Top 10 Famous Old Quarter Restaurants in Hanoi

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is not only famous for its history spanning over a thousand years but also for being one of Vietnam’s most attractive culinary centers. The narrow streets around Hoan Kiem Lake are home to everything from traditional eateries to upscale restaurants catering to international visitors.

When searching for Hanoi Old Quarter restaurants, visitors can easily find hundreds of options, ranging from 3-star and 4-star establishments to high-end 5-star restaurants. Each location offers a different experience, but all contribute to the unique culinary identity of the Old Quarter.

Why is Hanoi’s Old Quarter cuisine so attractive to tourists?

Hanoi’s Old Quarter cuisine is a blend of traditional culture, sophisticated cooking techniques, and distinctive Northern Vietnamese ingredients.

Key highlights:

• A time-honored traditional flavor.
• A wide variety of local dishes.
• Many restaurants meet international standards.
• The space has a distinctly old Hanoi feel.
• Suitable for both Vietnamese and international guests.

Visitors to the Old Quarter often spend most of their time exploring famous dishes such as pho, bun cha, cha ca, banh cuon, bun thang, and egg coffee.

Top 10 Most Popular Old Quarter Restaurants in Hanoi

1. Essence Restaurant

As one of the most renowned restaurants in the Old Quarter, Essence Restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese dishes prepared in a modern style.

Key features:

• A luxurious space.
• The menu is varied.
• Professional service.

2. Red Bean Restaurant

Bu’s House Homestay is a very popular chain of homestays and serviced apartments in Hanoi, famous for its romantic message: “A place for dreamers.” This homestay chain scores points thanks to its cozy Rustic-Vintage design style , using natural materials such as raw wood, rattan and bamboo, and its unique room names inspired by nature, such as the Starfruit Tree Room, the Banana Room, and the Mountain Room.

• The restaurant is highly rated by many international guests for its combination of Vietnamese cuisine and international service style.

3. Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine

Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine (or Cau Go Restaurant) is one of the most upscale fine dining Vietnamese restaurants in the heart of the capital . Located on the upper floors of the iconic “Shark’s Jaw” building, the restaurant is renowned for its breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Hoan Kiem Lake . 

• Boasting a beautiful view of Hoan Kiem Lake, Cau Go is the ideal place to enjoy a romantic dinner.

4. Home Hanoi Restaurant

HOME Hanoi Restaurant (often referred to as HOME Vietnamese Restaurant ) is a renowned high-end fine dining restaurant in the capital city . Honored in the Michelin Selected category and ranked among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide on Tripadvisor, it’s the ideal destination for those wishing to savor the finest Vietnamese cuisine in a nostalgic, artistic setting. 

• Offering an authentic Northern Vietnamese culinary experience in a charming, old-fashioned villa setting.

5. Tung’s Kitchen

Tung’s Kitchen (Tung’s Kitchen Vietnamese Cuisine & Vegetarian Food) is one of the most popular and highly-rated family-run restaurants (Top 20 on Tripadvisor Hoan Kiem) in the Old Quarter . Most recently, the restaurant received the prestigious Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award . 

This place is considered the “perfect bridge” for tourists who want to fully enjoy the core flavors of Hanoi’s street food but are wary of the low, plastic sidewalk chairs and desire a clean, air-conditioned space with proper tables and chairs. 

• Famous for its traditional Hanoi dishes and reasonable prices.

6. Madame Hien Restaurant

Madame Hien Restaurant is one of the most special fine dining destinations in Vietnam, located in the heart of the capital . Founded by Dider Corlou – the legendary former head chef of the 5-star Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – the restaurant is a heartfelt tribute to his wife’s grandmother (Mrs. Hien) and Vietnamese women in general, through dishes that embody the authentic flavors of traditional home-cooked meals. 

A little historical note: Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the restaurant was located on Chan Cam Street. Currently, the entire space has been moved to a new location on Hang Be Street . This is the site of the old French villa built in 1928, which was the former address of the once-famous Green Tangerine restaurant. 

• One of the upscale restaurants favored by many foreign tourists.

