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A quick history lesson before we dive in. Did you know Hanoi was colonized by the French from 1902 to 1945? There is still plenty of French influence to be experienced, from buildings to cuisine, and to this day, tons of French expats and travelers love Hanoi.
I once met a French family who still spend half the year in France and the other half in Hanoi. A lot of times, the older generation will either speak to you in Vietnamese or French. You can rest assured you’re in for a culinary dream when it comes to the French restaurant options; most headed up by French chefs, and they scream authentic.
From fancy fine dining options to your classic bistro-style spots to brasseries, here are my favorites around the city for when I’m craving classic French food.
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- 1. French Grill – Contemporary fine dining
- 2. La Badiane – French fusion inspired by the world
- 3. Le Beaulieu – Fancy 5-star vibes and classic French dishes
- 4. Cousins Restaurant – For when you’re in Tay Ho
- 5. Fabrik – Bistro-style French dishes in Ba Dinh
- 6. EMM’s French Bistro – Pate, oysters and all the other traditional French foods
- 7. Colette French Bistro & Wine Bar – An impeccable wine selection
- 8. Maison Vie – Attention to detail in a traditional setting
1. French Grill – Contemporary fine dining
If there’s one thing the French know how to do the best, it’s fine dining. Looking for a special spot for date night or one spectacular fancy meal during your time in Hanoi? Look no further than French Grill.
Located within the JW Marriot Hotel, the setting is very classy. Dine while watching the chefs in action from the open-plan kitchen (I love it when a restaurant has an open-style kitchen), or you can book one of the private dining rooms.
There’s also a walk-in wine-tasting room with a selection of over 200 global wines to try, as well as a Champagne Bar.
Listed by the Michelin Guide for 2024, there are various menus to choose from including an entire one dedicated to caviar. The French Grill Experience Menu and the French Grill Indulgence Menu are sublime! Food presentation is on another level here, too.
P.S. They also do an incredible Sunday Brunch: seafood towers and premium wine.
2. La Badiane – French fusion inspired by the world
La Badine is also enlisted by the Michelin Guide for 2024; just wait until you get a load of this restaurant’s accolades (which are extensive). They’ve been around since 2008, so go figure.
Its name translates to ‘star anise’ and I love the play on words from this fusion-style eatery. Star anise is originally from China but the spice is a major feature of Vietnamese cuisine. It’s also found in a lot of French food.
The cooking techniques, styles, and dishes are based on French roots, but La Badine plays with local ingredients, hence its fusion statement. Dishes pop with color, and there are a few set course menus to choose from, including a vegetarian degustation option.
One of my ultimate dishes from the signature degustation menu is the le saumon amuse bouche: salmon gravlax with pomelo and pink peppercorn, ginger red onion, beetroot, iodized dill Chantilly, and a sesame crust.
Expect outstanding service, setting (I love love love the black and white checkered floor, which is always so très chic), and of course, food. Violinists also play for guests while you eat every Wednesday evening if you’re after an extra romantic moment, and for that reason is one of the best French restaurants in Hanoi.
3. Le Beaulieu – Fancy 5-star vibes and classic French dishes
The first thing you need to know is that Le Beaulieu is found at the exquisite 5-star Metropole Hotel. Honestly, if there’s one hotel you want to stay at for a major spoil, it’s got to be this one. The entire hotel (founded in 1901) is done up in a French colonial style, aptly nicknamed ‘The Grand Dame of 1901.’ You very much feel as if you’re somewhere in France.
Step inside a world of blue velvet and crystal chandeliers, Persian carpets decorate the floors and beautiful sun windows overlook the stunning property. This is the kind of place where you can dress to the nines.
On the food front, it’s a celebration of classic French haute gastronomy. Cue the caviar, duck breast, and Champagne. It’s all about classic French flavors paired with seasonal ingredients.
I have to mention their famous Sunday Brunch. Picture seafood on ice, lobster bisque, foie gras, and divine delicate desserts. And for both lunch and dinner sessions you have the option of a set menu or choosing from the a la carte offerings.
4. Cousins Restaurant – For when you’re in Tay Ho
You simply just know when a restaurant has a special place in your heart. Cousins is one of those very special places, and was a regular Sunday evening spot for my best friend and me to wine and dine. It’s one of the French restaurants in Hanoi I’d always take visiting friends and family to and have celebrated many a birthday here.
