Best Hanoi Restaurants You Must Try - Written by a Local

Hanoi, the beating heart of Vietnam, is renowned not only for its rich history spanning over a thousand years and stunning landmarks, but also as a true culinary paradise. From humble street food stalls tucked away in narrow alleyways to elegant fine dining establishments, Hanoi's food scene offers an unmissable experience for anyone who visits. To help you easily discover this treasure trove, we've curated a list of the best Hanoi restaurants you absolutely must try during your visit.

Hanoi – A Culinary Paradise

Every street and small alley in Hanoi holds hidden culinary stories and distinctive flavors that have existed through generations. Here's a glimpse into some of the city's most iconic dishes:

• Pho – The Soul of Hanoi: Pho represents the essence of Vietnamese cuisine with its aromatic beef bone broth simmered for hours, tender rice noodles that create a harmonious symphony of flavors, making this iconic dish a must-have breakfast.
• Bun Cha – A Flavor That Wins Every Heart: This beloved dish features grilled pork patties and pork belly served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce that has charmed everyone from locals to former US President Barack Obama.
• Cha Ca La Vong – A Taste of Old Hanoi: Turmeric-marinated fish sautéed with dill and green onions, served with rice noodles and shrimp paste sauce.
• Bun Thang – The Delicate Royal Soup: Bun Thang represents Hanoi's refined culinary artistry with its crystal-clear chicken and pork bone broth, delicate rice vermicelli, and an intricate arrangement of julienned egg crepe, Vietnamese sausage, and dried shrimp that creates a symphony of subtle flavors requiring masterful preparation skills.

1. Traditional Restaurants & Iconic Hanoi Dishes

1.1. Pho Thin Bo Ho

Famous for its pho tai lan (stir-fried rare beef pho), featuring a distinctive ginger and scallion-infused broth with beef quickly stir-fried in a hot pan, creating a rich and unique flavor profile. The experience here embodies the essence of old Hanoi.

• Address: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: VND 60,000 - 80,000 (USD 2.3 - USD 3.1) per bowl.
• Rating: 4.2/5 on Google Maps, beloved by locals and featured in international media during the 2019 US-North Korea Summit.
• Signature Dish: Pho tai lan (stir-fried rare beef pho).

Pho Thin Bo Ho is a must-visit for anyone wanting to taste old Hanoi (Source: Internet)

1.2. Pho Bat Dan

Located on the ancient Bat Dan Street, this restaurant is synonymous with the queue and self-service style. Despite the wait, the bowl of pho here with crystal-clear broth, sweet bone-simmered stock, and tender beef will not disappoint. This uniqueness contributes to its legendary status among pho connoisseurs.

• Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: VND 50,000 - 100,000 (USD 1.9 - USD 3.8) per bowl.
• Rating: 4.3/5 on Google Maps, frequently recommended by food bloggers and travel guides.
• Signature Dish: Traditional beef pho with crystal-clear broth and house-made noodles.

Pho Bat Dan is famous for its meat and noodles, sweet broth from the bones, and no MSG (Source: Internet)

1.3. Bun Cha Huong Lien (Bun Cha Obama)

From a humble local eatery, this restaurant became globally famous after former US President Barack Obama's visit. The sweet and sour dipping sauce, charcoal-grilled pork, and crispy spring rolls have created a brand that attracts visitors from around the world.

• Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: VND 50,000 - 120,000 (USD 1.9 - USD 4.6) per set.
• Rating: 4.1/5 on Google Maps, internationally recognized and featured in major travel publications.
• Signature Dish: Bun cha set with charcoal-grilled pork and nem ran (fried spring rolls).

A once-humble eatery that rose to global fame after President Barack Obama dined here with Anthony Bourdain (Source: Internet)

1.4. Bun Cha Dac Kim

Another restaurant with a long history, famous for its generous portions of grilled pork and large, golden, round crab spring rolls. The restaurant is always crowded, which speaks volumes about its popularity and quality among locals.

