Frommer's Review
One of those special places that makes traveling in this part of the world so much fun, Vine is a good 10- to 15-minute ride north of the Old Quarter; the restaurant is on West Lake near the entrance to the Sheraton Hanoi. It caters to both discerning expats in the nearby lakeside neighborhood as well as visiting foodies. Set up like an upscale bistro in San Francisco -- but with Hanoi prices -- Vine has an atmosphere, presentation, and cuisine that could stand on its own anywhere. As their name suggests, the wine list is deep, and the restaurant serves as one of the town's biggest private importers of fine vintages -- the walls are literally lined with bottles -- and there is a small basement cellar where, donning a velvety tasting cloak to keep your shoulders warm, visitors can have a special evening of appetizers and wine tasting with the restaurant's effusive steward, sampling from a selection of over 1,000 labels.
Dining areas look like a chic club's interior, with ceilings draped in rich cloth billowing in the breeze, and walls painted a deep crimson-maroon. The California/Vietnamese Gothic baroque decor is set against Zen-simple, elegant tables. The food is spectacular, a mix of the familiar and unique fusion dishes served in a chic, casual setting. Starters include a delectable tuna tartare, carpaccio, and a fiery gazpacho soup. Homemade pastas are cooked to order, and they offer all kinds of special seafood dishes depending on what's fresh that day. Their pizzas and calzones are great, as are the many authentic Thai dishes. If you've been having stomach problems, you can lay your fears to rest at the door. Vine is the only restaurant in Vietnam to have passed the toughest Food Safety Management standards in the restaurant industry (the ISO 22000).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
