Quân Cát Bà — Restaurant in Hải Phòng

I’m a solo diner and I tried to eat at this restaurant last night at 7.30pm. Although they appeared to have empty tables, I was turned away, and told “make a reservation”.

So the next evening at 5.30pm I walked by and requested a table for one at 7.00pm. The girl said “two people” and I replied “no, one person” but added “I’ll come at 6.30pm and be quick”. She consulted the owner/manager and I was told OK.

As an ex Sydney restaurateur, I understand the dilemma that a solo diner presents. They take up two or more seats and in the case of Restaurant Cat Ba that means four seats as I couldn’t see any 2pax tables.

So I arrived early at 6.25pm, was seated roadside at a four pax table and quickly given a menu. My order was taken quickly and the food delivered fast but not hurriedly. I ordered 6 natural oysters (80,000) which were plump, briny and fresh in the shell followed by a whole fish (don’t know the name but recognised it as being local 150,000) steamed and cooked with tomato and garlic, accompanied with rice. It was delicious, perfectly cooked, fell off the bone and well sized. A beer at 20,000 completed the meal.

Tables filled up around me, mostly ‘walk ins’ and I noticed that it just wasn’t foreign tourists being directed where and how to sit around tables (to maximise capacity) but also the Vietnamese tourists!!

Fast turnover and selling one table two or three times during one sitting is vitally important - I recognise the need to do this but Quan Cat Ba could easily lift their prices and still be competitive on this main road strip.

Enjoy the dining experience now, especially if you’re a two...

Quân Cat Ba came highly recommended by a local as the best seafood in town, and it absolutely delivered. It’s a true family-run spot, with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere—kids playing in the evening while the parents manage the restaurant.

The location is right on the main promenade, overlooking what used to be the bay before construction took over. Still, it has that lively, local charm. We ordered the fried rice with shrimp, crab, and egg, which was simple but perfectly executed. The grilled oysters with garlic and butter were rich and flavorful—next time, we’d probably opt for lemon for a bit more balance. The fried winter melon was a nice surprise, light and crispy.

For fresh, well-prepared seafood in an unfussy setting, this place is a...

We came here because the restaurant had one of the best ratings in Cat Ba town. There were a lot of vietnamese people, which is a good sign. I ordered oyster (80K VND), crab (180 VND) and shrimps (150 VND). Unfortunately the shrimps were not fresh from the aquarium as shown in the menu but probably frozen food and very small. I had the feeling I was treated like a stupid tourist - which I don't like. 150K VND for mini shrimps is a rip off. I asked if I can get two of the shrimps from the aquarium, which I would have paid for, but the waitress only wanted to sell me 500g for 300k VND. The waitress was not overly friendly but still willing to help me...