The Best Restaurants in Vientiane You Can’t Miss

From riverside cafés to fine dining gems - where to eat well in Laos’ laid-back capital

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Despite being the capital of Laos, Vientiane is often described as sleepy – but don’t let that fool you. Beneath its unhurried surface lies a surprising culinary scene that punches well above its weight. From authentic Laotian dishes served in historic colonial villas to single-origin coffee in sleek cafes, here’s our list of the best restaurants in Vientiane, Laos, serving up a cosmopolitan taste of Southeast Asia.

Kualao Restaurant, Vientiane

Kualao Restaurant

Set in an exquisite French colonial mansion, Kualao Restaurant has long been regarded as one of the best spots for traditional Lao cuisine in the country. Since opening in 1994, it’s welcomed diplomats, royalty and curious travellers through its heavy wooden doors. Traditional music and dance performances accompany your meal, against a backdrop of sweeping ceilings and antique furnishings. Feast on laap (minced meat salad with fresh herbs and lime), mok pa (fish steamed in banana leaves) and lam (a hearty stew brimming with wild herbs.) Eating here is as much a cultural experience as it is a culinary one.

3 Merchants, Vientiane

3 Merchants

Situated in the Crowne Plaza Vientiane, 3 Merchants draws inspiration from the ancient trading routes between Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, blending the cuisine of all four countries to create one of the most exciting and unique restaurants in the city. Highlights have to be the tamarind glazed duck and the lemongrass crab curry, paired with a glass from their carefully curated wine list. The interiors are a blend of moody lighting and contemporary art, setting the stage for one of Vientiane’s finest fusion dining experiences.

LAO Kitchen

For authenticity without frills, LAO Kitchen delivers some of the best traditional cuisine in town, tucked away on a leafy side street in the heart of Vientiane. Here, the focus is on home-style recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, served on gingham tables in a light and breezy restaurant. Dine on grilled river fish with lemongrass, papaya salad with fish sauce and hearty bamboo shoot stew. Portions are generous and the vibe is always so welcoming. If you want to know what it’s like to eat like a local Lao family, this is the spot.

That Dam Wine House, Vientiane

That Dam Wine House

A hidden gem overlooking the historic That Dam stupa, this wine bar and restaurant has surely one of the most atmospheric dining settings in the city. The menu at That Dam Wine House is a refined and beautifully executed fusion of Lao and European cuisine – think pan seared duck breast with orange glaze, goat cheese-stuffed eggplant and handmade ravioli with Laotian herbs. Of course, the wine selection is outstanding too. Few things beat enjoying a glass on their leafy terrace surrounded by flickering candle lit tables. Get here for the weekend if you can, to catch the live jazz sessions.

Le Trio Coffee, Vientiane

Le Trio Coffee

No visit to Vientiane is complete without stopping by one of the best cafes in town. Le Trio sources premium beans from small farms across Laos and roasts them in-house. Their attention to detail, passionate baristas and commitment to local producers makes this a coffee experience, rather than just a place to grab a caffeine hit. Try a V60 pour-over or an espresso flight, and chat with the staff to learn more about Lao coffee production. They also sell beans and brewing gear if you want to bring the taste of Laos home.

Anna Grilled Duck, Vientiane

Anna Grilled Duck

Before you even step inside, the flaming charcoal grill greets you – ducks turning slowly over glowing embers, expertly watched by seasoned chefs. The scent is mouth-watering, the scene unmistakable: you’ve arrived at one of Vientiane’s most beloved family run eateries. The star of the menu at Anna’s is, unsurprisingly, the grilled duck. Marinated in traditional Laotian spices and grilled to perfection, the duck has a crispy skin and tender, flavourful meat that keeps people coming back night after night. The regular live music performances are just the cherry on the proverbial cake. A must visit for any visit to Vientiane.

525, Vientiane

525 Eat & Drink

Tucked away on a side street not far from the riverfront, 525 Eat & Drink is firmly asserting itself as the place to be in the city. Since its relocation from Luang Prabang, 525 has carved out a niche in Vientiane’s foodie landscape, offering an all day dining experience that seamlessly transitions from morning brunches to late night cocktails. The food here is distinctly East meets West, where you can find gorgonzola gnocchi alongside Lao fried chicken rice bowls, washed down with a glass of organic Riesling. The vibe is chic and relaxed – the kind of place to hang out with friends after work and not leave until you’ve sampled most of the excellent cocktail menu.

La Terrasse, Vientiane

La Terrasse

Nestled on Rue Nokeokoummane in the heart of Vientiane, La Terrasse is an institution in the city, bringing perfectly baked, flaky French pastries to Southeast Asia. Stock up on rustic French baguettes, pain au chocolat and butter croissants early in the morning before they sell out. A morning spent here enjoying a fresh apricot tart while sipping on Lao coffee is a morning well spent. And if you don’t make it here for the morning, they serve a delicious lunch too – fresh salads with melted camembert, filled baguettes and stacked tartines. This is as close to a quaint Parisian cafe you can get, complete with a cosy outdoor terrace for some al-fresco dining.

Kung’s Cafe Lao

Tucked away in a quiet alley of Phiawat Village, Kung’s Cafe is a real hidden gem for fresh, home-made Laotian cuisine in a cosy, garden-like setting. Dried gourds and greenery hang suspended from the ceiling and painted murals adorn the walls, and the owners pour as much love into their food as they do the decor. Try the hearty and rich yellow curry soup with tofu and mushrooms, or their chicken noodle soup which we think is medicine for the soul. Sweet tooths will love the sticky rice pancake with mango and fried banana with coffee. It’s the kind of place you discover and never forget – a warm, welcoming and delicious hug from Vientiane.