Best Restaurants in Vung Tau: Where to Eat on Your Trip

Finding the right place to eat can be one of the most enjoyable parts of a trip to Vung Tau. The best restaurants Vung Tau range from laid-back seafood spots by the coast to local restaurants serving familiar Vietnamese dishes and international favorites. In this guide, Joytime Travel will introduce 10+ recommended restaurants in Vung Tau, together with must-try dishes and practical tips to help you decide where to eat. 

1. 10+ Best Restaurants in Vung Tau To Try

1.1. Ganh Hao Seafood Restaurant

Ganh Hao Seafood Restaurant - Source: Pinterest 

Ganh Hao Seafood Restaurant is a well-known seafood restaurant in Vung Tau, offering a wide selection of fresh seafood in a spacious dining setting. The menu includes various types of fish, shellfish, crab, prawns, and other seafood prepared in Vietnamese styles. Its coastal location also makes it a popular choice for travelers looking for a relaxed seafood meal with family or friends.

• Location: 03 Tran Phu, Vung Tau
• Opening hours: Around 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: Approximately VND 500,000 - 1,200,000 per person
• Best for: Families and groups looking for a wide selection of fresh seafood

With its extensive menu and spacious setting, Ganh Hao is suitable for sharing several dishes rather than ordering a single meal. It is also a convenient option if you want to combine seafood dining with sightseeing along Tran Phu.

1.2. Van Chai Restaurant

Van Chai Restaurant - Source: vanchairestaurant.com 

Van Chai Restaurant is a spacious Vietnamese restaurant in Vung Tau, specializing in seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes. Its menu offers a variety of seafood choices alongside other familiar Vietnamese dishes, making it a practical option for families and groups with different preferences.

• Location: 02 - 04 Le Hong Phong, Vung Tau
• Opening hours: Around 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: Approximately VND 250,000 - 700,000 per person
• Best for: Families and groups looking for Vietnamese food and seafood

The restaurant's larger dining space makes it suitable for group meals, while the varied menu means diners do not have to order seafood exclusively.

1.3. La Sirena Seafood Restaurant

La Sirena Seafood Restaurant - Source: Ăn chơi Vũng Tàu 

La Sirena Seafood Restaurant is located near Vung Tau's Back Beach and offers a selection of seafood in a more polished dining environment. The restaurant combines a coastal setting with a broad menu, making it a convenient choice for travelers staying around Thuy Van Street.

• Location: 159 Thuy Van, Vung Tau
• Opening hours: Around 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
• Price range: Approximately VND 300,000 - 800,000 per person
• Best for: Travelers looking for seafood near Back Beach

The restaurant is particularly convenient if you are spending the day around Back Beach and want to have lunch or dinner without traveling far from the beach area.

1.4. Thanh Phat Seafood Restaurant

Thanh Phat Seafood Restaurant - Source: Pinterest 

Thanh Phat Seafood Restaurant is a popular seafood destination along Tran Phu, offering a broad selection of fresh seafood for individual meals and group dining. Diners can choose from different types of seafood and have them prepared in a variety of Vietnamese cooking styles.

• Location: 334 Tran Phu, Vung Tau
• Opening hours: Around 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Price range: Approximately VND 500,000 - 1,300,000 per person
• Best for: Groups wanting a wide choice of fresh seafood

Because seafood prices can vary according to the type and weight of the ingredients, it is worth checking the current price before ordering, particularly when choosing premium seafood.

1.5. Hoang Minh Stingray Hotpot Restaurant

Hoang Minh Stingray Hotpot Restaurant - Source: Google Maps 

Hoang Minh Stingray Hotpot Restaurant specializes in lau ca duoi, or stingray hotpot, one of the dishes most closely associated with Vung Tau. The restaurant focuses on this local specialty while also offering other seafood dishes, making it a straightforward choice for travelers who want to try a traditional Vung Tau meal.

• Location: 44 Truong Cong Dinh, Vung Tau
• Opening hours: Around 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: Approximately VND 150,000 - 300,000 per person
• Best for: Travelers who want to try Vung Tau-style stingray hotpot

The hotpot is generally served for sharing, so it works particularly well for couples, families, or small groups looking for a warm and filling local meal.

1.6. Oc Tu Nhien Restaurant

Oc Tu Nhien Restaurant - Source: Google Maps 

Oc Tu Nhien is a casual seafood restaurant known for its selection of snails, oysters, clams, squid, and other seafood dishes. Located on Tran Phu, it offers a more informal dining experience and is a good option for travelers who want to try several small seafood dishes in one meal.