7. Green Tangerine

Green Tangerine was once one of the most legendary names on the fine dining map of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. However, it’s important to note that Green Tangerine restaurant has now permanently closed (ceased operations during the Covid-19 pandemic).

• A unique French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant in the heart of the old town.

8. Hanoi Garden Restaurant

Hanoi Garden Restaurant is likened to a peaceful “green oasis” nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of the 36 streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter . Established in 1998, the restaurant is located on Hang Manh Street – a street famous for its traditional rice paper and bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli) dishes. 

With its Michelin Selected status for many consecutive years (most recently updated in 2026), this is the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy exquisite Vietnamese cuisine in an artistic Indochine setting.

• The lush green surroundings and diverse menu are major advantages of this restaurant.

9. Duong’s Restaurant

Duong’s Restaurant (often written as Duong’s Restaurant) is a highly popular culinary destination in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter . Founded by Chef Hoang Duong – a talented individual who reached the top 4 of the Top Chef Vietnam competition and participated in Iron Chef Vietnam – the restaurant proudly holds the prestigious title of Michelin Selected for four consecutive years (2023-2026) in the Michelin Guide Vietnam. 

This place is the perfect blend of the authentic charm of Hanoi street food and the sophisticated presentation and preparation techniques of French cuisine. 

• Highly rated for food quality and service.

10. Highway4

Highway4 is a very long-standing and unique Vietnamese restaurant and bar brand in Hanoi . Established in 2000, Highway4 pioneered the elevation of Northwest Vietnam’s highland cuisine, subtly combining it with traditional handcrafted spirits (especially the internationally renowned Son Tinh brand). 

With its relaxed, down-to-earth yet meticulous service style, the restaurant proudly features in the Michelin Selected list of the Michelin Guide.

• This is a popular destination for those who want to explore highland cuisine and Vietnamese specialties.

Top 10 5-Star Restaurants in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

1. Madame Hien Restaurant

• A luxurious restaurant with a high-end menu featuring authentic Vietnamese flavors.

2. Cau Go Restaurant

• A luxurious space with a direct view of Hoan Kiem Lake.

3. Press Club Restaurant

• A familiar address for businesspeople and international visitors.

4. Home Hanoi Restaurant

• A blend of traditional architecture and exquisite cuisine.

5. Green Tangerine

• High-end French-Vietnamese cuisine .

6. Duong’s Restaurant

• The restaurant has received many positive reviews from international tourists.

7. Red Bean Restaurant

• Professional service and a diverse menu.

8. Star Anise

• A famous fine dining restaurant in Hanoi.

9. Cloud Nine Restaurant

• The elegant space is perfect for special occasions.

10. Stellar Steakhouse

• An ideal choice for diners who appreciate high-end European cuisine.

Top 10 4-Star Restaurants in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

1. Essence Restaurant

• Famous for its traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

2. Hanoi Garden Restaurant

• A spacious and airy area amidst the bustling old town.

3. Tung’s Kitchen

• Authentic Hanoi cuisine .

4. Old Street Restaurant

• The menu is diverse and the prices are reasonable.

5. Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su Restaurant

• A famous place to enjoy pho.

6. Sen Trang An Restaurant

• Traditional Northern Vietnamese dish .

7. Little Hanoi Restaurant

• Popular with many international visitors.

8. Gia Ngu Restaurant

• The atmosphere is cozy and the service is professional.

9. Hanoi Food Culture Restaurant

• Focus on Hanoi’s specialties.

10. Thang Long Restaurant

• Suitable for families and tour groups.

Top 10 3-Star Restaurants in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

1. New Day Restaurant

• Affordable prices , diverse menu.

2. Well No

• Famous for its Hanoi-style bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli).

3. Traditional Pho

• One of the oldest pho restaurants.

4. Banh Cuon Ba Xuan

• This traditional Vietnamese rice roll dish is famous.

5. Xoi Yen

• A popular breakfast spot for people in Hanoi .

6. Banh Mi 25

• Popular with many international tourists .

7. Cha Ca Thang Long

• Hanoi’s specialty fish cake .

