On the lookout for that impeccable spot to etch a lasting impression on your business partners, captivate potential investors, or merely pamper your colleagues with an unforgettable experience? Look no further; you've just struck gold right here in Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital.
Skip the search and dive into these five Vietnamese restaurants that are just what you need for your next business lunch.
Tầm Vị
This Michelin-starred hidden gem sparkles with casual charm, focusing on simple, homey goodness. Unlike flashy counterparts, Tầm Vị celebrates the unpretentious flavors of traditional Northern Vietnamese cooking, putting the spotlight not on individual chefs but on the shared experience of creating and savoring a satisfying meal.
The menu boasts over 100 dishes that change with the seasons. Picture comforting bowls of braised fish, fluffy fried eggs, and stir-fried tofu – all bursting with fresh, nuanced flavors defining this beloved cuisine. Don’t overlook the iconic “canh tôm nấu bầu,” shrimp soup with earthy bottle gourd tones, or the “thịt kho trứng,” a soul-warming braised pork belly dish that melts in your mouth. And for a refreshing twist, there’s the “dưa cà,” a tangy pickled eggplant salad, or the “bắp cải cuốn thịt,” meat-wrapped cabbage bundles of delight.
The ambiance at Tầm Vị is as captivating as the food. Stepping inside feels like entering a charming time capsule, where timeworn wooden tables and chairs share tales of the past, and bamboo chopsticks tap a gentle rhythm against antique ceramic bowls. Sunlight streams through leafy trees in the tranquil courtyard, casting dappled shadows that dance on vintage decorations. It’s a place where every detail evokes a sense of nostalgia and tranquility, making every meal feel like a cherished moment.
Opening hours: 11:00-14:30 | 17:00-21:30
Address: 4B Yen The, Dong Da District
The East - The Taste of Indochine
Steeped in history and captivating palates, the vibrant tapestry of Indochinese cuisine ignites both hearts and curiosities. Among Hanoi’s culinary gems, The East, gracing the 2023 Michelin Guide, unveils the delectable journey of Eastern flavors, from humble street stalls to refined settings, where each course unfolds with exquisite artistry and impeccable service.
The East orchestrates an unparalleled symphony of fresh flavors, a philosophy woven into every facet of the restaurant. From championing local produce to meticulous attention to service, quality, and their team, each element is meticulously composed to create a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.
Their signature bún chả Hanoi, a symphony of grilled pork and rice vermicelli, captures the soul of the capital’s street food scene, while the traditional Garden banana with green rice flakes adds a sweet and nostalgic touch to this truly memorable culinary adventure.
Opening hours: 10:00-14:30 | 17:00-22:00
Address: 5B Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem District
Tanh Tách - Seafood Society
Tanh Tách, a name evoking the rhythmic clatter of fresh seafood landing on Vietnamese docks before dawn, captures the essence of this 2023 Michelin Guide restaurant. Housed in a charming two-story French colonial villa, the Tanh Tách Society marries the vibrancy of the sea with the artistry of the kitchen. Chef Bernard Nguyễn, honed in the fires of Australian kitchens, brings a European flair to the à la carte menu, evident in the meticulous seafood preparations.
But Tanh Tách is more than just a textbook technique. Its innovative menu is a symphony of flavors, featuring the bounty of the sea alongside prime cuts of beef, delectable appetizers, and decadent desserts. Each dish is a testament to Chef Nguyễn’s creativity, where premium ingredients dance together in a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.
Opening hours: 11:00-14:00 (Monday - Saturday) | 17:00-22:00 (Monday - Sunday)
Address: 3 Yet Kieu, Hai Ba Trung District
A Bản
A Bản isn’t just about savoring the delectable regional dishes of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities; it’s about taking a sensory trip to their lush mountain villages. Picture the cool breeze rustling through verdant forests, carrying the fragrance of fresh, village-grown ingredients being transformed into culinary masterpieces.
Chef Viet, himself a child of this vibrant culture, masterfully blends traditional cooking methods with his own culinary artistry, infusing each dish with the unique spirit of the mountains and its people. This is what we call the soul of A Bản - a harmonious dance of National Innovation.
At A Bản, the journey never ends. The team embraces a spirit of constant exploration, refining, and reinventing their menu to be a vibrant tapestry of flavors. Each dish whispers tales of the village’s heritage, woven with the freshest bounty of the mountains and forests. Get ready to embark on a tastebud adventure with A Bản’s upcoming creations, bursting with unique flavors and promising a sensory symphony. And for the truly adventurous, their renowned buffalo meat is a must-try, guaranteed to take your palate on a thrilling expedition.
Opening hours: 10:00-14:00 | 17:00-23:00
Address: 76 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District
Cloud Nine Restaurant
Dining at Cloud Nine is like reaching a pinnacle of happiness. Though the exact origin of the phrase is debated, some connect it to the divine number nine in mysticism or the ninth cloud in Buddhism, symbolizing a stage of enlightenment.
The restaurant’s name reflects its ambition – to leave you feeling utterly content and overjoyed. Situated on the 9th floor, enveloped by floor-to-ceiling windows, Cloud Nine offers a breathtaking, 360-degree panorama of Hanoi’s rooftops, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Red River. Bathed in natural light and radiating openness, the view becomes an integral part of the dining experience, just as important as the culinary delights within.
Stepping inside, you’ll be transported to an Indochina-inspired haven. Classic black, white, cream and blue-gray hues mingle with the geometric patterns of striped furnishings and square-tiled floors. The vast expanse of windows is artfully punctuated by iconic photographs suspended against the glass, while floor-to-ceiling drapes add a touch of softness to the space.
The menu is a vibrant tapestry of authentic Vietnamese flavors, featuring dishes from every corner of the country alongside a curated selection of international favorites. Each dish is a masterpiece, presented with creativity and prepared with technical expertise, taking you on a culinary journey that tantalizes your senses.
Opening hours: 11:30-22:00
Address: 9th Floor, La Siesta Premium Hotel, 27 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem District