One of Hanoi's most exclusive and expensive restaurants, the Club de l'Oriental is located in the backstreets near the Opera House and Metropole Hotel. The discreetly lit dining area is arranged around an open kitchen, where the chefs work their magic. Guests can either sit at the counter and keep an eye on the chefs or at wicker-backed chairs around well-spaced tables. Staff are well-versed in recommending dishes, but you must try the spring rolls, which are simply the best in town. When it comes to mains, the soft-shell crab is superb, while the banana flower salad is a wonderful blend of taste and texture. There's an extensive wine list to choose from, and diners can even choose to eat in the wine cellar if they wish.