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Home > Vietnam > Closest Vietnamese Restaurant - Authentic Dining in Hanoi Old Quarter
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Hena Nguyen
Hanoi is famous for its many tourist attractions and diverse regional cuisine of Vietnam.The city’s culinary scene showcases the finest traditions of Northern Vietnam, blending ancient flavors with modern influences. In particular, Hanoi Old Quarter is not only famous for its ancient beauty and unique culture but also a culinary paradise with an array of exceptional Vietnamese restaurants.
The closest Vietnamese restaurants in the Old Quarter are Cha Ca Thang Long, Era, Tam Vi, Quan An Ngon, Cau Go, etc. This is definitely an ideal destination for those who want to explore Vietnamese food in the heart of ancient Hanoi. Let Viland Travel inspire you with our top dining picks in this culinary haven.

Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine offers stunning open-air views the heart of Hanoi

1. Why Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a Culinary Paradise:

Hanoi's Old Quarter is a true culinary gem, offering a rich and refined dining experience that honors the spirit of the city’s millennia-old traditions. Each dish not only pleases the taste buds but also tells a story of Vietnam's cultural heritage, combining with contemporary flair in a subtle way. In addition, local chefs always take great pride in ensuring that every dish reflects the spirit of the city.
Visitors can easily get typical local cuisine in Hanoi's Old Quarter, such as pho, bun cha, banh cuon, La Vong fish cakes, bun thang, etc. Beyond these beloved favorites, the Old Quarter also becomes well known for iconic snacks, such as banh goi, nem ran, che, tao pho, egg coffee, etc.
Visitors to Hanoi can indulge their taste buds with traditional flavors while enjoying high-class service and attentive hospitality. Whether you are looking for a sophisticated snack, a rustic local dish, or a fine dining experience in a luxurious space, Hanoi Old Quarter can satisfy. Here, the fusion of local cuisine and elegant service style brings diners unforgettable moments in their journey to explore the capital.

Bun thang – the quintessence of Hanoi cuisine

2. Top 5 nearest restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter area:

2.1. Cau Go Restaurant

Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant is one of the top Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi. The restaurant has a traditional style and is the closest Vietnamese restaurant to the old quarter, convenient for traveling. Its name takes after Cau Go Street - one of the 36 original streets of Hanoi's old quarter.
Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine offers the most distinctive dishes of Hanoi, as well as traditional Vietnamese cuisine from regions across the country. The restaurant impresses both local and international diners with its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu. Signature dishes like Bún Chả, Lẩu Cá Măng Chua, Canh Ếch Bông Điên Điển, Chả Tôm, Phở Cuốn, and "homemade" dishes bring the comforting flavors of a traditional family meal - warm, familiar, and delicious.

Simple, rustic and warm meal with a strong hometown flavor at Cau Go Restaurant

2.2. Restaurant "Quan An Ngon"

Set in an ancient French colonial villa, Quan An Ngon offers first-time visitors a charming glimpse into Hanoi's architectural heritage. This restaurant has received many positive reviews from both domestic and foreign diners.
Quan An Ngon restaurant is designed and operated in the style of a "Vietnamese culinary market", very unique and interesting. This is one of the characteristics that makes the brand of this restaurant. The space is decorated like an old country market: small stalls are designed like rustic stalls, roofed with thatch, with dish names hanging on wooden or bamboo signs.
Diners can order at the table or walk around the “market” to choose dishes and watch the chefs prepare the dishes on the spot. Visitors will experience the feeling of being immersed in an authentic country market when coming to the restaurant. Coming to the restaurant, you will enjoy a curated selection of iconic dishes from Northern, Central and Southern Vietnam, including pho, bun cha, bun bo Hue, spring rolls, banh xeo, bun rieu oc, com tam, etc.
  • Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Tel: +84 902 126 963

Quan An Ngon's attractive "bún riêu ốc" dish is beautifully presented on a rustic wooden table.

2.3. Tam Vi Restaurant

Tam Vi Hanoi is honored to be one of the 4 restaurants awarded a Michelin star in 2023. This is a delicious Vietnamese restaurant in Hanoi, prepared according to the flavors of traditional Northern meals with a classic space imbued with the old Northern style. Here, meals are cooked from simple ingredients but are memorable for the authentic home-cooked meals.
Tam Vi's menu is very diverse, featuring over 100 authentic home-cooked dishes at reasonable prices, making it perfect for visitors' exploration. Tam Vi's menu is not only limited to Northern dishes but also includes specialties of the Central and Southern regions. In particular, the most popular dishes are still braised fish in a clay pot, tofu marinated with onions, boiled water spinach, canh cua rau mồng tơi, braised pork with eggs, etc.
  • Address: 4B Yen The Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi City, Vietnam.
  • Tel: + 84 966 323 131

