Top 10 Best Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter You Shouldn’t Miss

1. May Tre Dan Restaurant | Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

• Why go: Bamboo-and-rattan décor creates a calm, authentic Vietnamese vibe. Dishes are served quickly, keep their natural taste, and don’t rely on artificial seasonings.
• What to order: Pho, Bun Thang, Bun Cha, and Cha Ca La Vong - classic Hanoi specialties that many travelers come to try at least once.
• Tips: The restaurant can accommodate up to ~60 guests (optional). It’s a great fit for families, friend groups, or even a 2-person date. If you’re coming with a large group, it’s best to contact the restaurant in advance to secure comfortable seating.

• Address: 153 Hang Bong St., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 11:30 - 22:00 (reference hours)
• Phone: +84 886 028 558

2. Quan An Ngon - Phan Boi Chau | The Safest “Try Everything” Option

• Why go: It feels like a mini countryside market, with live-cooking stalls where you can watch dishes being made. The menu is huge, flavors are authentic, easy to enjoy, and suitable for most people. Spacious and comfortable.
• What to order: Vietnamese sizzling pancake (Bánh xèo), jelly dessert with pomegranate seeds (Chè sương sa hạt lựu), and banana blossom salad (Nộm hoa chuối). A “can’t go wrong” combo.
• Tips: Very crowded at peak hours (12:00 and 19:00). Go early or book ahead to avoid long waiting. Order several small plates to try more flavors.

• Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau St., Cua Nam Ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 07:00 - 22:00
• Phone: +84 90 324 69 63

3. Met Vietnamese Restaurant | The Friendly Neighbor 

• Why go: The space is small, cozy, and unpretentious, decorated with colorful lanterns and warm yellow walls. They focus on set menus, which is perfect if you want to try a little bit of everything without over-ordering. 
• What to order: Five-Color Sticky Rice (naturally colored with local leaves) paired with Braised Pork. It is comfort food at its finest-rich, salty, and sweet. 
• Tips: This is an excellent choice for solo travelers or couples who want a private, quiet meal with authentic flavors. 

• Address: 42 Luong Van Can St., Hang Gai Ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
• Phone: 0392 257 292

4. Mias Restaurant | Indochine Chic 

• Why go: The atmosphere feels breezy and sophisticated with green plants, black-and-white tiled floors, and rattan furniture. It’s the perfect setting for a long, lazy lunch in a stylish environment. 
• What to order: Beef in Bamboo Tube. The beef is marinated with herbs, stuffed into fresh bamboo, and grilled, infusing the meat with a grassy, sweet aroma. 
• Tips: Dress up a little! The decor here is beautiful, so you will likely want to take photos.

• Address: 22 Bao Khanh St., Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
• Phone: 0966 396 698

5. Era Vietnamese | Classic Vietnamese Flavors

• Why go: Located on busy Ma May Street, but surprisingly quiet and refined inside. A great place to introduce Vietnamese cuisine to international friends or business partners thanks to its careful details.
• What to order: Chả cá Lã Vọng (restaurant-style) and mango seafood salad.
• Tips: Choose a table on the 2nd floor for more privacy and a street view. Order a tasting set menu if you want to try many signature dishes without feeling too full.

• Address: 48 Ma May St., Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 10:30 - 23:00
• Phone: 0934 453 789

6. Cai Mam Restaurant | Nostalgia on a Tray 

• Why go: The decor features antique fans, old radios, and wooden tables, creating an intimate and deeply personal atmosphere. It’s like stepping back in time to a traditional Hanoian family meal. 
• What to order: Caramelized Pork in Clay Pot (Thịt Kho Tàu). The pork belly is slow-cooked until the fat is gelatinous and melts on your tongue—perfect with white rice. 
• Tips: Order a full "tray" (set) to experience the traditional way of sharing food in a Vietnamese family. 

• Address: 3 Floors, 23 Dao Duy Tu St., Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 10:30 - 22:00
• Phone: 0338 451 086

7. Luc Thuy Restaurant | A Prime Spot by Hoan Kiem Lake

• Why go: Open, luxurious, and very airy, with a full view of Turtle Tower. The menu mixes Asian and Western dishes, suitable even for demanding, high-end diners.
• What to order: Bird’s nest soup, premium seafood, or beefsteak.
• Tips: The price matches the location, check the menu carefully before ordering. Choose outdoor seating on cool autumn days for the best Hanoi atmosphere.

• Address: 16 Le Thai To St., Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 07:00 - 23:00
• Phone: +84 24 3393 21616

8. Hanoi Food Culture | Nostalgic, Old-Hanoi Vibes

• Why go: It uses old French-house architecture, keeping the aged, mossy charm. This place doesn’t just serve food, it tells a cultural story. The dishes are very “Northern home-cooking”: simple but refined.
•  What to order: Fried rice with pickled mustard greens and beef, and green papaya salad with dried beef.
• Tips: It’s in a small alley, so it can be hard to find, so look for signs or use Google Maps. Don’t miss the egg coffee for dessert: rich and fragrant.

• Address: 60 Phat Loc Alley, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 09:30 - 22:00
• Phone: +84 971 533 460

9. Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine | Iconic Lake View

• What to order: Garlic-shaken lobster or honey-glazed grilled pork ribs.
• Tips: A fantastic spot for fireworks views or weekend walking-street evenings. Book at least 1–2 days ahead during holidays. Ask for a window table facing the lake for the best photos.

• Address: Floors 5 - 6, No. 7 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00 (last order 21:30)
• Phone: +84 937 290 808

10. Lan Ong Restaurant | The Sizzle of Turmeric

• Why go: It offers a rustic and simple vibe where the focus is entirely on the food. The experience is auditory and olfactory-the air is filled with the appetizing smell of frying fish and dill. 
• What to order: Grilled Hemibagrus fish (Chả cá). The fish sizzles on a hot pan at your table; dip it in Shrimp Paste (Mắm Tôm) with lemon and chili for an explosion of umami. 
• Tips: The smell of grilled fish and oil can stick to your clothes, so wear something casual and comfortable. 

• Address: 26 Lan Ong St., Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 10:30 - 22:00
• Phone: 0375 542 627

Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps in the Old Quarter

• No prices on the menu: Avoid restaurants that don’t list prices or use unclear pricing (e.g., “market price” without telling you beforehand).
• Aggressive staff outside: Good restaurants usually don’t need to pull customers in and be careful with places where staff stop you on the street.
• Empty inside but flashy ads: A “shiny” signboard with no local customers can be a warning sign.
• Check reviews: Always check Google Maps and filter for the newest reviews before you walk in.
• Quick tip: Choose places where many Vietnamese customers are eating, and where prices are clearly shown at the entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter?

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