Once one of Vietnam’s most important trading ports, Hoi An has become a popular tourist city. The old city, a remarkable fusion of cultures, has preserved its beauty and the heritage of the imperial cuisine of central Vietnam, the imprint left by the Chinese, Japanese and especially the French of the colonial era with specialties such as cao lau, Quang noodles and shrimp dumplings.
Here is our selection of the best restaurants in Hoi An
1. Morning Glory
At Morning Glory, customers are offered many options, from classics like Quang Noodles (yellow rice noodles with shrimp, pork, vegetables and toasted rice paper) and Cao Lau to more contemporary creations. The owner, Ms. Vy, shows her passion for the traditions and culture of Hoi An. She respects the classic recipes by rethinking the home cooking passed down from her grandmother, preserving the authentic flavors. The restaurant’s historic premises and the building’s facade are an obvious reminder of the French colonial period. Its interior is finely decorated for a refined dining experience. Despite its higher price tag than other restaurants, Morning Glory attracts diners with its authenticity and quality regional cuisine.
- Address : 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc street
- Tel : 0235 2241 555
2. Aubergine49
Aubergine49 offers a full menu of contemporary Eurasian cuisine, exquisite wines and homemade desserts. The gourmet restaurant’s kitchen is led by Vietnamese chef Nguyen Nhu Thinh, who has worked at the Lanesborough Hotel, Padstow Seafood Restaurant and Nihonryori Ryugin, a three-star Tokyo restaurant. Housed in a two-story building, Aubergine49 features simple monochromatic decor, black wood furniture, potted plants, an outdoor patio and an upstairs terrace overlooking Ly Thai To Street.
To maintain the quality of its dishes, the restaurant uses only locally sourced meat, fish, vegetables and herbs, with bread, ice cream and desserts also made from local produce. Its a la carte options start at VND135,000, you can enjoy innovative dishes such as pistachio crusted goat cheese, duck liver parfait, miso wolf, roast rack of lamb and stuffed squid. Guests can also opt for a seasonal menu (350,000 VND per person), which includes a starter, main course and dessert. We highly recommend finishing your meal with the dark chocolate (120,000 VND) and banoffee pie with brandy snap and a Dalat yogurt sorbet (100,000 VND).
Aubergine49 restaurant is a 15-minute walk from Hoi An’s Old Town, making it a good choice for a break from the crowds. As there are only eight tables available, it is highly recommended to book in advance (at least the day before).
- Address: 49A Ly Thai To street
- Tel: 0235 2212 190
3. Mango Mango
During the night in Hoi An, the view of the Thu Bon River is a must. Mango Mango is located right across the river. It is a once forgotten area, but is becoming increasingly popular with tourists who want to store for arts, crafts and souvenirs go to the market or enjoy a good meal outside the busy city center. It offers a variety of traditional Vietnamese recipes and Western dishes. Although the prices are more expensive than other restaurants, the location right in front of the Japanese Bridge makes it the perfect place to enjoy the breathtaking view of the river. In the evening, the river is illuminated with all the colors and colorful lanterns.
4. Miss Ly Café
Miss Ly Cafe is a legendary Hoi An eatery that has been in operation for over 20 years. Just a five-minute walk from the Hoi An Folklore Museum, this charming, family-run restaurant is arguably the best place to relax and enjoy authentic Hoi An specialties after a day spent exploring ancient Hoi An. Surrounded by old stores, it features simple wooden furniture, ceiling fans, warm lighting and vintage paintings, while traditional music plays in the background.
Miss Ly Cafe offers a reasonably priced menu of popular Hoi An dishes, vegetarian rice and noodles, fruit smoothies, Vietnamese coffee and a selection of imported wines and beers. The owner prepares all dishes herself, while ingredients are sourced from Tra Que, Cham Island, Ba Le and Cam Nam villages. Guests with food allergies or specific dietary preferences can also customize their meal accordingly.
Signature dishes include Cao Lau (soft rice noodles in a pork-based sauce topped with barbecued Chinese pork slices, bean sprouts, croutons and fresh herbs), Banh Bao Vac (white rose ravioli), Wonton Nuong Dumplings (grilled pork). Located in Hoi An’s old town, Miss Ly Cafe is just around the corner from the Fujian meeting room. Due to its popularity, Miss Ly Café is often full during peak hours, so go early to avoid the wait.
- Address: 45 Nguyen Phuc Chu street
- Tel: 0235 3911 863
5. U Café
A fusion of Japanese and Vietnamese flavors, U Cafe is located on the riverfront, a 20-minute walk from the old town towards Cua Dai Beach. Ideal for visiting nearby stores and tourist attractions. Its structure and facilities are designed to reduce negative impacts on the river by recycling water. The same values are applied to the food, as well as the drinks and coffee they serve, sourced from the local market and organic farms. The fish ponds, plants and lotus flowers on the three levels of the café give the impression of being in a green oasis.
- Address: 120 Huyen Tran Cong Chua street
- Tel: 0235 6535 768
6. Little Faifo
Little Faifo is an upscale restaurant within walking distance of the Japanese Covered Bridge and Fujian Temple. Featuring antique furniture, unique family heirlooms, oil paintings and ceramics, it includes a bar, coffee area, terrace, restaurant and art gallery featuring the works of local artists. As for food, Little Faifo specializes in Central Vietnamese cuisine, pastries by the glass and Italian coffee. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of cocktails, wines and beers in the open-air patio section, a resident pianist plays between 7pm and 9pm daily while acoustic performances take place Thursday through Saturday.
- Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc street
- Tel: 0235 3917 444
Hoi An is one of the prettiest and busiest cities in the country where there are many restaurants. The above list is just some of the best restaurants in Hoi An. Come and visit the city and discover its cuisine, you won’t be disappointed.