• Address: 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: VND 70,000 - 120,000 (USD 2.7 - USD 4.6) per set.
• Rating: 3.9/5 on Google Maps, recommended by local food enthusiasts.
• Signature Dish: Bun cha with large crab spring rolls and perfectly grilled pork patties.

Delicious grilled pork with crispy crab spring rolls, perfectly balanced by the tangy dipping sauce and pickled veggies (Source: Internet)

1.5. Cha Ca La Vong

This is a culinary icon that has defined Hanoi’s gastronomic identity for over a century. Originating in 1871 by the Doan family, this restaurant is home to Cha Ca, a signature dish made with boneless catfish marinated in turmeric, grilled over charcoal, and finished at your table with fresh dill and scallions.

• Address: 269 Giang Vo Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: per person.
• Rating: 4.7/5 on Google Maps, listed in multiple guidebooks as a must-try Hanoi experience.
• Signature Dish: Cha ca with turmeric-marinated fish, dill, and interactive table-side preparation.VND 200,000 - 300,000 (USD 7.7 - USD 11.5)

The fish meat is carefully deboned, golden brown, and seasoned, served with dill, green onions, etc., cut into pieces (Source: Internet)

1.6. Banh Mi 25

Located on Hang Bac Street, this restaurant is always bustling with tourists and locals alike. With diverse fillings and fresh flavors, Banh Mi 25 has become an icon of Hanoi street food.

• Address: 25 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: VND 35,000 - 45,000 (USD 1.3 - USD 1.7) per sandwich.
• Rating: 4.4/5 on Google Maps, popular among backpackers and featured in street food guides.
• Signature Dish: Vietnamese baguette with various traditional fillings including pâté, cold cuts, and fresh vegetables.

Bánh Mì 25 is a must-visit street food spot in Hanoi, known for its fresh, crispy rolls and a wide range of fillings from classic pork to vegan options (Source: Internet)

1.7. Nom Bo Kho Ham Long

This local favorite is renowned for its sweet-and-sour dried beef salad, featuring crunchy green papaya and tender strips of dried beef. The dressing leans slightly sweet, but a splash of vinegar and a hit of chili elevate it to the perfect afternoon snack.

• Address: 19 Ham Long Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

• Price Range: VND 20,000 - 120,000 (USD 0.8 - USD 4.6) per serving.
• Rating: 4.2/5 on Google Maps, beloved by locals.
• Signature Dish: Dried beef salad (Nom bo kho).

The dish features shredded green papaya, sweet-sour dressing, spicy chili, and chewy dried beef – a refreshing bite with a kick. (Source: Internet)

2. Modern and International Cuisine Restaurants

Hanoi not only preserves traditions but also embraces the diversity of world cuisine. This list is for those seeking refined and creative culinary experiences.

2.1. La Badiane

Tucked away on a quiet street in the heart of Hanoi, La Badiane is a fine-dining destination known for its elegant French fusion menu. Since 2008, this award-winning restaurant has combined French culinary techniques with local Vietnamese ingredients, creating dishes that are both artful and flavorful. The romantic, intimate setting makes it a popular choice for anniversaries, date nights, or special celebrations.

• Address: 10 Nam Ngu, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: VND 475,000 - 725,000 (USD 18.2 - USD 27.8) per serving.
• Rating: 4.5/5 on Google Maps, praised by fine dining lovers and featured in top food blogs.
• Signature Dish: Beef Steak, Wine Pairing, Scallop Ravioli, Beef Carpaccio Marinated in Passion Fruits.

La Badiane Hanoi restaurant is famous for its sophisticated and classy French cuisine and space, promising to bring unforgettable experiences (Source: Internet)

2.2. Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Blending modern aesthetics with the charm of old Hanoi, Home Vietnamese Restaurant reimagines traditional Vietnamese recipes with a contemporary twist. Nestled in a beautifully restored villa, it offers a cozy yet upscale dining experience where the flavors of all three regions of Vietnam – North, Central, and South – are thoughtfully presented. This is an ideal spot for those who want to savor Vietnam's culinary heritage in an elevated form.

