The 10+ Best Restaurants in Hoi An Ancient Town for Local Delights

Best restaurants in Hoi An Ancient Town are not only places to eat, but also gateways to explore the town’s rich culinary heritage. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An captivates food lovers with signature dishes like Cao Lau, Banh Mi Hoi An, and Com Ga Hoi An - each reflecting a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. To help you savor these authentic flavors, here’s a curated list of must-visit restaurants in the heart of Hoi An!

1. Morning Glory Original

Located in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town, Morning Glory Original offers an authentic Vietnamese dining experience with a menu that showcases traditional street food dishes made from time-honored family recipes of its owner, Ms. Vy. 

The restaurant's ambiance is warm and inviting, with an open kitchen on the ground floor where diners can observe the culinary team in action. The upper floor offers a more relaxed setting, adorned with French colonial decor. Given its popularity, Morning Glory Original is always quite busy during peak dining hours. It's advisable to make a reservation, especially for evening meals, to ensure a seamless dining experience. 

Morning Glory Original offers an authentic Vietnamese dining experience in Hoi An Town (Source: Internet)

One of the must-try dishes is “Banh Xeo”, a delicacy unique to Hoi An. It is a crispy rice flour pancake packed with shrimp and bean sprouts. Served with fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce, this dish offers a delightful contrast of crunchiness from the pancake and freshness from the vegetables, making it a flavorful and satisfying choice. 

Alternatively, you can also savor Tender Duck Breast, braised in coconut juice with a hint of tangerine zest and topped with caramelized onions. The duck is juicy and flavorful, soaking up the delicate sweetness of the coconut while the citrus zest brightens the dish with a refreshing twist. The caramelized onions lend a savory depth, tying all the elements together in a balanced flavor.

Banh Xeo is a traditional crispy rice flour pancake packed with shrimp and bean sprouts (Source: Internet)

Tender Duck Breast braised in coconut juice with tangerine zest, topped with caramelized onions for a sweet-savory finish (Source: Internet)

Morning Glory Original is a well-known restaurant with high demand, booking in advance is recommended (Source: Internet)

2. HOME Hoi An

Just a minute's walk from Hoi An Ancient Town, HOME Hoi An preserves the national characteristics inherent in Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant’s interior blends traditional Vietnamese decor with a modern touch, creating a warm and sophisticated ambiance. 

The restaurant's elegant setting can accommodate up to 148 guests, featuring both private rooms and outdoor spaces, making it suitable for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Due to its popularity, especially during peak tourist hours, making a reservation in advance is recommended. 

HOME Hoi An preserves the national characteristics inherent in Vietnamese cuisine (Source: Internet)

The restaurant has both private rooms and outdoor spaces (Source: Internet)

For those looking to explore Hoi An’s signature dishes, “Mi Quang” and “Cao Lau” are must-tries here. Mi Quang is a vibrant, turmeric-infused noodle dish featuring fresh prawns, char-siu chicken, crunchy peanuts, and fragrant herbs, served with just enough rich, flavorful broth to coat the ingredients. 

Meanwhile, Cao Lau stands out with its thick, chewy noodles, prepared using water from ancient Cham wells. Topped with savory char-siu pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons, it’s lightly coated in a fragrant soy-based sauce, delivering a distinct texture and deep umami-rich flavor. 

For those looking to explore Hoi An’s signature dishes, Mi Quang and Cao Lau are must-tries in HOME Hoi An (Source: Internet)

Many dinners have left positive reviews about HOME Hoi An (Source: Internet)

3. Cao Lau Thanh 

Cao Lau Thanh serves one of the most traditional versions of Cao Lau, which makes a strong impression at first sight with its golden, chewy, and soft noodles. Unlike “Pho” or other Vietnamese noodle soups, Cao Lau has very little broth, relying instead on a deeply flavorful sauce infused with pork and aromatic spices. The dish is topped with slices of char siu-style pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy fried crackers for an irresistible mix of textures.

It's best to visit before 8:00 AM for breakfast or after 3:00 PM for a light afternoon meal to avoid the busiest hours, as the restaurant primarily serves breakfast and lunch. 

Cao Lau Thanh – A 30-year-old Cao Lau restaurant in Hoi An (Source: Internet)

Cao Lau Thanh serves one of the most traditional versions of Cao Lau (Source: Internet)

4. Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen

Madam Khanh’s eatery is a small, cozy spot with a few tables for those who prefer to dine in. However, many visitors choose to takeout, enjoying a “banh mi” on the go while wandering through the charming streets of Hoi An for a truly local experience. 

Each banh mi at Madam Khanh is made with a crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, filled with a combination of meats, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and the shop’s signature homemade sauces. The most popular choice features roasted pork, rich pate, fried egg, and a secret special sauce that brings together savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes for an unforgettable banh mi experience. 

Madam Khanh offers five varieties of banh mi that you may consider trying: Mixed (Vegetables, Pork, Ham, Eggs, Pate); Vegetarian (Vegetables, Tomato, Egg, Cheese), Pork And Ham (Vegetables, Pork, Ham, Pate), Chicken (Vegetables, Chicken, Pate), Fried Eggs (Vegetables, Pate, Egg, Tomato). 

Madam Khanh is one of Hoi An’s most legendary banh mi spots, attracting both locals and tourists (Source: Internet)

Each banh mi at Madam Khanh is filled with a combination of meats, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables and sauces (Source: Internet)

5. Com Linh

Nestled at 42 Phan Chu Trinh in the heart of Hoi An's ancient town, Com Linh Vietnamese Restaurant features architecture that reflects the city's rich cultural identity. The dominant tones of warm yellow and brown are accented by traditional lanterns with signature patterns and shapes, creating a cozy and familiar atmosphere for diners.

Hoi An Chicken Rice is a fragrant and flavorful dish that showcases the best of Hoi An’s cuisine. Tender shredded chicken is served over turmeric-infused rice, creating a beautiful golden hue. Topped with fresh herbs and accompanied by a side of chicken broth and pickled papaya, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors.

Com Linh Vietnamese Restaurant offers an authentic dining experience that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine (Source: Internet)

Besides, you also can try Roast Duck Pho, which is a unique take on Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup, featuring succulent roasted duck in a rich, deeply flavored broth. The tender duck meat adds an extra layer of smokiness and depth, making this dish a must-try for those looking to experience a different side of pho beyond the traditional beef or chicken versions.

Hoi An chicken rice is a best-selling dish at Com Linh Restaurant (Source: Internet)

Roast Duck Pho is a unique twist on Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup which is a must-try at Com Linh (Source: Internet)

6. Mango Mango

Mango Mango is a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant situated along the Thu Bon River in Hoi An. Mango Mango is all about contemporary Vietnamese cuisine and local flavors.With three floors of cozy seating and an outdoor terrace, it offers a perfect setting to enjoy the beautiful views of the iconic Japanese Bridge.

The restaurant’s vibrant color scheme, artistic decor, and carefully selected furnishings create a welcoming and energetic atmosphere. The open-air terrace enhances the experience, providing breathtaking views of Hoi An's historic landmarks and the serene river, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the town's charm. 

You need to make a reservation in advance if you want to sit at the table on the balcony overlooking the Thu Bon River (Source: Internet) 

Whether you're visiting for lunch, dinner, or cocktails, Mango Mango promises a delightful dining experience (Source: Internet)

In 2008, Chef Tran Thanh Duc opened the Mango Mango Restaurant, which quickly became a favorite among celebrities and fellow chefs visiting Hoi An, including Gordon Ramsay, Mick Jagger, Tyra Banks, Jimmy Buffett, and Eric Ripert. Mango Mango is all about contemporary Vietnamese cuisine and local flavors. It aspires to provide customers with an exemplary experience of Vietnamese hospitality.

