Dalat or Da Lat is mostly known for local Vietnamese tourists, because of its chilly temperature, the city centre is full of trees, hilly alleys, and stunning farms. Dalat is a not-to-miss travel destination for foreign tourists. While if you are an expat looking for the best city to live, Dalat is a magnificent option.
This city sits on top of a mountain, this is also known as the “Flower City”. Dalat is where most flowers in Vietnam, especially in the South of Vietnam, comes from. It is also filled with coffee, honey, vegetable, and fruit farms.
ALSO READ: How to get to Dalat; either by bus, plane, or motorbike
Because of that, Dalat is popular for its fresh and very authentic Vietnamese dishes that you won’t find in any Vietnamese restaurants abroad. So, if you are ready to fill your stomach with yummy dishes, we recommend these best restaurants in Dalat and bars that serve local food and international cuisine.
ALSO READ: 7 days / 14 days Vietnam itinerary and Best accommodations in Dalat
FOOD TO TRY IN IN DALAT
Local Cuisine
Many tourists go to Dalat for its cooling weather but what many don’t know is that this mountain top city also has amazing dishes that you can try which you will not find anywhere else in Vietnam. So, maximize your visit and make sure you taste the following local Dalat dishes:
Bánh Tráng Nướng
Bánh Tráng Nướng is known as “Vietnamese Pizza” to foreigners. If you dine in a local restaurant, it will be cut out like pizza while it is often rolled like burrito if you take it as to-go.
It is made of rice paper, placed on the top of the grill serving as the “cooking plate”, cook scrambled egg on the top of it which should be spread out evenly, next is a layer of cheese, then some spices or toppings like sausages, meat, or leafy vegetable for the final touch.
Bò Né Ba Ngon
A dish that you can only eat for breakfast or brunch unless you can find another place that offers it in the afternoon, you have to get up early and head to the restaurant.
It’s like English breakfast, the differences are the type of meat included and the fact that it is served on hot plate/sizzling plate. Bò Né Ba Ngon comes with bread (baguette), sunny side up egg, sausage and/or ground meat, cheese, onion, coriander, and a side salad.
Kem Bơ
Kem Bơ or Avocado ice cream is a popular dessert in Dalat. Being the city where most avocado in Vietnam comes from, you may ask yourself why this is not the national dessert of this city. This ice cream is easy to find especially during summer but if you find yourself lost, simply ask your hotel receptionist or a local on the street and they can point you in the right direction.
Nem Nướng
This dish is actually from Bảo Lộc, a town two hours from Dalat but still within Lam Dong province. It is a dish composed of grilled sausages, cucumber, carrot, green mango, fried rice paper, and leafy vegetable – the final touch is placing all of these ingredients on a fresh rice paper, roll it, and dunk it on a peanut sauce.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN DALAT
Local Cuisine
Now that we’ve talked about the dishes you must try in Dalat, it’s time to show you the best restaurants to have them.
Bánh Tráng Nướng 112
This place is perfect to have Bánh Tráng Nướng, it’s the only thing on their menu but the variety is huge – either you are a meat-lover or vegetarian, you can enjoy this dish any time of the day.
Even though they only cook one at a time, you don’t have to worry about wait time, they have fast service overall. If you want to do a takeaway, that’s not an issue either.
- Opening time: 12.30-22.30 all days of the week
- Price range: 15K-25K VND ($0.50-$1.25)
- Address: 112 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, Phường 2, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Tiệm Bánh Cối Xay Gió
This place is actually more like a bakery that serves sandwiches, bread, cakes, desserts. They also have a small seating area to enjoy local dishes. They have three different locations in the city but the most popular is the one in the city centre. There is a “yellow wall” outside the restaurant that is popular to the locals to take photos from, some people would even do wedding proposals at this very spot.
This restaurant/bake shop is popular as the last stop before you head home to buy some goodies for your friends and family or snacks to enjoy on the road.
- Opening time: 8.00-22.00 Monday to Saturday | 8.10-23.45 Sunday
- Price range: 7K-25K VND ($0.25-$1.25)
- Address: Khu Hoà Bình, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Barn House BBQ and Beer / La Viet Coffee
For Vietnamese and Western cuisine fusion, you may want to check out Barn House, their menu offers grilled dishes both that appeals to Vietnamese and foreigners. The prices are on the higher side for Vietnam but the taste is worth the cost.