8. Pho Bat Dan

• Famous for its traditional pho flavor.

9. Good Morning Ba Duc

• Authentic Hanoi-style bun thang .

10. Trang Tien Corner Ice Cream

• The ideal stop after exploring the old town.

Famous Dishes of Hanoi’s Old Quarter Cuisine

Hanoi Pho

• This iconic dish of the capital city features a clear and naturally sweet broth.

Bun Cha

• This famous dish has been enjoyed by many international heads of state when they visited Hanoi.

Fish Cake

• A long -standing specialty with a unique flavor.

Bun Thang

• Elaborate dishes reflect the refined taste of the people of Hanoi.

Rice Rolls

• A familiar breakfast dish for the people of the capital city.

Egg Coffee

• This popular drink is loved by international tourists.

DETAILED ITINERARY FROM MORNING TO NIGHT

Morning: The Essence of the Morning & The Heart of the Capital

• 07:30 – 08:30: Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan . Wake up a little early to queue up and experience a bowl of traditional beef pho (49 Bat Dan) [Pho]. The clear, sweet broth with the fragrant aroma of cinnamon and star anise will awaken your taste buds.
• 08:30 – 09:30: Check-in at the Grand Cathedral . Take a stroll along Ly Quoc Su Street to reach the Hanoi Grand Cathedral . Admire the ancient, moss-covered Gothic architecture and enjoy a glass of authentic Hanoi-style “street-side lemon tea”.
• 09:30 – 11:30: Stroll around Ho Guom Lake . Walk to Hoan Kiem Lake . Buy a ticket to cross the bright red The Huc Bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple . On the way, stop by Trang Tien Street for a refreshing ice cream with sticky rice or coconut milk.
• 11:30 – 12:45: Lunch at Hang Quat Bun Cha . Head north towards the Old Quarter , turn into alley 74 Hang Quat to enjoy a serving of Bun Cha grilled over charcoal with crispy edges.

Afternoon: Historical Landmarks & Snack Paradise

• 13:00 – 14:00: Explore Ma May Ancient House . Walk to Ma May Street and visit the heritage house at 87 Ma May [Ma May Ancient House]. This 19th-century tube house with a sun-drenched atrium will give you a clear glimpse into the lifestyle of Hanoians in the past.
• 14:15 – 16:00: Explore Dong Xuan Market . Stroll through the O Quan Chuong gate and head towards Dong Xuan Market . After browsing the stalls, head straight into the market alley to try a bowl of incredibly flavorful crab noodle soup with fried shallots and onions [Bun Rieu] or the crispy shrimp cakes at Co Am’s .
• 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM: Enjoy Egg Coffee . Walk towards Nguyen Huu Huan Street , into the small alley of Cafe Giang to sip a warm, creamy cup of Egg Coffee . At this time, the city lights up, creating a very romantic atmosphere.

Evening: Sunset from Above & “The Street That Never Sleeps”

• 18:00 – 19:30: Watch the sunset at Rooftop Cafe . Visit Skyline Hanoi (38 Gia Ngu) or Café Balcony (19 Hang Be) for a refreshing drink and enjoy the panoramic view of the Old Quarter’s tiled roofs sparkling with lights from above [Rooftop Cafes].
• 8:00 PM – Late Night: Spend the night at Ta Hien Beer Street . Walk a few steps to Ta Hien Street. Sit on a plastic chair by the sidewalk, order a few cold beers to enjoy with fried fermented pork rolls, grilled quail, and savor the boundless, lively atmosphere.

Tips for Choosing Restaurants in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

• Make a reservation in advance for the weekend.
• Prioritize restaurants near Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Refer to reviews from international customers.
• Experience both high-end restaurants and traditional eateries.
• You should try the local specialties.

Conclude

Hanoi Old Quarter Restaurant is the perfect choice to explore the capital’s distinctive culinary scene. From luxurious 5-star restaurants and quality 4-star establishments to authentic 3-star eateries, Hanoi’s Old Quarter always offers memorable culinary experiences for every visitor. If you have the chance to visit Hanoi, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy famous dishes and discover the unique food culture of this thousand-year-old quarter.

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