Top 10 Restaurants in Hue You Haven’t Heard Of (Yet!)

The best Hue royal cuisine restaurants

Did you know that Hue’s royal cuisine is one of the most sophisticated culinary traditions in Vietnam? Once reserved for the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, this exquisite cuisine is now available for you to enjoy at many royal cuisine restaurants in Hue. With over 1,700 dishes, the cuisine blends savory and sweet flavors, all prepared with seasonal ingredients and exceptional artistry.

At these restaurants, skilled chefs continue the tradition of crafting these regal dishes, using centuries-old recipes. While savoring these imperial meals, you can explore antique Hue displays, artworks, and even join cooking lessons to uncover the royal culinary heritage.

And that's not all—you'll also have the chance to dress like royalty and capture photos, and that’s why it is a must-try experience when you’re in Hue.

1. Ancient Huế Gallery Cuisine

• Address: 104/47 Kim Long, Ancient Hue Garden Houses, Hue
• Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Ancient Hue Gallery Cuisine, located in Phu Mong – Kim Long village near Linh Mu Pagoda, will deliver an immersive dining experience in a serene setting along the Kim Long River. Housed in historical wooden houses dating back to the 1800s, it blends traditional architecture with lush gardens. 

2. Cung Dinh Hue Restaurant

• Address: 03 Nguyễn Sinh Sắc, Vĩ Dạ Ward, Hue
• Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

In a setting reminiscent of the splendour of the Nguyen Dynasty, Cung Đình Hue provides a distinctive dining experience by combining traditional Vietnamese, Asian, and European cuisines. While the menu features royal classics like banh khoai and elaborately presented soups, live traditional music adds to the ambiance.

3. Cung Dinh Restaurant

• Address: 51 Lê Lợi, Huong Giang Hotel Resort & Spa, Hue
• Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Situated on the ground floor of the Huong Giang Hotel Resort & Spa, Cung Dinh Hue provides breathtaking views of the Perfume River along with a memorable royal dining experience that includes exquisitely plated food and live traditional Hue music. 

Cung Dinh's court-style dining, which reflects the elegance of imperial feasts, transports visitors to a bygone era. Rich flavours and subtlety are balanced in the painstakingly prepared dishes.

4. Không Gian Xưa Restaurant

• Address: 98 Minh Mạng, Thủy Xuân, Hue
• Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Không Gian Xưa, which is more than 2,000 square meters in size, combines contemporary luxury with historic charm. The menu features high-end dishes like lobster or abalone along with Hue specialities like tom hap hinh lan, which are steamed shrimp shaped like orchids. 

The knowledgeable staff ensures a royal dining experience by customising recommendations to your tastes.

>>> Good to know: In Hue’s royal cuisine, there are many unique, special and exquisite dishes. For example, Chả Phượng, made from rare phoenix bird meat (common pheasant), is steamed with spices and believed to be both nourishing and health-boosting. Yến Sào (bird’s nest), a prized ingredient, was typically reserved for the emperor’s table.

Best restaurants to spend with family

1. Cơm Niêu Chạn

• Address: 1 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phú Hội, Hue
• Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Inspired by the traditional Vietnamese “chạn” (wooden cabinet), Chạn delivers tourists a distinctive cultural taste and a nostalgic dining experience for locals. Its rustic home-cooked dishes include shrimp in coconut sauce (tôm rim nước dừa), braised fish with coconut (cá bống kho dừa), and stuffed tofu in tomato sauce.

2. Banh Ganh Restaurant

• Address: 51A Võ Thị Sáu Street, Phú Hội Ward, Hue
• Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM

 A harmonious blend of modern and traditional, Banh Ganh specializes in Hue’s famous rice cakes and family-style Vietnamese dishes. The spacious, elegant setting and professional service make it a favorite for both locals and tourists seeking authentic Hue flavors at reasonable prices.

3. Thanh Lieu Vegetarian Restaurant

• Address: 50 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Hue 
• Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Another great vegetarian choice is Thanh Lieu, which excels at inventively reimagining Hue staples like com chay (vegetarian rice) and banh bot loc stuffed with mushrooms. It's a great place to stop for a light, tasty meal because of its simple yet welcoming setting.

>>> Read more: Vietnam’s Best New Restaurants and Bars: Top 7 Picks

4. An Tâm Restaurant

• Address: Kiệt 33 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Group 14, Hue
• Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

This neighborhood favorite, which is well-known for its mouthwatering, fresh dishes like banh nam, banh loc, banh ram it, and banh beo chen, provides genuine flavors at affordable costs. The welcoming experience is enhanced by the laid-back ambiance, spotless restaurant, and welcoming staff.

5. Nhà Hàng SALA Huế

• Address: 48-50 Nguyễn Lương Bằng, Hue
• Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Sala Hue Vegetarian Restaurant is the perfect destination for those who appreciate simple, nutritious vegetarian cuisine. With dishes made from fresh, healthy ingredients, Sala is the ideal place to experience unique vegetarian cuisine in the heart of the ancient capital of Hue.

Restaurants with beautiful views

1. Les Jardins de la Carambole

• Address: 32 Đặng Trần Côn, Thành phố Huế, Vietnam
• Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Les Jardins De La Carambole, a unique dining experience featuring both Vietnamese and French cuisine, is situated in a quiet neighborhood close to the Imperial Citadel. The restaurant emphasizes every aspect of its historic renovation while fusing gourmet flavors with history. Open for lunch, dinner, brunch, the menu offers a range of options, including vegan, and gluten-free options.

