9 Best Restaurants in Halong Bay and North-Central Vietnam, Vietnam

This Thai eatery was opened by Daniel Takianchan, a native of Bangkok, in 2006. With a big menu and wine on display from around the world, the open wooden dining area welcomes many expats and tourists. The tom yam koong is delicious and the chicken pandanus—chicken wrapped in pandan leaves and deep-fried— is not to be missed.

This little venue doesn't let you down. From the ornate Sanskrit-style lettering on the door to a menu well balanced with meat and vegetarian options, the restaurant is as authentic as they come.

The secret to having a good meal at this Cat Ba restaurant/hostel/hotel is ordering what is local and fresh. Pass on the steak and order instead whole fish, prawns, squid, or the house specialty: seafood hotpot. This Vietnamese version of fondue comes with fresh vegetables, noodles, and every type of seafood imaginable—simply drop them into a pot of boiling broth at your table.

A small and cute café full of travelers and cats, Like Coffee is a hit with its simplicity. The chai tea latte and fluffy pancakes are excellent, but it’s the milk shakes and egg coffee that bring repeat business.

This intricately designed café is a feast for the eyes. Its sharp angles, giant staircases, and glowing skylights make it feel more like an architectural display than a place to eat, but the coffee and sandwiches are worth the visit. The coffee is good and there is ample seating.

If it's hearty Western comfort food you are after, there is no better place in Haiphong. All the staples you would expect, such as pizza, steak, chicken wings, tacos, ribs, and nachos, are present and correct. To please everyone, a few European favorites like fish-and-chips and some Vietnamese dishes are also featured on the extensive menu. They have other branches as well: TexGrill 2 at 111C, Van Cao, Ngo Quyen; TexGrill at BH03-23, Manhattan 10, Vinhomes Imperia; TexGrill at Lot T213 Aeon Mall Hai Phong.

Located only a few meters away from Tam Coc Harbor, The Banana Tree Hostel-Kitchen-Bar is a large social hub and outdoor restaurant that offers spectacular Italian coffee and a range of comfortable seating options. Their menu is small but expertly executed. The Vietnamese salad and snacks are a delicious choice, and the Western food hits the spot. Be sure to ask about the daily specials.

Trung and Linda Nguyen accomplished a dream by opening this excellent restaurant and coffee shop across the river from Bai Chay in Hong Gai. The couple purchases their beans from the mountainous Dalat and roasts them on-site. Their big goal is to improve coffee culture in the city and show Vietnam how other countries drink coffee. The staff loves to help travelers discover the area.