Hoi An Isn’t Just the Old Town: 5 Must-Visit Dining Retreats by the Sea & in the Countryside

Hi, I’m Asako from Hoian-Danang Travel Notebook.

When you hear Hoi An, Vietnam, the first image that often comes to mind is the UNESCO-listed Old Town: lanterns glowing at night, narrow alleys full of street food stalls and cozy cafés. That’s undeniably magical. But beyond the old town lies another side of Hoi An — coastal stretches and rural landscapes where time slows, local life unfolds, and meals feel like mini escapes. These are the kinds of restaurants long-stay Western travelers often seek out: relaxed, immersive, refreshing.

In this guide, we intentionally drift away from the usual Old Town hotspots. Instead, we spotlight five restaurants that pair good food with peaceful ambiance, each offering a unique “other face” of Hoi An. If you’re craving scenery plus delicious dishes beyond the tourist crowds, these should be on your radar.

Purple Lantern Restaurant — Photogenic & Heartwarming

Source: Facebook | Instagram

Tucked into a side alley off An Bang’s main road, this family-run Vietnamese gem is beloved by locals and travelers alike. Its interior is unified by purple lanterns and warm wood tones. By day, natural light filters in; by night, the glow is soft and romantic.

Fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese home-style dishes dominate the menu. Signature items like White Rose dumplings, fried wontons, grilled snapper, and lemongrass stir-fried squid earn rave reviews. Spring rolls, seafood fried rice, and papaya salad are also popular — each plate praised for its aroma, vibrancy, and balance. Many guests say there’s “no wrong choice” on the menu.

The staff’s hospitality is frequently mentioned: “as though returning home,” “so thoughtful,” and “warm and attentive.” The spot appeals to families sharing plates or travelers seeking quiet, heartfelt meals.

Restaurant Info

• Price range: Low — e.g. fried rice ~ 87,000 VND
• Cuisine: Seafood, Vietnamese
• Highlights: Friendly vibe, excellent seafood, photogenic setting
• Reviews: ~1,501 reviews, average rating 4.9 (as of Oct 2025)
• Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Drinks: Beer, wine, cocktails

Based on Google Reviews

Popular dishes:

• White Rose Dumplings — 74,000 VND
• BBQ Seafood Charcoal Platter — 189,000 VND
• Fried Wonton with Shrimp & Pork — 97,000 VND

What Guests Say:

📍 Address：Alley 157 Nguyễn Phan Vinh, An Bang, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

The Moon Restaurant An Bang — Seaside Terrace Escape

Source: Facebook |Official Website

Nestled in a quiet lane off An Bang Beach, this family-run dining spot merges nostalgia with freshness. Under a breezy roof of bamboo and palm leaf, wooden tables invite you to slow down and linger.

From 10 AM to 6 PM, it also operates a beachfront relaxation area — lounge chairs, umbrellas, BBQs, and drinks right by the sea.

The menu leans Vietnamese home cooking with Hoi An specialties. Try their spring rolls, stir-fried scallops, or banana blossom salad. They even host cooking classes for guests who want a deeper culinary connection.

Many dishes fall under 100,000 VND (around US $6), offering excellent value in a serene setting. Guests commend the warm, family-style hospitality: “We came twice — the owner was so kind; every dish was delicious.”

Restaurant Info

• Price range: Low — White Rose ~ 75,000 VND
• Cuisine: Vietnamese / Seafood
• Highlights: Charming seaside terrace, cooking classes
• Reviews: ~182 reviews, average rating 4.9 (as of Oct 2025)
• Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Drinks: Cocktails, alcohol

Based on Google Reviews

Popular dishes:

• Scallops — 90,000 VND
• Hoi An Spring Rolls — 75,000 VND
• Banana Blossom Salad — 90,000 VND

What Guests Say:

📍Address:front of The Moon sign turn right go Alley, Go straight to 186, 186/12 Nguyễn Phan Vinh, AN BANG, Hội An

Mate Restaurant and Coffee — Casual Local Flavors

Source: Facebook |Instagram/Official Website

Situated in the quieter Cua Dai / Quang – Dai Beach area, this café-restaurant draws both locals and visitors. It offers an unpretentious, welcoming vibe just off the beaten path.