A standout dish on the Mango Mango’s menu is Keeping Flower Ly, a delicately prepared plate of wild tiger prawns, bathed in a luxurious sauce made from white wine, fresh ginger, aromatic garlic, tangy kumquat, and rich butter. This harmonious blend of ingredients creates a burst of flavors – subtle heat from the ginger, a zesty citrus kick from the kumquat, and the creamy richness of butter, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the prawns. 

Hunt for Red Snapper is a standout dish, featuring Chef Duc’s favorite fish, the red snapper. The fillet is pan-fried to perfection, infused with fresh herbs, lemongrass, and fish sauce, enhancing its natural sweetness with layers of rich, aromatic flavors. Served with a house-special anchovy tomato confit salsa, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.

Signature offerings include Keeping Flower Ly, a dish of wild tiger prawns in a white wine, ginger, garlic, kumquat, and butter sauce (Source: Internet)

Hunt for Red Snapper is a standout dish, featuring Chef Duc’s favorite fish (Source: Internet)

7. Banh Beo Co Tu

Tucked away in a small alley on Phan Dinh Phung Street, Banh Beo Co Tu offers a truly local dining experience right in the cozy home of Mrs. Tu. The space is modest and a bit tight, furnished with simple plastic tables and chairs. 

“Banh Beo” is a small, steamed rice cake topped with crispy shrimp, pork cracklings, crispy fried wonton sand and served with sweet fish sauce.The accompanying fish sauce blends salty, sweet, and umami flavors, enhancing each bite with a rich yet delicate finish.

Banh Beo Co Tu’s simple, homey setup feels just like dining in a Hoi An local’s kitchen. (Source: Internet) 

The menu features two types of Banh Beo: sweet and savory, both served in identical little bowls with similar toppings. The sweet version has a yellow base that is infused with palm sugar, giving it a mild sweetness. The savory Banh Beo, on the other hand, has a milky white base and is best enjoyed with a dash of spicy fish sauce. Each order comes with a minimum of three bowls, and since they’re quite small, trying three bowls of each is a great way to sample both flavors.

Banh Beo Co Tu has received many positive reviews from tourists (Source: Internet) 

8. Goodmorning Vietnam 

Good Morning Vietnam is a famous Italian Restaurant located in Hoi An that offers an authentic Italian dining experience. Unlike many bustling eateries in Hoi An, this restaurant provides a quiet and private setting, with spacious seating arrangements that allow for a comfortable and intimate meal.

If you want to experience Italian cuisine in Hoi An ancient town, Good Morning Vietnam is a great choice (Source: Internet) 

For those seeking traditional Italian fare, the Penne Arrabbiata is a popular choice. This classic Italian pasta dish features al dente penne tossed in a fiery tomato sauce made with garlic, chili, and olive oil. The rich, spicy flavor is balanced by a hint of sweetness from ripe tomatoes, making it bold yet comforting. Finished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. 

Another timeless favorite, the Pepperoni Pizza comes with a golden, crispy crust layered with tangy tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Generous slices of spicy pepperoni add a smoky, savory kick in every bite. It’s baked to perfection, delivering a deliciously cheesy and slightly crisp experience.

Penne Arrabbiata is a fiery Italian pasta dish made with penne noodles in a zesty tomato and chili garlic sauce (Source: Internet) 

Patrons often praise their pepperoni pizza, noting its thin, crispy crust and generous toppings (Source: Internet) 

9. Chao Ngheu Co Gio

Nestled on Hai Ba Trung Street near An Bang beach, Chao Ngheu Co Gio is popular among both locals and tourists looking for a warm, comforting bowl of clam porridge, especially in the cool weather. 

