Top Seafood Spots in Hoi An – Local Picks You Shouldn’t Miss

What are travelers really looking for in Hoi An? A fresh, flavorful, and fairly priced seafood meal with a true local touch. Below are some authentic recommendations straight from Hoi An locals themselves!

Hoi An may be known for its moss-covered rooftops and the gentle blue of An Bang Beach, but it’s also a food lover’s paradise, especially for fresh, affordable, and deeply flavorful seafood from Central Vietnam. Ask the locals where to eat, and they won’t send you to the touristy spots. Instead, they’ll guide you to the humble beachside eateries where they dine with family after the market. Here are the top local-voted spots worth checking out:

1. Thi Nhan Restaurant – Thatched Huts on a Lake

Known for its charming lakeside huts and authentic seafood flavors, Thi Nhan is beloved for dishes like lemongrass steamed clams, grilled squid, and butter-garlic shrimp.

Perfect after a dip in An Bang Beach — stop by in the late afternoon, order a cold beer and some fresh plates, and soak in the slow, peaceful rhythm of coastal life.

2. Sau and the Beachfront Shacks of An Bang

Near An Bang Beach, Sau Seafood Restaurant is a local and expat favorite. The seafood is fresh, the flavors bold, and the hosts genuinely warm.

Stroll a bit along the shoreline and you’ll find other nameless seafood shacks nestled right on the sand. Order a hotpot with grouper, steamed crab, or grilled scallops with scallion oil. It’s fresh, affordable, and feels like you’re dining right inside nature.

👉 Best time to visit: Around sunset, when the breeze is cool and the seafood’s just come in from the boats.

3. Cua Dai Area – Bé Nhi & A Rồi

Two local favorites in the Cua Dai area are Bé Nhi and A Rồi.

Bé Nhi is known for its stir-fried seafood noodles and foil-grilled fish. It’s tucked away near the beach road — easy to find if you ask around.

A Rồi serves Central-style seafood: bold, spicy, and perfect with cold beer. The space is spacious, ideal for families or small company gatherings.

👉 Pro tip: Order by weight — you can choose your seafood fresh from the tanks.

4. Cánh Buồm Trắng – A More Elevated Dining Experience

Want something a bit more refined? Located near the Hoai River in the heart of the old town, Cánh Buồm Trắng is a great pick. Prices are a bit higher, but the quality and presentation are consistently excellent.

Signature dishes include grilled lobster with cheese, butter-garlic oysters, and herring salad — beautifully plated for a special dinner or hosting guests.

👉 Note: Reserve in advance on weekends.

Taste That Connects People and Place

Food is an inseparable part of any travel experience. And in Hoi An, these locally loved seafood spots offer more than great taste — they reflect the soul of the land, the rhythm of the sea, and the quiet moments we take for granted: watching the rain at De Vong Bridge or listening to the waves under your dinner table in An Bang.

👉 Step beyond the polished tourist restaurants and try these humble, honest places — because sometimes, the most unforgettable flavors are the simplest and most sincere.

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📸 Image source: Collected