Bright and casual indoors, with wooden tables and airy terrace seating, it’s especially popular among Western families.

Although it’s a café-restaurant hybrid, the menu is broad — Vietnamese and Chinese-inflected dishes sit alongside lighter fare. The owner couple curates each dish to achieve balance, making it flavorful but not heavy — appealing also to a Japanese palate.

Their strong suit: accommodating vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options. Families or travelers with dietary restrictions often praise this flexibility.

Restaurant Info

• Price range: Low — Fried rice from ~70,000 VND (~US $4.30)
• Cuisine: Vietnamese, Chinese fusion, café menu
• Highlights: Affordable, diverse menu, dietary-friendly
• Reviews: ~1,903 reviews, average rating 5.0 (as of Oct 2025)
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Drinks: Beer, cocktails, wine

Based on Google Reviews

Popular dishes:

• Cao Lầu — 60,000 VND
• Bánh Xèo (crispy pancake) — 95,000 VND
• Fried Chicken with Orange Sauce — 125,000 VND

What Guests Say:

📍 Address：Âu Cơ, Cửa Đại, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Son Hoian — Slow Food, River Tranquility

Source: Facebook/Instagram

Set along a riverbank outside Hoi An, Son Hoian is a small hideaway that moves to its own tempo. Natural materials, a green courtyard, and bamboo accents ground you in calm.

The signature dishes are charcoal-grilled: duck in orange sauce, grilled pork belly, all offering a pleasing harmony of smokiness and tang. They also serve classic Hoi An favorites like bánh xèo, cao lầu, and white rose dumplings — each handcrafted and thoughtfully presented.

Staff treat guests with warmth and care. At dusk, lanterns softly glow and evening breezes complete the gentle, sensory experience.

Restaurant Info

• Price range: Low — Fried rice ~59,000 VND (~US $3.80)
• Cuisine: Vietnamese, creative / fusion
• Highlights: Slow food philosophy, riverside calm
• Reviews: ~801 reviews, average rating 4.8 (as of Oct 2025)
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Drinks: Cocktails, beer

Based on Google Reviews

Popular dishes:

• Grilled Duck with Orange Sauce — 149,000 VND
• Stewed Pork in Claypot — 129,000 VND
• Papaya Salad — 69,000 VND

What Guests Say:

📍 Address：232 Cửa Đại, Cẩm Sơn, Hội An

Am Vegetarian & Hideaway — Garden Bliss & Plant-Based Comfort

Source:Facebook　　

Hidden in a quiet residential area, this vegetarian haven feels like stepping into a friend’s backyard. Lush greenery and a central pool create a tranquil environment ideal for relaxing or working with a fresh juice or coffee in hand.

Every dish is vegetarian or vegan. Expect globally inspired, health-forward fare: pad thai, lotus-stem salad, lemongrass tofu, vegetarian pho, spring rolls. Each plate is vibrant, generous, and gently seasoned — reviewers highlight the lemongrass tofu, tangy soups, and papaya salad in particular.

Farther from the tourist hubs, it maintains a peaceful atmosphere throughout day and night — a perfect refuge for travelers craving quiet and nourishment.

Restaurant Info

• Price range: Low — Pho ~55,000 VND (~US $3.40)
• Cuisine: Vegetarian / Vegan
• Highlights: Garden sanctuary, healthy & flavorful
• Reviews: ~379 reviews, average rating 4.7 (as of Oct 2025)
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Drinks: Served

Based on Google Reviews

Popular dishes:

• Pad Thai — 65,000 VND
• Fried Tofu with Lemongrass — 55,000 VND
• Vegetarian Pho — 55,000 VND

What Guests Say:

📍 Address：06 Bầu Ốc Hạ 1, Street, Hội An

In Summary

Yes, the Old Town in Hoi An is magical — but for travelers seeking deeper rhythms, these five restaurants offer a richer, more relaxing side of Vietnam.

Whether you crave ocean breeze and sunsets, riverside serenity, hidden garden sanctuaries, or locally grounded flavors — each of these picks brings its own kind of peace and joy. Consider stepping outside the Old Town on your next visit: linger over meals, soak in scenery, and let the slower moments become a highlight of your journey.