We’re traveling with kids aged 6 and 9. Which activities in Hoi An would be most suitable for them besides the beach?
Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake, a living symbol of the city, isn't just a picturesque walking destination—it's surrounded by a rich and varied culinary scene. From small family eateries and traditional Vietnamese restaurants to modern dining spots with refined charm, this area is an invitation to discover authentic Vietnamese flavors. This guide highlights the restaurants near Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter, with 20 select addresses that showcase the diversity and authenticity of cuisine here.
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1. Local eateries near Hoan Kiem Lake
Let's explore popular and budget-friendly spots, perfect for tasting authentic Hanoi street food.
Bun cha 74 Hang Quat
- Address: 74 Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Price range: from $1.5 per person
A quintessential Hanoi dish, Bun Cha is a unique combination of rice vermicelli, charcoal-grilled pork, and fresh herbs, served with a nuanced sweet and sour dipping sauce. Among the most authentic places, the small eatery at 74 Hang Quat Street is a must-visit for lovers of this Hanoi specialty.
Pho Bat Dan
- Address: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
- Price range: from $1.5 - $2 per person
As the national dish, pho embodies the culinary soul of Vietnam with its clear, fragrant broth, soft rice noodles, and thin slices of beef. To taste an authentic and renowned version, a stop at Pho Bat Dan is a must. It’s a legendary spot where locals and tourists alike are happy to queue up for a steaming bowl.
See more: 15 Restaurants to savor the best Pho in Hanoi
Banh cuon ba Hoanh (Steamed rice roll)
- Address: 66 To Hien Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Price range: from $2 per person
Light and delicate, Banh Cuon features thin rice flour pancakes stuffed with minced meat and fried shallots. Near Hoan Kiem Lake, the go-to place is Banh cuon Ba Hoanh, famous for its delicate texture and authentic flavor. Served warm and fragrant with a savory fish sauce, it promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
Bun thang ba Duc
- Address: 48 Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Price range: from $2 per person
Delicate and refined, bun thang is an iconic Hanoi soup, featuring shredded chicken, thinly sliced omelet, Vietnamese pork sausage, fragrant mushrooms, and dried radish, all topped with fresh herbs. For an authentic version, head to Bun thang Ba Duc, a well-known address in Hanoi.
See more: Bun - Rice vermicelli: A guide to Vietnam's iconic noodle dishes
Pho cuon Huong Mai
- Address: 2 Nguyen Khac Can Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Price range: from $3 - $6 per person
A light and refreshing dish, rolled pho is especially enjoyed on warm days. These soft rice paper rolls are filled with sautéed beef and fresh herbs, perfect for dipping in a fragrant fish sauce. For an authentic version, Pho cuon Huong Mai is a landmark in Hanoi, known for its fresh ingredients and generous portions.
Bun dau Co Hoa
- Address: 25 Au Trieu Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Price range: from $2 per person
At 25 Au Trieu Street, Bun dau Co Hoa stands out with its generous platter of crispy tofu, rice vermicelli, boiled pork, and fresh herbs. Served with the famous mam tom - a powerful and inimitable fermented shrimp paste - the dish reveals the true authenticity of Hanoi’s street food.
Banh mi Long Hoi
- Address: 1 Hang Dau Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM
- Price range: from $1.5 per person
A symbol of Vietnamese street food, banh mi combines a crispy baguette, a legacy of French tradition, with a rich filling of various meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. A complete meal on its own, it can be enjoyed at any time of day. Try Banh mi Long Hoi - one of the most famous restaurants near Hoan Kiem Lake, and let yourself be captivated by a concentration of Vietnamese flavors in every bite.
Banh mi sot vang Tram Vu
- Address: 30 Dinh Ngang Street, Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Price range: from $1.5 per person
Banh mi sot vang Tram Vu offers a unique experience: instead of filling the bread, you break it into pieces to dip into a rich and fragrant beef stew. This warm and communal way of enjoying banh mi is a hit with both locals and tourists.
Loc Tai House (Vietnamese Sweet Soups)
- Address: 76 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Price range: from $1.5 per person
Loc Tai House is a beloved spot not only for its variety of Vietnamese sweets but also for its retro atmosphere. With its aged walls and old-world charm, every bowl of sweet soups feels like a little journey back in time in the heart of Hanoi.
Xoi che ba Thin (Vietnamese Sweet Soups)
- Address: 1 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 8:15 AM - 11:00 PM
- Price range: from $0.7 per person
Xoi che Ba Thin, an iconic address for desserts in the Hanoi Old Quarter, has been delighting customers for decades with its warm and fragrant bowls of chè, particularly popular on cool winter evenings in Hanoi.
See more: Top 10 desserts in Hanoi you must try
2. Casual restaurants near Hoan Kiem Lake
For those seeking a more spacious and comfortable setting while still being affordable, these restaurants near Hoan Kiem Lake offer excellent value. Perfect for a casual meal with family or friends, they combine generous flavors, pleasant service, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Cha ca Thang Long
- Address: 6B Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Price range: from $7.5 per person
A signature dish, cha ca Hanoi is prepared here in the purest tradition. The fish, marinated with turmeric, is stir-fried with dill and green onions and served tableside in a sizzling pan. It’s an ideal spot to discover one of the most authentic dishes of the capital, perfect for sharing.
