Best Restaurants in Da Nang: Where to Eat in 2024
Da Nang is the culinary bridge between the imperial flavors of Hue and the commercial energy of Saigon. While nearby Hoi An gets the credit for history, Da Nang is where you find the freshest seafood and the most evolved versions of Central Vietnamese staples. The scene is split between high-end beachfront resorts, gritty local stalls, and a growing wave of expat-run bistros. You won't find better variety in Vietnam. This guide helps you navigate the best restaurants in Da Nang to ensure every meal hits the mark.
Must-try dishes in Da Nang
Before booking a table, you need to know what to order. These are the non-negotiables:
- Mi Quang: Thick rice noodles yellowed with turmeric, served with a small amount of intense broth, pork, shrimp, and a giant rice cracker.
- Bun Cha Ca: A savory fish cake noodle soup characterized by a sweet and sour broth made from pumpkin, pineapple, and tomato.
- Banh Xeo: Sizzling rice flour crepes stuffed with pork and bean sprouts, wrapped in rice paper with bitter herbs and dipped in peanut sauce.
- Seafood (Hai San): Fresh catches like lemongrass-steamed clams, salt-crusted prawns, and grilled scallops with scallion oil.
- Nem Lui: Minced pork lemongrass skewers grilled over charcoal, designed to be rolled into rice paper wraps.
- Banh Nam: Flat rice flour cakes steamed in banana leaves, topped with minced shrimp and scallions.
Best restaurants for a splurge
When you want to spend more for better service, atmosphere, and high-quality ingredients, these are the top contenders for where to eat in Da Nang.
La Maison 1888 (Son Tra Peninsula)
Located inside the InterContinental Sun Peninsula Resort, this is Da Nang’s premier fine-dining destination. Overseen by Michelin-starred chefs, the restaurant occupies a stunning colonial-style mansion. Expect French technique applied to local seasonal ingredients. The wine cellar is one of the best in Southeast Asia. It is expensive, but the execution and the view over the bay are unmatched.
The Grill (Ngu Hanh Son)
Situated at the Sheraton Grand, The Grill focuses on premium steaks and fresh seafood. The open kitchen allows you to see the chefs working with high-grade imported beef and local lobster. The wine list is extensive, and the service is formal without being stiff. It’s a reliable choice for a quiet, high-end dinner away from the city noise.
Si Dining (Ngu Hanh Son)
Si Dining offers a modern take on Italian cuisine with a subtle Vietnamese influence. The space is minimalist and sophisticated, tucked away in a quieter part of the tourist district. The tasting menus are the best way to experience the chef’s creativity. Their handmade pastas and innovative dessert courses make this a standout for a special occasion.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
These spots offer high-quality food without the formal dress code. These are the best restaurants in Da Nang for a reliable, mid-range meal.
Bep Cuon (Hai Chau)
Bep Cuon specializes in the "rolling" culture of Vietnamese food. They serve massive platters of Banh Xeo, Nem Lui, and grilled meats intended to be wrapped in rice paper. The staff is happy to show you how to roll your own if it’s your first time. The atmosphere is energetic, clean, and very popular with both locals and travelers.
Pizza 4P’s (Indochina Riverside)
No food guide to Vietnam is complete without Pizza 4P’s. This Japanese-run chain is famous for its house-made burrata and wood-fired pizzas. The Da Nang locations (there are two) maintain the same high standards found in Saigon. It is the best place in the city for Western comfort food with a Japanese obsession for quality.
Fatfish (Son Tra)
Located on the east side of the Dragon Bridge, Fatfish is a Mediterranean-Vietnamese fusion spot known for its craft beer and creative small plates. The interior is industrial-chic, and the menu features items like wood-fired duck breast and fresh local salads. It is a great spot to start a night out before exploring the nearby bars.
Olivia’s Prime Steakhouse (Hai Chau)
For a straightforward, high-quality steak, Olivia’s is the local gold standard. They use imported US and Australian beef cooked over a wood-fired grill. The sides are classic American steakhouse fare—creamed spinach and mashed potatoes. It sits right on the riverfront, making it an easy walk from the major downtown hotels.
Best cheap eats and street food
This is the heart of Da Nang’s food scene. This is where you find the boldest flavors for just a few dollars.
Mi Quang Ba Mua
Ba Mua is a local institution for Mi Quang. You can choose from various toppings like beef, chicken, or eel. The broth is rich, the herbs are fresh, and the prices are incredibly low. It’s a fast-paced environment; you sit down, eat, and leave. There are several locations, but the one on Tran Binh Trong is a consistent winner.
Bun Cha Ca 109
Located on Nguyen Chi Thanh, this shop focuses almost exclusively on fish cake noodle soup. The broth is light and slightly sweet, balanced with a hit of spicy chili and lime. It’s a breakfast and lunch staple for locals. The shop is open-air and loud, providing an authentic Da Nang dining experience.
Banh Mi Ba Lan
While Hoi An is famous for Banh Mi, Ba Lan is Da Nang’s heavyweight champion. There isn't much of a seating area; you join the queue of motorbikes and wait for your sandwich. They are known for a heavy spread of pate and high-quality cold cuts. It typically opens in the late afternoon and sells out quickly.
Quan Be Man
For a raw seafood experience, go to Be Man on the coast. It is a massive, brightly lit hall with tanks of live seafood. You point at what you want, ask for the price per kilo, and tell them how to cook it (grilled with salt and chili is always a safe bet). It’s chaotic, noisy, and offers the freshest seafood in the city.
Best breakfast and brunch
Da Nang has a growing cafe culture that caters to the remote work crowd and late risers.
Roots Plant-Based Food
If you need a break from pork-heavy street food, Roots is the best plant-based option in the city. They serve excellent smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and cold-pressed juices. It’s a favorite for the expat community in the My Khe Beach area. The vibe is bright, clean, and very "Bali-style."
Six On South
Located in the An Thuong area, Six On South offers a high-end Australian-style brunch. Their eggs benedict and specialty coffee are among the best in the city. The space is air-conditioned and well-designed, making it a great spot to escape the morning humidity.
Le Bordeaux
For something more traditional, Le Bordeaux is a French bakery that serves excellent croissants and pastries. The coffee is strong, and the atmosphere is quiet. It’s a great spot for a light breakfast before heading out to Marble Mountains or the Son Tra Peninsula.
Best rooftop or view dining
Da Nang’s skyline is impressive, especially at night when the bridges are lit up.
The Top Bar (A La Carte Hotel)
This rooftop bar and lounge offers one of the best 360-degree views of Da Nang and My Khe Beach. While they serve food, it’s mostly about the small plates and cocktails. It is an ideal spot for a sunset drink before heading to a seafood dinner on the coast.
Brilliant Top Bar
Located on the 17th floor of the Brilliant Hotel, this spot overlooks the Han River and the Dragon Bridge. It’s a great place to watch the Dragon Bridge breathe fire on weekend nights. The menu is a mix of Western and Asian dishes, but most people come for the view and the atmosphere.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
If you don't have a specific destination, head to these areas and follow your nose:
- An Thuong (My An): This is the "expat" quarter. It is packed with international food, from tacos and burgers to vegan cafes and sushi. It’s highly walkable and right near the beach.
- Han Market Area (Hai Chau 1): The blocks surrounding the Han Market are dense with traditional noodle shops, Banh Mi stands, and old-school coffee houses. This is where you find the most historic Da Nang flavors.
- Phan Chau Trinh Street: This street is a gold mine for local specialties. You can find everything from Banh Xeo to premium desserts within a three-block radius.
Note: Restaurant hours and reservation policies in Da Nang can change without notice; check local listings before departing.