As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is famous not only for its history but also for its rich culinary heritage. From royal classics to modern fusion, the variety of dishes will impress any traveler. What makes Hue cuisine even more special is the tradition of serving small portions, inviting diners to slowly enjoy each bite and explore a wide array of flavors in one meal. If you are looking for a memorable culinary journey, look for 15+ best restaurants in Hue below.
Madam Thu Restaurant
Founded in 2017 and nestled in the vibrant “Western” walking street of Hue, aka Backpacker area —a popular place with international travelers — Madam Thu is a beloved destination for authentic Hue cuisine. Signature dishes like bánh bèo, nem lụi, and bún thịt nướng are served in a cozy yet modern atmosphere. Beyond its delicious meals, Madam Thu offers immersive cooking classes where guests ride a traditional cyclo (xích lô) to local markets to handpick fresh ingredients before learning to prepare Hue specialties with expert instructors.
- Address: 45 Vo Thi Sau St., Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City
- Time: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Cozy Restaurant
Cozy Restaurant stays true to its name with a simple yet cozy atmosphere that immediately feels welcoming. Tucked in a quiet alley, the space may be small, but it’s filled with warmth and charm. Cozy has become a traveler’s favorite for serving traditional dishes like bánh khoái (Hue-style pancake) and cơm hến (clam rice). It earned the Travelers’ Choice Award in 2024 for consistently excellent reviews. Besides dining, Cozy also offers cooking classes, allowing guests to explore Hue’s culinary traditions in a hands-on way.
- Address: 6/27 Ha Noi St., Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
- Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Nook Eatery
This restaurant in Hue is perfect for travelers seeking both local dishes, Asian and Western comfort food. Located in a small alley with tropical-inspired decor, Nook stands out for its colorful presentation and cheerful vibe.
While its menu includes fresh spring rolls, smoothies, and cocktails, it’s especially loved for its all-day breakfast burger, as proudly noted in its bio: “A funky little Nook in downtown Hue – All-day Breakfast Burger.” Despite its modern flair, Nook still incorporates traditional elements such as Hue conical hats into its design, blending contemporary creativity with cultural charm.
- Address: 33/42 Nguyen Cong Tru St., Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
- Time: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Les Jardins de La Carambole
Founded in 2000 by a French-Vietnamese couple, Les Jardins de La Carambole is located in the northern part of Hue City, just 400 meters from the Forbidden City. Set in a beautifully preserved French colonial villa, this upscale restaurant offers a fusion of refined Vietnamese and Western cuisine.
Les Jardins is celebrated for its elegant ambiance, lush garden courtyard, and attentive service. Signature dishes like beef bourguignon and grilled duck with tamarind sauce are served with finesse, making it a favorite for romantic dinners and special occasions alike.
- Address: 32 Dang Tran Con St., Xuan Phu Ward, Hue City
- Time: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Quan Cam – Bun Bo Hue
No culinary trip to Hue is complete without trying bún bò Huế. Quan Cam is a legendary local joint that serves one of the best bowls in town. The dish here is elevated by its rich broth, high-quality crab meat loaf (chả cua), and a touch of shrimp paste for extra depth. Besides bún bò Huế, the shop also offers sweet local specialties like mè xửng (sesame sweets), giving visitors a taste of Hue’s broader culinary culture. Like many bún bò Huế eateries in the city, Quan Cam opens early—usually around 6:00 AM—catering to the local habit of enjoying a hearty breakfast at dawn.
- Address: 45 Le Loi St., Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
- Time: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Read more:
15+ Best Things to Do in Hue for First-Time Visitors
Explore Hue incense village – A colorful cultural stop in Hue
Bun Bo Hue Ba Gai
Another strong contender for the best bún bò Huế in town, Ba Gai is a local favorite thanks to its deeply flavorful broth and homemade chili paste. It’s a popular breakfast destination, so come early to beat the crowds. Unlike most bún bò Huế spots that close mid-morning, Ba Gai stands out for staying open until late the next morning—around 2:00 AM—catering to both early risers and night owls looking for a hearty bowl at any hour. They totally deserve to be one of the best restaurants in Hue, Vietnam.
- Address: 11A Ha Noi St., Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
- Time: 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Quan Ba Hoa
A hidden gem in Hue’s food scene, Quan Ba Hoa is known for its authentic home-style cooking served in a friendly, no-frills setting. The restaurant’s menu is impressively diverse—ranging from bún bò Huế and clam dishes like cơm hến, bún hến, cháo hến to savory steamed rice cakes such as bánh bèo, bánh nậm, and bánh lọc.
Their cơm phần (set rice meal) is especially popular among students and families, offering generous portions at a great value. Conveniently located in the city center, it’s a great stop for a hearty, authentic taste of Hue.
- Address: 11A Truong Dinh St., Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
- Time: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Com Hen 17
If you’re adventurous to try a brand new dish, don’t miss out on cơm hến at Com Hen 17. As one of the oldest and most beloved clam rice spots in Hue (more than 20 years), this place has long been a local favorite for its traditional preparation and budget-friendly price—starting from just 15,000 VND.
The dish, made with rice, baby clams, herbs, crispy pork skin, and chili paste, offers a complex flavor explosion in every bite. The space may be small and not glamorous, but it delivers one of the most authentic local dining experiences in Hue. For visitors seeking genuine taste and unbeatable value, this is a must-try stop on your culinary journey.
