10+ Best Ha Long Bay Restaurants For Seafood & Local Flavors

Finding an authentic Ha Long Bay restaurant is one of the most enjoyable experiences for travelers exploring this coastal destination. Ha Long is famous for its fresh seafood, local specialties, and diverse dining scene, from casual eateries serving traditional Vietnamese dishes to restaurants offering scenic views of the bay. Join Joytime Travel as we explore 10+ recommended restaurants in Ha Long, from popular seafood spots to local eateries, plus the must-try dishes and dining tips to know before you go. 

1. 10+ Best Ha Long Bay Restaurants To Try

1.1. Ngoc Luc Bao Restaurant

Ngoc Luc Bao restaurant elegant interior - Source: Facebook 

Ngoc Luc Bao is a good option if you want seafood in a more polished setting. The restaurant is located at 26 Ha Long Street in Bai Chay, close to the Sun World area and the waterfront. Its menu includes fresh seafood as well as Asian and European inspired dishes. The restaurant is particularly known for crab dishes and offers several dining spaces, including higher level seating with views around Ha Long. 

• Location: No. 26 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh
• Popular choices: Fresh crab, lobster, prawns, seafood dishes
• Price range: About 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND (USD 12 to 19)
• Best for: Families, groups, seafood lovers, scenic dining

If you’re ordering crab, ask about the current price before choosing the size and preparation.

1.2. Phuong Nam Ha Long Restaurant

Ngoc Phuong Nam seafood restaurant exterior - Source: Facebook 

Phuong Nam is one of the larger dining options in the Cai Dam area of Bai Chay. Its spacious setting makes it particularly suitable for families, tour groups, celebrations, and larger gatherings. The restaurant focuses on Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, with a broad seafood selection. Its location near the Ha Long waterfront also makes it convenient for travelers staying around Bai Chay.

• Location: Do Si Hoa Street, Cai Dam Urban Area, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh
• Popular choices: Seafood hotpot, steamed grouper, fresh seafood dishes
• Price range: About VND 250,000 to 550,000 per person (USD 10 to 21)
• Best for: Families, tour groups, large gatherings

Phuong Nam has also been listed with a second location in Sun Premier Village, so it is worth checking the exact branch when making a reservation.

1.3. Cua Vang Restaurant

Cua Vang golden crab lobster platters - Source: Facebook 

Cua Vang, meaning Golden Crab, is a natural choice for travelers who want to focus on crab and seafood. The restaurant is located in Bai Chay and is known for its spacious dining area and fresh seafood selection. The restaurant has been associated with dishes such as crab hotpot, steamed crab, tamarind crab, and salt roasted mantis shrimp. 

• Location: 32 Phan Chu Trinh, Bai Chay
• Popular choices: Steamed crab, crab hotpot, salt roasted mantis shrimp
• Price range: About VND 380,000 to 880,000 per person (USD 15 to 34)
• Best for: Crab lovers, families, groups

For the best value, ask whether the seafood is priced by kilogram or by portion before ordering.

1.4. Bien 14 Seafood Buffet Restaurant

Bien 14 seafood buffet restaurant - Source: Facebook 

Bien 14 is a popular choice if you prefer a buffet rather than ordering individual seafood dishes. The restaurant has locations around Monbay and Ha Long Street and offers a broad selection of seafood and cooked dishes.

• Location: N18 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh
• Popular choices: Seafood, grilled dishes, hotpot, cooked seafood
• Price range: About VND 329,000 to 489,000 per person (USD 13 to 19)
• Best for: Families, groups, buffet lovers

Buffet prices and available dishes can change, so check the current package before visiting, especially during weekends and public holidays.

1.5. Sen A Dong Buffet Restaurant

Sen a dong buffet restaurant - Source: buffetsenadong

Sen A Dong is one of the more convenient seafood buffet choices in Bai Chay. The restaurant serves a large buffet selection that includes seafood, grilled dishes, hotpot, sushi style items, desserts, fruit, and other Vietnamese favorites.

