Backpacker Tips

14 Best Places to Eat Ninh Binh: Top Picks for Backpackers

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The dining experience in Ninh Binh is often defined by its surroundings, where an open-air setting can turn a simple lunch into a memorable event. Many restaurants maximize the region’s natural beauty, featuring bamboo architecture and seating that overlooks rice paddies or limestone karsts.

To help you enjoy these views, Vietnam Backpacker Hostels Travel have compiled the best places to eat Ninh Binh. This list is based on the highest-rated reviews on Google Maps, and includes basic information, customer ratings, and photos of each restaurant.

Forest Sunset Bar & Restaurant

Forest Sunset Bar & Restaurant offers a relaxed, open-air dining environment situated by the water in Hoa Lu. The venue is defined by its natural surroundings, featuring ample outdoor seating, wooden lounging chairs, and hammocks overlooking the river and lily pads.

The atmosphere transitions from a bright, nature-focused space during the day to an illuminated setting with string lights in the evenings.

Beyond dining, the location offers additional amenities for travelers, including a swimming pool and a pool table.

The menu focuses on Vietnamese cuisine and a wide range of beverages. Diners can expect local staples such as crispy spring rolls served with vermicelli and fresh herbs, alongside coffee, smoothies, and cocktails.

Best for: Travelers seeking a quiet rest stop, groups looking for a spacious evening venue, and families requiring recreational amenities.

Customer reviews:

Kate Guha: This place is absolutely beautiful, the food, scenery, staff and generous drinks! We was so happy with our visit. Happy there and happy when we left! The toilets are clean, the cutlery, plates etc all clean! Just couldn’t ask for more! The music selection is also very good! Keep it up guys you are running a very professional beautiful place

Jennifer May: Such beautiful scenery and surroundings. Very kind people working here and brilliant coffee and smoothies! They have a pool that you are able to use, with shower facilities, toilets and a pool table. Loads of seating options and the ones by the water and Lilly pads are lovely. Definitely recommend 🙂

Forest Sunset Bar & Restaurant - best places to eat ninh binh
Forest Sunset Bar & Restaurant - best places to eat ninh binh

Thảo Béo Restaurant Bar

Thảo Béo Restaurant Bar is a family-operated establishment located in the Van Lam area of Hoa Lu. The venue features a spacious, open-air design characterized by large wooden pillars and colorful hanging lanterns, creating a casual and airy dining environment.

The restaurant is widely recognized for its consistent quality and hospitality, with the owners often praised for their attentive service to both new and returning customers.

The menu highlights Ninh Binh’s regional specialties, specifically focusing on goat meat. Diners can choose from various preparations, including stir-fried, pan-fried, and steamed goat, which are noted for being well-seasoned and lacking strong gamey odors.

Beyond goat, the kitchen serves substantial sharing platters, such as whole fried fish presented with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and traditional dipping sauces.

Best for: Travelers seeking authentic local cuisine, casual group dining, and visitors looking for reliable, high-rated service.

Customer reviews:

Vadim Gotovsky: 5 stars all the way!!! Everything here is delicious. The food is incredible and the owner family are the kindest and friendliest people. We came here 1.5 years ago and found this place by accident. Loved it!!! Returned again and found it even better. We haven’t had a bad meal yet and we eat here a lot!!!  The owner even gives us little extras each time for being so loyal.

Esther Chen: We came for dinner because all the good review, food was amazing. So we came back again for lunch.

We had stir fry goat, pan fry goat and steam goat, they all taste very nice. There wasn’t strong goat smell and the seasoning was great. Highly recommended.

Thảo Béo Restaurant Bar - ninh binh restaurant
Thảo Béo Restaurant Bar - ninh binh restaurant

An Tam Coc Restaurant & Coffee

An Tam Coc Restaurant & Coffee is located centrally on Tam Coc Road, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere distinguished by its signature yellow walls, patterned floor tiles, and colorful ceiling lanterns.

The venue functions as both a full-service restaurant and a café, making it a versatile stop for different times of the day. The interior is designed with dark wooden furniture and traditional accents, providing a comfortable setting for tourists and locals alike.

