Mediterranean Restaurants in Hanoi

Mediterranean food in Hanoi is a bit of a rare find, but once you know where to look, it’s a delicious little escape from the usual Vietnamese fare. You won’t find hordes of places here, but the ones that do focus on getting the basics right , think flaky, perfectly grilled kebabs and hummus that tastes like it was made in Beirut rather than a factory.

One spot I keep going back to is Maison Mediterranee in Tay Ho. It’s small, unpretentious, and their lamb shawarma is just fantastic, especially during the cooler months when something hearty hits the spot. The owner is from Marseille and won’t let you order anything if it’s not fresh that day , a rare detail for Hanoi’s casual dining scene. Another place I’ve been meaning to try is Olive’s, tucked away near Hoan Kiem, which reportedly nails the mezze and has a surprisingly good housemade pita.

A quick tip: Hanoi’s air conditioning can be all over the place, so if you’re going during summer, maybe ask for a spot near the fan or the open windows to avoid sweating while eating. Also, the wine list might be small, but those Mediterranean reds complement the dishes better than you’d expect. If you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean without leaving Hanoi, these places are a solid bet.