Must-see restaurants in North-Central Vietnam

  • Tree Hugger Cafe

    Dong Hoi

    Splendid Tree Hugger's combo of coffees, juices and Western-style snacks lures throngs of travellers and English-speaking Dong Hoi locals. There are also…

  • Pub with Cold Beer

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Up a dirt track in the middle of nowhere (but well signposted), this spot owned by a farming family (with chickens, pigs and rabbits) does what it says on…

  • Chookie's Hideaway

    Ninh Binh

    This vast place with a pool table and beer on tap serves good-value Vietnamese and Western food and has plenty of local information on what to do and see…

  • D-Arts Zone

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Vintage jazz and blues often feature at this interesting spot co-owned by an artist and an architect. Menu highlights include decent salads, spicy…

  • Tu Quy

    Dong Hoi

    This area is famous for its banh khoai (shrimp pancake) restaurants, of which Tu Quy is one of the best. It also does banh cuon (shrimp in steamed rice…

  • Capture Vietnam

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    This cafe has espresso coffee, homestyle baking and interesting Western and Vietnamese meals. Bagels with smoked salmon, good pizza and Mediterranean…

  • Veggie Box

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    This popular brick-lined vegetarian restaurant packs in a lot of flavour for those on the run from meat and dairy, with banana and mango pancakes for…

  • Wild Boar Eco-Farm

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Surprisingly it's roast chicken on offer here, although giant porkers are raised as well. Reached by boat or via a bumpy bike path, the attraction here is…

  • Moi Moi

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Moi Moi's super-relaxed and very rustic location is just the ticket for a lazy afternoon of playing pool, chilling in a hammock and snacking on…

  • Mountain Goat Restaurant

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Dine on grilled and steamed de (goat) – try the goat with lemongrass – at this riverside spot in Son Trach. Other options include spicy chicken and ice…

  • Trung Tuyet

    Ninh Binh

    Expect very large portions, options for vegetarians, and a warm welcome from the host family at this busy little place that's popular with travellers. The…

  • Thuy Linh

    Tam Coc

    Our pick of the family-owned restaurants along the Tam Coc strip. Good goat dishes – you're in Ninh Binh after all – and cheap rice and noodle dishes when…

  • 7th Heaven

    Dong Hoi

    This cosy, friendly restaurant and bar offers something for everyone, with everything from burgers and steaks to Thai curries and decent pizza, plus meat…

  • Bamboo Cafe

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    This laid-back haven on Son Trach's main drag has colourful decor and well-priced food and drink, including excellent fresh-fruit smoothies and varied…

  • Omar's Namaste

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Colourful decor, attentive service and authentic flavours make Omar's Namaste a welcome addition to the Son Trach dining scene. Especially good is the…

  • Snail Restaurants

    Ninh Binh

    The lanes north of Ð Luong Van Tuy, close to the stadium, have snail restaurants serving oc luoc xa (snails cooked with lemongrass and chilli). You'll…

  • Vung Hue

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Your best bet for a Vietnamese meal in Son Trach, with good-value multi-dish menus and a handy location near the car park for departures to the Phong Nha…