Best for: Tourists seeking a reliable and English-friendly dining spot, families with mixed dietary needs, and coffee lovers.

Customer reviews:

Foong-Har MOO: Had authentic Vietnamese 🇻🇳 coffee here, this place is charming and with excellent service. Owners are hardworking and genuine , get to know the wife owner with her babies’ girl while eating breakfast next door, we discussed about local life and ambition! please give them your support and understanding!

Eileen Lui: It definitely has all the tourist vibes but the food and service was pretty good. We were a party of 6 and every dish we ordered hit the spot – especially their fried Spring Rolls. The coconut Coffee I had was also rich and creamy. All in – hearty meal enjoyed even by the fussy old folks!

An Tam Coc Restaurant & Coffee - restaurant ninh binh
An Tam Coc Restaurant & Coffee - restaurant ninh binh

Riverside Restaurant

Hanh Phuc Restaurant is situated directly along the riverbank in the Khe Thuong area of Hoa Lu, providing a scenic, open-air dining experience.

The venue features a high-roofed pavilion design with tiled flooring, allowing for unobstructed views of the water and surrounding limestone mountains.

The atmosphere is casual and breezy during the day, transitioning to a warmly lit setting in the evening, making it a suitable spot for relaxing after touring the area.

Best for: Travelers seeking a quiet view by the water, couples, and diners looking for fresh, made-to-order local food.

Customer reviews:

Ryan Anhorn: Gorgeous setting in this cute family restaurant on the river. I had the chicken fried rice and it was delicious topped with a couple Bia Hanoi (on the larger side). For dessert besides the complimentary banana, was a coconut coffee with shaved coconut ice and garnished with toasted coconut on top. Everything was lovely and served by the nicest people.

Theo Schmidt: The chicken with lemongrass and chili was absolutely delicious – full of flavor and perfectly cooked. The spring rolls were also amazing, crispy and fresh. Because it was such a lovely experience, the friendly host even treated us to a dragon fruit at the end! The place is right by the water, peaceful and relaxing, and the food is prepared very fresh. Highly recommended – thank you for the wonderful meal!

best restaurant in ninh binh - Riverside Restaurant
best restaurant in ninh binh - Riverside Restaurant

Tam Coc Délices Restaurants

Délices Restaurant offers a charming garden dining experience located in Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu. The venue features an open-air brick patio enclosed by a white picket fence, shaded by trees and illuminated by warm string lights in the evening.

The atmosphere is cozy and domestic, often enhanced by the presence of the owner’s friendly dogs and cats, making it a welcoming spot for travelers missing their own pets.

Best for: Animal lovers, couples looking for a romantic but casual dinner, and travelers staying near Tam Coc.

Customer reviews:

Emma Nicholson: Musttt try in Tam Coc!! Our homestay is just down the road from this charming restaurant, so we were drawn in initially by the cute aesthetic and colourful lanterns… Turns out it is one of our fav restaurants in Ninh Binh!! I had the Bun Cha and Fried Pork Spring rolls and it was absolutely delicious, one of my fav meals I’ve had. My friend had the pork chilli and lemongrass, and she loved it too. There’s also the cutest little dogs (and puppies 😭) and friendliest cat that gave us a bit of home we were missing. Lovely service too, always with a smile. Highlyyyyy recommend!!

Slava Šinkūnas: Best chicken noodles we had in Vietnam, fresh and delicious. The place itself has a nice vibe. Totally recommended.

Tam Coc Délices Restaurants
Tam Coc Délices Restaurants

Madame Thư Ninh Bình Restaurants

  • Address & maps:Khu đô thị, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
  • Phone Number: 0357869599
  • Opening hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
  • Price range (Average per person): 200 – 300.000 VND
  • Review rating: 4.8 / 5 (503)

Madame Thu Restaurant is distinguished by its vibrant yellow colonial-style architecture and traditional Vietnamese design elements, creating a polished dining atmosphere within the urban area of Ninh Binh.

The interior is spacious and well-lit, suitable for both casual meals and formal gatherings. Located slightly away from the immediate city center, the venue offers a quieter, more focused dining experience with attentive service.

