14 Great Restaurants in Vientiane

That Dam Wine House overlooks Vientiane’s That Dam (black stupa) – it’s particularly popular at night, when the ancient stupa is illuminated with spotlights. The restaurant serves Laotian and European dishes, as well as a cellar filled with international wines. Standouts include duck breast with orange sauce, Lao-style fried rice, red curry, and lamb tenderloin. Grab a seat at the secluded terrace, where you’ll be surrounded by lush trees and plants. 

Khop Chai Deu occupies a colonial building close to the Nam Phu Fountain in central Vientiane. A favourite spot among expats, backpackers and tourists, the restaurant serves authentic Laos and international dishes – opt for the set menus of traditional Lao cuisine 

The Discovery Lao set takes you through various short courses of typical Lao dishes with a glass of rice whiskey, while the Champasak set includes a sweet treat – mango with coconut rice. If you’re craving western comfort food, Khop Chai Deu offers 9 types of pizzas, including a vegetarian option. 

Joma Bakery Café is a popular spot for locals and expats craving for a cup of strong coffee to start the day. There are 3 outlets in central Vientiane, with several more in Cambodia and Vietnam. The café uses fair-trade organic coffee beans, as well as provide employment opportunities to disadvantaged people and victims of human rights. For breakfast, Joma Bakery Café has sweet and savoury options, including fruit salads, bagels, and sandwiches. You can also enjoy a variety of salads – standouts include the veggie and hummus plate, taco salad, and mango sesame salad.

Villa Opera attracts locals and tourists with its affable staff, fine Italian cuisine, and extensive wine selection. This long-running restaurant occupies a refurbished French colonial villa dating back to 1930, with classy décor and furnishing that mirror that period.

Owner and host, Pino, is friendly and more than happy to introduce Villa Opera’s dishes to diners – standouts include the Pizza Laos (tomatoes, cheese, chilies and Laos sausage), ravioli with tomato and cream sauce, and tiramisu.

Lao Kitchen offers set menus that let you enjoy a variety of authentic local fare in one seating. Opt for a set of 12 (180,000 kip) Lao dishes, which include Pakse-style pork sausage, Luang Prabang-style stew, grilled Mekong fish, and bamboo shoot stew. There’s also plenty of vegetarian options for those who prefer a meatless meal in Vientiane. For dessert, try Lao Kitchen’s sticky rice with mango (or banana) and coconut milk.

The Vangthong Evening Food Market attracts locals and tourists looking to enjoy authentic Laotian food at affordable prices. After sunset, the market becomes a hive of activity with dozens of stalls preparing traditional dishes such as bla kan sung (grilled fish), sai oua (Laotian sausage), and bet yang (roasted duck). A walk through Vangthong Evening Food Market also provides plenty of good photo opportunities – just make sure you ask for permission before clicking that shutter.   

May Yuan Restaurant, located on the mezzanine floor of Lao Plaza Hotel, is where you can enjoy authentic Chinese food in Vientiane. There are 5 private dining rooms, along with a main dining area featuring oriental décor and furnishing.  

The menu consists of Cantonese, Szechuan, and Teochew, as well as a variety of dim sum – bite-sized portions of Chinese food served in small steamer baskets. Standouts at May Yuan Restaurant include pork buns, congee, and shrimp dumplings.