Top Vietnamese Restaurants in Hoi An: 5 Recommended Eats

If you want to try Vietnamese restaurants in Hoi An, this guide highlights five well-regarded choices, including riverside dining, a historic house venue and places that focus on regional Central Vietnamese flavors. Each entry includes the address, typical opening times, price band and the dishes visitors often order.

What to expect from Vietnamese restaurants in Hoi An

Vietnamese restaurants in Hoi An tend to reflect the town’s coastal location and Central Vietnamese cooking style: seafood, bright herbs and dishes with a balance of savory and fresh notes. Many venues are located close to the Thu Bon River or inside restored historic homes, so the surroundings can be as much a part of the experience as the food.

Menus often list local specialties alongside broader Vietnamese items. Diners will commonly find plates made with herbs from nearby Tra Que vegetable gardens, rice- and noodle-based dishes from Quang Nam province, and a selection of steamed, grilled and fried seafood harvested from the nearby coast.

Highlights: five restaurants to consider

The list below compiles five restaurants frequently mentioned by visitors and local patrons. Each entry cites the location, public opening hours and a rough price range based on reported menus.

Song Thu Hoi An Restaurant

Address: 55 Tran Quang Khai Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City. Reported opening hours run from mid-morning through late evening, and meal prices commonly fall between about 6 and 20 USD per person. The dining rooms face the Thu Bon River, and many reviewers note the relaxed riverside atmosphere.

The kitchen is known for Central Vietnamese preparations and a broad menu that moves from snacks to seafood mains. Typical visitor picks include spring rolls, local-style duck cakes and grilled eel, plus shellfish and crustaceans when available.

• Signature items: grilled eel, Hoi An duck cake, spring rolls, seasonal seafood
• Why people go: riverside seating and a large, varied menu

Hoa Hien Restaurant

Address: 35 Tran Quang Khai Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City. Opening times reported near 09:15–21:30. Prices are typically low to moderate, with many dishes available in the 2.5–5 USD range. The restaurant sits a short way from the old town core and offers river views for some tables.

Guests frequently order the mixed rice set commonly referred to in reviews as a colourful plate of rice with various toppings (herbs, shredded egg, small rolls and grilled meats). Other well-liked items include fried specialties, barbecue-style dishes and the town’s celebrated white rose dumplings.

• Signature items: Am Phu-style rice plate, white rose dumplings, grilled options
• Why people go: eye-catching plating, traditional décor and evening lighting

Co Mai Restaurant

Address: 02 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Cam Chau, Hoi An City. Public hours are often listed from 10:00 to 22:00, and prices reported in guides fall roughly between 5 and 15 USD. The venue occupies a multi-century house that visitors commonly point out as a key part of the atmosphere.

Co Mai highlights local ingredients: spices, fresh herbs sourced from Tra Que and seafood brought in from nearby beaches. Reviewers tend to praise the careful presentation and attentive service, with staff described as ready to assist and explain dishes to guests.

• Signature items: Tra Que herb plates, seafood specialties, central-style spicing
• Why people go: historic house setting and curated local produce

Red Bean Restaurant (Hoi An)

Address: 132 Hung Vuong Street, located within a well-known local resort. Reported opening hours commonly begin at lunchtime and extend into the evening. Price points vary more widely here, with menus that can range from modestly priced plates up to higher-end set items (roughly 5–50 USD).

Red Bean’s menu emphasizes Vietnamese culinary traditions presented across indoor and outdoor dining areas; visitors often comment on a mix of modern and classic design elements. The restaurant offers a range of dishes, from regional small plates to curated mains that sample Old Quarter flavors.

• Signature items: Old Quarter-inspired dishes, elevated Vietnamese mains
• Why people go: polished service and an option for a more formal meal

Rice Drum Restaurant (Trong Com)

Address: No. 75 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City. Opening hours reported from morning until late at night (around 08:00–23:00). Menu prices are generally accessible, often cited in the range of 5–10 USD, with some single items noted at lower price points.