Best for: Groups and families due to the serving sizes, and diners seeking a more upscale environment than typical street-side eateries.

Customer reviews:

Giuseppe De Padova: We arrived at this restaurant, a little out of the city center, after a long and exhausting search, and I must say it was well worth it. We tried the noodles with seafood, a very generous dish. Then we had the duck, served in three dishes, which was really difficult for three people to finish – so much so that we reluctantly had to leave some behind because it was so good. Then we had the escargot, also huge, flavorful, and served with an orange sauce. All of this was accompanied by a Chilean white wine. We also really liked the atmosphere and the waiters were really nice.

Julia Suryantan: We had seafood hotpot. The seafood is fresh, however it would be much better if inner part of squid were cleaned thoroughly. The rice wraps was thin and crispy, just perfect to wrap the yummy fried fish. Originally, the hotpot soup was a bit too sweet, so need to add salt to make it balance. Overall, it was good.

Madame Thư Ninh Bình Restaurants
Madame Thư Ninh Bình Restaurants

An Restaurant – Coffee

Located immediately adjacent to the Ninh Binh train station, An’s Coffee & Restaurant serves as a strategic and convenient dining spot for travelers arriving or departing by rail.

The venue features a brick facade adorned with colorful lanterns and a warm, wood-paneled interior. Open from early morning until late night, the kitchen provides all-day dining with a menu that accommodates international tastes by offering both traditional Vietnamese cuisine and Western comfort foods.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, often characterized by the presence of the owner’s resident dog and cat, creating a home-like environment for visitors.

Best for: Travelers waiting for trains, backpackers, and diners seeking familiar Western dishes alongside local food.

Customer reviews:

Nuria: Super cute café just a minute away from the Ninh Binh train station. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and have a selection of foods and drinks. There was a sweet older lady there who didn’t speak english but that is no problem, they have a menu with both Vietnamese and English descriptions. Everything we ate/drank was super good and the service was great. Would definitely recommend!Clare O’Doherty: LOVELY place – we came back twice. Great mix of western and Vietnamese food. Vibes were wonderfully relaxed. Right next to the station so super convenient. The best part is the animals though! We met the sweetest black cat in the whole world. Very tempted to squeeze her in our suitcase. Also met the friendliest, fluffiest dog. Definitely stop by if you’re missing a furry friend.

An Restaurant - Coffee
An Restaurant - Coffee

Chef Hien Restaurant

Chef Hien Restaurant & Coffee is a high-volume, family-operated establishment located in the Ninh Hai area. The venue is characterized by its distinct red brick walls, high wooden ceilings, and an open-air layout that accommodates a steady flow of diners.

Despite the busy atmosphere, the restaurant is frequently commended for its highly organized service workflow and the active presence of the management, ensuring a smooth dining experience for guests.

Best for: Large groups, travelers seeking a popular and reliable local spot, and diners who appreciate attentive hospitality.

Customer reviews:

Richard Pikey: Duck is very good!! And the boss lady is the best!! Really it was the best hospitality and food overall we had in Vietnam. The family that run the restaurant care about your experience and we can’t express enough how wonderful the lady boss is. So welcoming and sweet. Checks on every table. Not something you see everywhere and very appreciated

C R: A family business which works like a Swiss clock with particular roles assigned which perfectly cooperate with each other. The common scope is to offer you an exclusive, traditional and super tasty culinary experience! Being an amateur cook, and for the first time in Vietnam and in Tam Coc, I can say I had one of the best tastes of Vietnamese cuisine. Atmosfere fits into the whole surrounding: simple but full of good energy, many happy conversations and smiling faces. If you come here this should be the first restaurant on your list to try!

Chef Hien Restaurant
Chef Hien Restaurant

The Last Drop Cafe & Restaurant

The Last Drop Restaurant & Caffe is conveniently located near the Tam Coc boat wharf, offering a welcoming open-air atmosphere filled with hanging greenery.

The venue serves as a versatile hub for travelers, providing not just food but also essential services like bicycle rentals and laundry.