Another feature that many people like most is the cosy atmosphere and interior barn-like design. There is also a play area for customers coming in with their kids. Right next to it is an adjoined coffee place ( La Viet Coffee) to enjoy warm drinks and dessert.
- Opening time: 07.00-23.00 all days of the week
- Price range: 40K-300K VND ($2-$15)
- Address: 198 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Phường 8, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Nem Nướng Hùng Vân
The place to go to enjoy Nem Nuong, it is often packed during lunch and dinner especially the weekends. Make sure to visit either before lunch or around 2PM during weekdays. The staffs don’t speak a lot of English, but simply show the photo of Nem Nướng, they would know what you came for.
- Opening time: 12.30-22.30 all days of the week
- Price range: 15K-25K VND ($0.50-$1.25)
- Address: 112 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, Phường 2, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
International Cuisine
If you are craving for non-Vietnamese dishes during your visit or stay in Dalat, don’t worry, this city has plenty of places to try and enjoy a delicious meal for decent prices and great service.
Down Under Sports & Grill
A newly built and the one and only real sports resto-bar in Dalat. Set up with big screens showing non-stop live sports, and massive choices for local and international beer and liquor drinks. From fish and chips, ultimate burger, and breakfast muffins, there are plenty of options for everyone and even for kids.
- Opening time: 11.30-21.30 Friday to Sunday | 15.30-20.00 Monday to Thursday
- Price range: 50K-300K VND ($2.50-$15)
- Address: 53-55 Ba Tháng Hai, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 670000, Vietnam
Primavera Italian Restaurant
There are only a few pizza places in the central of Dalat, however, not all of them meets the “western” pizza most foreigners are used to. Luckily, Primavera is just right in the city centre, you can enjoy an authentic pizza, wine options, and pasta.
The owner and cook himself is from Italy, the food is served in a very timely manner while using wood-fire method, and the service is just impeccable
- Opening time: 12.00-22.30 Tuesday to Sunday (closed during Mondays)
- Price range: 60K-800K VND ($3-$40)
- Address: 15-17 Đường Nguyễn Biểu, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Brew and Breakfast
There are very few places for vegetarian and vegan eater in Dalat, in that case, Brew and Breakfast is the place to go. If you are on a plant-based diet, you can choose from smoothie bowl to vegetarian burrito.
If you work online, it’s also a great cafe to finish up some work on your computer while you enjoy craft beers, tea, or coffee, and some yummy cake and desserts. It is foreign-owned, the staffs speak very good English and the owner, Nick is always hands-on.
- Opening time: 8.00-21.00 Monday to Sunday (until later from Friday-Sunday)
- Price range: 30K-80K VND ($1.5-$4)
- Address: 2 Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường 3, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 670000, Vietnam
One More Cafe
Owned by a lovely lady from Australia, One More Cafe is popular to expats. They normally offer all-day breakfast, pasta, soups, and salad. Often, they host special Sunday lunch offers like a roast, Mideastern dishes, and European cuisine. They also offer local dishes like Banh Xeo, Nem Nuong, and Banh Trang Nuong.
They are also known for baked goodies and vegetarian/vegan snacks. A place to do your quick shopping for plant-based cooking.
- Opening time: 8.00-17.00 Sunday to Tuesday (closed during Wednesday)
- Price range: 30K-80K VND ($1.5-$4)
- Address: 77 Đường Hai Bà Trưng, Phường 6, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Sky Over Dalat
This is also a restaurant that serves mostly Italian dishes and the menu is mostly vegetarian and vegan. They are popular to foreign tourists and expats. There are very limited seating, so make sure you reserve a table or come early to make sure you can dine. If not, you can also do a take out. It is located right in the heart of the city just a couple of hundred metres away from the main market.
- Opening time: 8.00-21.00 Monday to Sunday
- Price range: 30K-200K VND ($1.5-$10)
- Address: 24 Đường Trương Công Định, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Botea
If you are up for some steak, this is the place to go. A good-size menu and massive wine choices, there is no reason why you shouldn’t check out Botea. The price is a bit expensive but nothing beats a craving that must be fed! They also have a very nice, romantic dining area.
- Opening time: 11.00-14.30 (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday), 17.00-21.30 (Tuesday), 11.00-21.30 (Sunday)
- Price range: 60K-500K VND ($3-$25)
- Address: 30B Đường Hồ Tùng Mậu, Phường 10, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Fujiya Sushi
There are only very few options for a sushi day in Dalat, and one of the best choices is Fujiya. Not only they serve fresh food but they also offer them at a very good price. If you have a company who are not feeling up for sushi, there are options like chicken and pork too.
