Exploring local food is a must when you visit the heart of Hanoi. If you’re looking for restaurants near Hoan Kiem Lake that tick all the boxes of great food, a beautiful setting, and a strong sense of Vietnamese culture, this curated guide is for you. Here are nine trusted spots loved by both locals and international travelers for a memorable meal in the Old Quarter.
1. May Tre Dan Restaurant | A symphony of Vietnamese Culture
Topping the list of restaurants near Hoan Kiem Lake is May Tre Dan, a place that not only serves food but also tells the story of traditional craftsmanship. The restaurant makes a strong impression with a sophisticated combination of traditional cuisine and contemporary spatial art.
- Highlight: A unique combination of natural, organic ingredients and a "one-of-a-kind" Instagrammable space designed entirely from handmade bamboo and rattan, creating a cozy, luxurious atmosphere with a bold Indochine vibe.
- Must-try: Crispy Sea Crab Spring Rolls (Signature Spring Rolls) and Aromatic La Vong Grilled Fish with dill.
- Best for: Guests who love exploring Vietnamese culture, luxury photo spots, hosting international partners, or a romantic dinner.
Contact:
- Address: 153 Hang Bong St., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 11:30 - 22:00
- Phone: +84 886 028 558
2. Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine | Dining with a View of Hoan Kiem Lake
If you want to enjoy delicious food while taking in the shimmering beauty of the Turtle Tower, Cau Go is the ideal spot.
- Highlight: Panoramic view looking directly at Hoan Kiem Lake. The space is designed in the style of Old Hanoi with shuttered windows and classic ceiling fans.
- Must-try: Fresh seafood cooked in Vietnamese style and Five-spice grilled ribs.
- Best for: Tourists who want to go sightseeing, couples on dates, and VIP groups.
Contact:
- Address: 5th & 6th Floor - 7 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 09:30 - 23:00
3. Luk Lak Vietnamese Restaurant | A modern touch
Under the talented hands of Chef Madame Binh, Luk Lak brings a fresh breeze to Vietnamese cuisine. The dishes here are an intersection between traditional flavors and sophisticated, modern cooking techniques.
- Highlight: Gentle Fusion dishes, focusing on "awakening the taste buds" (Gentle awakening of the palate) using characteristic spices from the Northwest highlands.
- Must-try: Grilled Mán pork (free-range pig) with Mac Khen (wild pepper), Crispy skin roasted duck.
- Best for: Gourmets, those who love creativity, and a modern, elegant Bistro atmosphere.
Contact:
- Address: 4A Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 07:00 - 23:00
4. The Gourmet Corner Restaurant | High-Altitude cuisine
Hidden on the high floor of a luxury boutique hotel, The Gourmet Corner is a destination of serenity and elegance. The restaurant is famous for its impeccable service and Vietnamese Fine Dining menu.
- Highlight: Vietnamese Fine Dining experience with a 360-degree view looking down at the mossy Old Quarter and the Red River in the distance.
- Must-try: Bamboo tube grilled beef and specially designed Tasting menus.
- Best for: Special anniversaries, Western guests wanting to experience 5-star service.
Contact:
- Address: 12th Floor, 32 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 11:30 - 22:00
5. Cai Mam Bistro | Cozy family meal
Recreating the atmosphere of old Northern family meals, Cai Mam Bistro brings a familiar feeling like returning home. The space is small but full of warmth and nostalgia.
- Highlight: Specializes in serving well-rounded "Family Trays" (Mam Com), featuring a rich Vegan menu that is highly rated by the vegetarian travel community.
- Must-try: Macrobiotic Vegetarian Tray, fried Tofu with Scallions.
- Best for: Small family groups, vegetarians, and those who love the "Subsidy era" vintage style.
Contact:
- Address: 29 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 10:30 - 22:30
6. Hong Hoai’s Restaurant | Friendly culinary experience
Famous for its hospitality and warm smiles always on their faces, Hong Hoai's is where you can most clearly feel the enthusiasm of Hanoians. This is not just a place to eat but also an interesting cultural exchange spot.