Rice Drum aims to present many Hoi An specialties in one place and is often recommended for visitors who want to sample several local dishes in a single sitting. Dishes are frequently described as carefully prepared, with some European-influenced plating styles mentioned by foreign guests.

• Signature items: multi-dish combos, Hoi An specialty platters, affordable sets
• Why people go: easy way to try a range of local dishes at moderate prices

Practical tips for dining in Hoi An

Meal times, menus and service styles can vary across the town’s restaurants, so planning helps. Many places accept cash and cards, but visitors often carry some Vietnamese dong for smaller purchases or markets. If you have dietary restrictions, ask staff about ingredients—most kitchens can suggest or adjust plates based on common requests.

Peak dining periods run around standard lunch and dinner hours, and popular restaurants may fill up quickly in the evenings. For planning travel and selecting dates with milder weather, consult a seasonal guide such as our Hoi An weather in February overview to match your visit to calmer conditions.

• Booking: call ahead for riverside tables or historic-house venues during high season.
• Payments: carry a mix of cash and a card; check with staff about card acceptance.
• Prices: expect the full range from budget plates to pricier tasting menus.

Cultural context: regional ingredients and cooking styles

Central Vietnam’s food character is distinct from dishes found in the north and south: it often uses stronger aromatics, a sharper balance of salty and sour, and an emphasis on seafood from the nearby coast. Hoi An’s culinary identity draws on local herb gardens, rice-and-noodle traditions and recipes that have been adapted over generations.

Certain dishes have strong regional roots and are worth seeking out to understand the area’s food culture. For example, if you want deeper context on a spicy central noodle soup, our Bun Bo Hue guide explains the soup’s flavors and local variations. Many restaurants in Hoi An will highlight local produce such as Tra Que herbs, which are used as a fresh garnish or a core ingredient in salads and dipping sauces.

• Local ingredients: Tra Que herbs, fresh coastal seafood, regional rice varieties.
• Common cooking methods: grilling, steaming, light frying and fresh herb finishing.

Who these restaurants suit

The five venues described here offer different dining experiences suitable for various travellers. Families and groups who want variety and relaxed seating often choose riverside or larger-menu places; couples seeking a quieter evening may prefer the historic-house setting or a riverside table at dusk. Those scouting local specialties at moderate prices often pick smaller family-run places or set-menu venues.

Budget-conscious visitors can still sample notable Hoi An dishes without spending much, while diners looking for a more formal meal will find options with higher price points and multi-course offerings. Vegetarians can generally find salads, rice and noodle dishes that omit meat, but menus are more seafood- and pork-focused than vegetarian-focused.

• Best for families: Song Thu, Rice Drum
• Best for atmosphere: Co Mai (historic house), Song Thu (river view)
• Best for a polished meal: Red Bean

Comparisons and alternatives

The table below summarizes core details to help you compare these five restaurants at a glance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reserve a table at these restaurants?

Reservations are usually not mandatory for lunch but are recommended for dinner at popular spots, especially during holiday periods and weekends. Visitors report the riverside tables and historic-house seating can fill up quickly after sunset.

What dishes should I try first in Hoi An?

Many guides and visitors suggest sampling local specialties such as white rose dumplings, the multi-component rice plates found at several restaurants, and fresh seafood dishes showcasing local catches. If you want explanations of a central-region soup, see the Bun Bo Hue guide linked above.

Are these restaurants suitable for vegetarians?

Vegetarian selections exist but are more limited than meat and seafood options. Most places can prepare herb- and vegetable-based dishes on request, but it’s best to ask staff about ingredients and preparation to avoid fish sauce or shrimp paste if you avoid animal products.

When is the best time of year to eat in Hoi An?

Food is available year-round, but weather affects the dining experience. Dry months with milder temperatures make riverside and outdoor dining more pleasant; consult a seasonal weather guide such as our Hoi An in February overview to pick suitable travel dates.

How much should I budget per meal?

Budget meals and street stalls can cost only a few dollars, while a more formal restaurant dinner will typically be in the mid-range to higher bracket noted in each profile. Combining a few small dishes or choosing a set menu will change the final bill, so plan according to the price ranges listed above.