Aozora flips the pancake on its head

Hidden away in a back alley off Ngoc Ha Street, innovative Vietnamese chefs prepare Japanese style banh xeo (pancakes) with a refreshing and delightful twist. Kaitlin Rees reports.

While navigating the narrow alleyways that wrap around the small ponds off Ngoc Ha Street, the wooden restaurant finally comes into view. The large open air space and Banh Xeo Nhat Ban sign are an inviting place to stop for lunch. Because of its unlikely location, hidden away in the winding streets that connect Doi Can with Hoang Hoa Tham, most of the people passing by are local. However, the menu at Aozora distinguishes it from the typical Vietnamese food of the area and could easily attract people from all over. It feels like a well-kept secret as soon as I enter.

Nothing to hide: Aozora, which is open to the street, is like a typical Japanese bar. The restaurant's wooden exterior is in perfect harmony with the nearby trees and ponds, giving it a Zen-like feel. — VNS Photos Truong Vi

Reverse experiences with Soft Water

Restaurant reviews are liable to vary depending on the night and the taste of the customer. But for Thuy Hang a second visit confirmed her initial misgivings.

Soaking up the atmosphere: A bar is set up in the garden where there are many unusual and valuable plants and trees. — VNS Photos Truong Vi

An evening of decadence at the Hilton

The newly launched Great Grills at Chez Manon opened just in time to celebrate US Independence Day and gave Kathleen Shea the opportunity to check out the bars, restaurants and a barbecue on the terrace

When I was a child, we had neighbourhood cookouts frequently throughout the year. The image of mum standing at a giant gas grill in the middle of a snow-covered backyard amuses me to this day.

Yet at this time of year, when the warmth of early summer begins to transform into scorching, unbearable heat, I always have a few things on my mind – beach, beer and BBQ! While there is no beach within easy driving distance, I do have access to beer and BBQ to my heart's content at the newly launched Great Grills at Chez Manon in the Hilton Ha Noi Opera hotel.

Away from the bustle: Great Grills at Chez Manon in Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel. Quiet and tranquil, the terrace offers a true summer barbecue experience. — VNS Photos Truong Vi

Healthy food served with heaps of goodwill

An organic vegetable garden, hand-crafted decor, under-privileged staff – here's a restaurant that is very salt-of-the-earth. Nella Prod'homme reports

The tofu could be sliced thinner. The sauce could be a bit thicker. But restaurant 6 on Sixteen isn't really about that. It's more about an atmosphere, a concept.

Opened last October on Bao Khanh Street (between the Nha Tho area and Hoan Kiem Lake) this little restaurant slash bar slash hotel serves, not too expensive, simple and healthy food. (VND110,000 for a stir fried lemongrass and tamarind chicken.)

Snug decor: Big, long, low and bulky wooden tables occupy most of the space. Matching benches or small chairs with black velvet cushions surround the tables lit with wooden or beaded lampshades. Many lamps give a warm feeling to the place. — VNS Photos Truong Vi

A romantic dinner for two with a view

Diners at Ben Pho Restaurant in Nha Trang City can look out on spectacular views while enjoying sumptuous seafood served according to taste. Minh Thu reports.

When on a holiday, I expect to savour local cuisine, for not only its quality, but also its proximity.

Once, while walking along Tran Phu Street, which is one of the most beautiful coastal streets in Nha Trang City, I discovered the lovely Ben Pho Restaurant nestled on the bank of the Cai River.

Nightime nostalgia:Ben Pho, which means "wharf, street", offers, as its name suggests, a beautiful view of Tran Phu and Bong bridges, as well solemn Ponagar Tower and the busy wharf on the Cai River.

Japanese seafood buffet a sensation

Buffets don't have to be boring and La Brasserie in the Hotel Nikko is a worthy example, with its strong Japanese theme and plenty of western options to go with it. Thuy Hang reports.

There's an abundance of well-priced weekend buffets to tempt the taste buds in Ha Noi, but for those with a craving for all things Japanese, the Hotel Nikko's La Brasserie is the place for you.

Centre of the action: Chefs roll the sushi and turn skewers of sizzling meat over the teppanyaki, while guests fill up their plates.