Headed up on Tay Ho side, it’s a long-standing locale and is run by French people. It’s not overly large, the staff are amazing and so is the food, and it’s definitely done as a French bistro vibe. They were around West Lake but have recently relocated to Dang Thai Mai Street.
I used to live on this road and now it’s filled with plenty of other cool restaurants, so it’s a great place for foodies. I know we’re talking about French restaurants in Hanoi, but if you love bao buns, do yourself a favor and hit up Bao Wow. It’s also on the same street.
Some of my top dishes from this local gem include the gnocchi (I know it’s Italian but they do have a few other European classics on the menu). The wines are fabulous (walk inside the glass wine cellar) and they also have French classics like frog legs and moules marinières (mussels in a white wine sauce).
5. Fabrik – Bistro-style French dishes in Ba Dinh
Walking through Fabrik’s doors, the first thing you’ll hear is French, and its patrons are mostly French speakers — which in my books, says a lot about a place and its authenticity. There’s a reason why locals and visitors alike consider Fabrik to be one of the best French restaurants in Hanoi.
For starters, go for the organic French sardines, the Chef’s terrine (made from duck, pork, foie gras, and pistachios), a selection of French cheeses, or the French onion soup. For mains, there are classics from the sea, land, and farm. You can’t go wrong with the beef Burgundy, filet mignon aux poivre, or the Chef’s cassoulet — a speciality of the southwest of France made from homemade herb de Provence sausage, pork shoulder, and duck breast resting on a bed of beans and onions.
From Monday to Friday, Fabrik also does a lunchtime set comprising five courses and dessert. Scope out the daily specials board, and the restaurant can also create a personalized menu for you on request.
6. EMM’s French Bistro – Pate, oysters and all the other traditional French foods
I’ve been to EMM’s a few times, and I’ve never been disappointed. Bookings are essential because they are always busy, even during lunch hour. It’s another one of the French restaurants in Hanoi that the French flock to.
This modern urban bistro is situated in the Cau Giay area — a little out of the way from the Old Quarter, but closer to sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or the French Quarter. But don’t worry, the 30-minute drive is worth it.
They do an evening wine bar, there’s cozy outdoor seating, as well as a small upstairs area, and the intimate setting makes it all the more authentic. With its in-house wine cellar, you’re sorted when it comes to quality wine selections, and if you’re unsure of which vino goes best with your meal, just ask your super-knowledgeable waiter.
My go-to meal is always the seared barramundi in a white butter sauce, and you can also build your own steak.
7. Colette French Bistro & Wine Bar – An impeccable wine selection
Rossini, steak tartare, snails, frog legs, and creme brulee; could you be any more French if you tried? Classifying themselves as a ‘modern French bistro,’ that’s exactly what’s in store for you at Colette French Bistro & Wine Bar.
Like anywhere you go in France, wine plays a major role at Colette, after all, they are part-wine bar. The wine menu is broken down by notes, which makes understanding what you’re drinking, or in the mood for, super helpful. Not only bottles, but there’s a whopping 32 wines by the glass available, which is a heck of a lot for by-the-glass options.
Grab a seat on the balcony during a Hanoian summer, but there’s also a private dining room (max six people) if you’re here for a special occasion and would like to book it. This bistro is conveniently in the Hoan Kiem area.
8. Maison Vie – Attention to detail in a traditional setting
We’ve got bistros and beautiful fine dining spots, but Maison Vie distinguishes itself as a French brasserie. Plates are authentic down to the presentation and techniques, which show off the skills of the head French chef.
While the dishes here are all super traditional, they do rely on local ingredients, like Vietnamese buffalo, for example. But then again, French food is quite “adventurous” in comparison to others; there’s even pigeon wellington on the menu – which, by the way, is incredibly delicious! I tried pigeon for the first time a couple of months ago in Florence and it has a similar taste to duck. You have the option of a set or a la carte menu.
Local tip: For our meat eaters, you may have noticed that there are very few cows in Hanoi, but somehow beef features frequently on the menu. Water buffalo are everywhere, so nine times out of ten when you’re ordering a “beef” dish, it’s buffalo.
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