Vientiane Restaurants

Where and What to Eat in Vientiane

Down by the river is pretty much as lively as it gets in Vientiane. Various chilled-out riverside joints serve traditional Thai and Southeast Asian dishes to be enjoyed while overlooking the Mekong. Some restaurants reside on stilts others are sidewalk based, each offering a different experience of the surrounding area.

There is a distinct European charm when dining out in Vientiane, where you can watch the locals and tourists go about their business; an experience sometimes lost in the more hectic and polluted cities of Hanoi and Bangkok.

Alternatively, the restaurants with river views that overlook the banks of bordering Thailand offer a decidedly unique and relaxed choice for an evening meal – mosquito repellant is a must! The area is also renowned for mouth-watering Indian curry, complete with all the trimmings. Away from the river, dining options are as varied as the eclectic group of travelers that frequent the area.

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Aria Italian Restaurant

If and when you have had enough of Laos food, Aria represents a good change. Located right downtown Vientiane Aria’s reputation precedes it as one of the best of its genre in Asia. With a classical Italian feel and a well-lit and roomy dining area, Aria’s pizza selections from its open kitchen comprise its highlights but it also features recommendable lamb, veal and sliced sirloin – all complemented by an excellent wine list. Its professionally-minded staff and an unpretentious yet up-market feel both add up to make Aria a must-try restaurant.

Opening Hours: 00-856-021-222589
Location: 8 Rue Francois Nginn (centrally located)
Tel: 00-856-021-222589
Price Range: High

Bor Pen Nyang & Restaurant

'No worries' is the laid-back mantra at the Bor Pen Nyang. Relax while you face a great view of the Mekong River. From the lazy and relaxed afternoons to the vibrant nights, this restaurant and bar offers complete entertainment. Enjoy a game of pool or snooker with your friends or read a book in solitude at the Sidewalk Garden Cafe. Take along that special someone and make sparks fly with yummy cocktails and the fiery sunset. Bor Pen Nyang offers a range of snacks

Address: Fa Ngum Rd, Wat Chanh Village.
Tel: +856 21 26 1373

Khop Chai Deu Food

(means 'Thank you very much')

A favorite with expats, backpackers and tourists, this colonial-style building has a great menu of Laos and international dishes, each page reflecting the different types of customers. For example, the 'Backpacker Page' is where you will find spring rolls and other reliable dishes; likewise the 'Laos Discovery Set' takes you through various short courses of typical Lao dishes. The 'Expatriate Relief Page' is packed with home-cooked favorites such as pizza, pasta and hearty stews.

Location: Southwest of Nam Phu Fountain, Around Town.
Remarks: Credit Cards: Master Card and Visa
Tel: +85621/212-106

Kong View Restaurant

This tree-shaded riverside restaurant has great views out over the Mekong to the Thai border. Serving Laos dishes such as whole grilled fish with lemongrass, Laos sausage and with a generous wine selection of trusted labels, dining here is especially pleasurable at sunset while watching the passing river traffic. It’s best to take a taxi from the town centre as it’s not within walking distance and is quite complicated to find. Kong View comes highly recommended for ambience, food and its discreet, friendly service.

Opening Hours: 12:00 – 23:00
Location: Riverside, west of Vientiane
Tel: 021-520522

Kualao Restaurant

Set in a classic old colonial mansion, Kualao serves traditional Laos cuisine in a traditional atmosphere and décor. The genuine period furniture and arrangements make for a charming atmosphere in which to appreciate Laos dishes such as som tam Laos, deep-fried fish, spring rolls, Laos sausage, and vegetables in fish sauce – all complemented by a decent wine list. Try a set menu if you are unfamiliar with Laos food, and if you are on nodding terms with the local cuisine venture into the a la carte choices served by staff in traditional costume.

Opening Hours: 11:00 – 22:30
Location: 141 Samsenthai Road (Centrally Located)
Tel: 856-21 215 777
Price Range: Moderate

L'Opera

For over ten years L’Opera, has been serving up (arguably) the best Italian food in Vientiane. Featuring homemade egg noodle pasta, 'Pizza Laos' (tomatoes, cheese, chilies and Laos sausage) and daily specials all topped off by delicious wines and a tidy shot of espresso.

Location: On the Fountain Circle, in the centre of town.
Remarks: Credit Cards: American Express, Visa, Master Card
Tel: +85621/215-099

Le Silapa -French, Continental

The chosen eatery of the Australian Prime Minister when he came to town, Le Silapa serves up delectable French cuisine enhanced by the native French chef who adds to the restaurant's warm ambience with his hands-on approach. When confronted with the modest shop-front you will be hard pushed conjure up ideas of mouth watering steak tartar or whitefish laced with lemon and parsley but they're all here.

Remarks: Credit Cards: Master Card, Visa
Address: Ban Haysok, Around Town.
Tel: +85621/219-689

Nazim Restaurant

With everything from tandori to biyrani and all that comes in between, Nazim offers a vast menu of Indian cuisine (and beer to wash it down) situated along the Mekong. The staff can sometimes act as if they would rather be sitting where you are, but the food is tasty and the prices are reasonable, making this a popular backpacker spot and an expat joint.

Location: Located on Fa Ngoum Road.
Tel: +85621/223-480
Price Range: US$1 - US$2.50

Nok Noy Noodle Shop

Nok Noy features a short and simple menu that offers a choice between fried noodles, fried rice and noodles, or plain soup. Each is made with your choice of chicken, pork, beef or vegetables. This is nonetheless a popular spot with foreigners and locals alike because of its cheap prices, efficient service, generous portions and great location.

Address: Fa Ngum Road
Tel: +85620777 8999

Pho Zaab

Pho is Laos noodle soup and this sidewalk shop is one of the best in the area. Dishes served here include both beef and pork noodles with a choice of herbs, lime juice and chili paste as well as additional items such as bean sprouts. Popular with both locals and expats, diners seat themselves at plastic tables and simply tuck in without much ado. Wash it all down with local Laos coffee and you’ve got a substantial meal for mere pennies.

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 15:00
Location: : Phai Nam Street (near to the That Dam Monument)
Price Range: Ultra budget

Sabaidee

This is one of the few eating places in Vientiane where both locals and tourists can be found enjoying basic but tasty food and a cold Beer Lao. The central location and affordable food make this a popular spot. The menu is a combination of light western and traditional Laotian food, so you can enjoy the American Breakfast or be a little more adventurous and experiment with a traditional Lao salad. Diners enjoy eating outdoors among an array of potted plants.

Address: 36 Setthathirath Road

Sticky Fingers

Started by Australians who came to Laos with the U.N. involved in NGO work, the menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, and snacks. It's got the corner on the casual business lunch and the after-work crowd. Try a burger, sandwich, or steak and be sure to choose from the impressive list of homemade dips and sauces that can be taken out, too.

Location: Situated across from the Tai-Pan Hotel
Tel: +85621/215-972
Price Range: US$2.80 - US$7.50

What to Eat in Laos

Lao cuisine is very similar to that of its Thai and Vietnamese neighbours, and meals of spicy soup, sticky rice and chicken or laab are favorites with the locals. Vientiane is serviced by several good French restaurants, a remnant of the country's colonial era, and baguettes and croissants are also widely available. Read More...