>>> Learn more about: 10 Strangest Vietnamese foods you MUST SEE to believe

2. Tịnh Gia Viên Restaurant

• Address: 7K/28 Le Thanh Ton, Hue
• Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Run by descendants of the Nguyen Dynasty, Tịnh Gia Viên is a traditional garden house and restaurant offering a unique Hue royal cuisine experience. It features over 400 bonsai, including rare century-old trees, and offers a royal dining experience with meticulously presented dishes.

The restaurant also offers cultural activities like cooking lessons and bonsai workshops.

3. Vỹ Dạ Xưa Restaurant

• Address: 131 Nguyen Sinh Cung Street, Hue
• Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Vỹ Dạ Xưa Restaurant is one of the most famous dining spots in Hue, known for its delicious cơm niêu and traditional coffee. Set in a charming traditional house, this place will invite you to enjoy royal Hue tea, surrounded by lush gardens, creating a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. 

4. Tĩnh Garden Vegetarian

• Address: 140 Phan Bội Châu, Trường An, Hue 
• Opening Hours: Mon–Sat: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sun: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Fresh, tasty food prepared with premium ingredients is served at Tĩnh Vegetarian Restaurant in a calm, traditional setting. It provides filling meals for every occasion and is well-known for its dedication to maintaining Hue's culinary legacy.

>>> Discover the Top Vietnamese Dishes to Try in Each Region!

Where to enjoy street food in Hue?

1. Dong Ba Market

• Address: 2 Tran Hung Dao Street
• Opening Hours: Daily, 3:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Hue’s largest market is a street food paradise. That’s why you'll find numerous food stalls surrounding the market. It's a place no one should miss.

2. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street

• Address: Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Phu Hoi Ward
• Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM/ Sunday: Open all day

Particularly in the evening, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street is one of Hue's liveliest and busiest spots and a must-visit if you’re a street food enthusiast. This place, which runs alongside the picturesque Perfume River, is a popular meeting spot for locals and draws tourists from far and wide.

3. An Cuu Market

• Address: 89 Hung Vuong Street, Hue City, Vietnam
• Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

With fewer tourists, An Cuu Market is a lesser-known gem that provides a genuine local experience. If you want a taste of Hue's daily culinary pulse, grab a bowl of banh ram it (sticky rice dumplings with shrimp) or bun hen (clam noodle soup).

>>> Taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine on every stop 🍜🥢🇻🇳.

Dining on the Huong River: A must!

1. Moon River Cruise’s Dinner

• Address: Bến Thuyền số 05 Lê Lợi, TP. Huế, Việt Nam
• Phone/WhatsApp: +84 966 098 000
• Website: Moon River Cruise

A unique dinner trip along the famous Huong River with Moon River Cruise is a favorite among many tourists. You'll have the chance to discover Vietnam's fascinating history shared through the staff's captivating stories. Even on a rainy day, the charm of the Huong River shines as you savor delicious food.
Traditional folk music enhances the atmosphere, and the tour is perfectly timed to coincide with a stunning sunset.

2. Dinner with Thuyen Rong Hue (Hue Dragon Boat)

• Phone/WhatsApp: +84 914 731 914
• Website: Thuyền Rồng Huế

Hue's royal heritage has long been symbolized by the Perfume River, which was once traversed by kings and their entourages in magnificent dragon boats with dragon heads and tails. Visitors are still mesmerized by this fascinating custom, particularly on dinner cruises. In addition to enjoying traditional Hue songs while gliding along the Perfume River, the Hue Dragon Boat hosts an art show every night.

FAQs

• What should I eat when visiting Hue for the first time?

If it’s your first time in Hue, you must try the famous Bún Bò Huế, a flavorful noodle soup that’s a local favorite. Also, don’t miss the royal dishes such as Bánh Khoái (Hue pancakes) and Cơm Hến (clam rice), which are unique to the region.

• What time do restaurants in Hue close?

Most restaurants in Hue open around 10:00 AM and stay open until 10:00 PM. However, specific timings can vary by establishment, so it’s always a good idea to check before heading out.

• Are there any good vegetarian restaurants in Hue?

Yes, Hue has several delicious vegetarian restaurants. Some popular spots include Tĩnh Garden Vegetarian and Thanh Lieu Vegetarian Restaurant! 

• Where should I have breakfast in Hue when traveling?

For breakfast in Hue, don’t miss the local Bánh Bèo or Bánh Ram It at street vendors or Nhà Hàng Vỹ Dạ Xưa, known for its traditional Hue fare. Another great choice is Dong Ba market, offering a variety of local home-cooked specialties.

• Which restaurants in Hue have a good view?

If you're looking for a great view while dining, consider visiting Cung Dinh Restaurant and Không Gian Xưa, located by the Perfume River, where you'll get a royal dining experience with a beautiful view of the river and city.

>>>> Explore more about Central Vietnam to help plan your perfect trip:

• How to get from Hue to Hoi An: Train, bus or other options?
• Hue, Vietnam: 8 Essential Questions Answered Before You Visit
• Is Hue or Hoi An the Better Choice for Your Trip?
• Thien Mu Pagoda: Hue's Timeless Icon
• Top 7 Must-Visit Places in Central Vietnam
• Best tailors in Hoi An Vietnam: custom-made clothing in 24 hours