Hanoi’s Exclusive Michelin Star Culinary Restaurants Trio

Michelin Star recognition has shone brightly on three exceptional restaurants in Hanoi—the only ones in the city to earn this coveted honor since 2023. Despite the city’s rich food culture and countless dining spots, no other establishment has joined this exclusive trio, solidifying their place as the pinnacle of excellence. These three restaurants represent not only the finest in Hanoi’s gastronomy but also the high standards and dedication required to achieve such a prestigious honor. Let’s us – top Vietnam tour operator guides you through exploring what makes this trio truly unmatched in a city celebrated for its extraordinary flavors.

Located in a quiet corner of Hanoi, Gia stands out in the bustling dining scene, offering a truly unique and extraordinary experience that stands in stark contrast to the historical Van Mieu, one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Gia doesn’t have an a la carte menu from which customers can choose. Instead, diners are treated to a Tasting Menu (which is perfect for those who, like me, struggle to make a decision!). With a carefully curated selection of ten dishes, diners can enjoy a variety of flavors and textures without the pressure of choosing individual courses.

What makes Gia truly unique is the seasonal rotation of its menu, changing every three months. This ensures that diners experience fresh and innovative combinations of flavors, inspired by the ingredients of the current season. As a result, it’s difficult, if not impossible, for guests to sample the same dish twice at Gia, making each visit an entirely new culinary adventure.

Led by Chef Sam Tran, Gia’s tasting menu combines traditional Vietnamese ingredients with contemporary techniques, transforming familiar flavors into works of art. From delicate seafood creations to intricately designed desserts, every course tells a story of the region’s rich food culture, reimagined for modern palates.

The ambiance at Gia is equally refined, set within a house that boasts over 100 years of history. This historic setting enhances the restaurant’s minimalist décor, creating a space where the focus remains on the food while still honoring the building’s rich legacy. The unique blend of tradition and modernity provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience, further elevating Gia’s reputation as one of Hanoi’s top culinary destinations.

• Address: 61 Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi
• Hotline: +84 89 668 2996
• Opening Hours:
  • Lunch time: Thursday to Saturday (11:30am – 2:00pm)
  • Dinner time: Tuesday to Saturday (6pm – 11pm)

Tam Vi is, without a doubt, the top choice for Western visitors seeking an authentic Vietnamese dining experience. The restaurant takes diners on a journey through Vietnam’s culinary heritage, offering a refined take on traditional dishes. What sets Tam Vi apart is its ability to elevate humble, everyday Vietnamese fare, like family homemade meals such as fried eggs, crab soup, … to an entirely new level.

Opened in 2019, Tam Vi quickly became a sensation in Hanoi, so much so that it recently expanded, opening a second restaurant right next to the original location. This growth speaks volumes about the restaurant’s popularity and the love it has garnered from both locals and tourists.

Tam Vi also stays true to the essence of “seasonal ingredients,” with seasonal dishes that change throughout the year. This ensures that each visit offers something new, as the menu evolves with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients available. Tam Vi’s dedication to preserving the essence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine while embracing modern cooking techniques creates a harmonious blend of old and new. Guests are offered a taste of Vietnam’s culinary past, presented with sophistication and attention to detail.

• Address: 4B Yen The Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da, Hanoi
• Hotline: +84 96 632 3131
• Opening Hours: 11:00 – 14:30 & 17:00 – 21:00 everyday

Nestled in a luxurious Capella Hanoi, Hibana by Koki offers an entirely different, yet equally sophisticated, dining experience. This Michelin-starred restaurant brings the art of Japanese teppanyaki to life, blending meticulous technique with the finest ingredients to create an unforgettable meal.

What truly sets Hibana apart is its exclusivity. The restaurant only accepts 14 guests per meal session, allowing for a more intimate and personalized dining experience. This limited seating ensures that every guest is treated to exceptional attention and a refined atmosphere. A key element in Hibana’s success is its talented chef, Chef Koki. With a wealth of experience honed in top-tier restaurants across Japan and internationally, Chef Koki has become renowned for his mastery of teppanyaki. His passion for precision and creativity is reflected in every dish he prepares, where each ingredient is treated with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Hibana offers two distinct tasting menu options, each designed to highlight the restaurant’s dedication to high-quality ingredients and the art of Japanese cuisine. While the prices are on the higher end, they reflect not only the premium ingredients used—such as Wagyu beef and fresh seafood—but also the significant investment Hibana has made in creating an exclusive dining environment. From the carefully curated interior design to the intimate atmosphere, every detail of Hibana is designed to provide an exceptional and memorable experience.

• Address: 11 Le Phung Hieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
• Hotline: 024 3987 8888
• Opening Hours: 11:30 – 13:30 & 18:00 – 22:00 from Tuesday to Saturday

As Hanoi’s culinary scene continues to evolve, it’s possible that more restaurants will rise to the challenge and earn Michelin stars in the future. For now, however, Gia, Hibana by Koki, and Tầm Vị remain the undisputed leaders in the city’s fine-dining landscape.

For more information about what to eat and where to eat in Hanoi, follow us on our website for the latest updates and recommendations on the city’s top dining spots.