Vietnam’s culinary landscape has always been a rich tapestry woven with tradition, authenticity and passion. Now more than ever, innovation has been added to the mix, too.
From the sizzling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the serene beachside setting of Da Nang, these MICHELIN-listed restaurants are elevating the country’s dining scene with impeccable flavours, a dash of artistry and an embrace of bold ideas.
Here are six must-visit MICHELIN venues that will change everything you think you know about dining out in Vietnam—no cash needed, just a tap to pay of your card.
La Maison 1888 in Da Nang. (© Ken Seet, Duc Bui/ La Maison 1888)
Da Nang
La Maison 1888, Da Nang
French Contemporary, one MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Vietnam 2024The word “atmospheric” hardly does this landmark restaurant justice. Guests take a cable car to reach this recreated colonial mansion boasting views of the East Sea, which is filled with opulent button-back chairs, carved Vietnamese panels, and dark wood décor. The only thing grander than the setting might be the 6- and 8-course set menus, which star both traditional and contemporary French dishes. Think wild Japanese blackfin seabass with generous dollops of caviar, Dolphin Bay langoustine with buckwheat and warm mayonnaise, and pebble-shaped foie gras en galets. Enjoyed with wine from an impressive collection that includes several French rarities – all selected by Toan Nguyen, winner of the MICHELIN Guide’s 2024 Sommelier Award – this is destination dining at its finest.
Address: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang, Vietnam.
The tropical vibes of Si Dining in Da Nang. (© Si Dining)
Si Dining, Da Nang
Italian, MICHELIN Selected, MICHELIN Guide Vietnam 2024Si Dining has carved a niche for itself with Italian cuisine that balances authenticity with innovation. Italian chef-owner Alessio Rasom combines premium imports from Italy with fresh market finds and specials that change daily, promising authentic cuisine with a hyper-seasonal local twist. While Rasom often switches up the menu card, favourites like pork ravioli in herby broth, bruschetta with eggplant, sesame sauce and smoked butter, and panna cotta with guava jam, calamansi and yuzu served with rau răm (Vietnamese coriander) sorbet are staples. Winners of the 2024 MICHELIN Service Award, the restaurant’s attentive staff ensure that each meal is a seamless experience, too.
Address: 1 Giang Chau 2 Street, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang, Vietnam.
Authentic Vietnamese flavours await at 1946 Cua Bac, a Bib Gourmand gem. (© Thu Thao/ 1946 Cua Bac)
Hanoi
1946 Cua Bac, Hanoi
Vietnamese, Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Vietnam 2024For a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, 1946 Cua Bac is a must-visit. This Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant, set inside a canary-yellow house and staffed by workers in military-style uniforms, is known for its hearty traditional dishes that reflect the essence of Hanoi’s rich culinary heritage, like banana flower salad with marinated beef and deep-fried crab with betel leaf, chilli and lime. But none more so than the fried crab and rice porridge hot pot, a medley of tender crab, pigeon, beef balls and vegetables. Book in advance and come with an open mind. While the staff speak limited English, they are eager to help.
Address: 3 Yen Thanh Alley, 61 Cua Bac Street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
The one MICHELIN Star Hibana by Koki at Capella Hanoi, a MICHELIN-listed hotel. (© Hibana by Koki)
Hibana by Koki, Hanoi
Teppanyaki, one MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Vietnam 2024By nature, teppanyaki always promises a show. At this intimate 14-seat counter in the basement of the Capella hotel, the theatrics benefit from elevated air. The setting is refined and minimal rather than showy and smoky – an ideal place to savour premium Japanese ingredients flown in twice weekly, cooked to perfection and plated artfully. Those include sea urchin, spiny lobster and the succulent Yaeyama Kyori beef that Chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi cooks slowly over low heat before bringing out its full umami flavour. To round out the experience, order a glass of the venue’s own sake, Izumi by Koki.
Address: Basement 1, Capella, 11 Le Phung Hieu Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Little Bear is led by the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award winner, Duy Nguyen. (© Chung Duc Minh, Khooa Nguyen/ Little Bear)
Ho Chi Minh City
Little Bear, Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese Contemporary, MICHELIN Selected, MICHELIN Guide Vietnam 2024Duy Nguyen, winner of the 2024 MICHELIN Young Chef Award, holds court over this buzzing newcomer in Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary scene. Nguyen takes cues from Vietnamese culinary culture, as well as his own childhood memories, serving modern bites that both buck tradition and bend to it. What isn’t procured from trusted markets and providers is made behind the open kitchen, including noodles and cheese. The wine list eschews classic labels for natural, organic and biodynamic bottles. The funky, tannic notes in the natural wines, especially, are a great foil for Nguyen’s multilayered flavours.
Address: 36 Nguyen Ba Huan Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Akuna, a MICHELIN Star restaurant in Saigon. (© Akuna)
Akuna, Ho Chi Minh City
Innovative, one MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Vietnam 2024Meaning “flower water” in the Australian Aboriginal language, this innovative venue aims to break all the rules. Aussie Chef Sam Aisbett puts the spotlight on “provenance and produce,” as he likes to say, combining fresh Vietnamese ingredients – local duck, fresh pearl oysters, Manchurian wild rice from the Red River Delta – with precise Japanese cooking techniques and a healthy dose of fermentation. The light rod-strewn open kitchen offers a show for guests, who Aisbett entertains with his genuine affability and easy-going demeanour. Whether it’s your first or tenth time, dining here is always an adventure.
Address: 9F, Le Méridien Hotel, 3C Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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From fine-dining destinations in bustling city centres to casual dining institutions in Saigon, Hanoi and Da Nang, Visa empowers everyone to dine with total peace of mind.
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