Chao Ngheu Co Gio is a well-loved eatery with over 20 years of history (Source: Internet) 

What sets the “chao ngheu” (clam porridge) here apart is its unique combination of flavors and textures. The porridge is cooked with mung beans, giving it a mild sweetness and creamy texture, while the clams are stir-fried with flavorful spices to enhance their natural brininess. A bowl is then finished with crispy fried shallots, fresh scallions, and a sprinkle of black pepper, creating an irresistible aroma and taste.In addition to clam porridge, the restaurant also serves pork bone porridge, another customer favorite. 

There are 2 options: the clam porridge and the pork bone porridge (Source: Internet) 

10. White Rose Restaurant

White Rose Restaurant is a must-visit for those looking to enjoy authentic Hoi An cuisine, with traditional Hoi An-style decor featuring lanterns and dominant yellow and brown tones. The restaurant offers a spacious space, making it a great spot for both solo travelers and groups. 

The highlight of the menu is “Banh Vac” (White Rose Dumplings), made from delicate thin rice flour wrappers filled with a savory shrimp and pork mixture and served with a special dipping sauce, both sweet and spicy, really stimulating the taste buds. Each dumpling is carefully handcrafted, steamed to perfection, and served with a signature sweet and tangy dipping sauce. 

White Rose Restaurant is a must-visit for those looking to enjoy authentic Hoi An cuisine (Source: Internet) 

Aside from its renowned dumplings, the restaurant also serves Crispy Fried Wontons, another Hoi An specialty. These golden, crispy wontons are filled with savory goodness and served with a tangy tomato and onion sauce. The crunchy exterior pairs perfectly with the sweet and slightly acidic sauce, creating a satisfying contrast in every bite.

Banh Vac is a popular dish in Hoi An (Source: Internet)

Crispy Fried Wontons is also highly favored by many diners (Source: Internet)

11. Tiem Che Xiu

Tiem Che Xiu is a popular dessert shop which offers a variety of traditional Vietnamese sweet treats.​ The shop boasts a cool and comfortable atmosphere reminiscent of old Hoi An, providing a pleasant escape from the city's heat. The interior is spacious, ensuring ample seating for guests without feeling crowded.

If you want to enjoy sweets in Hoi An ancient town, Che Xiu Shop is the ideal destination (Source: Internet)

The shop's best seller is Coconut Gelato served in a fresh coconut, this dessert combines creamy coconut ice cream with roasted coconut flakes, offering a rich and authentic flavor. ​​Besides, Thai Durian Dessert Soup captivates visitors with a rich and creamy treat featuring a mix of jellies and fragrant durian. Meanwhile, the Chewy Taro & Sweet Potato Dessert stands out with its soft taro and sweet potato balls, complemented by coconut milk. 

Tiem Che Xiu's best seller is coconut Gelato served in a fresh coconut (Source: Internet)

Thai Durian Dessert Soup, and Chewy Taro & Sweet Potato Dessert are also local-favorites (Source: Internet)

12. Co Loi Banh Uot Xien Thit Nuong

The eatery is renowned for its flavorful grilled pork skewers, which are marinated with a blend of spices and grilled over charcoal, imparting a smoky aroma. These succulent skewers are wrapped in delicate steamed rice paper along with fresh herbs, lettuce, and cucumber sourced from Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can find organically grown produce made of nutrient-rich algae from local ponds as natural fertilizer, giving its greens a distinctive aroma and taste.

The final touch is a dip into a specially prepared sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The dining area is modest and open-air, providing a casual and comfortable atmosphere. Due to its popularity, the place can become quite busy during peak hours from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, so arriving early is advisable to secure a seat. ​

Flavorful grilled pork skewers wrapped in soft steamed rice paper and paired with fresh herbs and a rich dipping sauce (Source: Internet)

Hoi An is a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse range of flavors that reflect the town’s rich cultural heritage. Exploring the best restaurants in Hoi An Ancient Town is more than just about food – it's about experiencing the town’s history, traditions, and warm hospitality.

For more exciting travel and food experiences, don’t forget to check out other must-visit destinations with Vietnam Airlines.