5 Must-Try Restaurants in Hoi An Ancient Town for Your First Visit

Hi, I’m Asako — editor of The Hoi An & Da Nang Travel Notebook.

Just a 40-minute taxi ride from Da Nang, the ancient town of Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most enchanting destinations.
With its glowing lanterns and riverside streets steeped in nostalgia, this UNESCO World Heritage site has become a must-visit for travelers seeking both charm and culture.

Along the Thu Bon River, restaurants line the streets — from elegant riverside dining to cozy local spots — and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices.

Your first meal in Hoi An often shapes your impression of the entire trip.
So in this guide, we’ve carefully selected five highly rated restaurants in the Ancient Town that perfectly blend Hoi An’s timeless atmosphere with modern style.

Each spot is loved by both locals and travelers — ideal for your first night, your friends’ getaway, or a romantic dinner you won’t regret.

Madame Hiên ❘ Feel the Charm of a Restored Heritage Home

Source: Facebook/instagram/Officiak Website

A Taste of Elegance in Hoi An’s Ancient Town

Located on Thai Phien Street in the heart of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, Madame Hiên is a beautifully restored heritage house transformed into an elegant Vietnamese restaurant.
The interior blends traditional wooden beams and antique-style décor, creating a perfect harmony between history and modern comfort.

By day, soft natural light filters through the windows; by night, the warm glow of lanterns illuminates the courtyard, offering a tranquil and romantic atmosphere — ideal for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking a calm escape from the busy streets.

Cuisine: Refined Vietnamese with a French Touch

The menu highlights fresh local ingredients and delicate flavors inspired by French culinary techniques.
Signature dishes such as Grilled Tuna Steak, Roasted Duck Breast with Green Tea Sauce, and Seafood Casserole are praised for their beautiful plating and perfect balance of taste, aroma, and texture.

For those new to Vietnamese cuisine, familiar dishes like pho and fresh spring rolls are also available — all presented with finesse and authenticity.

Restaurant Info

• Price Range: Middle (Pho from 145,000 VND / ~US $5.8)
• Cuisine: Vietnamese / French Fusion
• Atmosphere: Calm heritage home with a refined French touch
• Rating: 4.8 / 442 reviews (as of Oct 2025)
• Hours: 12:00 – 22:30
• Alcohol: Yes (Wine & Cocktails)

Popular dishes:

• Grilled Tuna Steak — 295,000 VND
• Roasted Duck Breast with Green Tea Sauce — 315,000 VND
• Seafood Casserole with Tomato & Turmeric — 295,000 VND

What Guests Say:

📍 Address：02 Nguyễn Thái Học, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

MẸT Hội An – Vietnamese & Vegetarian Food ❘ Tradition Meets Modern

Source:Facebook/Official Website

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in the Heart of Hoi An

Located along the Thu Bon River in the center of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, MẸT Hội An is a beloved restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes and creative vegetarian cuisine.
With over 11,000 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating, it’s one of the most highly rated spots in the city — praised for its warm service, clean interior, and consistent quality.

Interestingly, Google Maps lists two names (“food6” and “food7”), but both entrances lead to the same restaurant. The layout simply features two access points to one shared dining space, with identical menus.
From the second floor, guests can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Thu Bon River, especially magical in the evening when the lanterns glow across the water.

Atmosphere & Service

The ground floor features clean and airy outdoor seating, while upstairs offers a cozy dining area with air conditioning — ideal even during Hoi An’s hot afternoons.
Guests consistently praise the staff’s thoughtful attention, mentioning how they explain dishes in English, assist families with children, and even accommodate special requests.
Many note the staff’s gentle hospitality, saying,

“They divided our pho into two bowls without asking — such kindness!”
“They helped us order in English and made sure we were comfortable.”

Cuisine: Vietnamese & Vegetarian Fusion

The menu features a wide range of dishes, from light appetizers like fresh spring rolls, fried wontons, and papaya salad,
to hearty mains such as grilled meats and flavorful stews.

While “vegetarian” is in the name, the restaurant also offers plenty of meat and seafood options, making it a perfect choice for mixed groups.
Vegetarian travelers especially appreciate the variety of plant-based dishes made with local herbs and fresh ingredients.

