VIET Restaurant Hanoi & Rooftop View — Restaurant in Hà Nội

A Flabbergasting First Taste of Authentic Vietnam at Viet Landing in Hanoi for my very first Vietnamese adventure, I was eager to dive headfirst into the local culinary scene. Before venturing into the vibrant world of street food, I sought a more refined introduction to authentic flavors, and Viet restaurant delivered in a way I could never have imagined. From the moment I stepped inside, the ambiance exuded a quiet elegance, setting the stage for what turned out to be a truly exceptional dining experience. The menu, a delightful journey through Vietnamese regional specialties, initially felt a tad overwhelming for a newcomer. Thankfully, we were greeted by Sam, whose warmth and genuine passion for the cuisine immediately put us at ease. Sam patiently guided us through the various dishes, explaining the ingredients, preparation methods, and regional nuances with an infectious enthusiasm. His insights transformed our meal from a simple tasting into an educational and deeply engaging experience. Every dish that arrived at our table was a revelation. The freshness of the ingredients was palpable, each bite bursting with vibrant and nuanced flavors. The delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy – a hallmark of Vietnamese cooking – was executed flawlessly. From the fragrant herbs accompanying each plate to the subtle complexities of the sauces, it was clear that meticulous care and tradition were at the heart of Viet's kitchen. One dish, in particular, stood out (though truthfully, it's hard to choose just one!). Sam not only described it beautifully but also took the time to demonstrate the proper way to assemble and savor it, ensuring we experienced it as intended. His patience and genuine desire to share his culinary heritage with us were truly remarkable and elevated the entire experience. Viet is more than just a restaurant; it's an immersion into the heart and soul of Vietnamese gastronomy. The quality of the food is undeniable, the atmosphere is inviting, and the service, especially the exceptional care provided by Sam, is truly outstanding. If you're looking for an authentic and memorable introduction to Vietnamese cuisine in a refined setting, look no further than Viet. My experience here has not only set a high bar for the rest of my culinary explorations in Vietnam but has also left me with a deep appreciation for the artistry and passion behind this incredible food culture. I wholeheartedly recommend Viet and extend my sincere gratitude to Sam for making my first taste of Vietnam so utterly...

We went to this restaurant based on the amount of good reviews it had, but apparently many of them are fake, bought, or bots...

The restaurant itself was empty when we arrived except for a couple of guests. There was no host at first, we waited a couple minutes and a staff member showed up and asked if we had reservations. We said no, and he checked the computer and his watch as if he was concerned we might take other reserved spots, but bro, the place is empty lmao.

Overall the place was more dirty than we expected from such stellar reviews, and considering it is a hotel restaurant. Stains on the table cloth and floor, etc.

As for the food... we expected much better based on the reviews, but it was wayyy too oily and bland. I had the sautéed chicken with chili, and it was literally soaked in a puddle of oil. It was served with a small side salad, which also got soaked from the puddle. Yuck. Also it had not even a hint of chili, where was the spice??

My partner had the pandan fried rice, which might have had a hint of pandan flavoring, but no fresh pandan whatsoever. The rice was also burnt and dried out.

We shared spring rolls which were the single redeeming dish, but they were mediocre at best.

Service was either pushy (asking us to take pictures of everything) or creepy. The manager asked us to "tell him personally" if there was any problem or feedback, and gave us a sob story about just opening last January due to impacts from covid. Ok sure, but you've been open 11 months as of our visit, maybe it shouldn't still be this bad.

Word of advice to the management of this establishment: stop buying reviews and focus on quality in food and...

I am surprised that this restaurant has gained the rave reviews which I read before visiting. The main issue I have is that it is over-priced in comparison to other establishments in the area with nothing outstanding to compensate. The service was pleasant and helpful, the situation is conducive to a good experience and the food is, as is normal for Hanoi, well prepared. In my opinion the restaurant caters deliberately for Western taste and prices accordingly. The Hanoi spring rolls were very tasty and nicely spiced if a less than generous portion. My braised chicken with ginger was very low in taste sensation untilI came to drink the remaining broth which was excellent. The chicken itself was unexciting. I was genuinely surprised to be asked for an additional 3% for paying by credit card although when I stated that this was the first time I had been asked for this in any restaurant (unlike in some small shops or establishments, which I understand) it was immediately removed from the bill. This did, though, confirm me in my conviction that the restaurant is very anxious to extract more money from tourists than other restaurants we visited. The other point I would offer for consideration may be a cultural quirk but we visited fairly late (at 8:20) and were served reasonably quickly yet the entire restaurant was being cleared before we left at 9:25. It seemed that we were not particularly valued. This review reflects my experience compared to my expectations: the restaurant is by no means poor but it was a...