Where to eat in Vientiane: top 12 best local restaurant to explore

Created by Thanh Phong at 2025-03-05 17:09:21 , Updated by Thanh Phong at 2025-03-10 11:17:13
Discover the 12 best local restaurants in Vientiane, Laos with high Google reviews for authentic Lao cuisine made by dedicated chefs

When you visit Vientiane, you'll discover a fantastic array of dining choices, featuring delightful authentic Lao cuisine alongside inventive fusion dishes that blend Asian and Western flavors. Check out this list of famous restaurants in Vientiane! You'll get to enjoy some delicious meals and explore a unique part of the food culture in Laos!

For authentic Laos dishes

Kualao Restaurant

If you're searching for a unique culinary experience while traveling in Laos, be sure to visit Kualao Restaurant - it's a popular restaurant in Vientiane! The restaurant nestled in a charming colonial-era building, offers an excellent array of traditional Lao dishes that you’ll surely want to sample, such as Tam Mak Houng (papaya salad), crispy Mekong River fish, spring rolls, and Sai Oua (handmade Lao sausage).

Enjoy the authentic Laos dishes while watching traditional cultural performances

Enjoy the authentic Laos dishes while watching traditional cultural performances (Source: Kualao)

A special part of dining at Kualao is the chance to watch traditional Lao cultural performances by the National Dance Troupe. For the best cultural experience, you should arrive early or reserve a table close to the stage for the best view.

Check-in with two vintage cars of Kualao Restaurant in Vientiane

Check-in with two vintage cars of Kualao Restaurant in Vientiane (Source: Kualao) 

When you check-in, you'll spot a charming French vintage car at the entrance - it's the perfect spot for some fun photos! This place offers tasty food, an exclusive vibe, and friendly staff will make you want to come again.

  • Address: 134 Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane, Laos
  • Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Tamnak Lao

Set in a charmingly restored colonial house, Tamnak Lao is the ideal spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the true tastes of Lao cuisine. The restaurant has a wonderful menu that includes classic dishes like papaya salad, grilled fish, sticky rice, and other local favorites—all made with care to keep their traditional flavors intact.

The restaurant in Vientiane features a spacious and tranquil garden

The restaurant in Vientiane features a spacious and tranquil garden (Source: Tamnak)

The atmosphere is delightful and peaceful, featuring a roomy terrace and a beautiful green garden, offering a lovely dining experience in harmony with nature.

Best place to try the authentic Laos dishes

Best place to try the authentic Laos dishes (Source: Tamnak)

In addition to the delicious food, Tamnak Lao is celebrated for its friendly and attentive staff, providing a welcoming service that truly enhances your overall experience. If you're thinking about a romantic dinner or a special get-together with family, Tamnak Lao is definitely a restaurant in Vientiane you should check out

  • Address: Rue 23 Singha, Vientiane, Laos
  • Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Doi Ka Noi 

Doi Ka Noi is a delightful specialty restaurant in Vientiane that provides a genuine Lao dining experience. With a menu personally curated and prepared by Chef Noi, every dish is crafted using fresh, seasonal ingredients, ensuring high-quality flavors in every bite.

Best location to try authentic Laos dishes in Vientiane

Best location to try authentic Laos dishes in Vientiane (Source: Doi Ka Noi)

The dish is featured on handcrafted ceramic plates, which add a delightful touch to the overall dining experience. The crispy pancake salad is a must-try dish that many people love, and it's no wonder why diners keep returning for it!

The best Laotian food in Vientiane

The best Laotian food in Vientiane (Source: Doi Ka Noi)

Doi Ka Noi may only be open on weekends, but its cozy atmosphere, relaxing ambiance, and warm hospitality make it a delightful spot for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Lao cuisine.