• Location: 1 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay
• Popular choices: Oysters, prawns, squid, mantis shrimp, hotpot, grilled seafood
• Price range: VND 350,000 per adult from Monday to Thursday (about USD 13), and VND 385,000 from Friday to Sunday (about USD 15) per person. Children aged 1 to 1.29 meters pay VND 180,000 on weekdays and VND 200,000 on weekends.
• Best for: Families, groups, buffet fans

The restaurant currently lists lunch and dinner service, but opening times can vary by day, so checking before visiting is recommended.

1.6. Hong Hanh 3 Restaurant

Hong hanh 3 restaurant - Source: CafeF 

Hong Hanh is a long established restaurant group in Ha Long with several branches. Hong Hanh 3 at 50 Ha Long Street in Bai Chay is particularly convenient for travelers exploring the main tourist area. The restaurant serves a broad selection of seafood and Vietnamese dishes. Popular choices mentioned in current travel sources include hand pounded squid cake, steamed seafood, grilled seafood, crab, and seafood hotpot.

• Location: 50 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay
• Popular choices: Ha Long squid cake, seafood hotpot, steamed seafood, grilled squid
• Price range: About VND 200,000 to 600,000 per person (USD 8 to 23)
• Best for: Families, groups, first time visitors

Hong Hanh 3 can become busy during dinner, especially in the high travel season, so booking ahead is a sensible choice for larger groups.

1.7. Linh Dan Restaurant 

Linh dan restaurant - Source: Vivu Halong

Linh Dan Restaurant is a well reviewed dining spot in Bai Chay, offering seafood alongside European and Vietnamese dishes. It is a good alternative for travelers who want a broader menu rather than a restaurant focused only on traditional seafood. 

• Location: No. 104 Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh
• Popular choices: Fresh seafood, grilled seafood, Vietnamese dishes
• Price range: About VND 260,000 to 650,000 per person (USD 10 to 25)
• Best for: Families, couples, travelers looking for a varied menu

The restaurant is also convenient for travelers staying around Bai Chay, making it easy to combine with other attractions in the area.

1.8. Vua Hai San Bai Chay

Vua Hai San Bai Chay night exterior view - Source: Facebook 

Vua Hai San Bai Chay is a newer seafood destination in Ha Long that combines a restaurant with a seafood processing area and specialty shop. It has a spacious setting inspired by Northern Vietnamese fishing villages and offers a wide selection of fresh seafood. 

• Location: Hung Thang 10 Street, Bai Chay, Quang Ninh
• Popular choices: Fresh prawns, crab, oysters, squid, mantis shrimp, seafood hotpot
• Price range: About VND 260,000 to 780,000 per person (USD 10 to 30), depending on the seafood selected
• Best for: Fresh seafood, families, groups, local dining experiences

The restaurant is particularly worth considering if you want to choose fresh seafood and have it prepared to order.

1.9. Dai Duong Vang 9999 Seafood Restaurant

Dai duong vang 9999 seafood restaurant - Source: Facebook 

Dai Duong Vang 9999 is a seafood focused restaurant in the Bai Chay area. The menu includes several local seafood preparations, including Ha Long seafood soup and hand pounded Ha Long squid cake. The restaurant also lists different seafood hotpot combinations for groups.

• Location: Shophouse Plaza Area, E404, E201 to E402, Bai Chay, Quang Ninh
• Popular choices: Ha Long seafood soup, hand pounded squid cake, oysters, squid, seafood hotpot
• Price range: About VND 150,000 to 500,000 per person (USD 6 to 19), depending on the order
• Best for: Seafood lovers, families, groups

The official menu shows individual dish prices as well as group hotpot combinations, so this is a useful option when you want to build a meal around several seafood dishes.

1.10. Vịnh Seafood Restaurant

Vinh seafood restaurant - Source: Facebook 

Vinh Seafood is located at 26 Ha Long Street in Bai Chay and focuses on fresh seafood prepared in a style inspired by Ha Long's coastal cuisine. The restaurant's own website describes its seafood as sourced fresh and emphasizes local Ha Long flavors. It also has a large dining space and rooftop seating with views toward the bay and Sun Wheel area.

• Location: 26 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay
• Popular choices: Fresh seafood, Vietnamese dishes, seafood sets
• Price range: About VND 150,000 to 300,000 per person (USD 6 to 12)
• Best for: Families, groups, casual seafood dining

The restaurant currently lists lunch service from around 9:30 am to 3 pm and dinner from 5 pm to 11 pm, although checking directly before visiting is still recommended.

