Must-see restaurants in Mekong Delta

  • Phu Quoc Night Market

    Phu Quoc Island

    The most atmospheric and best-value place to dine on the island, Duong Dong’s busy night market has stalls of snacks, coconut ice cream and a parade of…

  • Bassac Restaurant

    Chau Doc

    Chau Doc's most sophisticated dining experience is at the Victoria Chau Doc Hotel where the menu veers between wonderful international dishes (roast rack…

  • So True

    Phu Quoc Island

    Located in the heart of Ong Lang, this restaurant does an excellent turn at mod-Viet cuisine, with signature specialities such as bo so tru (beef with…

  • Saigonese

    Phu Quoc Island

    The hippest casual dining on Phu Quoc delights with fusion dishes lifted from designer cookbooks. The seasonal appetisers excel in bao (steamed buns…

  • Nam Bo

    Can Tho

    With a charming, romantic Mediterranean feel, this restaurant does a good mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes. We're fans of the lemongrass chicken and…

  • Itaca Resto Lounge

    Phu Quoc Island

    This much-applauded restaurant has a creative Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu (with tapas), an inviting al fresco arrangement and friendly, welcoming…

  • Oasis Bar

    Ha Tien

    Run by a resident Western expat and his Vietnamese wife, this friendly little restaurant-bar is a great spot for a cold beer, plunger coffee, impartial…

  • Memory Delicatessen

    Chau Doc

    This glossy cafe-restaurant that attracts local trendies is memorable for its wonderful melange of international dishes, from the excellent pizzas topped…

  • Spice House at Cassia Cottage

    Phu Quoc Island

    Nab a sea-view table, order a papaya salad, grilled garlic prawns, banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake), cinnamon-infused okra, a delectable Khmer fish curry or…

  • Mango Bay Restaurant

    Phu Quoc Island

    One of the best eating experiences around is to sit on the deck at Mango Bay, dining on tamarind blue-swimmer crab and peering out to sea. There are…

  • Lua Nep

    Can Tho

    Set under a soaring series of thatched roofs that could be a modernist take on a traditional tribal house, this is the most sophisticated Vietnamese…

  • Spices Restaurant

    Can Tho

    Go for a table overlooking the river at this fine restaurant that's refined without being stuffy, and opt for the beautifully presented trio of salads …

  • Bun Nuoc Leo Kim Tuyen

    Tra Vinh

    This unfancy local institution is known for its Tra Vinh speciality dish, bun nuoc leo, a Khmer-style, rice-noodle soup with Chinese and Vietnamese…

  • Lighthouse Cafe-Restaurant

    Can Tho

    Set over two floors near the market, this stylish restaurant kicks off with affordable breakfasts, fresh coffee and juices, before moving on to sandwiches…

  • Nem Nuong Thanh Van

    Can Tho

    The only dish this locally acclaimed spot does is the best nem nuong in town. Roll your own rice rolls using the ingredients provided – pork sausage, rice…

  • Sailing Club

    Phu Quoc Island

    The Nha Trang institution has dropped anchor in Phu Quoc in an impressive new setting at the southern end of Long Beach, near the Intercontinental Hotel…

  • L'Escale

    Can Tho

    With tantalising river views from the top of the Nam Bo Boutique Hotel and subdued romantic lighting, this is the place to canoodle with your crush over a…

  • Quan Hu Tieu Thuy

    Ha Tien

    A brightly lit stall, metal tables and a family effort is what creates excellent hu tieu, a chicken noodle soup that is the Mekong's pho. Crowds form here…

  • Quan Com Chay Cuong

    Can Tho

    On a street with plenty of eating options, this is one of the better and larger com chay (vegetarian) eateries in the city. The vegetable, rice and mock…

  • Buddy Ice Cream & Info Cafe

    Phu Quoc Island

    With the coolest music in town, this cafe is excellent for sides of tourist info with its New Zealand ice-cream combos, toasted sandwiches, fish ’n’ chips…

