi.

The inside was busy, with two cooks rapidly chopping and prepping the meat. There weren’t any menus, just a friendly server who asked, “chicken or beef?” I made my order of beef pho for a grand total of $1.50 and within 10 minutes was served a hot, vibrant, and flavorful bowl of this magical soup.

Upon my first slurp, I knew 2 things: the first was that everything was going to be just fine on my first trip to Southeast Asia, and also that I was hooked on pho. 

It was the perfect combination of noodles, broth, beef, ginger, lime, cilantro, chilies, and more. I had many bowls of this delightful soup during my time in Vietnam, but by far, Pho 10 was the best. 

Kat from Worldwide Honeymoon

5. Café Kinh Đô – Hàng Bông

This unassuming family-run café is an institution in Hanoi, dating from the 1980s and easily one of the best restaurants in Hanoi.  Best known for its delicious homemade French patisseries, quiche, and yogurt, it also serves a myriad of other dishes both European and Vietnamese.   Kinh Đô is old-style, a corner of authentic Hanoi, among a crush of indifferent fast food joints that all blend into one another.

Don’t be put off by the simplicity of the place, its tried and tested recipes have been delighting Hanoians and visitors for over 30 years which has got to say something in a booming town like Hanoi.

The décor hasn’t changed since I first frequented the café in the early 1990s.  It proudly displays photos of the original owner, Mr Chi (who lived till the age of 99 and had so many stories to tell) with Catherine Deneuve.

The café was her hangout while filming Oscar-winning Indochine in 1991 when it was pretty much the only place to get yogurt and good French cakes.  Come here for a genuine experience, good coffee, excellent yogurt, proper French croissants, and friendly service.

Phoebe from Lou Messugo

6. MIAs restaurant

Nestled in the heart of the Old Quarter, MIAs is one of Hanoi’s most beloved spots for contemporary Vietnamese cuisine with a creative twist and one of the more elegant best restaurants in Hanoi.

Expect beautifully presented dishes that still stay true to local flavours — from refined street-food classics to innovative mains that highlight seasonal ingredients. Its warm ambience and excellent service make it ideal for both casual lunches and memorable dinners.

7. VIET Restaurant Hanoi & Rooftop Bar

Perched atop the JM Marvel Hotel, VIET offers a blend of modern Vietnamese cuisine and stunning skyline views over Hanoi. The menu celebrates traditional techniques with a refined touch, pairing fresh local produce with stylish plating that’s perfect for special occasions.

Its rooftop setting makes it a standout choice for sunset drinks followed by dinner under the lights and one of the more romantic best restaurants in Hanoi.

8. Tung’s Kitchen

Tung’s Kitchen has built a reputation as one of the most reliable crowd-pleasers in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It’s the kind of place you walk into after a long day of sightseeing and instantly feel at ease — warm lighting, buzzing tables and the comforting aroma of grilled meats and fragrant herbs filling the air.

The menu covers all the Vietnamese classics you’d hope for, from fresh spring rolls and rich beef pho to sizzling stir-fries and beautifully balanced rice dishes.

What really makes Tung’s stand out is the consistency and generous portions. It’s ideal if you’re travelling in a group and want to order a little bit of everything to share. The staff are used to international visitors, so it’s a great introduction to Vietnamese cuisine if you’re new to the flavours, while still satisfying seasoned Southeast Asia food lovers.

9. Vi Ha Noi Restaurant & Cafe

Located near peaceful Trúc Bạch Lake, Vi Ha Noi feels slightly removed from the hustle of the Old Quarter — making it a lovely choice for a slower, more refined dining experience at one of the best restaurants in Hanoi. The restaurant focuses on celebrating Vietnam’s culinary heritage, drawing inspiration from different regions of the country.

Expect vibrant herbs, delicate broths and beautifully layered flavours that showcase just how nuanced Vietnamese food can be.

The presentation here is elegant without being overcomplicated, and it’s a great spot for a romantic dinner or a relaxed evening meal away from the crowds. If you’re looking to explore beyond the standard tourist dishes, Vi Ha Noi offers a more curated journey through traditional recipes, prepared with care and attention to detail.

10. Hanoi Corner Restaurant

Tucked down a charming lane in the Old Quarter, Hanoi Corner Restaurant blends local Vietnamese flavours with subtle international influences and is another one of the best restaurants in Hanoi.

The space itself is stylish but relaxed, with a cosy upstairs seating area that’s perfect for escaping the busy streets below. It’s popular with both travellers and locals, which is always a good sign.

The menu offers a mix of familiar Vietnamese favourites alongside slightly more creative dishes, giving you the chance to try something new while still enjoying authentic flavours. Fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning are clearly a priority here.

It’s an easy, dependable option for lunch or dinner when you want quality food in a comfortable setting right in the heart of Hanoi.

Hanoi – Best Bars & Pubs

There are plenty of bars and pubs in Hanoi to choose from, especially in the Old Quarter. Some of the best bars in Hanoi are:

• Legend Beer Hanoi – Occupying the third floor of a building in downtown Hanoi, Legend Beer is a great place to go for German-style dishes, decent lager, and dark stout. Plus, you can watch the world whizz by on motorbikes from the terrace. 
• Sunset Bar at Intercontinental Hanoi – For a fancy option, head to the sunset bar and take in the tranquil lakeside view.
• Le Pub Hanoi – 5 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake, this is the perfect place for live music, friendly atmosphere and an extensive drinks list. Plus, there are plenty of TV screens for sports.
• New York Sports Bar – Previously known as O’Leary’s Sports Bar, this is a great place for live football and decent western meals. 
• Rockstore Hanoi – A small and lively bar in the Old Quarter, dance the night away are one of the themed nights and enjoy fairly decently priced drinks too.
• King Pirates Pub – An oddly themed pub in the heart of Hanoi, this option has cheap local beer and some great rum-based cocktails.

Vegetarian Restaurants in Hanoi

There are some great vegetarian options in Hanoi too. These include:

• Uu Dam – A vegan/vegetarian option with tasty meals costing around $10 per person.
• An Phuc Vegetarian Food – With many flavourful dishes, including a vegetarian Pho, you can enjoy the tastes of Vietnamese food here without the meat.
• Noodle + Roll – This restaurant in the middle of the Old Quarter is the perfect place for cheap (like $2 per meal cheap) vegetarian dishes. 
• Loving Hut – For tasty and healthy vegetarian food in Hanoi, this is the place to go. They even do a buffet twice a month for just $5. 

Things to Know Before You go to Hanoi

Best Restaurants in Hanoi FAQ

A massive thank you to all of these bloggers for their suggestions! What is your favorite place to eat in Hanoi? Let me know in the comments below!