1.11. Làng Chài Ha Long Culinary Restaurant

Lang chai ha long culinary restaurant - Source: amthuclangchaihalong

Lang Chai Ha Long Culinary Restaurant offers a more traditional atmosphere inspired by Vietnamese fishing village culture. The restaurant is located on Hoang Quoc Viet Street in Bai Chay and has spaces suitable for families, private dining, and large groups.

The restaurant's official website highlights fresh seafood and local coastal cuisine, while its menu includes seafood noodles, crab porridge, blood cockle porridge, squid cake, and other Vietnamese dishes.

• Location: Lot 20, Hoang Quoc Viet, Bai Chay
• Popular choices: Ha Long squid cake, seafood noodles, crab porridge, fresh seafood
• Price range: From around VND 500,000 ($19) for broader seafood selections
• Best for: Families, tour groups, traditional Vietnamese dining

The restaurant also has private rooms and large spaces designed for group meals, making it particularly suitable for organized tours and family gatherings.

2. What To Eat At A Ha Long Bay Restaurant

Ha Long isn’t only known for its restaurants but also for distinctive seafood and local specialties that visitors should try during their trip.

2.1. Ha Long Squid Sausage

Ha long squid sausage - Source: Pinterest 

Ha Long squid sausage, known locally as chả mực Hạ Long, is arguably the most famous food specialty associated with the city. Fresh squid is finely pounded before being shaped and fried. Good squid sausage has a chewy texture, a naturally sweet seafood flavor, and a pleasant aroma.

It is commonly served with sticky rice, noodles, or used as part of a larger Vietnamese meal. When choosing a restaurant, ask whether the squid sausage is made from fresh squid and whether it is prepared in house. Several Ha Long restaurants include squid cake on their menus, including Lang Chai and Dai Duong Vang 9999.

2.2. Grilled Oysters

Grilled oysters - Source: Pinterest 

Grilled oysters are another easy choice for seafood lovers. In Ha Long, oysters are commonly grilled with scallion oil, peanuts, cheese, or other toppings. The combination of smoky seafood and fragrant scallion oil works especially well as a starter to share. For a simple introduction to local seafood, order a few grilled oysters together with grilled squid or prawns.

2.3. Fresh Crab And Lobster

Fresh crab and lobster - Source: Pinterest 

Fresh crab and lobster are one of the most popular choices at many of the more premium seafood restaurants in Ha Long. Crab can be steamed, grilled, stir fried, cooked with tamarind sauce, or added to hotpot. Lobster is often grilled or prepared with butter, cheese, or other sauces. Keep in mind that premium seafood is frequently sold by weight. The final cost therefore depends on the size of the seafood you choose, not simply the name of the dish.

2.4. Ha Long Seafood Hot Pot

Seafood hotpot - Source: Agoda 

Seafood hotpot is ideal for sharing with family or friends. A typical hotpot may include prawns, squid, clams, fish, vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and noodles. The exact ingredients vary from restaurant to restaurant and according to the seafood available that day. For a group of four or more, hotpot is often one of the easiest ways to enjoy several types of seafood in a single meal.

2.5. Sam Dishes

Sam horseshoe crab stir fried dish - Source: VỊNH HẠ LONG 

Sam, or horseshoe crab, is another specialty associated with Ha Long and Quang Ninh cuisine. Local restaurants may prepare sam in different ways, including salads, stir fried dishes, and other traditional preparations. Because availability varies, it is best to ask the restaurant whether sam is available on the day you visit. If you want to try it, choose a reputable restaurant and ask about the recommended preparation.

2.6. Vietnamese Seafood Noodles

Vietnamese seafood noodles - Source: The Viet Dish 

Vietnamese seafood noodles are a lighter alternative when you don’t want a large seafood meal. A bowl can include prawns, squid, mantis shrimp, fish cake, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful broth. Different restaurants use different combinations, so the exact bowl will vary. Seafood noodles are particularly convenient for lunch or a quick meal before continuing your Ha Long sightseeing itinerary.