- Address: 17 Han Mac Tu St., Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
- Time: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Original Hang Me
For classic Hue street food in a clean and comfortable environment, Original Hang Me (or “Hàng Me Mẹ”) is the place to go. Located near the bustling backpacker walking street, this long-standing eatery has earned its name as the original branch and is a favorite among both locals and tourists. It serves bánh bèo, bánh nậm, and bánh lọc – all freshly made with high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Despite its modest size, the space feels inviting and authentic, capturing the essence of Hue’s culinary charm. In addition to its dine-in offerings, the restaurant also sells frozen cakes, allowing visitors to take home a delicious reminder of Hue’s rich food culture.
- Address: 14 Vo Thi Sau St., Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
- Time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Khong Gian Xua Restaurant
Khong Gian Xua Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Hue with a serene dining experience in a traditional wooden house setting, bringing to life the grandeur of Hue’s imperial cuisine. Born from a deep passion for preserving and elevating ancient recipes, the restaurant has become a go-to place for heartfelt banquets and gatherings.
Beyond preserving heritage, the restaurant also adds a modern touch to many royal dishes, including flavorful claypot rice and beautifully plated fusion creations. Visitors are invited not just to savor the flavors, but to embark on a cultural journey—immersing themselves in vintage royal ambience, thoughtful decor, and attentive service. It warmly welcomes both locals and international travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Hue’s culinary legacy.
- Address: 205 Dien Bien Phu/98 Minh Mang/76 Le Loi St., Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
- Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Lac Thien Restaurant
Famous for both its food and history, this top restaurant in Hue has been serving tourists and locals for decades. Located near the Imperial City Hue on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, it’s best known for its bánh khoái—Hue-style savory pancakes—and generous portions. The restaurant is run by a special family whose members are hearing- and speech-impaired, yet they’ve built a trusted reputation through heartfelt service and exceptional food.
Their homemade peanut sauce, a secret recipe passed down through generations, is a local treasure. Established in the 1970s, Lac Thien has become a culinary institution in Hue. You can choose to dine in any of the family-run extensions next door, each carrying the same authentic spirit.
- Address: 6 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Phu Xuan Ward, Hue City
- Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Ancient Hue Gallery Cuisine
Located in a peaceful village just outside central Hue, Ancient Hue Gallery Cuisine is the signature restaurant of the faed Ancient Hue Garden Houses resort. This fine-dining spot blends cuisine with culture, offering imperial dishes in a luxurious villa surrounded by traditional architecture and curated artwork. Guests can choose from an extensive menu of Hue royal cuisine and Vietnamese favorites, or request custom dishes crafted from premium ingredients.
With seating options across three elegant indoor restaurants and an outdoor courtyard, Ancient Hue caters to all types of events and gatherings. For those seeking a romantic, immersive culinary journey into Vietnam’s regal past, this is the place to be.
- Address: 104/47 Kim Long St., Phu Xuan Ward, Hue City
- Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Gecko Pub – Restaurant
Gecko Pub – Restaurant is a cozy, vibrant space located in the heart of Hue’s bustling Pham Ngu Lao walking street. More than just a pub, this 3-in-1 venue functions as a café, pub, and restaurant, serving up delicious European-Asian fusion cuisine alongside specialty drinks and strong Vietnamese coffee.
With its open-air balcony seating, Gecko lets visitors soak in the city’s leafy streets while enjoying their meal. Highlights include the signature Gecko Pizza and a reasonably priced, varied menu. Whether you’re after a relaxed morning coffee or a lively dinner with friends, Gecko offers a memorable stop in Hue’s energetic city center.
- Address: 9 Pham Ngu Lao St., Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
- Time: 8:00 AM – 12:A0 PM
An Nhien Garden Vegetarian
For vegetarians or anyone looking to eat clean, An Nhien Garden is one of the top restaurants in Hue city. Named after the two founding sisters, An and Nhien, the restaurant embodies the spirit of peaceful and natural living. Its menu features beautifully plated meatless versions of Hue specialties, including vegan bún bò Huế and bánh ram ít, made from fresh, green, and locally sourced ingredients. The lush garden setting creates a serene space to relax, while each dish tells a story of the land and people of Hue. Here, even simple vegetable dishes are transformed into vibrant, nutritious meals that spark joy and nourish the soul.
- Address: Alley 11 Tinh Lo 10, Phu Thuong, Hue City
- Time: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Azerai La Residence Restaurant
Part of the luxurious Azerai La Residence hotel called Le Parfum, this restaurant is known for its refined dining and river views. Food is a passion at La Residence, where talented chefs experiment with creative Asian, Vietnamese, and European flavors. Each dish is crafted using the freshest local produce and high-quality imported ingredients.
The seasonal menu blends French and Vietnamese influences, complemented by an extensive wine list, impeccable service, and a warm, elegant setting. Le Parfum is also vegetarian-friendly, with vegan and gluten-free options available to accommodate all dietary needs.
- Address: 5 Le Loi St., Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
- Time: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Discover the Flavors of Hue with HoaBinh Tourist
Tasting Hue’s cuisine is more than just eating – it’s a journey through time and tradition. From royal feasts to humble street food, each dish tells a story of culture, history, and craftsmanship. With flavors that range from subtle elegance to bold spice, Hue’s culinary scene offers something to surprise every palate. Every bite at restaurants in Hue is an invitation to experience the imperial soul of the city.
🌟 Eager to savor Hue’s iconic cuisine and discover its cultural treasures? Join our exclusive Hue City Tours – designed to bring you straight to the heart of local flavor and imperial charm. From bustling street eats to hidden culinary gems, HoaBinh Tourist ensures a rich, guided experience of Hue like no other. Let’s craft your perfect journey!