Located in the Sofitel Metropole, Bamboo Bar is one of the best-known hotel bars in the city. The Metropole, located in the “French Quarter” of Hanoi, houses two additional bars, Parisian La Terrasse (an al fresco terrace), and the elegant Le Club. Bamboo bar is as it sounds, crafted of authentic bamboo and wood. This poolside bar is ideal for unwinding, people watching and enjoying the view.

Ly Club is named after King Ly Thai To, an 11th century king that established a site on the bank of the Red River to build his capital. This popular restaurant is located in a three-story French colonial building comprised of a cocktail and cigar bar, a main dining room, and a theater bringing together food and performance. The main dining room features antique furniture from the French colonial period, and it feels a bit like entering a musty, but authentic time warp. This fusion restaurant blends Asian cuisine with folk opera music. Performances available on the 2nd floor dining room only.

Perfect for lunch or a casual dinner this spot is continuously filled with both Vietnamese and tourists. The concept is the same as its Ho Chi Minh sister restaurant, gather some of the best street food and serve it in a restaurant setting where foreign travelers will feel more at ease about trying local specialties. The food is great, and lunch or dinner costs about $10. The outdoor eating area is surrounded by food-preparation stations where you can choose what you want to eat and also watch it being prepared. It is a great way to experiment with a variety of Hanoi specialties.

Diners are encouraged to take a walk past the offerings before settling at their tables and ordering. Though not encouraged, it’s best to ask your waiter to accompany you as you take the tour and point to the dishes you would like.

The first eatery in Trinh Hanh’s mini empire (she also co-owns Wild Lotus and Ginger), Wild Rice opened in 2002 and was an overnight sensation. Located in a restored villa not far from the Metropole Sofitel, it has gorgeous interiors replete with tiled floors, a dark-wood staircase and Art Deco French doors. Thanks to the owners’ shared passion for contemporary art, the many dining rooms contain striking works by such artists as Nguyen Thong. The menu is upscale Vietnamese, including original interpretations of the traditional spring roll and grilled tuna on banana leaf. All the dishes are delicious and offer a glimpse into the country’s immensely rich culinary heritage in a refined and beautiful setting.