• Location: 34 Tran Phu, Vung Tau
• Opening hours: Around 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
• Price range: Approximately VND 100,000 - 300,000 per person
• Best for: Casual seafood meals and trying different shellfish dishes

The menu includes different grilled and stir-fried seafood preparations, so ordering several smaller dishes to share is a convenient way to sample more of the restaurant's selection.

1.7. Cay Bang Restaurant

Cay Bang Restaurant - Source: Google Maps 

Cay Bang Restaurant is a long-established seafood restaurant on Tran Phu, offering a broad menu of Vietnamese-style seafood dishes. Its location near the coast makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the western side of Vung Tau and looking for a full seafood meal.

• Location: 93 - 95 Tran Phu, Vung Tau
• Opening hours: Around 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: Approximately VND 250,000 - 700,000 per person
• Best for: Families and groups looking for a traditional seafood meal

The restaurant's larger setting is suitable for group dining, while the extensive seafood menu gives diners plenty of options to share.

1.8. Bistro 9

Bistro 9 - Source: Facebook 

Bistro 9 offers something different from Vung Tau's many seafood restaurants, with a menu centered on French and international-style dishes. The restaurant serves options such as steaks, European dishes, homemade bread, and other Western-style meals in a more intimate dining setting.

• Location: 9 Truong Vinh Ky, Vung Tau
• Opening hours: Around 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: Approximately VND 200,000 - 500,000 per person
• Best for: Travelers looking for French and international cuisine

Bistro 9 can be a useful alternative when you want a break from seafood or are traveling with someone who prefers Western-style food.

1.9. 7 Luom Stingray Hotpot Restaurant

7 Luom Stingray Hotpot Restaurant - Source: Vietnam News 

7 Luom Stingray Hotpot Restaurant is another local restaurant specializing in lau ca duoi, with a menu that also includes other seafood dishes. Its casual atmosphere and focus on a popular local specialty make it a practical choice for travelers who want to experience one of Vung Tau's signature dishes.

• Location: 37 Nguyen Truong To, Vung Tau
• Opening hours: Around 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: Approximately VND 150,000 - 300,000 per person
• Best for: Casual meals featuring stingray hotpot

The hotpot is designed for sharing, making this restaurant particularly suitable for small groups. You can also order additional seafood dishes if you want to turn the meal into a larger spread.

1.10. Ocean Bay Vung Tau Restaurant

Ocean Bay Vung Tau Restaurant - Source: Pinterest 

Ocean Bay Vung Tau Restaurant is a seafood restaurant on Tran Phu offering both indoor and open-air dining areas. Its menu covers a wide range of seafood dishes, while its coastal setting makes it suitable for travelers who want a meal with a more relaxed seaside atmosphere.

• Location: 115 Tran Phu, Vung Tau
• Opening hours: Around 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: Approximately VND 250,000 - 1,000,000+ per person
• Best for: Seafood meals with a coastal dining atmosphere

The restaurant offers different dining spaces, so it can work for both casual meals and larger gatherings. As with other seafood restaurants, checking the current prices of fresh seafood before ordering is recommended.

2. What To Eat At Restaurants In Vung Tau 

2.1. Banh Khot Vung Tau

Banh Khot Vung Tau - Source: Vietnam Coracle 

Banh khot is one of the dishes most closely associated with Vung Tau. These small crispy rice-flour pancakes are usually topped with shrimp and scallions, then served with fresh herbs, shredded vegetables, and dipping sauce. The contrast between the crisp pancake and fresh greens makes it an easy dish to share or enjoy as a light meal. For travelers specifically looking for banh khot, Banh Khot Co Ba Vung Tau is another local option, with a branch listed at 1 Hoang Hoa Tham. Joytime's existing Vung Tau food coverage also lists the restaurant with prices of approximately VND 40,000 - 88,000.

2.2. Stingray Hot Pot

Stingray Hot Pot - Source: Travel in Vietnam 

Stingray hot pot, or lau ca duoi, is one of the specialties visitors often seek out in Vung Tau. The hot pot generally combines stingray with a tangy, savory broth and ingredients such as bamboo shoots, herbs, and vegetables. It is usually ordered as a shared dish, making it particularly suitable for two or more diners. Hoang Minh and 7 Luom are two restaurants in this guide that focus on this specialty. Their locations on Truong Cong Dinh and Nguyen Truong To respectively also make them easy options to consider when planning a meal around central Vung Tau.

2.3. Fresh Crab And Lobster

Fresh Crab And Lobster - Source: Pinterest 

For a more indulgent seafood meal, look for fresh crab, lobster, prawns, or other premium catches. Depending on the restaurant, seafood may be steamed, grilled, stir-fried, or prepared with a house sauce. Because these ingredients are commonly priced according to weight, it is important to confirm the price and size before ordering.

