The good: This restaurant has a wide range of Vietnamese and Western food. We ordered the Hanoi traditional fish and the ban cha, which we both quite delicious. We also appreciated that the waiter showed us how to eat these meals using a hands-on demonstration.
The bad: We didn't have a reservation so they seated us upstairs all by ourselves. We remained the only couple seated upstairs for the entire dinner, making the atmosphere of the restaurant feel very dead.
Being the only ones seated upstairs, it was very difficult to have a private conversation because our waiters were attentive to a fault. They stood right behind my chair for the entire dinner, making it impossible to have a private conversation.
One of our waiters was also very aggressive about making menu recommendations without knowing anything about our tastes. We're glad we didn't follow his drinks recommendations because his assumptions about our drink preferences were...
Read moreDowntown Restaurant & Lounge in Hanoi is a highly recommended dining spot, offering a delightful culinary experience. The menu boasts a wide variety of delicious dishes, and the service is prompt and attentive. Many customers appreciate the friendly staff, who are always eager to provide excellent recommendations from the menu.
The restaurant's convenient location in the vibrant Old Quarter makes it easily accessible for both locals and international travelers. Guests often praise the affordable prices and the high-quality local food, making it a great place to try authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Due to its popularity, booking a table in advance is highly recommended, especially for large groups. Overall, Downtown Restaurant & Lounge is a must-visit establishment for those seeking a wonderful dining...
Read moreCame across this lovely restaurant when searching for vegetarian places whilst in Hanoi. Service was exceptional - greeted warmly at the door and taken care of throughout my visit, plus the staff all speak very good English. The atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable, and the variety of food options are excellent - ordered more food than I thought I'd eat but finished all of it as it was delicious. My first night in Hanoi and everyone at Downtown made me feel welcome and appreciated. Special thanks to Tuan who waited on me and also gave me good suggestions for what to do whilst in and...
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