Habakuk Fine Coffee & Bistro
- Address: 4 Phan Huy Chu, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Price range: from $2.5 - $5.5 per person
With its friendly bistro vibe, Habakuk is the perfect place for a delicious brunch near Hoan Kiem Lake. You can enjoy generous plates that mix Western specialties with local touches in a relaxed and modern setting. It's perfect for starting the day or taking a break while exploring the Old Quarter.
Specifically, Habakuk has been honored on the Bib Gourmand list of the Michelin Guide, an award for restaurants that offer "good quality food at a reasonable price." This recognition highlights the perfect combination of great flavors, attentive service, and fair pricing that the restaurant provides to its diners.
Dana Vegan House
- Address: 12 Dong Thai, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
- Price range: From $2.5 - $6.5 per person
For vegan food lovers, Dana Vegan is an excellent choice near Hoan Kiem Lake. The restaurant offers healthy, flavorful, and beautifully presented dishes that highlight local vegetables and ingredients. In a peaceful and welcoming environment, it’s the ideal place to enjoy modern and environmentally conscious Vietnamese cuisine.
See more: Top 8 vegetarian restaurants in Hanoi that locals like
Net Hue (Central Vietnamese Cuisine)
- Address: 198 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Price: From $3.7 per person
This elegant restaurant offers a culinary journey to Central Vietnam right near Hoan Kiem Lake. You'll find the iconic flavors of Hue, such as the spicy beef noodle soup, delicate steamed rice cakes, and fragrant Lemongrass pork skewers. Served in a refined and warm atmosphere, these specialties attract both locals and visitors in search of authenticity.
New Day Restaurant
- Address: 72 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Price range: from $4 - $8 per person
Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, New Day Restaurant is a popular spot to discover traditional Vietnamese family-style cuisine. With a wide selection of dishes, it attracts both tourists and locals with its friendly atmosphere and authentic flavors.
Namaste (Indian Cuisine)
- Address: 46 Tho Nhuom Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
- Price range: from $3.5 - $7.5 per person
A must-visit for lovers of Indian cuisine, Namaste offers a menu rich in spices and colors. Creamy curries, soft naans, and generous thalis transport you directly to India, all in a friendly atmosphere in the heart of Hanoi.
See more: Top 10 Indian restaurants in Hanoi
3. Fine dining restaurants near Hoan Kiem Lake
Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant
- Address: 9 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Price: From $10 - $30 per person
Located close to Hoan Kiem Lake, Cau Go offers a refined Vietnamese culinary experience with a spectacular lake view. The menu features classic dishes like pho, cha ca, and seafood specialties, all prepared with care and presented elegantly. The friendly atmosphere and large bay windows allow you to enjoy a meal while taking in the beauty of the Hanoi landscape.
Red Bean Restaurant - Vietnamese and international cuisine
- Address: 21 Hang Thung Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM (for breakfast), 11:30 AM - 12:00 AM
- Price: From $15 per person
Perched on the 11th floor of the La Siesta Hotel, Red Bean Restaurant offers a breathtaking view of Hanoi. It serves a varied menu blending Vietnamese, Asian, and European flavors, prepared with fresh, quality ingredients. The elegant and warm atmosphere makes it a perfect place for lunch or dinner, all while enjoying the urban panorama.
The Gourmet Corner Restaurant - Vietnamese and european cuisine
- Address: 22 Ta Hien Street, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM (for breakfast), 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Price: From $15 per person
Situated on the 9th floor of the La Mejor Hotel, The Gourmet Corner Restaurant offers a panoramic view of Hanoi, perfect for admiring the city while enjoying refined dishes. The cuisine blends Vietnamese and European flavors, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients for a unique dining experience. The chic and intimate atmosphere makes it a perfect place for a memorable lunch or dinner.
See more: Top 10 European Restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter
Luc Thuy Restaurant - Vietnamese and international cuisine
- Address: 16 Le Thai To, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Price range: from $15 per person
Ideally located on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, Luc Thuy Restaurant offers a pleasant view while serving authentic and refined Vietnamese cuisine. The dishes, prepared with care from fresh ingredients, highlight the country's traditional flavors. Its friendly and elegant ambiance makes it a perfect stop to savor Hanoi's culinary richness.
Hanoi is full of culinary treasures, from the lively alleys of the Old Quarter to the elegant restaurants around Hoan Kiem Lake. Whether you're looking for traditional flavors or modern dining experiences, the Hanoi cuisine will awaken your taste buds and surprise your senses.
But a trip to Vietnam is about more than just a great meal. It’s also about discovering the country’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture.
To truly experience all that Vietnam has to offer, consider a comprehensive tour package that takes care of every detail, from the vibrant streets to the country's most breathtaking natural wonders. Don't wait any longer to explore these must-visit addresses and let yourself be carried away by a culinary journey!
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TRAVELERS' CHOICE 2025 
