Fine Dining in Da Nang and Hoi An

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
Multiple locations
7 Places
@afar
Fine dining at the very highest level is somewhat thin on the ground in Da Nang and Hoi An. Nevertheless, there are stirrings at the top end of the market, with Pierre Gagnaire the biggest name to stamp his presence on the central coast dining scene. Other chefs are also doing a fine job in everything from fusion cuisine to exemplary hotel venues. Credit: Collected by Duncan Forgan, AFAR Local Expert

"Though primarily known as a family-friendly resort, this beachside getaway is equally popular with kid-free travelers who love the location, service, and long list of amenities. Tucked among the hills of the Son Tra Peninsula, overlooking the East Sea, the resort is home to 197 guest rooms and 22 suites, each with modern Vietnamese-inspired decor, an oversize bed, and a rain shower; suites and villas also have indoor/outdoor lounge spaces, butler service, and in some, private pools. (Another reason to upgrade: Suite and villa guests have access to a dedicated airport lounge, complete with mini-spa.) If you do have little ones in your party, drop them off at Planet Trekkers, the signature children’s club, where activities encourage cultural connection through workshops, arts and crafts, and outdoor playtime. Adult fun can be found by the pool, in daily diversions like tai chi classes, and at the award-winning Harnn Heritage Spa, where holistic treatments complement the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio, created by French celebrity pedicurist Bastien Gonzalez. The resort’s dining and drinking spots include La Maison 1888, the domain of Michelin-darling chef Pierre Gagnaire, and Buffalo Bar, where you can top off a perfect day with vintage bubbles and hand-rolled cigars. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located a day trip’s ride from the resort—that is, if you can tear yourself away."

Photo courtesy of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

MANGO MANGO

Asian fusion restaurant · Hoi An

"Part of a family of three restaurants, Mango Mango has a prime location in Hoi An, on the Thu Bon River close to the Japanese Covered Bridge. Its bright interior—sunny walls; high, wood-beamed ceilings; a colorful replica fishing boat that doubles as a countertop—sets the stage for the modern Asian food. While many of the dishes have witty, pun-inspired names, like Lust in Translation (tuna rolls with seaweed) or Chasing the Chick (grilled chicken breast with house-made Asian pesto), the combinations of spice and texture are spot-on. In addition to the chow, expect delicious cocktails, Pasteur Street brews, and live music."

Photo courtesy of Mango Mango

Red Sky Bar & Restaurant

Steak house · Hai Chau

"Sky High Cuisine Long recognised as one of the best restaurants in Danang, Red Sky continues to set high standards. The menu at the upstairs venue features western dishes such as seared tuna, succulent steaks and a range of delicious pasta favourites. The downstairs bar is also a fine place for a perfectly mixed nightcap."

Photo by Heath Cajandig

Le Rendez Vous

French restaurant · Son Tra

"A Taste of France in Danang French influence remains strong in the city once known as Tourane in the colonial era. This excellent bistro in the centre of Danang is as authentically Gallic as it comes here with a range of bistro-style dishes including hanger steak, beef carpaccio and a decadent chocolate mousse."

Photo by Steve Dunham

"Down By The River One of Danang's trailblazers, The Waterfront has been dishing out imaginative cuisine and high quality drinks longer than most venues in the city. Standards remain high here with standout dishes including an excellent burger, soy-glazed salmon and an excellent mezze plate."

Photo by Anna Fox

"Located on a half-mile stretch of white-sand Ha My Beach, a short drive from the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An (a hotel shuttle can ferry you back and forth), the Nam Hai sits on the grounds of a former fishing village (a temple from that time is preserved on-site), and it still feels like a community. Guests bike between public spaces designed to evoke the high-ceilinged Tu Doc royal tombs found in the region, as well as 86 acres of tropical gardens and 100 villas, each outfitted with indoor/outdoor lounging spaces, king beds, lacquered bathtubs, and alfresco showers. The dining options range from a casual beachside spot to a fine-dining restaurant, and serve everything from Vietnamese and Western fare to Indian tandoori specialties; learn how to make some of your favorite dishes in a chef-led cooking class, or join the kiddos at the Junior Cooking Academy, part of the kids’ club. When you’re ready to take a break, don’t miss the central trilevel infinity pool and the exceptional spa, where the eight individual treatment pavilions appear to float on a koi-filled lagoon."

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai

Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort

Resort hotel · Hoi An

"Varied and Versatile Hotel Offerings The excellent Almanity Hoi An excels on a number of levels, and its Four Plates restaurant is a good place for a splurge whether you are a guest of not. The venue doesn't restrict itself to one style, with Japanese, Vietnamese, Italian and grill offerings all available."

Photo by Almanity Resort