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Tasting Vientiane: Our Favorite Restaurants in the City
If the question of where to eat in Vientiane arises, here is a selection of the 10 best restaurants in the Lao capital, taken from authentic reviews on Google, TripAdvisor,... From traditional Lao cuisine to fusion restaurants, this list offers a comprehensive overview of the options available to satisfy any culinary craving. Discover the best places to enjoy local dishes or explore new flavors in Vientiane.
1. Arom Pakse
- 📍 Phonexay Road
- 🕒 Open daily from 9:00 to 21:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Arom Pakse is a popular choice for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy authentic Lao cuisine in a peaceful setting. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with friendly staff and a menu full of well-prepared traditional dishes like laap, mok pa, and bamboo soup. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual lunch or winding down after a day of exploring, it’s a reliable spot for a tasty, comforting meal.
2. Lao NaNa Rooftop
- 📍 Sihom Road, XJ92+82R
- 🕒 Monday: 07:00 – 14:00 | Tuesday to Sunday: 07:00 – 21:00
Lao NaNa Rooftop offers a memorable dining experience with sweeping views of Vientiane from above. Ideal for a romantic evening or relaxed drinks with friends, the space is stylish and open-air, with a full view of the city skyline. The menu includes a mix of local and international dishes, served with care.
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Drinks are slightly pricier, but the views and attentive service make it a worthwhile experience.
3. Kung's Café Lao
- 📍 Thanon Samsenethai, Phiawat Village, near the Ministry of Health
- 🕒 Open daily from 07:30 to 16:00
Hidden at the end of a quiet alley, Kung’s Café is a favorite for its lush greenery and peaceful vibe. This small café serves simple but flavorful Lao dishes, along with local coffee and their signature coconut milk latte. It’s a great place to slow down, especially in the morning or early afternoon. With affordable prices and a rustic garden feel, it’s perfect for solo travelers and laid-back brunches.
4. Kong View
- 📍 183 Soupanouvong Road, Hom 1 Ban Nongpanay, Sikottabong District
- 🕒 Open daily from 16:30 to 23:30
Kong View is a scenic riverside restaurant offering views of the Mekong River and Thailand across the water. The spacious terrace is a perfect sunset spot, often accompanied by live acoustic music. The menu features a variety of Lao and Asian fusion dishes, with sticky rice and grilled meats as standouts. It’s a great place to bring friends or visiting guests for a laid-back dinner with a view and good vibes.
5. Bacán Café Vientiane
- 📍 100-03 Samsenthai Road, Unit 12, Koualoung Village, Chanthabury District
- 🕒 Monday to Thursday: 09:00 – 18:00 | Friday & Saturday: 09:00 – 21:00 | Closed on Sundays
Bacán Café brings the bold flavors of Latin America to central Vientiane. The menu includes empanadas, tacos, quesadillas, and fresh salads, all prepared with attention to detail. Latin music plays softly in the background, adding to the relaxed and cheerful vibe.
It's a refreshing change of pace for breakfast or lunch, with a warm team and great value for money.
6. Bistro 22
- 📍 Samsenthai Road
- 🕒 Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 11:30 – 14:00 | 18:10 – 21:30
- 🕒 Saturday: 18:15 – 21:30 | Closed on Tuesday and Sunday
Bistro 22 is a small, intimate restaurant run by a French owner-chef, serving beautifully crafted French cuisine in the heart of Vientiane. The fixed menu includes creative starters, mains, and desserts, with vegetarian options always available.
The warm, personal service and quiet ambiance make it a favorite among expats and locals looking for a touch of Europe in Laos. With only a few tables, it’s best to reserve in advance.
7. Khop Chai Deu
- 📍 Setthathilath Road
- 🕒 Open daily from 08:00 to 23:00
Right in the city center, Khop Chai Deu offers a vibrant dining experience with generous Lao dishes, international options, and nightly live music. The open-air layout and relaxed crowd create a fun, sociable vibe. The wine and beer list includes both local and imported labels, and prices are reasonable.
It’s a great place to spend an evening with friends, especially if you're in the mood for food and music under one roof.
8. Hangout Vientiane
- 📍 Dongpalane Road
- 🕒 Open daily from 10:00 to 23:00
Hangout Vientiane is a spacious, casual restaurant offering a large selection of Lao, Thai, and Western dishes. The space is simple but clean and comfortable, making it ideal for family dinners or group meetups. Service is fast and friendly, with plenty of drinks on offer from coffee to cocktails. Whether you want a quiet meal or just a place to relax after work, it’s a solid all-around choice.
9. Laos Restaurant
- 📍 XJ83+PC7
- 🕒 Open from 08:00 to 15:00 | Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Laos Restaurant is a humble, family-run eatery serving classic Lao breakfast and lunch at unbeatable prices. The setting is simple, with no-frills décor, but the food is fresh, authentic, and filling. Popular among locals, it’s perfect for travelers who want to eat like a local. If you value taste and authenticity over trendy design, this spot delivers a truly local experience.
10. Vientiane Night Food Market
- 📍 52 Hengboun Road
- 🕒 Open daily from 17:00 to 22:00
This lively night market is the perfect place to explore Vientiane’s street food scene. Stalls serve up everything from grilled meats and sticky rice to stuffed vegetables, fruit shakes, and desserts. It’s a fun, social experience where you can try multiple dishes in one visit. Ideal for adventurous eaters and casual diners alike, it’s where the local flavors meet the city’s evening buzz.
Traditional Laotian dishes not to be missed
Vientiane, like all of Laos, is full of typical dishes to discover. If you're a lover of local cuisine, here's a list of must-try dishes:
🥗 Larb – A perfect balance of spicy, tangy, salty and bitter
🍲 Khao Piak Sen – Handmade noodles, not found elsewhere
🐟 Mok Pa – Steamed fish in banana leaves (an ancient Mekong tradition)
🥗 Tam Mak Hoong – Papaya salad with a typical Laotian
🍚 Twist Khao Niaw – The sticky rice that is an integral part of our culture
These dishes are a must to discover the richness of Laotian cuisine and will not fail to offer you a real culinary journey. Read more about Laotian cusine: 12 typical specialties to enjoy!
Our last words,
Vientiane offers a rich and varied culinary scene, ranging from traditional flavors of Laos to innovative fusion creations. These 10 restaurants offer a great opportunity to discover the gastronomic diversity of the capital. Each address guarantees a unique experience, promising pleasure in every bite. Enjoy your meal and enjoy exploring the local flavours!
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- How Much It Costs to Visit Laos? Detailed Budget to Plan in 2024
- The Most Extraordinary Temples in Laos in 2024
- Why Riding a Tuk-Tuk Is a Must-Do Experience in Laos?
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