On the main streets Phan Xi Pang, Muong Hoa and Cau May, you will find many restaurants including the best restaurants in Sapa.
Most serve regional meals, but as this is a foreigner-friendly place, they all try to offer a little of everything. You can find a mix of American, French and Italian cuisine, however, try some local specialties
1. Le Gecko Chalet
Gecko Chalet is also one of the must-visit restaurants in Sapa. It is a 50-year-old stilt house built by the Tay people in Sapa, which has four distinct spaces.
The terrace outside the second floor is the open space to view the streets and the daily life of the locals. The second floor is warmly furnished for guests to have breakfast, lunch and dinner. The balcony on the second floor offers a panoramic view of Ham Rong Mountain.
The interior of the second floor is specially designed with 180-degree reclining cushions so that you can rest comfortably after a hike.
- Address: 03 Suoi Ho, Sapa Town, Sapa
- Tel: 024 3938 6650
2. Antique Sapa
A simple and good value restaurant with a very good menu. Many restaurants in Sapa are now trying to attract tourists with local menus ranging from 6 to 7 USD consisting of an appetizer, a main course and a drink (local hot wine or tea), but they are not all comparable in terms of taste, quality and quantity. Antique Sapa is at the forefront in all these areas and offers one of the best menus with generous portions and meals that will make you fall in love with the local cuisine.
An example of the vegetarian menu: Curried vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, onions and beans) with steamed rice
- Other recommendations: Pumpkin Soup
- Address: 2A Fansipan
3. Nature View
One of the most expensive and fancy restaurants in Sapa, but well worth it. This restaurant is known for its great atmosphere, delicious food and fast and friendly service. It serves local and international cuisine and has a wide menu. I definitely saw more tourists than locals, probably because of the price range. I particularly enjoyed the lemongrass and basil stir-fried chicken, the yogurt stir-fried chicken was just as good. There were also a decent number of vegetarian options on the menu, so I’d say this is one of those places to eat in Sapa that vegetarians will love to eat at.
It’s also a place where you can dine with a fantastic view of the hilly surroundings, Nature View, stays true to its name. The menu offers a mix of delicious Vietnamese and Western dishes. The dining experience is further enhanced by the service. It’s a great place to take some time for yourself, sit outside, above the clouds, and sip local Lao Cai coffee while reading a good book. Moreover, it is open 24 hours a day!
- Other recommendations: Spicy fried potatoes, pasta, vegetarian and tofu dishes.
- Address : 61 Fansipan, Sapa
4. Little Sapa
It is one of the best restaurants in Sapa for its truly authentic and reasonably priced Vietnamese food. The prices are among the lowest in town (meals cost between $5 and $10) and the quality of the food is always very high. The staff doesn’t speak English well, so be patient when ordering, the waiters understand things correctly most of the time.
With a delicious menu and fast, friendly service, this is another great place to enjoy local specialties. Here, customers will get ultimate satisfaction with its wide selection of dishes at a reasonable price. The staff is very friendly and will accompany you at all times.
Little Sapa Restaurant offers French, Vietnamese, Asian, Italian and vegetarian dishes. It sees a good mix of local customers and tourists.
A must-try dish is the Sapa Mushroom and Tomato Soup, which will also help you stay warm in cold weather. The pho-ga (chicken noodle soup) is also worth a mention and is probably one of the best pho dishes you can find in town. The fiery garlic sauce on the tables is a great accompaniment to most dishes !
- Other recommendations: Spring rolls with fish, tofu, vegetables in tomato sauce and vegetable curry.
- Address: 18 rue Cau May
5. Baguette & Chocolat
It’s basically an expensive French cafe offering great croissants, stuffed baguettes, all day breakfast, eggs, coffee and desserts. Personally, I’m a big fan of this cafe, check it out to learn more about its mission and contribution to the local community.
Recommendations: baguette with sauteed zucchini, eggplant, white onion and tomato puree, Hunter’s omelet, chocolate croissant, lemon pie and apple and goat cheese spring rolls. Address: 4 Thac Ba
6. Red Dao House Restaurant
Visit Red Dao House, one of the best restaurants in Sapa, and enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant is highlighted with traditional wooden decoration, creating a comfortable and warm atmosphere. With an innovative dining menu and a team of well-trained staff dressed in nice uniforms, you will have a great time there.
On the way to the Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac), you will find the Red Dao House restaurant, located in a traditional style house of the Red Dao people. On the menu, rural foods such as wild boar “heo rung cap nach” and rice in bamboo tube. Meals are affordable and you can sit outside if you want to bask in the sun.
Address: 4B Thac Bac
Whether you are a gourmet, a vegetarian or a picky eater, there is something for everyone in this beautiful multi-ethnic region.