• Address: 75 Nguyen Dinh Chieu (31 Van Ho 2), Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: VND 600,000 - 1,000,000 (USD 23 - USD 38.2) per person.
• Rating: 4.5/5 on Google Maps, recommended for upscale Vietnamese dining
• Signature Dish: Nem Lui Cuon, Ribs Char Grilled at the Table, Fried Squid Cake, Fried Egg Tofu with Mushroom Floss, Grilled Oyster 2 ways

This restaurant offers an elegant ambiance with deep Hanoi heritage, an excellent choice for experiencing Vietnamese cuisine in a refined manner (Source: Internet)

3. Michelin star restaurants Hanoi

Hanoi's inclusion in the Michelin Guide has elevated the city's culinary status internationally. Here are the distinguished establishments:

3.1. Pho Ga Nguyet

This humble eatery made headlines after being featured in the Michelin Guide. Famous for its chicken phở with tender meat and rich, aromatic broth, Phở Gà Nguyệt proves that even the simplest dishes can earn global recognition.

• Address: 5B Phu Doan Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: VND 50,000 - 100,000 (USD 1.9 - USD 3.8) per bowl.
• Rating: 4.4/5 on Google Maps - recommended by the Michelin Guide for outstanding chicken pho.
• Signature Dish: Chicken pho with golden skin and fragrant broth.

Pho Ga Nguyet, located at 5B Phu Doan, Hanoi, is a famous pho restaurant honored by Michelin in the Bib Gourmand category (Source: Internet)

3.2. Pho Cuon Chinh Thang

Located near Truc Bach Lake, Chinh Thang is said to be the birthplace of pho cuon – a Hanoi favorite created in the early 2000s. Here, soft rice noodle rolls are wrapped around tender stir-fried beef and herbs, served with a signature sweet-sour dipping sauce. Don’t miss the crispy phởo chien phong (deep-fried noodle pillows with beef gravy), which offers a satisfying contrast in texture. With spacious indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a relaxed spot to enjoy light yet flavorful local dishes.

• Address: 7 Mac Dinh Chi Street, Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: VND 80,000 (USD 3.1) per serving.
• Rating: 4.5/5 on Google Maps – a Michelin-recommended venue for local-style pho cuon.
• Signature Dish: Pho cuon (rice noodle rolls with stir-fried beef and vegetables).

Pho cuon with soft, naturally chewy meat, stir-fried with spices to create a rich flavor (Source: Internet)

3.3. Hibana by Koki

Hibana by Koki offers an exceptional omakase dining experience, where the chef personally curates and prepares each dish in front of you. Nestled inside the luxurious Capella Hanoi, the restaurant exudes elegance and warmth, with refined Japanese aesthetics throughout.

Each course is crafted with precision using the finest ingredients, from melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef to premium seafood flown in from Japan. The harmony of traditional flavors and modern presentation creates a multisensory experience that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

• Address: Basement 1, Capella Hanoi, 11 Le Phung Hieu Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: VND 180,000 - 1,580,000 (USD 6.9 - USD 60.5) per dish.
• Rating: 4.7/5 on Google Maps, Michelin One Star 2024.
• Signature Dish: Tempura & Desserts, Beef and Caviar, Michelin Lunch Menu, Daily Special Set.

Located within the luxurious Capella Hanoi hotel, Hibana by Koki represents the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine in Vietnam (Source: Internet)

3.4. T.U.N.G Dining

An intimate fine-dining restaurant known for its modern European tasting menu, T.U.N.G Dining emphasizes creativity, storytelling, and seasonality. Chef Hoang Tung’s artistic plates have earned the restaurant a Michelin star, making it a pioneer in Hanoi’s contemporary dining scene.

• Address: 2C Quang Trung Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: Above VND 1,000,000 (USD 38.2) per person.
• Rating: 4.7/5 on Google Maps, Michelin Selected 2024.
• Signature Dish: Toothfish in Seaweed and Curry Sauce, Wagyu Beef, Deconstructed Pho & Crab Croquette, Scallops.