  • Address: Sisangvong Road, Vientiane, Laos
  • Opening Days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Read more:  Vientiane Tour 3 Days: Explore the Sacred Land

Han Sam Euay Nong

SamEuay has been a popular culinary restaurant in Vientiane for a long time. The menu invites guests to explore a delightful range of dishes, featuring  Khao Poon, a popular noodle soup made with coconut milk and either meat or fish, as well as Lao-style Noodle 

Try authentic laos dishes in Vientiane

Try authentic laos dishes in Vientiane (Source: SamEuay) 

At SamEuay, you can enjoy delightful traditional Lao dishes like green papaya salad, yardlong bean salad, and vermicelli salad, all made with the restaurant’s cherished family recipes. You'll definitely want to try the spring rolls paired with fresh herbs and the delicious deep-fried meatballs with tamarind sauce!

  • Address: Chao Anou Road, Vientiane, Laos
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

For fusion cuisine 

Khop Chai Deu

Khop Chai Deu, founded in 1998, is a beloved dining destination in Vientiane, featuring a varied menu that combines Lao, Asian, and Western dishes. It draws in both locals and international visitors, truly living up to its name, "The Place Where the World Meets."

A restaurant with an open and airy design

A restaurant with an open and airy design (Source: Khop Chai Deu) 

Notice to book a table on weekends to avoid waiting

Notice to book a table on weekends to avoid waiting (Source: Khop Chai Deu)

This place has a vibrant atmosphere, soft French music, excellent service, and a welcoming staff, making it perfect for a laid-back lunch or dinner. People love crispy chicken wings, beef cooked in the Lao way, and Luang Prabang stew. It's a great choice for all tourists because the prices are very fair.

  • Address: 54 Sethathirat, Namphou, Vientiane, Laos
  • Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Kong View

Kong View Restaurant offers a fantastic dining experience where guests can savor delicious Lao, Thai, and European dishes while enjoying breathtaking views of the Mekong River. The soft lighting and wooden furniture in the diner make it feel more warm and cozy.

Kong View is perfect for gatherings with friends

Kong View is perfect for gatherings with friends (Source: Kong View)

Half of the restaurant is an open-air garden area facing the river, perfect for those who love dining outdoors, while the other half provides air-conditioned indoor seating for extra comfort.

You should try Beer Laos when visiting this restaurant in Vientiane

You should try Beer Laos when visiting this restaurant in Vientiane (Source: Kong View)

Every Saturday night, there are live music performances that add to the lively atmosphere, which is a special highlight. At that time, the restaurant is very popular, so if you want to eat there, you should probably make a reservation in advance.

  • Address: 183 Souphanouvong Rd, Hom 1 Ban Nongpanay, Sikottabong District, Vientiane, Laos
  • Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tyson Kitchen

Tyson Kitchen is a beloved restaurant in Vientiane, known for its tasty wood-fired pizzas. The menu includes beloved Italian classics like Margherita and Four Cheese, as well as some delightful unique dishes like roasted chicken with pesto.

Enjoy the Taste of Italian Cuisine in Laos

Enjoy the Taste of Italian Cuisine in Laos (Source: Tyson Kitchen)

A restaurant specializing in authentic Italian-style pizzas

A restaurant specializing in authentic Italian-style pizzas (Source: Tyson Kitchen)

Here, you can enjoy a delicious, cheesy pizza topped with rich mozzarella and a selection of fresh toppings, offering you a taste of authentic Italian flavor. The restaurant has a great selection of flavors, like oregano, olive oil, and spicy sauce, so you can make your pizza just the way you like it!

Tyson Kitchen offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, creating a relaxed and cozy dining experience. The welcoming and attentive staff make sure that every guest has a fantastic experience.

  • Address: Rue Francois Ngin, Vientiane, Laos
  • Opening hours: 12:00 P.M - 23:00 P.M

May Yuan

Situated in the vibrant heart of Vientiane, May Yuan Restaurant is a beloved Chinese dining destination that you definitely won't want to overlook. This well-established restaurant, located in the Lao Plaza Hotel, features a wonderful variety of traditional Chinese dishes, made with sophisticated flavors and the finest ingredients. 

Dim Sum is recommended by many travelers to try

Dim Sum is recommended by many travelers to try (Source: May Yuan)

May Yuan also offers a cozy atmosphere, lovely decor, and comfy seating, making it an ideal spot for both laid-back meals and memorable celebrations. This is paradise for anyone who loves dim sum, roasted duck, or tasty stir-fried dishes, offering a special Chinese flavor.

