Best Places to Eat in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (From Street Food to Fine Dining)

A short walk from Hanoi’s Old Quarter leads you to Hanoi Garden, a long-standing favorite since 1998. Housed in a charming Indochine-style villa with a tranquil courtyard, it’s the kind of place where time slows down — ideal for an unhurried lunch or a romantic dinner. With more than two decades of culinary experience, the Vietnamese chef adds a refined, creative twist to classic dishes. Expect vibrant flavors: crispy spring rolls, perfectly seasoned meats and fresh seafood. And whatever you do, order the House Special Nem Platter — a generous sampler that’s made for sharing and always a hit.

This spot has earned a cult following for its banh xeo — crispy rice pancakes stuffed with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts, pan-fried to golden perfection. Roll them up with herbs, wrap in rice paper, dip into tangy-sweet fish sauce, repeat. New here? Don’t worry — the staff guides you through the ritual, and the illustrated wall instructions make you look like a pro. Beyond the star dish, the menu offers spring rolls, grilled meats and rice noodles, all bold, fresh and seriously addictive.

Chả Cá Thăng Long has been an Old Quarter icon for more than 30 years. The family runs three branches on Duong Thanh Street, with the 6B location being the largest — and easily the most lively. It’s energetic, a bit chaotic, and that’s part of its charm. The restaurant serves only cha ca, Hanoi’s beloved fish dish made with deboned Hemibagrus catfish. Marinated with turmeric, grilled in banana leaves and finished tableside in a sizzling pan with dill and spring onions, it delivers tender, flaky fish, aromatic herbs, a hint of chili and a satisfying crunch of peanuts — Hanoi in one perfect bite.

In the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Bun Cha Ta draws visitors for its signature bun cha. The restaurant spans six narrow floors, each offering a cozy, homestyle feel — expect communal tables and plenty of shared energy. Here, bun cha is the star: smoky grilled pork and juicy meat patties served with soft rice noodles, a mound of fresh herbs and a sweet–tangy dipping sauce. Add an order of crispy fried spring rolls for the full Hanoi experience.

For more than 40 years, Miến Lươn Đông Thịnh has attracted crowds of loyal regulars. The striking blue-and-gold sign catches your eye, and the aroma drifting from the simmering pots confirms what you’re here for — eel, in all its glory. The menu celebrates it in many forms, from noodles to congee to soup, each dish rich with deep umami flavor. The must-order? Mien tron (dry noodles): silky rice vermicelli layered with crispy deep-fried eel, fresh herbs, toasted peanuts and golden fried shallots — a fragrant, crunchy combination that nails every texture in one bite.

This cozy, tranquil dining spot is surrounded by lush greenery. Dedicated to promoting a healthy food culture, Senté places the lotus plant at the heart of its culinary philosophy, creatively incorporating its flowers, leaves, seeds, stems, and roots into beautifully presented, modern Vietnamese dishes. The menu is a refined fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors, with standout offerings like the refreshing shrimp, pomelo, and lotus root salad—an ideal way to start the meal.

Chapter reveals itself behind a dramatic façade of Corten steel slats. Step inside and the mood shifts: polished concrete, warm lighting and curated artwork create a sleek, intimate stage for what’s to come. At the center, an open kitchen hums with energy as chefs work over a charcoal grill to craft a seasonal tasting menu. Rooted in the culinary traditions of Northern Vietnam, each dish arrives as a personal narrative — accompanied by a handwritten postcard that shares the inspiration behind its creation. Locally and sustainably sourced ingredients are thoughtfully transformed into plates that balance bold flavors with contemporary technique, making the experience feel both heartfelt and beautifully modern.

On a lively street just east of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, this intimate 18-seat kitchen counter serves as the beating heart of one of Hanoi’s trendiest wine bars. Shelves lined with empty bottles set the mood, while an impressive wine list leans heavily toward Old World labels — more than 350 selections, with many available by the glass or via Coravin. The menu leans modern Mediterranean with subtle Asian accents, delivering clean, well-balanced flavors on elegantly presented plates. The homemade pasta is a standout and an absolute must-order. With its buzzy yet polished atmosphere, Etēsia is a chic, flavor-forward stop just a short stroll from the Old Quarter.