Best Vietnamese Restaurants Loved by Food Travelers 

The Michelin Trail: Fine Dining with a Soul

In recent years, the Michelin Guide has put a global spotlight on Vietnam’s sophisticated food scene. At the forefront is Anan Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in a bustling wet market, Chef Peter Cuong Franklin reimagines street food into “Cuisine Mới” (Modern Vietnamese). His famous $100$ USD Banh Mi and “Banh Xeo Taco” are legendary among travelers looking for familiar flavors elevated by French technique.

In the capital, Tam Vi offers a completely different experience. This Michelin-starred gem in Hanoi captures the essence of a traditional Northern Vietnamese https://order.chuanfurestaurant.com/ family meal. With vintage wooden furniture and a menu featuring Braised Pork Belly and Crab Soup, it feels like stepping back into a quieter, more poetic era of Tonkin.

Regional Legends: From Hanoi to Hoi An

Food travelers know that the best Vietnamese restaurants often specialize in a single regional masterpiece.

• Bun Cha Huong Lien (Hanoi): Famously known as “Bun Cha Obama,” this spot remains a pilgrimage site. The smoky grilled pork and cool dipping sauce represent the quintessential Hanoi lunch.
• Morning Glory (Hoi An): Founded by local culinary icon Ms. Vy, this restaurant is the gold standard for Central Vietnamese cuisine. Here, travelers can sample Cao Lau (thick chewy noodles) and Banh Bao Vac (White Rose Dumplings) in a beautifully restored colonial building.
• Banh Xeo Ba Duong (Da Nang): Tucked away in a narrow alley, this is a masterclass in texture. Their crispy turmeric-tinted pancakes are served with a rich, savory liver-based dipping sauce that sets it apart from Southern versions.

Hidden Gems and Authentic Atmospheres

For a more rustic, “homestyle” vibe, Cuc Gach Quan in Saigon is a perennial favorite. Loved by celebrities and food critics alike, it celebrates “ugly” vegetables and unrefined rice, focusing on the wholesome, country-style cooking that many locals grew up with.

If you are looking for a unique atmosphere, Secret Garden offers home-cooked meals on a hidden rooftop in District 1. Navigating the old apartment stairwell is part of the charm, rewarded by panoramic city views and authentic dishes like lemongrass-fried tofu and caramelized clay pot fish.

Planning Your Food Journey

Whether you are chasing Michelin stars or plastic-stool authenticity, Vietnam’s restaurant scene in 2026 is more vibrant than ever. From the delicate, balanced seasonings of the North to the bold, herb-heavy spice of the South, every meal tells a story of the country’s rich heritage.