Restaurants in Central Highlands
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A
V Cafe
A travellers’ favourite, this cute bistro hung with Chinese lanterns serves a mix of Asian and Western mains. Service is very good and you can choose dessert from the small spread on the counter.
reviewed
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B
Art Cafe
Owned by an artist whose work adorns the walls, this elegant, bamboo-accented eatery has intimate tables and soothing soft lighting. Linger over a glass of wine to admire the artwork. The menu features Vietnamese dishes with a twist, including plenty of vegetarian options.
reviewed
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C
Thanh Thuy Blue Water Restaurant
With an unbeatable location right on the lake, this restaurant serves a mixed-up menu of mostly Cantonese fare, with some Vietnamese and Western dishes as well (fancy some pizza with your dim sum?). The food is all right but the view and vibe are what people come for.
reviewed
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D
Stop & Go Cafe
This little bohemian oasis is run by a beret-wearing poet in the front room of his house. He’ll happily recite his poetry while serving you home-made cake or (if you’re female) proffering a flower from his abundant garden.
reviewed
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E
An Lac (on Phan Dinh Phung)
Just as on Bui Thi Xuan, this An Lac has an English menu, with options ranging from noodle soups to rice and banh bao (steamed rice-flour dumplings stuffed with a savoury filling).
reviewed
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F
My Tam
A hole-in-the-wall joint where the house speciality is roasted chicken, crisped to perfection and served with rice cooked with tomato and garlic.
reviewed
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G
Nem Ninh Hoa
A casual eatery that serves freshly grilled pork for roll-your-own spring rolls.
reviewed
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H
Lotus Restaurant
Right by Hoa Binh Square, this restaurant has rooftop terrace seating as well as an enclosed dining area with Chinese-influenced decor; the former is better for people-watching; the latter is a warmer option in winter. The food is excellent and service is prompt, though they don’t speak much English.
reviewed
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I
Le Rabelais
For fine French dining, the signature restaurant at the Sofitel is the place to go. The impressive dining room oozes gentility at every turn. Leave the kids at home if they’re under 12, and while away the night like the French might have, with a digestif and live piano music.
reviewed
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J
Peace Cafe
Attached to Peace Hotel, this noisy cafe is always packed, no doubt because the women who run it do their darnedest to round up every passing traveller. There’s no hassle once you’re seated and it’s a good place to meet other backpackers (and in the day, Easy Riders too).
reviewed
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Quan 58
All goat, all the time. This modest operation will serve you goat just about any way you might want to eat it: steamed (de hap), grilled (de nuong), sautéed (de xao lan), curried (de cari) and the ever-popular hotpot (lau de).
reviewed
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K
Long Hoa
A cosy bistro-style place, run by a Francophile owner and dressed up with images of France. Westerners come here for the Vietnamese food Vietnamese come here to try the steaks. Top off your meal with a glass of Dalat wine or some home-made yoghurt.
reviewed
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Dakbla’s
One of Kon Tum’s few bona fide restaurants, Dakbla’s has a standard Vietnamese menu spiced up with meats like wild boar and frog. The decor provides the requisite local colour with tribal artefacts glowering down on diners.
reviewed
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Thien Thanh
If you’d like a little scenery along with your dinner, try this restaurant nestled in a valley. It overlooks pretty rice fields and specialises in goat or beef grilled in bamboo. An English menu is available.
reviewed
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Black & White Restaurant
Across from Damsan Hotel, this stylish restaurant has an extensive menu of good Vietnamese fare. More adventurous diners might want to try the turtle, sparrow or pigeon dishes.
reviewed
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L
Da Quy
It has an upmarket ambience but low prices, and earns rave reviews from travellers of all tastebuds. Try the traditional claypot dishes, such as with fish or shrimp.
reviewed
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M
Ngoc Huong
An unpretentious restaurant with standard Vietnamese fare. There’s no English menu, but the staff will let you walk into the kitchen and point at what you want.
reviewed
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N
An Lac (on Bui Thi Xuan)
There’s an English menu here, and options range from noodle soups to rice and banh bao (steamed rice-flour dumplings stuffed with a savoury filling).
reviewed
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Hanoi Bakery
Part bakery, part general store, this popular neighbourhood joint is known for its pastries and breads, as well as stocks of cheese and chocolate.
reviewed
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O
Nhat Ly
A very local place that serves hearty meals, including a sumptuous hotpot that really hits the spot. There’s also rabbit and frog on the menu.
reviewed
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P
Trong Dong
A friendly and unpretentious eatery, cleverly decorated with mirrors. Try the grilled shrimp paste on sugar cane or the sautéed rabbit.
reviewed
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Q
Central Market
For cheap eats in the day, head to the upper level of the Central Market.
reviewed
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Dac Biet Bun Bo
An one-dish wonder, this popular eatery serves hearty beef noodles in a spicy broth.
reviewed
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Thanh Loan
There’s only one thing on the menu: roll-your-own rice-paper rolls, with green vegies and herbs, fried pork, crunchy rice paper and raw garlic. Dunk the rolls in either a meaty broth or a mixture of fish sauce and chilli. It’s a light meal, but full of fresh flavours.
reviewed
