10+ Best French Restaurants in Hanoi for an Authentic Culinary Experience

Hanoi's elegant colonial architecture hints at its French past, a history beautifully reflected in its diverse culinary landscape. The city is home to a surprising and thriving scene of French restaurants, offering everything from cozy bistros and charming cafes to sophisticated fine dining establishments. Discover an authentic taste of France right here in the heart of Vietnam, with options to satisfy every craving and occasion.

List of 10+ Famous French Restaurants in Hanoi

Let's explore each restaurant in more detail:

1. La Table Hanoia – Exquisite French dining in a luxurious setting

Overview: La Table Hanoia offers an elevated French dining experience within a beautifully designed, luxurious space. Known for its sophisticated ambiance and meticulous service, it's a destination for special occasions or when seeking refined French cuisine crafted with high-quality ingredients and artistic presentation.

Price Range: 800,000 - 1,500,000+ VND per person

Signature Dishes: Pigeon lasagna, Beef Rossini, Langoustine, Fine de Brittany oyster, etc.

Experience luxurious French cuisine in the elegant setting of La Table Hanoia. - Photo source: Google Maps Minh Ngan Nguyen

2. French Grill (JW Marriott) – Hanoi’s top spot for premium steaks and seafood

Overview: Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Hotel, French Grill is synonymous with premium quality and impeccable service. It's celebrated for having one of the largest open show kitchens in Hanoi, specializing in perfectly grilled prime steaks and exquisite fresh seafood. A top choice for a high-end, classic fine dining experience.

Price Range: 1,000,000 - 2,000,000+ VND per person

Signature Dishes: Caviar, Black Pearl French Oysters, Nha Trang Lobster with Passion Fruit Sauce, Norwegian Salmon, Marrunga Lamb Loin in 3 Styles, Roasted French Pigeon, etc.

French Grill at JW Marriott offers a premium fine dining experience with exceptional steaks and seafood. - Photo source: Google Maps An Huong

3. EMM’s French Bistro – Chic, modern flavors with a touch of elegance

Overview: EMM’s French Bistro offers a more contemporary take on French cuisine in a chic and stylish setting. It blends classic bistro comfort with modern culinary techniques and presentation. It's a popular spot for both casual lunches and elegant dinners, known for its consistent quality and inviting atmosphere.

Price Range: 500,000 - 900,000 VND per person

Signature Dishes: Crème Brulée, Pumpkin Soup, Truffle Mushroom Soup, Lamb Duo, Beef Carpaccio Di Manzo, etc. 

Enjoy chic and modern French flavors at EMM's French Bistro. - Photo source: Google Maps Brad

4. The Clover at Ngoc Thuy – A dreamy destination for a romantic French dinner

Overview: Located across the Red River from the city center, The Clover offers a unique dining experience in a beautifully restored villa with a romantic garden setting. It's considered a hidden gem for those seeking an intimate and dreamy atmosphere for a special French dinner, offering refined cuisine away from the city bustle.

Price Range: 800,000 - 1,500,000+ VND per person

Signature Dishes: Roasted Rack, Tuna Tartare, Marinated Prawn with Pink Pepper, etc.

The Clover at Ngoc Thuy offers a dreamy setting for a romantic French dinner. - Photo source: Google Maps Simon Kuo

5. – Classic bistro fare in a cozy, Parisian-style space

Overview: Café de Paris transports you to the heart of France with its classic bistro ambiance and menu. It’s known for serving traditional, comforting French dishes in a casual, cozy setting reminiscent of a Parisian street cafe. A reliable spot for satisfying your craving for authentic bistro favorites.Café de Paris

Price Range: 300,000 - 600,000 VND per person

Signature Dishes: French Onion Soup, Croque Monsieur/Madame, Grilled seabass, Quiches, Salads, etc.

Café de Paris offers a cozy slice of Paris in Hanoi. - Photo source: Google Maps SEOKRAE KIM

6. Cousins Restaurant – A relaxed bistro bringing French warmth to Hanoi

Overview: Cousins offers a casual and friendly bistro experience, known for its relaxed atmosphere and approachable French menu. It's a comfortable spot for a casual meal with friends or family, serving up popular dishes with a focus on creating a welcoming, 'cousinly' vibe.

Price Range: 300,000 - 600,000 VND per person

Signature Dishes: Fish and Chips, Piedmontese Veal Carpaccio, Pate, Lemon Tart, etc.

Cousins Restaurant offers a relaxed and friendly French bistro experience. - Photo source: Google Maps ハクショングレイシー

7. La Badiane – A refined fusion of French and Asian flavors

Overview: La Badiane is renowned for its exquisite fusion cuisine, skillfully blending French techniques with Asian ingredients and flavors. Located in a beautiful villa with a courtyard, it offers a sophisticated and memorable dining experience that has earned it consistent praise. A great choice for those seeking an innovative culinary journey.

Price Range: 700,000 - 1,200,000+ VND per person

Signature Dishes: Le foie gras, Romaine salad, etc.

