The Story

About This Place

Hàng Khay runs along the southern bank of Hoan Kiem Lake, and 39 is one of the addresses that trades most directly on that geography. Lake View Side Restaurant sits facing the water, making it a natural stop for anyone circling the lake or coming off the Ngoc Son Temple causeway. The venue covers three categories — Vietnamese food, coffee, and desserts — which in practice means it works across different parts of the day: a lunch of Vietnamese staples, an afternoon drip coffee while watching paddle boats, or a dessert round to close out an evening walk. The combination draws a wide crowd: locals on a weekday lunch break, tourists looking for somewhere to sit with a view rather than eat standing, couples who want a low-key evening with atmosphere built in by the setting rather than the décor. Almost 2,000 Google reviews at 4.7 puts it well above the median for the lake district, where the footfall is high but consistency is harder to maintain. Competing options on Đinh Tiên Hoàng and the surrounding streets tend toward either full sit-down restaurants without the lake sightline or street-food stalls without seating. The address on Hàng Khay threads that gap: table service, shade, a view, and a menu that doesn't lock visitors into a single meal format.

hoan kiem lake viewsvietnamese dishescoffee and dessertslakeside dining
open-airscenicrelaxedbreezy

Reviews

4.8(2181)
Sabine Chat
Sabine Chat
1mo ago

This was our first meal after arriving in Hanoi. As the name suggests, the restaurant is right by Hoan Kiem Lake. The front entrance is lively and busy, but if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, the staff will guide you through a narrow alley to the upstairs dining area, where you can enjoy a beautiful lake view from the window seats. Our family had a total of 10 people, including adults and children, and the staff kindly put two tables together for us without any problem. The food was good. Compared with the dishes we had in Ho Chi Minh City, we found the flavors here to be less sweet, which suited our taste. Every staff member was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and spoke English well. They were happy to help with all of our requests, which made the experience even more enjoyable. 👍 Just one small suggestion regarding the food: the grilled fish was a little undercooked for our preference. The flesh in the middle was still pink, and since it was freshwater fish, we personally felt it would be better if it were cooked a bit more thoroughly. Of course, this may simply reflect local cooking preferences. One more lovely moment: when we were paying the bill, the staff accidentally forgot to include the drinks. They only realized it after I pointed it out. They then gave our children a few beautiful red apples, which was a very sweet gesture. Everyone was so warm and genuine, and it left us with a wonderful impression. If you’re looking for a nice place to try Vietnamese cuisine in the French Quarter, I’d definitely recommend giving this restaurant a try.

Charlotte Collings
Charlotte Collings
1mo ago

Tona was attentive, and the food was wonderful. Our first meal in Hanoi, we ordered a feast! It was delicious!

Ron
Ron
2mo ago

This place truly made me feel at home. The warmth and hospitality of the staff made me feel incredibly welcome from the moment I walked in, and they took the time to explain each dish and how to enjoy it, which made the experience even more memorable. I ordered the bánh xèo and chả cá, and both were absolutely delicious. The flavors were authentic, fresh, and beautifully prepared. Giang served us and was very attentive. Great food, wonderful people, and genuine hospitality. If you’re looking for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience, I highly recommend stopping by. I’ll definitely be back.

Nela Wati
Nela Wati
2mo ago

Great food, excellent service. Thank you to Mrs. Giang for taking such good care of us and providing excellent service throughout our visit. She was friendly, attentive, and made our dining experience even more enjoyable. We truly appreciate her kindness and hospitality. Highly recommended!

Jeanne Delaup
Jeanne Delaup
3mo ago

Ly Trung viet. , I got the vegan pho, an avocado smoothie with a little bit of sugar and substitute water instead of milk & the lotus Viet Hanoi tea (it gets very concentrated quickly so don’t let it sit too long) all were delicious! Great location great vibes ✨ recommend!

Visit Tips

Visiting Lake View Side Restaurant

  • Reservations: Call +84 916 400 858 to book — recommended for weekend dining.

  • Best for: date night, afternoon coffee, sightseeing break, casual lunch.

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Photos

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Other

Lake View Side Restaurant photo 1 in Thao Dien
Lake View Side Restaurant photo 2 in Thao Dien
Lake View Side Restaurant photo 3 in Thao Dien
Lake View Side Restaurant photo 4 in Thao Dien
Lake View Side Restaurant photo 5 in Thao Dien
Lake View Side Restaurant photo 6 in Thao Dien
Lake View Side Restaurant photo 7 in Thao Dien
Lake View Side Restaurant photo 8 in Thao Dien
Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Does Lake View Side Restaurant have a view of Hoan Kiem Lake?
Yes. The restaurant sits on Hàng Khay, the southern bank of Hoan Kiem Lake, with direct water views from the table.
What types of food does Lake View Side Restaurant serve?
The menu covers Vietnamese food, coffee, and desserts, making it suitable for lunch, an afternoon coffee stop, or an evening dessert.
Is Lake View Side Restaurant good for a date night?
It draws couples seeking low-key atmosphere built around the lake setting rather than elaborate décor, with table service and a view included.
How is Lake View Side Restaurant rated?
It holds 4.7 stars across nearly 2,000 Google reviews, placing it above the median for the high-footfall lake district.
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