>>> Read more: Best Ways to Visit Ha Long Bay: A Local Guide

3. Tips For Dining At Restaurants In Ha Long

Practical tips for dining in Ha Long - Source: Pinterest 

3.1. Check Seafood Prices Before Ordering

This is the most important tip. Fresh seafood such as crab, lobster, prawns, mantis shrimp, and fish may be priced by weight rather than by portion. Ask the staff for the current price per kilogram and confirm the approximate weight before the seafood is cooked.

You can also ask whether the listed price includes preparation and whether VAT or other charges apply. Don’t assume that the price of a cooking style is the total price of the seafood itself.

3.2. Book Ahead For Groups And Peak Seasons

If you are traveling with a large group, booking ahead is strongly recommended. Restaurants in Bai Chay can become busy during weekends, summer holidays, public holidays, and major travel periods. A reservation is particularly useful if you want a private room, a large table, or a specific view. For popular restaurants, arriving earlier for dinner can also help you avoid the busiest period.

3.3. Check The Restaurant's Location Before Going

Ha Long is spread across different dining areas, so check the location before setting out. Bai Chay is convenient for travelers staying near Sun World, the beach, and many hotels. Hon Gai offers another side of the city with its own restaurants and waterfront areas. If you are traveling as part of a tour, check whether the restaurant can accommodate your vehicle and group size. For travelers planning their itinerary, Ha Long Bay tours can be combined with a seafood meal to make the most of a day in the area. 

3.4. Check Recent Reviews Before Choosing A Restaurant

Restaurant quality can change over time, especially with busy tourist destinations. Before choosing a restaurant in Ha Long, check recent reviews for food quality, service, current prices, cleanliness, and opening hours. Pay particular attention to reviews from the last few months rather than relying only on older travel guides.

4. FAQs About Ha Long Bay Restaurants

4.1. Can I Find Restaurants Open Late In Ha Long?

Yes. Several restaurants in Ha Long operate into the evening, and some seafood restaurants stay open until around 10 pm or later. For example, Vinh Seafood currently lists dinner service until around 11 pm, while Dai Duong Vang 9999 lists operating hours into the late evening. However, opening hours can change during holidays or low season, so check with the restaurant before making a late night trip.

4.2. Are Ha Long Bay Restaurants Open On Public Holidays?

Many restaurants remain open during public holidays because these are some of the busiest travel periods in Ha Long.

However, restaurants may change their operating hours, require advance reservations, or apply holiday pricing. Sen A Dong, for example, currently publishes separate holiday pricing for its buffet. If you are visiting during Tet, National Day, or another major holiday, booking ahead is strongly recommended.

4.3. Is It Easy To Find English-Speaking Staff At Restaurants In Ha Long?

At restaurants in the main tourist areas such as Bai Chay, you are more likely to find staff who can communicate basic English. However, English ability varies from restaurant to restaurant. At smaller local restaurants, communication may be more limited. Having the name of your preferred dishes written in Vietnamese can make ordering easier, especially when choosing fresh seafood or explaining how you want it prepared.

4.4. Can Restaurants In Ha Long Arrange Seafood For Takeaway?

Many restaurants offer takeaway or can prepare seafood for takeaway, but the exact service depends on the restaurant and dish. For cooked dishes such as squid cake, grilled seafood, fried rice, and noodles, takeaway is generally straightforward. For live seafood, ask the restaurant whether it can pack the seafood safely and how long it can be kept before eating. It is best to confirm the packaging, preparation time, and any additional charge before placing the order.

Choosing the best Ha Long Bay restaurant depends on what kind of meal you want. If you are looking for a seafood buffet, Sen A Dong and Bien 14 are practical choices. For fresh seafood and a broader menu, Ngoc Phuong Nam, Cua Vang, Hong Hanh, and Dai Duong Vang 9999 are worth considering. If you want a more distinctive setting, Ngoc Luc Bao and Lang Chai offer a different dining experience.

Most importantly, remember to check seafood prices before ordering, especially for items sold by weight. With the right restaurant and a few local specialties on the table, dining in Ha Long can become one of the highlights of your Vietnam trip. For more Vietnam travel inspiration, local food guides, and Ha Long travel experiences, explore Joytime: Vietnam Travel before your trip.