The Highly Recommended distinction of the Gourmet Vietnam Awards 2025 celebrates more than excellence it honours the voices, visions, and values shaping Vietnam’s evolving gastronomic identity. From spirited bistros to world-class resorts, this distinguished collection reflects creativity, resilience, and the nation’s growing confidence on the global stage.
As the inaugural edition of the Gourmet Vietnam Awards, this year marks a defining moment for Vietnam’s culinary and hospitality landscape. Beyond the Winners, the Highly Recommended distinction stands as a meaningful accolade recognising consistency, craftsmanship, and character across a diverse spectrum of establishments. Though they differ in region, cuisine, and specialty, they share a common spirit: a relentless pursuit of excellence and an unwavering commitment to elevating Vietnam’s dining and travel experiences.
In 2025, more than sixty restaurants, bars, hotels, and resorts earned this honour, forming a vivid portrait of a nation whose gastronomic identity grows richer, more diverse, and more confident on the global stage. To view the full list of Highly Recommended establishments, please visit Gourmet Vietnam Awards here.
Across the country’s dining scene, the Highly Recommended restaurants reflect a tapestry of expression. Fine dining destinations such as The Albion by Kirk Westaway, Hôtel des Arts Saigon, MGallery, Truffle Saigon, and Coco Dining showcased culinary artistry shaped by precision and narrative. Meanwhile, the modern casual category came to life through Livannah – Sips & Bites, Pickles Eatery, Casinha, and the newly recognised Maison Lucien, each blending creativity with comfort in ways that resonate deeply with today’s diners.
.jpg)
Steakhouse culture continued to assert its presence through El Toro – Home for Steaks & Wines and the two Mad Cow Wine & Grill venues in Saigon and Phu Quoc. Vietnamese cuisine found strong representation in Vietnam House – The Reverie Saigon, SH Garden, ST25 by KOTO – Sofitel Saigon Plaza, and Hà Thành Mansion, each paying homage to the nation’s flavours and traditions. Asian culinary mastery flourished with Residence Eleven – Hilton Saigon and Dạ 夜 Dining in Chinese gastronomy, while Yazawa Hanoi and Shibui at Villa Le Corail, a Gran Meliá Hotel elevated Japanese dining with refined craftsmanship.
.jpg)
Global inspirations added further depth to the country’s culinary landscape. Tandoor highlighted the vibrance of Indian cuisine, while Hispania Nha Trang – Villa Le Corail, a Gran Meliá Hotel and Sabor Bar & Restaurant brought Spanish character to Vietnam’s shores. European elegance appeared at Opera – Park Hyatt Saigon, MARE – La Festa Phu Quoc by Hilton, and Si Dining, while the omakase category continued to flourish through Noriboi, Sushi Rei, and Maguro Studio — each a testament to discipline and purity.
Beyond the plate, creativity shaped Vietnam’s dynamic beverage movement. Coco Bar and Ômm Mixology & Gastronomy delivered innovation behind the bar, while Secret Wines offered a refined, intimate experience for wine enthusiasts.
The Highly Recommended distinction also recognised the hotels and resorts shaping Vietnam as a world-class destination. In hotel dining, Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake delivered distinction; in resort gastronomy, Beach House – Danang Marriott, CHAR Grill House – Fusion Resort & Villas Danang, Restaurant 360° – Topas Ecolodge, and the theatrical Pink Pearl – JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay redefined culinary storytelling.
Hospitality excellence continued across every tier. The Reverie Saigon, JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon, and Sofitel Saigon Plaza stood tall among Vietnam’s leading luxury hotels. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, once again, solidified its reputation as a brilliant coastal icon. Boutique charm shone through Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery and Bạch Place Dalat, while nature-led experiences emerged powerfully at Villa Le Corail – A Gran Meliá Hotel.
.jpg)
Resort excellence expanded further through Grand Mercure Dalat Resort and New World Phu Quoc Resort, recognised additionally for its family-friendly approach alongside Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc and Alma Resort Cam Ranh. Wellness and sustainability remained defining forces: Regent Phu Quoc and Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion elevated holistic wellbeing, while Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort championed responsible luxury with conviction.
Design and ambience — essential to the guest experience — were celebrated through the thoughtful environments of Coco Dining, the poetic architectural language of Hotel de la Coupole Sapa – MGallery Collection, and the destination-led aesthetics of Regent Phu Quoc, Namia River Retreat, and Villa Le Corail, a Gran Meliá Hotel. Their visions proved that atmosphere is not merely a backdrop to hospitality, but a defining part of memory and emotion.
Completing this distinguished collection, The Spa at The Reverie Saigon and Maia Spa – Fusion Danang were honoured for their elevated approach to wellness spaces where care, design, and sensory experience converge.
.jpg)
Together, these Highly Recommended establishments form a vibrant narrative: a collective expression of ambition, authenticity, and evolution. They are the places that push boundaries quietly, the teams who refine their craft daily, and the stories shaping the future of Vietnam’s culinary and hospitality identity.
Their achievements remind us that excellence is not defined by a single moment on stage, but by the dedication, detail, and passion lived every day. And it is this enduring spirit that the Gourmet Vietnam Awards is proud to honour.