  • Hu Tieu Chay Cay Bo De

    My Tho

    Here vegetarians can try a completely meat-free version of My Tho's vermicelli-noodle soup speciality, hu tieu My Tho. It's garnished with fresh herbs and…

  • Quan So 1

    Mekong Delta

    Here's how it works: grab a barbecue and order a wave of seafood to cook in the middle of the table, and wash it all down with some local beers. Staff don…

  • Cafe de Paris

    Tra Vinh

    With a stylish interior and upmarket aspirations, this cafe wouldn't look out of place in Ho Chi Minh City. The friendly owner speaks some English, the…

  • The Embassy

    Phu Quoc Island

    This Scandinavian cafe and bakery doubles as a cocktail bar by night, so is a good spot any time of day. Healthy and delicious breakfasts are available,…

  • L'Amour Riverside

    Mekong Delta

    This huge restaurant is set over four floors overlooking the river. It may look empty from downstairs, but count the number of motorbikes and you'll know…

  • Ben Tre Floating Restaurant

    Ben Tre

    This rather grand-looking floating restaurant is set on a giant dragon boat and features three floors. The menu includes a dizzying array of Vietnamese…

  • Heaven Restaurant

    Phu Quoc Island

    You may not expect heaven to have basic wooden tables opening onto a road, but it does at this good-value family joint. With fresh, generous servings of…

  • Can Tho Night Market

    Can Tho

    Every evening the space between Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh streets comes alive with dozens of bustling food stalls selling grilled meats and tofu on…

  • Thoc Cafe

    Vinh Long

    Occupying a prime location overlooking the river and the adjacent gardens, this is an inviting al fresco cafe with an upstairs terrace for river breezes…

  • Khanh Ly Vegetarian

    Phu Quoc Island

    Pick and choose from a buffet of Vietnamese vegan-vegetarian dishes, such as mock shrimp on sugar cane, to accompany green veg and rice for an excellent…

  • Quan Bun Nem Nuong

    Tra Vinh

    South of the centre, this informal joint is justifiably popular with locals for its nem nuong – roll-your-own rice-paper rolls filled with pork sausage,…

  • Hai San Quat Mo

    Mekong Delta

    Set on a lively strip of restaurants and bars, this cavernous place specialises in seafood and grills and draws a steady local crowd. Highlights includes…

  • Winston's Burgers & Beer

    Phu Quoc Island

    The name says it all: this bar is about really good burgers, beer and a large selection of cocktails, mixed by the eponymous Winston. Linger for a chat or…

  • Hu Tieu 44

    My Tho

    The speciality here is carnivore-friendly hu tieu My Tho, the vermicelli-noodle soup speciality of My Tho. It's flavoured with fresh and dried seafood,…

  • Thanh Tra Restaurant

    Tra Vinh

    On the top floor of the namesake hotel, the restaurant offers an extensive menu of Vietnamese dishes. The service may be so laid-back that you may catch…

  • Floating Restaurant

    Ha Tien

    Smartly refurbished and sitting by the River Hotel, this cheery boat is a good bet on weekends, when a team of chefs is on hand to feed the convention…

  • Cafe Giop Pho

    Chau Doc

    This centrally located cafe is incredibly popular with locals thanks to top coffee creations, cheap international breakfasts and a mash-up of burgers,…

  • Thanh Tinh Vegetarian

    Chau Doc

    There's vegetarian and then there's exceptional smoky mock chicken, lemongrass tofu and garlic morning glory on a plate with rice, plus a sweet-and-sour…

  • Ngoc Lan

    Mekong Delta

    The 'Magnolia' is a bright and inviting choice, with fresh and tasty pot-cooked pork and mixed-vegetable soup. There is plenty of outdoor seating for warm…

  • Ganesh

    Phu Quoc Island

    Although the service can be slow, the Indian dishes here are fantastic: the mango prawn curry is a standout. If you are feeling a real hunger, go for a…