The setting is notably pet-friendly, with resident dogs and cats contributing to the relaxed, home-like vibe.

Best for: Health-conscious travelers, breakfast and brunch enthusiasts, and animal lovers.

Customer reviews:

Codi Lewald: This was a great breakfast spot. Had some really healthy nourishing bowls with fruit as well as an avocado toast. Warning to vegetarians out there that the avocado toast comes with bacon on top, but you can ask for none to make it veggie. Service was friendly and quick. I’d recommend this place for a healthy, good breakfast.

Alyssa Campbell: My sister and I ate here every day that we stayed in Ninh Binh. We couldn’t get enough. The staff were wonderful, the food was delicious, the cocktails were amazing and the dogs were adorable (we love moon). We even ended up renting bikes and getting our laundry done here. One stop shop. Cannot recommend more. We tried all sorts of items on the menu and they were all delicious.

The Last Drop Cafe & Restaurant
The Last Drop Cafe & Restaurant

Husband’s Brew & Plates

Customer reviews:

Duygu Lisa Korucu: If you are in Ninh Binh and don’t try this place, you are missing out. We ordered a chicken burger and a beef burger both with extra guacamole. They were DELICIOUS. Served with crispy fries. Our lemon and oranges fresh juices were also incredibly tasty.

José Calderón: I came here THREE DAYS IN A ROW with my partner because we loved the food and the service. The lady owner is extremely nice, friendly and smiley. Just like the other comments said: she gives free fruit (watermelon or mango). I asked for a coconut (which is not on the menu) and she sent her little kid to get me one. If you happen to be in the area do not hesitate to come here and grab a bite. I can totally recommend it!

Husband’s Brew & Plates - best restaurants in ninh binh
Husband’s Brew & Plates - best restaurants in ninh binh

Peaceful Zone Coffee & Restaurant

Husband’s Brew & Plates is a cozy, family-run establishment located in the Khe Ha area of Hoa Lu. The restaurant features a relaxed interior with wooden furnishings, hanging greenery, and an open layout that suits casual dining.

It is well-regarded for its warm hospitality, with the owner frequently offering complimentary seasonal fruit such as mango or watermelon to guests after their meals.

Travelers often highlight the burgers, particularly the chicken and beef options served with guacamole, alongside fresh juices. Traditional local dishes and off-menu items like fresh coconut are also available upon request.

Best for: Travelers craving Western comfort food, families, and those seeking a welcoming, personal dining experience.

Customer reviews:

Kimmie Givens: This place is phenomenal. Absolute best burgers for 3 bucks! The staff are the sweetest, portions humongous & something for everyone. Free ginger tea on arrival & free bottled water.  I ate here every evening for an entire week! We found the peaceful zone by returning to town and were welcomed so friendly.

An Na: I had a wonderful experience at Peaceful Zone Coffee & Restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious and came in very generous portions — you definitely won’t leave hungry. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, with a cozy and artistic touch that makes you feel at home. What really stood out was how incredibly friendly the owners and staff are — welcoming, attentive, and full of good vibes. Highly recommend this charming spot for anyone looking for great food and a peaceful place to unwind in Ninh Binh!

Olga Rapaport: My homestay recommended this cafe and it was nice. I had rice with chicken and mushrooms and it was delicious. Note that the portion is pretty big for one person. Free ginger tea and nice people there. Would gladly return.

Peaceful Zone Coffee & Restaurant - restaurants in ninh binh
Peaceful Zone Coffee & Restaurant - restaurants in ninh binh

Grandma’s Garden Coffee & Restaurant

Grandma’s Garden Coffee & Restaurant provides a tranquil garden dining experience in the Khe Ha village area. The open-air space is visually distinct, featuring a bamboo trellis ceiling adorned with yellow conical hat lanterns and surrounded by lush potted plants.

The restaurant is not only a dining venue but also a popular spot for cooking classes and interactive meals, where guests can learn to prepare and roll their own fresh spring rolls using ingredients displayed on banana leaves.

Best for: Travelers interested in cooking classes, breakfast and brunch diners, and those seeking a quiet garden atmosphere.

