While Hanoi is famous for its iconic street food and Ho Chi Minh City offers a mix of international cuisine, Ninh Binh cuisine stands out with its traditional Vietnamese specialties and locally sourced ingredients.
Wandering around Ninh Binh’s streets, you’ll find unique dishes like goat meat (thịt dê), crispy rice (cơm cháy), and fresh vegetables straight from the province’s fields. But it’s far more than that. Whether you’re looking for vegan-friendly options, local specialties, or even international restaurants, Ninh Binh always has something to offer.
Here’s our recommended list of Ninh Binh restaurants, broken down by cuisine.
Vietnamese Cuisine & Local Specialties
Hoang Cuisine Vietnamese Restaurant and Vegetarian
- Address: Tam Coc Rd, Van Lam, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Recognized as the prestigious Travelers’ Choice 2023 by Tripadvisor, Hoang Cuisine Vietnamese Restaurant and Vegetarian is one of the most famous restaurants in Ninh Binh. The restaurant’s style is basic, with outdoor and indoor seating areas.
But don’t let the basic looks fool you; Hoang Cuisine offers a diverse menu, from traditional Vietnamese dishes to vegan foods. In particular, there is a selection of imported wines and cocktails to enjoy.
Moreover, the restaurant offers several cooking classes, such as the Tam Coc Cooking Class. You can join this class to learn how to cook Vietnamese foods such as Vietnamese Pancakes or Egg Coffee.
Thao Beo Restaurant Bar
- Signature dish: Papaya Salad, Grilled Fish, Coconut Chicken
- Address: Group 4, Van Lam, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 9:00-23:00
A small family business run by Duyen, a local from Ninh Binh, Thao Beo Restaurant Bar offers a variety of dishes, focusing on Vietnamese specialties such as papaya salad, grilled fish, and coconut chicken.
Trung Tuyet Restaurant
- Signature dish: Com Chay (crispy rice with chicken and tomato soup), Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Address: 14 Hoang Hoa Tham, Van Gia, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 8:00 – 21:30
Trung Tuyet Restaurant is famous for its traditional Vietnamese family foods. Cơm Cháy here is a must-try—crispy rice with tasty chicken and tomato soup that’s super comforting. Their sweet and sour chicken is also amazing, packed with flavor and a great portion size. A plus is that the lovely owner will give you free fruits and goodbye gifts for each meal! A nice treat!
Tuan Tu Local Restaurant
- Signature dish: Grilled Goat, Spicy Chicken
- Address: Provincial Road 491C, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Opening hours: 9:00-22:00
Tuan Tu Local Restaurant is an incredible spot to enjoy specialties cooked by locals. The restaurant uses fresh and safe ingredients to ensure dignity and food quality. Grilled goat and spicy chicken are popular and must-try dishes.
Trang An Skyline Restaurant
- Signature dish: Grilled Chicken Rolls in Betel Leaves
- Address: Khe Thuong, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 22:15
Only 1km from Van Lam Pier, Trang An Skyline Restaurant is a great choice if you’re staying around the Trang An grottoes area. A family-run business by Hiep, a local from Ninh Binh, the restaurant offers the most authentic and intense traditional menu. Try their signature dish: Grilled Chicken Rolls in Lá Lốt (Betel Leaves). These rolls consist of seasoned ground chicken wrapped in fragrant betel leaves and grilled to perfection. The combination of smoky flavor and the unique aroma of lá lốt makes this dish really stand out.
Thao Linh Restaurant
- Signature dish: Mountain Goat, Muong Pork, Upland Sticky Rice
- Address: Cuc Phuong, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh
- Opening hours: 05:00 – 21:00
Thao Linh Restaurant is situated on the way to Cuc Phuong National Park. It is an ideal stopping point to enjoy local specialties in Ninh Binh if you’re faraway from the downtown. The restaurant serves several dishes such as mountain goat, Muong pork, upland sticky rice, stream fish, and garden vegetables, with various vegan dishes.
For Vegetarian
Aroma Indian Restaurant
- Signature dish: Butter Chicken
- Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 11:00–22:00
Located in the heart of Tam Coc, Aroma Indian Restaurant is one of the first Indian restaurants in the area, cooked by an Indian chef. Their menu, inspired by the taste of North and Central India cuisine, has won over many with its buttery, finger-licking dishes.
The restaurant offers a wide range of vegetarian, vegan, and Halal dishes.
Saffron Indian Restaurant
- Signature dish: Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetable Biryani, Grilled Tandoori Kebabs
- Address: Group 1 Van Lam, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 10:30-15:00, 18:00-22:00
Located to the east of Tam Coc pier, Saffron Indian Restaurant serves favorite Indian dishes like butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, and vegetable biryani. If you’re a fan of kebabs, don’t miss checking out their signature grilled Tandoori kebabs. With more than a thousand 5-star reviews on Google, it surely won’t disappoint you in any way.
European & Fusion Cuisine
Chookie’s Beer Garden
- Signature dish: Wood-fired Pizzas, Burgers, Local Fusion Specialties
- Address: Tam Coc Rd, Ninh Hai, Tam Coc, Ninh Bình
- Opening hours: 9:00 – 22:00
Chookie’s Beer Garden is an ideal spot for family gatherings and dates. The restaurant specializes in local craft beer and fresh beers for all customers, from beginners to experts. Chookie’s Beer Garden is well-known for European dishes like wood-fired pizzas and burgers. They also serve local fusion specialties and homemade sweet pastries.
Coffee Phong & Fast Food
- Signature dish: Margherita Pizza
- Address: 27 Le Hong Phong Dong Thanh, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 22:15
Ranked among the top 7 restaurants in Ninh Binh by Tripadvisor, Coffee Phong & Fast Food is one of the best places for pizza in town. Try their Margherita Pizza—fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and rich mozzarella come together perfectly on a crispy, golden crust.
Additionally, the shop also serves a wide range of cocktails, wine, and other drinks.