- Highlight: Extremely friendly service (Hospitality), often organizing small cooking classes for tourists. The menu focuses on elevated street food.
- Must-try: Heirloom Beef Pho and Bun Cha on bamboo sticks.
- Best for: Backpackers, groups of young friends, people who want to learn how to cook Vietnamese food.
Contact:
- Address: 20 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
7. The East Tonkin | Echoes of Indochine
Bearing the quiet beauty of Indochine architecture, The East takes diners back in time to an old, elegant, and poetic Hanoi.
- Highlight: Decor with cement tiles and characteristic wooden doors. The menu focuses deeply on showcasing authentic Northern flavors (Tonkin flavors) with little fusion.
- Must-try: Shrimp and meat Spring Rolls and Banana Flower Salad.
- Best for: International guests who love history, and quiet spaces for conversation.
Contact:
- Address: 5B Tong Duy Tan / or 8A Hang Tre (depending on branch), Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
8. Viet Rice Essence | The story of Vietnam’s Staple
True to its name, this restaurant honors rice - the soul of Vietnamese cuisine. From pure white rice grains, chefs have transformed them into countless irresistible delicacies.
- Highlight: Using regional specialty rice varieties for cooking. The layout is modern mixed with a touch of folklore with wet rice motifs.
- Must-try: Royal Lotus Rice and fresh rice paper rolls.
- Best for: Guests wanting to explore the diversity of rice dishes, or a luxurious business lunch.
Contact:
- Address: 32 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 11:00 - 22:00
9. Luc Thuy Restaurant & Lounge | Luxury by the Turtle Tower
A prime lakeside location with an airy setting, blending Asian–European dishes and polished lounge service. This is a familiar stop for the elite and cultural events.
- Highlight: "Prime of the prime" location. Open, airy space, combining Asian-European cuisine and high-class Lounge service.
- Must-try: High-end Asian set menus and Afternoon Tea Parties.
- Best for: Hosting VIP guests, business people, important events, afternoon relaxation.
Contact:
- Address: 16 Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 07:00 - 23:00
FAQs about restaurants near Hoan Kiem Lake?
To help your food tour journey go as smoothly as possible, here are the answers to common questions from international tourists when looking for a restaurant near Hoan Kiem Lake:
Are these restaurants walkable from Hoan Kiem Lake?
Yes. Every restaurant near Hoan Kiem Lake on this list is within walking distance, taking only 2 to 10 minutes from the lake and the Old Quarter. May Tre Dan, in particular, is located in an extremely central position, making it very convenient to move around after sightseeing.
Do I need a reservation? Best time to go for a lake view?
No, it is not strictly required. However, we recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance on weekends (Friday - Sunday) when the walking street is active. The golden hour for sightseeing is sunset (17:30 - 18:30) or in the evening when the city lights up.
Vegetarian/vegan options near Hoan Kiem?
Certainly. Vietnamese cuisine is very friendly to vegetarians. Cai Mam Bistro specializes in vegetarian rice, and at May Tre Dan, we also have a separate Vegetarian Menu prepared with fresh Organic vegetables, ensuring lightness but full nutrition.
Do they accept credit cards? Any service charge/tipping?
Most restaurants on the list accept Visa/Mastercard payments. Regarding tipping, Vietnamese culture does not make it mandatory, but a service charge of 5-10% is often included in the bill at high-end restaurants.
How to avoid tourist traps in the Old Quarter?
Check the Menu and listed prices carefully before ordering. Avoid overly aggressive soliciting on the street. Choosing reputable restaurants near Hoan Kiem Lake with clear addresses, websites, and good reviews on Google Maps like the list we suggested above is the safest way.
Hanoi is not only beautiful for its scenery but also memorable for its flavors. We hope the list of the Top 9 best restaurants above helps you find a suitable restaurant near Hoan Kiem Lake to recharge and enjoy the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.