Top fresh seafood restaurants in Hoi An - Suggestions from the locals

What Do Tourists Seek in Hoi An? A Delicious Seafood Meal – Fresh, Affordable, and Full of Local Flavor. Here Are Some Top Recommendations from Locals!

Not only famous for its moss-covered ancient houses or the gentle An Bang beach, Hoi An is also a culinary paradise with local seafood restaurants that are delicious, affordable, and rich in Central Vietnamese flavors. If you ask the locals where to eat, they won’t guide you to crowded tourist restaurants but will recommend humble eateries close to the sea, preserving traditional flavors where they still enjoy meals with their families after market days. Here are the most genuine suggestions, “voted” by the people of Hoi An.

1. Thi Nhan Restaurant – Thatched Huts on the Lake

Not only unique for its thatched huts on the lake, Thi Nhan Restaurant is also famous for its authentic seafood dishes made from fresh ingredients.

In the evening, after a swim at An Bang beach, you can stop by to order a plate of steamed clams with lemongrass, grilled squid, or garlic butter shrimp, paired with a cold beer. It feels like immersing yourself in a unique rhythm of life—slow, peaceful, and full of flavor.

2. An Bang – Sau Restaurant and Others Along the Beach

If you're near An Bang beach, try Sau Restaurant—an address that locals and expats rave about for its fresh seafood and friendly owners. The preparation is exquisite, and the flavors hit you from the first bite.

Not far away, there are many small unnamed eateries right on the sand, where you can order a pot of grouper hotpot, some steamed crabs, or simply a plate of grilled scallops with scallion oil. Fresh, affordable, and you feel like you’re dining in nature.

Tip: Visit in the late afternoon, when the sea breeze is refreshing and the seafood has just come off the boats.

3. Cua Dai Area – Be Nhi & A Roi

In the Cua Dai area, two names frequently mentioned by locals are A Roi and Be Nhi.

• Be Nhi is famous for its seafood stir-fried noodles and grilled fish wrapped in foil. The restaurant is located on the coastal road, slightly hidden but easy to find if you ask locals.

• A Roi stands out for its Central Vietnamese-style seafood dishes: spicy, rich, and perfect for pairing with beer. The spacious setting is ideal for groups of friends or families with children, as well as for company parties.

Tip: Order by weight—you can choose directly from the fresh seafood display.

4. White Sail – For an Elevated Experience

If you’re looking for a more upscale atmosphere, located in the heart of the ancient town near the Hoai River, White Sail is a worthy consideration. Although the prices are a bit higher than local standards, the quality of the food and service is always highly rated.

Dishes like grilled lobster with cheese, oysters in garlic butter, or fish salad are beautifully presented, perfect for special evenings or when entertaining guests.

Tip: Make a reservation in advance if you’re going on the weekend.

Culinary experiences are an essential part of travel, and Hoi An, with its local seafood restaurants recommended by the locals, will surely satisfy you and your family. It’s not just about the flavors but also how the cuisine connects people, places, and even the little things—like an afternoon watching the rain on De Vong Bridge or a night by An Bang beach listening to the waves beneath your dining table.

Try stepping out of the familiar upscale restaurants and visit these humble local seafood eateries—because sometimes, the best flavors come from simplicity and sincerity.