Restaurants such as Ganh Hao and Thanh Phat offer broad seafood menus suitable for groups who want to share several dishes. Keep in mind that premium seafood can make the final bill much higher than the price of an ordinary Vietnamese meal.

2.4. Grilled Seafood

Grilled Seafood - Source: Pinterest 

Grilled seafood is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Vung Tau's coastal food culture. Oysters, squid, prawns, scallops, and other shellfish can be grilled with ingredients such as scallion oil, garlic, butter, or cheese. This style of cooking keeps the preparation relatively simple while adding a richer flavor. For a casual meal, restaurants specializing in snails and seafood can be a good choice. At Ốc Tự Nhiên, for example, current listings include grilled oysters with cheese or scallion oil, grilled octopus, and other seafood dishes.

>>> Read more: Best Places To Visit On Vietnam Itineraries For First-Time Travelers 

3. Tips For Choosing Restaurants In Vung Tau

Practical tips for choosing restaurants in Vung Tau - Source: Pinterest 

3.1. Compare Seafood Prices Before Ordering

Fresh seafood is often sold by weight, so the price shown on a menu may not represent the total cost of the dish. Before ordering crab, lobster, prawns, or other premium seafood, ask about the current price per kilogram and confirm the approximate weight.

This is particularly useful at restaurants where customers choose live or fresh seafood before it is prepared. Setting a budget in advance can also help prevent an unexpectedly large bill when ordering several dishes for a group. 

3.2. Check The Restaurant’s Location Before Going

Vung Tau restaurants are spread across different parts of the city. Some are concentrated around Tran Phu and the coastal areas, while others are closer to the central streets. A restaurant that looks close on a general search may still be inconvenient depending on your hotel and traffic conditions. Check the exact address before leaving and consider whether you want a beachfront setting, a central location, or somewhere closer to your accommodation. When planning several stops in one day, Vung Tau Tours can also give you ideas for combining restaurants with beaches, landmarks, and other attractions around the city. 

3.3. Book Ahead For Large Groups And Weekends

Restaurants can become considerably busier on weekends, public holidays, and during periods when many visitors arrive from Ho Chi Minh City. This is particularly relevant for seafood restaurants that are popular with families and large groups. If you’re traveling with several people or want a particular table or dining time, contacting the restaurant in advance is a practical way to avoid waiting for a table. Some restaurants may also have separate arrangements for larger groups or private dining.

3.4. Read Recent Reviews Before Choosing A Restaurant

Restaurant quality and operating conditions can change over time, so recent reviews are generally more useful than very old recommendations. Check comments about food quality, prices, service, cleanliness, and portion sizes before making your final choice. For seafood restaurants, pay particular attention to recent comments about freshness and pricing. You can also check the latest opening hours before visiting, since local restaurants may occasionally adjust their schedules.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Trip Cost: Average Budget & Travel Costs in Vietnam

4. FAQs About Restaurants in Vung Tau

4.1. Do Restaurants in Vung Tau Require a Minimum Order?

Most casual restaurants don’t generally require every customer to place a minimum order, but policies can vary by restaurant, table, private room, or special occasion. Seafood restaurants may also have different arrangements for large groups or certain seating areas. If you are booking a private room or visiting with a large group, it is better to ask about minimum spending when making the reservation. 

4.2. Can I Reserve a Table for a Specific Time?

Yes. Many established restaurants in Vung Tau accept reservations by phone or through their online channels. Booking ahead is particularly useful for weekend dinners, holidays, and larger groups. When making a reservation, confirm the date, number of guests, preferred time, and whether the restaurant can hold a specific type of table. 

4.3. Do Restaurants in Vung Tau Charge Service Fees?

Service charges aren’t necessarily the same at every restaurant. Some casual local eateries may not add a separate service fee, while larger or more upscale restaurants may include additional charges on the bill. Before ordering, check the menu or ask the staff whether service charges, VAT, or other fees are included in the listed prices. This is especially important when ordering a large seafood meal, as additional charges can affect the final bill. 

From a seafood feast overlooking the coast to a small local eatery tucked away from the main tourist streets, dining in Vung Tau can be as varied as the city itself. Take your time choosing a restaurant, try a few local specialties along the way, and leave some room for an unexpected dish or two. Sometimes, those unplanned food stops end up being part of the trip you remember most. Want to make the most of your time in Vung Tau? Discover more places to visit, local experiences, and travel inspiration with Joytime: Vietnam Travel.