Asia

6 Best Local Restaurants in Danang Vietnam With Amazing Food

Want to eat the best-tasting food in Da Nang? Here are the best local restaurants in Danang, Vietnam, that you need to try. Da Nang is known for having some of the best food in Vietnam, even though you can find delicious food just about anywhere in the country. Maybe it has something to do with its laid-back vibe.

This guide highlights the best of the best and easy to decide where to eat. I’m confident you’ll have a great experience at any of these places and even better food.

Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng

The best banh xeo in my life!!!!

Address: 280/23 Hoàng Diệu, Bình Hiên, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Must Try: Bánh Xèo

Bánh Xèo is a Vietnamese crepe made from rice flour, turmeric, and water, creating a crispy shell that holds shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It’s one of the most loved dishes in Vietnam.

The name “Bánh Xèo” translates to “sizzling cake,” named after the sound the batter makes when it hits the hot pan.

Must Eat Dish: The Bánh Xèo at Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng is light, crunchy, and generously stuffed with fresh fillings, and it’s their signature dish. Peopls serve it with rice paper, herbs, and a rich peanut sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor.

Why This Place is Good for Bánh Xèo: Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng is known for nailing the perfect balance between crispy and delicate without being greasy. The family-owned restaurant has a long-standing reputation for serving fresh and perfectly crispy crepes.

My first bite took me straight to heaven, and I’ve eaten bánh xèo my entire life! I literally dream about the crepes here.

They serve their bánh xèo with an addicting sauce that is perfectly savory and saucy.

How to Eat: Wrap a piece of the pancake in rice paper with fresh herbs, then dip it into the peanut sauce. The contrast of textures—crunchy pancakes, fresh greens, and creamy sauce—makes for an unforgettable bite.

Tips: Go early to avoid the crowds, and don’t be shy about ordering seconds—you’ll want more!

Bún Chả Cá Hờn

Fishcake noodle soup

Address: 113/3 Nguyễn Chí Thanh, Hải Châu 1, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Must Try: Bún Chả Cá Lòng

Bún Chả Cá is a signature dish in Da Nang, featuring rice noodles served with flavorful fish cakes, fresh herbs, and a savory broth. It’s a light yet tasty meal that captures the essence of central Vietnamese cuisine.

Must Eat Dish: Bún Chả Lòng—rice noodles paired with fried fish cakes and tender fish slices. The broth is a fragrant mix of tomatoes, pineapple, and spices, perfectly balanced between sweet and savory. Lòng just means large. It’s naturally sweet, a little sour, and very light.

It’s the quintessential soup for hot summer days. Even though it sounds counterintuitive, Vietnamese people love eating hot soup on a hot day! Growing up, my mom always said it was because you match the outside temperature, so you feel less hot, haha.

Why This Place is Good for Bún Chả Lòng: Bún Chả Cá Hờn is famous for its fresh, homemade fish cakes and carefully crafted broth. The flavors here are well-balanced, never overwhelming, but full of depth.

How to Eat: Mix everything together—add in the fish cakes, greens, and noodles, then enjoy each spoonful. Don’t forget to add a little bit of vinegar or add chili for extra zing.

Tips: Add some pickled vegetables and a splash of fish sauce for a tangy kick.

Sơn Trà Night Market

Freshly grilled seafood yum

Address: Mai Hắc Đế, An Hải Trung, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Must Try: Fresh Grilled Seafood

Da Nang is a coastal city whose night markets offer some of the freshest seafood you’ll find. From shellfish to squid, everything is grilled to perfection right before your eyes. While the night market isn’t a restaurant, it’s an excellent place for food! It’s one of the best things to do in Da Nang.

Must-Eat Dish: Grilled shellfish, shrimp, and octopus are crowd favorites. You can select what you want and watch as they grill it up fresh for you.