Customer reviews:

Chris Prettejohn: Lovely atmosphere. We were hot and bothered and the kind lady bought us two helpings of free cold tea. Then had a delicious meal. Pho was excellent. BunBa Pork and Noodles was delicious too.

Jimena Andrade Hoz: Absolute amazing!! We had chicken stir fry noodles and Bun Cha, both were delicious. We also had coconut coffee and granola yogurt.

Grandma's Garden Coffee & Restaurant - best restaurant ninh binh
Grandma's Garden Coffee & Restaurant - best restaurant ninh binh

Tam Coc Garden Restaurant

Customer reviews:

Jess N: We have had several lovely dinners here. We came here for our final dinner in Tam Coc after a long cycle to Van Long and they looked after us so well. They are all so friendly and the food is great. Portions are big too! I had Beef Pho, sweet and sour chicken and, pineapple and onion chicken, over the course of a few nights. 10/10!

Celeste: I ordered the morning glory with beef & a side of fried tofu. I’ve been in Vietnam for 3 weeks now and without a doubt that stir fry was the best thing I’ve eaten yet. Portions huge, everything a 11/10! Service is attentive. I didn’t really have any expectations but this food has exceeded anything!

Tam Coc Garden Restaurant
Tam Coc Garden Restaurant

Gạo Restaurant & Bar Coffee

Gạo Restaurant & Bar Coffee is easily recognized by its vibrant yellow exterior and hand-painted wall murals depicting local clay pot dishes.

Located directly opposite a major historical site (often visited after the nearby pagoda), the venue offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowded main tourist strip.

The setting is casual and artistic, featuring rustic wooden furniture inside and a patio area equipped with relaxed camping-style chairs.

The menu is praised for its freshness and presentation, often cited by diners as superior to standard tourist fare in the area. The kitchen specializes in savory Vietnamese comfort food, with standout options including beef noodle soup, stir-fried beef noodles, and fresh spring rolls.

Best for: Tourists finishing pagoda tours, travelers seeking a quiet atmosphere with a view, and diners looking for authentic flavors.

Customer reviews:

Karen Mojica: After visiting the pagoda, I was very hungry! This place was completely empty, and I was greeted by the lovely owner and the cook. What a magical little place right in front of a historical site. Eating here with this view felt like a dream. We ordered the meat, spring rolls, beef noodle soup, and beef fried noodle noodles and all of it was absolutely amazing!

Marianne Hunter: Make sure you stop for a drink and a bite to eat at this little gem – it is truly delicious!!! The food on the main tourist strip is average at best, but the owner of the Gao cafe is truly passionate about both local cuisine and drinks. We returned twice and tried quite a few dishes – all fresh, flavoursome and beautifully presented. If you go on one of the main river and land tours – you can stay and eat and catch any electric van back to the drop off point. We are so glad we discovered this place!

Gạo Restaurant & Bar Coffee
Gạo Restaurant & Bar Coffee

FAQ about Best places to eat in Ninh Binh

What is the most famous local dish I should try in Ninh Binh?

The most famous specialty is goat meat (Dê Núi), often served stir-fried with lemongrass, steamed, or grilled. Another regional staple is crispy rice (Cơm Cháy), which is frequently served as a side dish or snack.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options available at these restaurants?

Yes, most of the best places to eat Ninh Binh, such as An Tam Coc and Ngoc Linh, offer extensive vegetarian menus including tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fries, and meat-free spring rolls.

What is the average price for a meal in Ninh Binh for backpackers?

The average price range for a standard meal at these recommended restaurants is between 100,000 and 300,000 VND per person, which typically includes a main dish and a drink.

We hope this list of the best places to eat Ninh Binh helps you navigate the options and enjoy the diverse culinary offerings available throughout Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, Trang An,… Please contact us if you are looking to discover more interesting things in Ninh Binh.

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Importance Note for booking

Please note that an additional charge will apply for bookings on December 31, 2025, January 1, 2026, and during the Tet Holiday (February 16–20, 2026); some tours may not operate during Tet, so kindly contact us in advance to confirm final prices and availability