Red Gecko Restaurant — Restaurant in Hội An

Updates - verified FACTS: Nhà Hàng QQ sells 7 whole grilled prawns for only 169,000 VND. Each prawn is cut in half and skewered, making them easy to eat, and for extra convenience and hygiene, Nhà Hàng QQ provides a pair of plastic gloves so the customer can enjoy the prawns hands-on without the mess.

While it's clear which shop offers the better deal for grilled prawns, I was disappointed by the owner's behavior. Not only did they respond to my review with rudeness, but their reply was demanding and discriminatory. I will flag this to Google. // For clarity - the delicious, enjoyable, friendly and value for money restaurant with aircon and provides 100% effort complimentary 3 fruits platter is Nhà Hàng QQ which has 5.5K excellent reviews on google maps and is 2 mins walk away from here. // I ordered the grilled prawns - DISAPPOINTING to see only four prawns, each cut in half just to make the dish appear more plentiful.

A buzzing HOUSEFLY was relentlessly swatting around my prawns—apparently, at least one living creature was delighted with the meal, even if I wasn’t.”

The HOUSEFLY buzzing around my food throughout the meal, which noticeably detracted from the atmosphere. The space lacked air conditioning, and the service felt less warm compared to my previous dining experience elsewhere at a similar price point.

As for the complimentary fruit, it was a single banana (unpeeled), which felt like minimal effort — especially when I had previously been offered a nicely presented selection of three peeled fruit varieties at another restaurant (last night) in the same price range.

With papaya salad and rice — the dish was decent, around a 6.5/10 in terms of flavor. However, I found it overpriced for the overall dining experience.

Will NEVER visit...

Red Gecko – A True Gem in Hoi An

Tucked away in the heart of Hoi An, Red Gecko is a hidden treasure that offers more than just a delicious meal – it delivers a heartwarming experience. This small, family-run restaurant has been serving locals and travelers alike for the past 14 years, and it all began with a humble dream. The owners, once street vendors, saved every dong to open their own place, and you can feel their pride and passion in every dish and every detail.

From the moment we walked in, we were treated like family. The service was warm, welcoming, and attentive without ever feeling rushed. The family took time to walk us through the menu, happily answering questions and making thoughtful recommendations based on what we liked. Their desire to please their guests is sincere and shines through in every interaction.

The food? Absolutely unforgettable. Their specialty BBQ seafood is a must-try – fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. We ordered lobster, and they went the extra mile by cutting it for us at the table to make sure we enjoyed every last bite of meat. It’s that kind of care and detail that sets Red Gecko apart.

The atmosphere is cozy, casual, and full of charm – like dining in someone’s home. The cooking feels like home too – rich with tradition, generous in portion, and bursting with authentic flavor.

Red Gecko isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to connect, to enjoy, and to appreciate the love and effort behind every dish. This restaurant is a testament to hard work, family values, and the joy of sharing great food. Do yourself a favor and make time to visit – your tastebuds and your heart will thank you.

Spring roll and rose...

My birthday dinner at Red Gecko in Hoi An was a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment I walked in, I felt like I was being welcomed by family. The waitress was incredibly warm and provided personal service that made me feel like I was talking to my own auntie.

I had passed by the restaurant during the night market the previous day and saw them preparing a fresh lobster. It was incredibly fresh, even though it was already dead. I knew I had to come back to try it, and I’m so glad I did. The lobster I had was a spiny lobster, the kind without the large claws but with long whiskers. It was grilled to perfection and bursting with flavor.

The entire meal cost no more than $50 USD (approximately 1,200,000 VND), which is a fantastic value for such a memorable dining experience. We started with a salad that featured a variety of fresh and pickled vegetables, making for a delightful start to the meal. The fried rice was cooked to perfection, and the egg rolls were unlike any I’ve ever had in the USA – they were absolutely amazing.

To top it all off, since it was my birthday, we were treated to a complimentary dessert of mango and passionfruit, which was the perfect sweet ending to a fantastic meal.

Overall, I can’t recommend Red Gecko enough. If you’re in Hoi An, make sure to stop by – whether it’s your birthday or not, you’re in...