Why This Place is Good for Grilled Seafood: The night market vibe, combined with the variety of seafood, makes this a must-visit spot for seafood lovers. Vendors either catch or buy fresh seafood from local fishermen, so you’re getting incredibly fresh seafood.

Most sellers grill seafood over charcoal, which adds smoky, charred flavors that highlight the natural sweetness of the seafood.

How to Eat: Choose your seafood, pair it with some chili salt or a squeeze of lime, and dig in. You can also opt for a seafood platter if you’re with friends or want to try multiple items.

Tips: Come hungry! The market has a lot of variety, so try a bit of everything. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price a little for a better deal. Also, avoid raw seafood. Vendors often leave raw seafood out, exposed to the heat and insects, and unless you cook it, you’re exposing yourself to possible stomach upset.

Mi Quang 1A

Delicious Mi Quang! Just wish I got the larger bowl

Address: 1 Hải Phòng, Thạch Thang, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Must Try: Mì Quảng

Mì Quảng is a signature dish of central Vietnam, known for its turmeric-yellow noodles, minimal broth, and rich, savory toppings like pork, shrimp, and quail eggs. It’s more of a noodle salad than a soup, often served with crispy rice crackers.

Must Eat Dish: Mì Quảng with shrimp and pork is the go-to order here. The flavors are bold, and the toppings are fresh and hearty.

Why This Place is Good for Mì Quảng: Mì Quảng 1A is famous for its well-seasoned broth and generous portions of meat and shrimp. The noodles are made in-house, ensuring a chewy, satisfying bite.

How to Eat:

  1. Stirthe noodles to mix them with the broth and toppings.
  2. reak up the rice crackers and add them for crunch.
  3. Remember to add herbs for freshness!

This dish isn’t meant to have a lot of broth, so don’t be alarmed if it looks like soup is missing.

Tips: Get here early to grab a seat, as it can fill up quickly, especially during lunch hours.

Nhà Hàng Madame Lân

Array of dishes!

Address: 04 Bạch Đằng, Thạch Thang, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Must Try: Bánh Bèo, Gỏi Cuốn

Madame Lân is a nice sit-down spot offering a wide range of traditional Vietnamese dishes, including street food favorites in a more refined setting. It’s different than the other restaurants on this list because it doesn’t specialize in just one dish. Ironically, its specialty is serving a variety of good quality Vietnamese dishes.

It’s perfect for a leisurely meal by the riverside and an introduction to Vietnamese food.

Must-Eat Dish: Bánh Bèo (steamed rice cakes) and Gỏi Cuốn (fresh spring rolls) are must-try items here. Gỏi Cuốn is light, refreshing rolls filled with protein (usually shrimp and pork), vermicelli noodles, and herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper. They have a special fried fish roll that’s a must-try.

Why This Place is Good for These Dishes: The ingredients are fresh, and the presentation is beautiful. You get to experience street food flavors in a more comfortable dining setting, with great views of the Han River.

How to Eat: For Bánh Bèo, add a spoonful of fish sauce and crispy pork skin to the dish and use your spoon to slide the rice cake off the plate into your mouth.

For Gỏi Cuốn, dip the rolls into the peanut hoisin or fish sauce and take a bite!

Tips: Make a reservation if you plan to dine during the evening, as it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals.

Dừa Bến Tre 190

Cooling coconut pudding and a view of the Dragon Bridge

Address: 190 Bạch Đằng, Phước Ninh, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Must Try: Rau Câu Trái Dừa

Known for its coconut-based desserts, Dừa Bến Tre is a well-known dessert chain in Da Nang. They sell yogurt bowls, smoothies, and ice cream, but their signature dessert is their coconut jelly or Rau Câu Trái Dừa.

It’s a refreshing coconut jelly served inside a whole coconut shell, perfect for cooling down in the tropical heat.

Must-Eat Dish: The coconut jelly (Rau Câu Trái Dừa) is light, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweet, making it the ideal dessert to end your day. You can also add scoops of ice cream on top!