La Badiane offers a refined blend of French and Asian culinary artistry. - Photo source: Google Maps ikumi

8. Saint-Honoré – Hanoi’s go-to for artisanal French pastries

Overview: While not a full restaurant, Saint-Honoré is a highly regarded bakery and cafe celebrated for its authentic, high-quality artisanal French pastries, breads, and cakes. It's the perfect spot for a delicious breakfast, a light lunch, or picking up exquisite sweets. A must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Price Range: 50,000 - 150,000 VND per item

Signature Dishes: Croissants, Pain au Chocolat, Eclairs, Macarons, various tarts and cakes, artisanal bread, etc.

Saint-Honoré is famous for its beautiful and delicious artisanal French pastries. - Photo source: Google Maps Jason McVetta

9. O’Douceurs – Brunch heaven with irresistible French sweets

Overview: O’Douceurs is a popular French bakery and cafe, particularly favored for brunch and its delightful selection of pastries, cakes, and desserts. It offers a bright and pleasant atmosphere, making it a great spot to linger over coffee and indulge in authentic French sweets or enjoy a light meal.

Price Range: 60,000 - 180,000 VND per item/meal

Signature Dishes: Hamburger, Croissants, Tarts, etc.

O'Douceurs is a popular spot for French pastries and brunch. - Photo source: Google Maps Ly Khanh Nguyen

10. Maison Vie – Timeless French cuisine at its best

Overview: Maison Vie is a long-standing institution in Hanoi, celebrated for its commitment to classic, timeless French cuisine. Located in a beautiful villa, it offers a traditional fine dining experience with a focus on expertly prepared classic dishes and attentive service. A favorite for those seeking a truly authentic and refined French meal.

Price Range: 700,000 - 1,200,000+ VND per person

Signature Dishes: Vietnamese buffalo fillet with pepper sauce, Soupe de Pommes de Terre, Salade de Crevettes, Carpaccio de Thon, Tarte à l’Oignon, etc.

Maison Vie offers a timeless experience of classic French fine dining in Hanoi. - Photo source: Google Maps Biran Lee

Tips for Choosing the Right French Restaurant in Hanoi

With such a tempting array of French food available, deciding where to dine can be part of the adventure! To help you pick the perfect spot for your mood and needs, consider these tips:

Consider Your Location: Think about where you are in the city or where you plan to be.

• Staying in the Old Quarter? Try Café de Paris for a cozy bistro vibe or Crêperie Bretonne for authentic crêpes right in the heart of the action.

• Near West Lake? Head to Maison Vie or Cousins Restaurant for a laid-back dining experience in that beautiful lakeside area.

• In other districts? EMM’s French Bistro (Cau Giay) or The Clover (Long Bien) might be closer depending on your base.

Think About the Occasion & Atmosphere: Are you seeking a romantic fine dining experience, a stylish modern bistro, a relaxed casual meal with friends, or just a quick coffee and pastry? The restaurant overviews in this guide describe the typical ambiance of each place.

Looking for Something Quick & Light? If you're not seeking a full, multi-course meal, consider the bakeries and cafes like Saint-Honoré or O’Douceurs for pastries, sandwiches, and lighter fare.

Budget Matters: French dining in Hanoi ranges significantly in price. Check the "Price Range" indicator provided for each restaurant to find an option that fits your budget.

Don’t Forget to Book in Advance: Especially for dinner, and particularly at popular or upscale restaurants on weekends, making a reservation is highly recommended to ensure you get a table and avoid disappointment.

Explore Hanoi's Culinary Delights with Joytime Tours!

Dive deeper into the flavors you've read about and discover even more on a guided food tour designed to showcase the best of Hanoi's rich gastronomic heritage:

• Explore Hanoi Street Food - 3-5 Hours Day Tour

• Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour

• Private Walking Tour: Cultural Experience & Hanoi's Diverse Cuisine

• Hanoi Food Walk Adventure: Wild & Weird Hanoi

• Experience cuisine, culture and sightseeing in Hanoi by Jeep

Leave the logistics to Joytime and simply focus on the delicious exploration!

Dive deep into Hanoi's vibrant culinary landscape with Joytime as your guide. - Photo source: Joytime

Hanoi's array of French restaurants offers a delightful journey through classic flavors and modern interpretations of French food Hanoi, reflecting the city's unique history and sophisticated palate. Whether you seek the elegance of fine dining, the casual charm of a bistro, or the simple pleasure of a perfect pastry, these establishments provide authentic culinary experiences that stand out. Don't miss the chance to savor a taste of France during your visit to the heart of Vietnam.

Beyond these wonderful French restaurants, Hanoi's story runs deep, interwoven with its history and vibrant culture. To truly unlock the city's secrets, consider exploring with a local expert. Joytime is your dedicated servant expert, helping you navigate Hanoi's layers – from its historical sites to its incredible food scene, including the influences from its French past.