T.U.N.G dining is inspired by Nordic-style fine dining (Source: Internet)

3.5. Duong's Restaurant

Helmed by Chef Hoang Duong – known from Iron Chef Vietnam and Top Chef Vietnam – Duong’s Restaurant showcases the elegance of Vietnamese cuisine through beautifully plated dishes that retain authentic flavor.

Tucked away in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this Michelin-recommended spot offers a cozy two-story setting with warm lighting and traditional wooden interiors. Whether you choose the thoughtfully curated set menu or explore the à la carte options, you’ll find local favorites like grilled La Vong-style fish and beef consommé reimagined with finesse.

• Address:

• 27 Ngo Huyen Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• 101 Ma May Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

• Price Range: VND 120,000 - 850,000 (USD 4.6 - USD 32.5) per dish.
• Rating: 4.5/5 on Google Maps, Michelin Selected 2024.
• Signature Dish: Pho, Bun Cha, Fried Spring Roll, Papaya Salad, Special Vietnamese Pancake - Banh Xeo.

The restaurant also offers cooking classes, making it a great stop for travelers seeking both taste and cultural immersion (Source: Internet)

3.6. Cau Go

Perched on the 7th floor with sweeping views of Hoan Kiem Lake, Cau Go offers a memorable dining experience where traditional Vietnamese cuisine meets modern flair. Accessible via both Dinh Tien Hoang and Cau Go streets, the restaurant features elegant interiors and spacious terrace seating ideal for sunset dinners.

Known for its well-seasoned Central Vietnamese dishes, highlights include deep-fried spring rolls and hot pot options perfect for sharing, like chicken with basil or beef with assorted vegetables.

• Address: 6 - 7F, 9 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Price Range: VND 70,000 - 790,000 (USD 2.7 - USD 30.2) per dish.
• Rating: 4.3/5 on Google Maps, Michelin Selected 2024.
• Signature Dish: Fried Spring Rolls, Rolled Fresh Rice Noodle Paper with BBQ Pork Belly, Simmered Pork Ribs with Pepper, Cha Ca, Bun Cha.

Recognized by the Michelin Guide for its consistency and presentation, it’s a great place to introduce visitors to traditional flavors in a modern setting (Source: Internet)

4. Tips for Experiencing Hanoi’s Cuisine to the Fullest

To make your culinary journey even more perfect, keep these small tips in mind:

• Don’t judge a dish by tourist crowds: A busy restaurant doesn’t always mean it’s the best. Sometimes the most authentic flavors are found in quieter, family-run eateries off the main streets.
• Go early or late for street food: Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to enjoy street food when dishes are freshest and the weather is cooler.
• Embrace local eating customs: Try dishes the traditional way, like eating bun cha with raw herbs, chili, and garlic, or dipping your banh cuon in tangy fish sauce.
• Mind hygiene, but don’t stress: Most places listed here maintain good hygiene, but it’s still wise to bring tissues or hand sanitizer and observe basic cleanliness before ordering.
• Ask locals for hidden gems: Locals know best. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation and ask for food recommendations – they might lead you to an unforgettable meal not found in any guidebook.
• Learn Basic Vietnamese Food Terms: Knowing words like "khong cay" (not spicy), "it duong" (less sugar), or "them rau" (more vegetables) can help customize your meals to your preferences.

This guide to the best Hanoi restaurants is your starting point to explore the heart of Vietnamese cuisine, where tradition meets creativity in every dish. From humble street stalls to Michelin-starred dining rooms, Hanoi’s culinary landscape is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you’re savoring a steaming bowl of phở, enjoying a French-Vietnamese fusion menu, or dining with a lake view, the city offers unforgettable flavors at every turn.

Ready to taste it all for yourself? Fly with Vietnam Airlines – the national carrier known for exceptional service, extensive domestic network, and convenient flight schedules to Hanoi. With modern aircraft, authentic Vietnamese in-flight meals, and world-class hospitality, Vietnam Airlines ensures your culinary adventure begins the moment you step onboard. Book your journey today and let Vietnam Airlines take you to the flavors of Hanoi.