Why This Place is Good for This Dish: The jelly here is fresh and made daily, with the natural flavor of coconut shining through. It’s the perfect cool-down treat in the heat and also helps replenish electrolytes.

How to Eat: Simply scoop out the jelly from the coconut shell. If you want a little more texture, try scooping it with the coconut pulp along the inside shell.

Tips: Take a seat outside and enjoy the dessert like a local—by plastic table and stool.

Restaurants in Da Nang Tips

Open kitchens have my heart

Here are a few insider tips to make sure your experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible:

  • Cash Only: Many smaller restaurants and street food stalls are cash-only, so having Vietnamese dong on hand is a good idea. ATMs are readily available, but it’s always best to carry smaller bills for easier transactions.
  • Language Barrier: While many places in touristy areas may have English-speaking staff or menus, don’t be surprised if smaller, local joints don’t. Many Vietnamese people don’t know English, especially the older generation. A bit of patience and pointing at the menu will go a long way. Downloading a translation app or learning a few Vietnamese food phrases can also help.
  • Open Kitchen: You’ll often find open kitchens in Da Nang’s eateries, especially in local restaurants and street food stalls. This gives you a front-row seat to watch your food being prepared from scratch—adding to the authenticity and excitement of the meal. Plus, you know exactly what’s going into your dish.
  • Busy Means Good: If you see a spot filled with locals, it’s a sign that the food is worth waiting for. Don’t be afraid to follow the crowds and join in on the action—you’ll likely be rewarded with some of the best flavors in town.
  • BYO Wet Wipes: Many local eateries, especially street vendors, may not provide napkins or wet wipes. If they do, they are also small and thin. It’s a good idea to carry your own, especially if you’re planning on tackling some of the more hands-on dishes like Bánh Xèo or Gỏi Cuốn.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants in Danang

What is the best local dish to try in Da Nang?

If you can only pick one, Mì Quảng should be at the top of your list. This flavorful noodle dish, unique to central Vietnam, is a delicious mix of shrimp, pork, and herbs served with a small amount of rich broth. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of local flavor.

Do I need to tip at restaurants in Da Nang?

Tipping isn’t a big part of the culture in Vietnam, but it’s appreciated in tourist-heavy areas. At local spots, you don’t have to worry about tipping. However, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is a kind gesture if you have exceptional service.

What’s the best time to eat at restaurants in Danang?

Most locals eat lunch between 11:30 AM and 1 PM and dinner between 6 PM and 8 PM. It’s a good idea to follow their lead, as some smaller restaurants may close outside of these hours. Arriving early also ensures you get the freshest dishes and also beating the crowds.

Is street food safe to eat?

Yes! Da Nang is known for its clean and well-prepared street food. Just look for busy stalls with a steady turnover of customers—this usually means the ingredients are fresh. And if you’re still hesitant, stick to food cooked in front of you, like grilled seafood.

Are there vegetarian or vegan-friendly restaurants in Danang?

While many traditional dishes include meat or seafood, Da Nang has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Look for spots labeled as “chay,” which means vegetarian. Dishes like a vegetarian bun and fresh spring rolls are great plant-based options.

How do I know if a restaurant in Da Nang is serving authentic local food?

A good rule of thumb is to follow the locals. If a restaurant or food stall is packed with Vietnamese diners, the food is likely authentic and delicious. Avoid places that look overly catered to tourists if you’re after a truly local experience, like displaying an English menu out front or having someone in front coaxing tourists inside.

Enjoy The Best Local Restaurants in Danang!

Da Nang’s food scene truly reflects Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage—vibrant, fresh, and downright delicious. There are so many amazing restaurants in Danang, but this list points you to some of the best, perfect if you have a short time in Da Nang, Vietnam. Be sure to explore, try new dishes, and let Vietnamese cuisine’s freshness and bold flavors make your trip memorable. Happy travels!

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