- Opening time: 11.00-22.00 Monday to Sunday
- Price range: 30K-300K VND ($1.5-$15)
- Address: Lô 34 KQH Nguyễn Công Trứ, Phan Đình Phùng, Phường 2, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
K’Be’s Wood Fired Pizza & BBQ
A pizza cooked in a wood fire has its own charm and special taste, like? K’Be’s is located out of the city an almost by the foot of Lang Biang Mountain. Its location doesn’t turn off its patrons though, they often go out of their way just to try out the pizzas here.
- Opening time: 11.00-19.00 Thursday to Tuesday (closed Wednesday
- Price range: 30K-200K VND ($1.5-$10)
- Address: Lạc Dương, Lạc Dương District, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Ganesh
If you are up for some Indian dishes, Ganesh is one of the two restaurants in Dalat that serves this cuisine. They have a massive menu from starters, soups, and main dishes. They also have separate menu for North Indian and South Indian dishes.
The prices are a bit higher but the quality and service of the staffs is very satisfying. Located just across the central market, Ganesh is a great place both for lunch and dinner.
- Opening time: 11.00-14.30, 17:00-21.30 all week
- Price range: 20K-250K VND ($1-$12)
- Address: 1F Đường Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Cafe/Coffee Shop
Here is a list of the best and/or most popular cafes and coffee shops/coworking spaces in Dalat.
Anna’s Coffee House/Directions Cafe
Popular both to tourists and expats, Anna’s Coffee House or simply Anna’s is located right next to the Cable Car Station. They offer burritos, waffles, warm drinks, smoothies, breakfast menu, and most importantly, you can do some shopping here if you are looking for important products like imported cheese, spices, canned goods, and fresh products.
The best features of Anna’s are their impeccable service and the beautiful scenery.
- Opening time: 7.30-17.00 Monday to Sunday
- Price range: 30K-120K VND ($1.5-$6)
- Address: 9B Dong Da Street Ward 3 (di len Doi Ro Bin: Cap Treo), Phường 3, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Blue Dream Bread
A cafe/bakery located just less than 4 kilometres north from the central market. It has the most rustic yet serene atmosphere and location. The best and most famous feature of this place is their amazing pastries such as croissant, tarts, brownies, cookies, and more.
Blue Dream Bread also offer wide variety of hot drinks. The cost is a bit higher than other places but still affordable and reasonable. The staffs speak very good English and you can also take away their delicious breads and cakes.
- Opening time: 7.00-22.00 (although their sign by the road says 10 am)
- Price range: 20K-60K VND ($1-$3)
- Address: 172b Đường P. Đ Thiên Vương, Phường 8, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Kim’s
If you are looking for a dessert go-to place, Kim’s is the place. A simple but cute dessert place, Kim’s is located by the river next to To Ngoc Van street. It has gelato, milkshake, smoothies, and even Kombucha.
The menu is short and simple and the prices are very reasonable. The atmosphere is charming, clean, and matched with warm service.
- Opening time: 9.00-21.40 Saturday to Sunday | 14.00-21.30 Monday | 10.00-21.300 Tuesday to Thursday
- Price range: 30K-60K VND ($1.5-$3)
- Address: Khúc giao hẻm 195 Phan Đình Phùng &, Đường Tô Ngọc Vân, Phường 2, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
An Cafe
An interesting design, An Cafe is vertically designed with multi-level dining area. It is popular to foreign and local tourists for its charming and cute interior and exterior design. You can either sit inside for a warmer and cosier atmosphere or outside to enjoy the weather of Dalat.
- Opening time: 7.00-21.00 Mondayay to Sunday
- Price range: 30K-10K VND ($1.5-$5)
- Address: 63Bis Ba Tháng Hai, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 670000, Vietnam
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is just a shortlist of best restaurants in Dalat, when you come here, you will see that there are plenty of places to enjoy both Vietnamese dishes and international cuisines. Personally, my favourite go-to place for Vietnamese dish is either Bánh Tráng Nướng 112 and BBQ Barn House while for western food, definitely Down Under Bar, Brew and Breakfast and One More Cafe. For Cafe, I highly recommend Anna’s Cafe or LaViet.
I hope that you found this list useful, if you have anything you recommend to be added here, let us know in the comment section below.