Tam Vi Restaurant - Elevating family meals to Michelin star level

2.4. Era Restaurant

Era is located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter and is a famous restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern touch and authentic hometown flavors. The restaurant space has a wonderful classic style with old paintings reminiscent of an old and romantic Hanoi. Era Restaurant is an ideal dining place for locals and international visitors.
Era's menu features great dishes such as rich pho, bun cha, and ca kho to with a profound hometown flavor, and various vegetarian dishes on order. In addition to its diverse menu, Era is known for its warm hospitality and attentive service. The staff here speaks fluent English and is always ready to help, making every diner feel comfortable. Era Restaurant is not just a restaurant, but rather an immersive journey into Vietnamese gastronomic culture in the heart of Hanoi.

The classic space of Era restaurant with old paintings reminds of an old Hanoi

2.5. Cha Ca Thang Long Restaurant

Cha Ca Thang Long Restaurant is one of the long-standing, famous for its signature dish - “chả cá”, a must-try specialty of Hanoi. Cha ca Ha Noi is also the best food of Vietnam that you should experience when coming to Vietnam. The cha ca dish here is elaborately prepared from fresh ca lang, marinated with traditional spices and grilled until golden, then fried again in a pan with dill and green onions right at the table, creating an irresistible aroma.
In addition to the famous fish cake, the restaurant also serves some familiar dishes such as cá lăng hot pot, fish stomach, canh cá dọc mùng, ruốc cá lăng, and nem cá lăng. From the preparation of ingredients, food, and spices to the processing style, fish cakes at Thang Long Fish Cake Restaurant always have unique marks and delicious flavors different from other places. With reasonable prices and quick, enthusiastic service, Thang Long Fish Cake is an ideal stop for those seeking to savor Hanoi's taste in a lively and authentic setting.

Catfish cake dish of Cha Ca Thang Long restaurant - Famous specialty of Hanoi cuisine

3. How to choose the best restaurant in the old quarter

To discover a truly delicious Vietnamese restaurant in the Old Quarter, you need a few small “tips” to avoid getting lost in the culinary maze.

3.1. What criteria do you use to evaluate a good Vietnamese restaurant?

A good Vietnamese restaurant is defined not only by the food flavor but also by the elegance of the presentation, the attentiveness of the service, and the overall dining experience. Fresh ingredients, a creative touch to traditional recipes, and a welcoming atmosphere all add to its charm. In addition, customer reviews on platforms like Google Maps, TripAdvisor, or Foody can be a valuable source of insights and information.

Beautifully presented pho rolls are an example of how visual appeal enhances the overall dining pleasure.

3.2. Find the “hidden gems” suggested by locals and Viland Travel

Not every famous restaurant can deliver on flavor, and some of the most delightful meals may come from lesser-known establishments. Locals are often known as the most trustworthy guides, as they know where to find authentic dishes at reasonable prices. Apart from that, referring to reputable travel agencies like Viland Travel can provide curated recommendations, well-liked by overseas and local tourists.

3.3. Catching food trends on TikTok and Instagram

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are full of 'viral' food review videos that represent trending dishes and dining places. Food trends, especially from famous food reviewers, often offer attractive and up-to-date suggestions. However, it is essential to remain discerning, as not all viral places truly deliver on quality. Always check community feedback carefully to ensure an authentic and satisfying culinary experience in Hanoi.
 

4. Dining in Hanoi: More Than Just a Meal, It's a Unique Journey

Dining in Hanoi does not stop at simply enjoying food, but it is about the story and cultural value behind it. It could be a story about a family recipe that has been preserved for generations, a space with a strong Indochinese imprint, or a small corner of the old town that contains the atmosphere of old Hanoi.

The space of Quan An Ngon restaurant has the ancient features of Hanoi
Hanoi's culinary scene evokes both taste and sentiment, where iconic specialties like bún chả and bún thang meet a service style steeped in tradition, grace, and quiet refinement. The dining space here is also distinctive - it can be an ancient villa, a small attic overlooking the street, or a quiet garden in the heart of the city. Altogether, these elements create a distinctive experience—not only to enjoy the food, but also to sense and better understand the rhythm of life, the culture, and the people of Hanoi
 

Final thoughts

Cuisine is an indispensable part of the journey to discover Hanoi, and nowhere is this essence more evident than at Closest Vietnamese Restaurant. Each dish here reflects not only a perfect combination of traditional flavors and a culturally rich space but also an experience associated with the typical lifestyle of Hanoians. If you are looking for a complete culinary journey - where emotions, memories, and taste buds are sublimated - let Viland Travel accompany you to discover the "hidden gems" nestled within the ancient streets of Hanoi.
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