Restaurant Info

• Price Range: Middle (Pho from 110,000 VND / ~US $4.4)
• Cuisine: Vietnamese / Vegetarian-Friendly
• Atmosphere: Clean, cozy, and riverside view dining
• Rating: 4.9 / 11,604 reviews (as of Oct 2025)
• Hours: 10:00 – 22:30
• Alcohol: Yes (Local Beer & Cocktails)

Popular dishes:

• Grilled Beef in Betel Leaf (Bò cuốn lá lốt ăn kèm bún) — 120,000 VND
• Crispy Vietnamese Pancake (Bánh xèo) — 130,000 VND
• Beef Pho (Phở bò) — 110,000 VND

What Guests Say:

📍 Address：72B Đ. Bạch Đằng, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

188 Hoa Vang Restaurant ❘ A Hidden Gem Near the Japanese Bridge

Source:Facebook

A Warm, Quiet Retreat Just Steps from the Japanese Bridge

Located only a one-minute walk from Hoi An’s iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, 188 Hoa Vang Restaurant was opened by a Japanese owner who wanted to share the charm of Vietnam with travelers from around the world.
Inside, antique-style décor and soft lighting create a cozy, welcoming space — clean, spacious, and ideal for anyone seeking a peaceful break between sightseeing stops.
Many visitors describe it as “a true hidden sanctuary in the middle of Hoi An.”

Cuisine: Traditional Hoi An Dishes with a Gentle Flavor

The restaurant focuses on Hoi An’s signature specialties prepared with delicate, well-balanced seasoning that even first-time visitors will find familiar.
Guests can enjoy local favorites such as White Rose Dumplings, Cao Lầu Noodles, and Crab Fried Rice, all made with fresh, local ingredients.
Comforting dishes like Clam Congee, Lemongrass Pork, and Stir-Fried Morning Glory showcase the chef’s attention to detail and the natural taste of each ingredient.

Hospitality That Feels Like Home

Service at 188 Hoa Vang is consistently praised for its warmth and attentiveness.
Staff members greet guests with friendly smiles, guide them through the menu, and even notice small details — like moving a fan closer when it’s hot.
Their smooth English communication and genuine care create a family-like atmosphere that makes every visitor feel completely at ease, allowing you to relax and enjoy authentic local flavors.

Restaurant Info

• Price Range: Low (White Rose from 82,000 VND / ~US $3.3)
• Cuisine: Vietnamese
• Atmosphere: Local comfort / relaxing hideaway with great value
• Rating: 4.9 / 652 reviews (as of Oct 2025)
• Hours: 11:00 – 22:00
• Alcohol: Yes (Beer, Wine & Cocktails)
  

Popular Dishes：

• White Rose Dumplings (Hoa Hồng Trắng) — 82,000 VND
• Fried Wonton with Shrimp & Pork (Hoành Thánh Chiên Giòn) — 72,000 VND
• Crab Fried Rice (Cơm Chiên Cua) — 360,000 VND

What Guests Say：

📍 Address：188A/5 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Bibo Caphe & Restaurant ❘ A Photogenic Hideaway in Hoi An

出典：Facebook　　　

A Hidden Café-Restaurant with Hoi An Charm

Tucked away in a quiet alley just beyond the bustle of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, Bibo Caphe & Restaurant is a peaceful escape where time seems to slow down.
Despite being close to the tourist center, the restaurant offers a relaxed and intimate atmosphere that attracts both locals and travelers.

The exterior glows with signature Hoi An lanterns, while natural light fills the café during the day. At night, the soft glow of lanterns and surrounding greenery transforms the space into a romantic dining setting — perfect for couples or anyone who enjoys beautiful, calm evenings.

Cuisine: Local Specialties with Elegant Presentation

The menu focuses on Hoi An’s beloved classics — Pho, Cao Lầu, Fried Wontons, and White Rose Dumplings — each plated beautifully and prepared with refined flavors.
Standout dishes such as Mi Quang Noodles and Crab Fried Rice receive high praise from both travelers and locals alike.

Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, making it a favorite among health-conscious diners seeking a lighter, wholesome meal.

Warm Hospitality in a Peaceful Setting

Guests often mention the exceptional hospitality of the staff, noting how polite, attentive, and genuinely kind they are.
Many reviews even mention staff by name, expressing gratitude for their thoughtful service.
The restaurant also features air-conditioned seating upstairs, ensuring comfort even during hot tropical afternoons.

Whether for a leisurely lunch, an evening date, or a quiet coffee break, Bibo Caphe is the perfect spot to unwind while soaking in Hoi An’s tranquil beauty.

Restaurant Info

• Price Range: Middle (Vegetable Fried Rice from 100,000 VND / ~US $4)
• Cuisine: Vietnamese / Café
• Atmosphere: Quiet, green hideaway with kind service and local charm
• Rating: 5.0 / 519 reviews (as of Oct 2025)
• Hours: 7:30 – 21:30
• Alcohol: Yes (Beer, Wine & Cocktails)

Popular Dishes:

• Blue Sticky Rice with Mango (Xôi xoài hoa đậu biếc) — 115,000 VND
• Grilled Fish in Banana Leaf (Cá nướng lá chuối) — 160,000 VND
• Cao Lầu Noodles (Cao Lầu) — 125,000 VND

What Guests Say:

📍 住所：71/20 Đ. Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Anabas Restaurant – Cá Rô Đồng Quán ❘ A Peaceful Garden Retreat in Hoi An

Source:Facebook/instagram /公式HP

A Tranquil Vietnamese Restaurant in the Heart of the Ancient Town

Nestled in the center of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, Anabas Restaurant – Cá Rô Đồng Quán offers a calm, nostalgic atmosphere and heartfelt service that make it a favorite among both locals and travelers.
Inside, wooden beams and antique-style furniture create a cozy, timeless setting that feels like stepping into another era.
At the back of the restaurant, a small garden terrace surrounded by lush greenery provides an open-air dining experience. In the evening, the lantern-lit garden glows romantically, creating a scene straight out of a storybook.

Cuisine: Traditional Vietnamese Comfort with Local Flair

The menu features Hoi An’s signature dishes such as Cao Lầu Noodles, White Rose Dumplings, and Fried Wontons, alongside a variety of home-style Vietnamese meals.
Each dish is carefully prepared using fresh herbs, vegetables, and local seafood, resulting in delicate flavors and beautiful presentation.
Despite the affordable prices, the quality and portion sizes consistently impress guests — a true hidden gem for authentic local cuisine.

Heartwarming Service Loved by Families

The staff are known for their kindness and thoughtful explanations of each dish, always serving with a smile.
Visitors frequently mention how comfortable and safe they felt dining here, especially families with children and groups of female travelers.
Combining hospitality, affordability, and authentic flavors, Anabas Restaurant delivers the kind of warmth that keeps guests coming back.

Restaurant Info

• Price Range: Low (Bánh Xèo from 95,000 VND / ~US $3.7)
• Cuisine: Vietnamese
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, garden-style local dining in the heart of the old town
• Rating: 4.8 / 1,900 reviews (as of Oct 2025)
• Hours: 9:00 – 22:00
• Alcohol: Yes

Popular Dishes:

• White Rose Dumplings (Bông Hồng Trắng) — 95,000 VND
• Fried Wontons (Hoành Thánh Chiên) — 115,000 VND
• Seafood Stir-Fried Cao Lầu (Cao Lầu Xào Hải Sản) — 125,000 VND

What Guests Say:

📍 Address：29 Đ. Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam 51300

Summary

Dining in Hoi An is more than just eating — it’s about immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the city.
From heritage houses filled with nostalgia to riverside lantern lights and lush garden terraces, every restaurant offers its own slice of Hoi An’s gentle charm and beauty.

The five restaurants featured in this guide are all highly rated for flavor, ambiance, and service.
Whether you’re looking to savor traditional Vietnamese dishes in an elegant setting or experience authentic local life in a cozy corner, you’ll surely find a spot that captures your heart — and your appetite.