  • Address: Lao Plaza Hotel, 63 Samsenthai Road, Vientiane, Laos
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Bor Pen Nyang

Bor Pen Nyang is a well-known restaurant in Vientiane, providing a beautiful view of the Mekong River and the city center, perfect for a romantic evening or a lively night out with friends. At different times of the day, the venue transforms to suit various atmospheres, from a relaxed bar with pool tables to a rooftop terrace perfect for watching the sunset. The menu combines Lao and international cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients.

Bor Pen Nyang offers a lovely view of the Mekong River

Bor Pen Nyang offers a lovely view of the Mekong River (Source: Bor Pen Nyang)

  • Address: Quai Fa Ngum, Vientiane, Laos
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM - Midnight

La Terrasse

La Terrasse is a culinary gem that perfectly blends the elegance of French cuisine with local charm. This lovely restaurant and bakery is famous for its freshly baked bread, authentic French dishes, and delightful pastries.

A favorite restaurant in Vientiane for foreign tourists in the morning

A favorite restaurant in Vientiane for foreign tourists in the morning (Source: La Terrasse) 

The best Croissant in Vientiane

The best Croissant in Vientiane (Source: La Terrasse)

La Terrasse has a warm and inviting vibe that draws in both locals and travelers, making it a perfect place for breakfast or lunch. The restaurant provides great prices and friendly service, creating a delightful European dining experience right in the heart of Vientiane.

  • Address: Rue Nokeokoummane, Vientiane, Laos
  • Opening Hours: 07:00 - 20:00 (Sunday: 07:00–13:00)

For healthy cuisine 

Noy's Fruit Heaven Restaurant and Bike Rental

Noy’s Fruit Heaven is well-loved for its wide variety of fresh juices and smoothies, showcasing a lively menu filled with tropical fruits or something special like beetroot, celery, carrot, and ginger juice! Feel free to personalize your drink with fun extras like ginger or mint for an extra burst of flavor!

A paradise of tropical fruit in the center of Vientiane

A paradise of tropical fruit in the center of Vientiane (Source: Fruit Heaven)

In addition to drinks, the café offers a variety of nutritious and healthy dishes, such as sandwiches, fresh spring rolls, and nourishing bowls, making it a wonderful option for those who are mindful of their health.

The best healthy smoothy in Vientiane

The best healthy smoothy in Vientiane (Source: Fruit Heaven)

Noy’s Fruit Heaven offers a cozy and relaxed ambiance, making it the ideal place to unwind and enjoy a refreshing break. The staff is always ready to serve you with a warm smile, ensuring a welcoming experience with their English-speaking skills. If you're on the hunt for a light and wholesome alternative to protein-heavy meals, this spot in Vientiane is definitely worth checking out!

  • Address: Rue Hengbounnoy, Vientiane, Laos
  • Opening Hours: 08:00 AM - 9:30 PM

The Greenhouse

The Greenhouse is a delightful vegetarian restaurant that focuses on fresh, healthy cuisine. The customizable salad bowls let diners craft their ideal meal using a selection of fresh ingredients. This restaurant offers delicious fresh fruit juices made from real fruits, adding a delightful touch to your dining experience with their natural flavors. 

Best restaurant in Vientiane for vegans

Best restaurant in Vientiane for vegans (Source: Greenhouse)

The Greenhouse idea is shown on the decoration

The Greenhouse idea is shown on the decoration (Source: Greenhouse)

The menu is thoughtfully designed to appeal to both vegans and non-vegans, while the beautifully decorated space, filled with art and greenery, creates a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere for guests to enjoy nutritious meals.

  • Address: Rue Francois Ngin, Vientiane, Laos
  • Opening Hours: 09:00 A.M. - 20:30 P.M

Conclusion 

Here are some of the most notable restaurants in Vientiane, where visitors can enjoy the wonderful variety of Lao and international cuisine. If you're on the hunt for a tasty meal in a wonderful atmosphere, be sure to check out these places and enjoy unforgettable flavors in the charming capital of Laos!

Read more: 5-day food tour in Northern Laos - A Delicacy Delight!

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