This is a family run restaurant that has over 50 years of tradition. The restaurant offers Bun Cha, a local Hanoi specialty with round noodle (Bun), BBQ pork (cha), garnished with lettuce and served with dipping sauce. The dipping sauce is probably the secret of the dish which is a miraculous blend of fish sauce, vinaigrette, sugar and garlic to a perfect ratio. There can be slices of green papayas and carrot in the sauce to accompany the meat bite as well. The harmony of crunchy fresh herbs, sweet and well spiced grilled pork and round noodle all in the sauce will leave you a hard-to-forget meal.

Address: 01 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem. Opening Time: 08:00 am – 9:00 pm

Just like the name of the restaurant, Bun Bo Nam Bo is a dish made of marinated beef with round noodles and a sweetened fish sauce. Vegetables, herbs and peanuts are added to complete the meal. This is one of the best authentic street foods in Hanoi with a little mix from the south. The restaurant has both locals and tourists coming in enjoying the dish, which is worthy of note as it can be considered an accomplishment.

Address: 73-75 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem. Tel: +84 02 4 3923 0701. Opening Time: 07:30 am -10:30 pm.

Cha Ca Thang Long has a special taste that cannot be expressed by words one can only feel it by tasting it. From the ingredients and raw material to soup powder, they all exclusively appear at Cha Ca Thang Long. One of the best restaurants in Hanoi that visitors must try. Also, the price is affordable for every budget.

Address: 6B Duong Thanh, Hoan kiem. Tel: 024 3828 6007. Opening Time: 10:30 am – 9:00 pm.

Cau Go is a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese food. Dishes are prepared freshly and balanced with special herb flavors. The signature meals include tofu with chili and lemongrass, crabs with tamarind sauce and crispy spare ribs with eggplant. The restaurant has a beautiful view over the Hoan Kiem Lake from the outdoor area. As a result, the rooftop terrace has become one of its selling points.

Address: 73 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem. Tel: 083 833 2688. Opening Time: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.

6. Xuan Xuan BBQ:

Xuan Xuan is one of the best Vietnamese barbeque restaurants in town. The menu is rather simple as you get to choose from beef, pork or goat udders which are served with vegetables and noodles. Then everything is brought out on a plate and you barbeque your own meal on a burning stove. It is a nice way of experiencing how to eat like a real local as you are seated on ankle-high stools close to other customers.

Address: 47 Ma May, Hoan Kiem. Tel: 096 345 6324. Opening Time: 10:00 am -11:30 pm.

Hanoi Social Club is a relaxing bohemian hangout with a menu of inspired Western brunch dishes. The place has a rural feeling to it thanks to the light decoration of Vietnamese art. The founders go by the saying: ‘Healthy food for a healthy planet’. Simple food is served, but they are rich in nutrition. It is recommended to try the fresh organic salads and poached egg with avocado during lunchtime. Besides, the coffee and smoothies are also not disappointing.

Address: 6 Hoi Vu, Hoan Kiem. Tel: 024 3938 2117. Opening Time: 08:00 am -11:00 pm.

The Rhythms Restaurant create menu that highlights traditional Vietnamese cuisine and showcases national heritage, enticing the senses of fine dining enthusiasts. The Rhythms Restaurant also offer fresh food from daily deliveries to ensure that only the finest ingredients are used to create our premium dishes. The restaurant design is greatly inspired by neoclassicism that manifests utmost elegance and sophistication from the mid-18th century.

Address: 7th floor, 33-35 Hang Dau, Hoan Kiem. Tel: +84 96875 6488. Opening Time: 6:30am – 10:00pm

La Verticale is recognized as the best French restaurant in Hanoi. The dishes feature a combination of French gastronomy with Vietnamese ingredients and spices. You can enjoy a classic tasty meal served from both countries. The restaurant is styled in a colonial mansion with an open kitchen. The popular dishes are duck terrine, ratatouille and Mekong fruit sorbets. Moreover, there is also an excellent wine menu with unlimited choices.

Address: 15 Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem. Tel: 024 3938 1588. Opening Time: 11:30 am -10:00 pm.

There are many pizza restaurants, but if you want to experience a unique pizza place, check out Pizza 4P’s. The restaurant is set up by Japanese founder Yosuke Masuko and although it serves Italian cuisines, diners are constantly reminded of the owner’s root by the omnipresence of Japanese elements: salmon, gingered pork or teriyaki beef. What makes these pizzas so special is the cheese which the restaurants proudly make themself using dairy cows that are grazing in the highlands of Dalat. Advanced reservation is recommended as the  best restaurant gets very full during peak hours.

11. Quan An Ngon Restaurant:

Quan An Ngon is a destination that attracts many Vietnamese diners also foreign tourists who want to experience local food. Enjoy a delicious meal while staying within your budget. A menu with a variety of options, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste and budget. Quan An Ngon was voted as one of the 5 best restaurants in Vietnam in 2010. Coming to Quan An Ngon, you can enjoy dishes from all regions of the country.

Address: 34 Phan Dinh Phung, Ba Dinh. Tel:  04 3734 9777. Opening Time: 6.45 am – 10:00 pm.