"High-Quality Fusion Food After struggling at a former location closer to Hanoi 's CBD, Halia has come into its own in the expatriate enclave of West Lake. Presenting a unique marriage of Asian and European flavors in dishes such as tamarind-spiced ribs and chili crab spaghetti, the venue also has a very strong selection of cocktails."

"Gallic Flair at French Grill Although the new JW Marriott Hotel is slightly inconveniently located in a new business district a long way from the centre of Hanoi , it is is worth making the trip there for this fancy restaurant alone. As the name suggests, there's an emphasis on French methods here. However, there's nothing fiddly about the stunning steaks and seafood morsels grilled by the expert chefs."

"French Quarter Favorite Unsurprisingly given the nation's long presence in Vietnam, French influence still runs deep in Hanoi -- especially in its restaurant sector. This is arguably the best of the bunch. Chef Benjamin Rascalou, who trained at several top Paris restaurants, has created a number of masterful menus here with mains including creations such as candied duck and beef carpaccio dribbled with pistachio oil and fig syrup."

"A 1901 landmark inHanoi’s French Quarter, the colonial-style Sofitel Legend Metropole has long been a celebrity magnet, welcoming presidents, ambassadors, and literary and cinematic royalty into its marble lobby.Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene both wrote books here ( The Gentleman in the Parlour and The Quiet American , respectively); Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard celebrated their honeymoon at the property; and Jane Fonda and Joan Baez took to the bomb shelter beneath the hotel during air raids (book the complementary Path of History Tour, held every day at 5 and 6 p.m., for a chance to see where they hid out). The 364 guest rooms are divided between two wings: The historic Metropole section has decor shaped by French architecture and Vietnamese culture (think wood floors, louver windows, bird-cage lampshades, and porcelain light fixtures); the newer wing, opened in 1996 just across the traffic circle from the Opera House, has a strong Neoclassical edge with rooms in dramatic red, black, and white.With its green awning, filigree ironwork, and outdoor wood-deck seating, La Terrasse has the feel of a Parisian café, while Le Beaulieu restaurant serves classic French fare and a decadent Sunday brunch. Spices Garden showcases Vietnamese flavors, and three drinking dens—sleek Angelina, gentlemanly Le Club Bar, and poolside Bamboo Bar—appeal to every kind of spirits lover. Between the central courtyard garden and the pool sit the SoFit gym and Le Spa, with eight rooms for soothing East-meets-West treatments."

"Shucking Up a Storm at Don's For some of best views (and food) in Hanoi , try the top-floor verandah at this West Lake institution. The climb to the fourth floor can be an effort -- especially during the sweltering summer months -- but it is worth it worth the laid-back ambience up-top. Wash down some of Don's Canadian and French-grown oysters with one of the judiciously selected bottles of wine."

"Multi-course Japanese Manna at Benkay Hanoi has a fairly substantial Japanese expatriate population and Benkay is one of their most popular haunts. It is certainly the most upscale of the many venues in the city with generous bentos and sumptuous sushi. The highlight of the experience here, however, is the restaurant's five-course kaiseki dinners."