Laos Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Laos - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. 124 Thaluang Coffee

    $

    This heritage shophouse in Pakse's old quarter has been lovingly converted by its Japanese owner into a warm café space infused with minimalism and Lao touches. The coffee here might be the best in Laos, and there are fresh homemade pastries, too.

    124 Thaluang Village, Pakse, Champasak, Laos
    020-968--90070

    Known For

    • Homemade brownies
    • Artisanal drip coffee
    • Handicrafts for sale to support Lao communities

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sat.
  • 2. Bouang

    $

    The decor of this colorful, French-owned restaurant is a throwback to the Asia of 50 years ago, but the constantly changing menu of Asian, Western, and fusion comfort foods is quite modern. The cinnamon pork stew in particular is a crowd favorite with both the Lao and expat clientele and perfectly accompanied by one of Bouang's signature cocktails. Seats on the porch allow for leisurely people-watching. 

    Sisavangvong Rd., Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    020-552--68098

    Known For

    • Gnocchi green curry
    • Fun atmosphere
    • People-watching from the patio
  • 3. Cranky-T Cafe and Bar

    $

    This charming restaurant dishes up savory Western comfort foods, delicious cocktails, and the best coffee in town. The well-traveled owner is also a vivacious fountain of knowledge about the area. In the evenings, it's a popular gathering spot for local expat NGO workers and UXO de-miners. There are other branches at Jar Site 1 and the airport.

    049 Ban Phonsavanh Xay, Xiangkhoang, Laos
    030-538--8003

    Known For

    • All-day breakfasts
    • Extensive wine selection
    • Korean-style chicken wings
  • 4. Kitchen by the Mekong

    $ | Ban Phonehueng

    The romantic restaurant of the boutique hotel that occupies the former royal residence serves exquisite cuisine in a serene, romantic setting. The Lao tasting menu, a good option, includes tamarind soup, orlam(spicy chicken stew), and sai oua, a homemade pork sausage, served with river weed and chili paste. Or else take on the signature pork-knuckle stew cooked in Lao beer.

    Kounxoau Rd., Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    071-213200

    Known For

    • <PRO>creative French chef</PRO>
    • <PRO>affordable prices</PRO>
    • <PRO>scenic setting</PRO>
  • 5. Popolo Cantina

    $

    This hip restaurant in the heritage home of a former French official serves refreshing Mediterranean fare such as huge salads, excellent wood-fired pizzas, and platters of beef carpaccio. Many dishes also feature savory local buffalo burrata cheese. There's also a full list of French wines and exclusive cocktail creations.

    201 Khounxoua Rd., Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    020-778--01767

    Known For

    • Mosquito mai tai
    • Belle burrata pizza
    • El cubanito sandwich
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  • 6. Saffron Coffee

    $

    Contrary to popular belief, fine Lao coffee doesn't only come from southern Laos, it's also grown here in the northern part of the country, and this charming café, started over a decade ago, has helped change the lives of highland farmers in the surrounding rural areas. There are great sandwiches and pastries, but the absolute highlight is the artisanal coffee and the amazing views of the Mekong from their riverside terrace. Many an afternoon has been lost to gazing at boat traffic plying these waters. Cherry to Cup tours are also available for true coffee lovers. The upstairs is air-conditioned if you need a break from the tropical heat.

    Khemkhong Rd., Wat Nong Village, Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    071-212915

    Known For

    • Cheesecake brownies
    • Cascara, a tea made from coffee cherry husks
    • Ask about the Cherry to Cup tours
  • 7. Sticky Fingers

    $

    An institution on Vientiane's culinary landscape for several decades, this restaurant serves modern Australian and international comfort foods and a revolving weekly menu of specials showcases the dexterity of the Lao chef. The twice-weekly happy hours are great for meeting local expats.

    10/3 Francois Nginn, Vientiane, Vientiane, Laos
    021-215972

    Known For

    • Tom yum martinis
    • Half-price happy hours
    • Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs
  • 8. Tamarind Restaurant and Cooking School

    $ | Ban Wat Sene

    This riverside restaurant is the place to experience and understand Lao cuisine in Luang Prabang. The various tasting menus feature five traditional types of jeow, or dips, to be eaten with vegetables or sticky rice; there's also a "five-bites" selection that includes dried buffalo, sai oua (flavored local sausage), and other delicacies. The restaurant also runs a popular cooking school worth checking out.

    Kingkitsarath Rd., Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    071-213128

    Known For

    • Lemongrass stuffed with chicken
    • Watermelon and chili granita
    • Well-trained local staff

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 9. Tamnak Lao

    $

    A wonderful place to experience Lao cuisine and culture, the latter in the form of classical dances performed nightly, this restaurant provides a blissful retreat from the downtown tourist frenzy. You can dine either in the teakwood interior space or outside in the garden. The specialty here is the cuisine of Luang Prabang, such as the pla larb (minced fish with herbs). Dinner service doesn't begin until 6.

    100 Phonxay, 23 Singha Rd., Saysettha, Vientiane, Vientiane, Laos
    021-413562

    Known For

    • <PRO>local cuisine</PRO>
    • <PRO>French Colonial setting</PRO>
    • <PRO>fresh fish from the Mekong</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Sun.
  • 10. The Bamboo Lounge

    $

    A husband-and-wife team from New Zealand opened this restaurant that serves outstanding wood-fired pizzas, freshly baked bread, pasta, and other Western dishes you can enjoy with a real espresso or cappuccino. It's affiliated with Forest Retreat Laos, a trekking agency across the street that works with local people to create and promote sustainable tourism in the Nam Ha Protected Area.

    Main St., Louang Namtha, Loungnamtha, Laos
    020-296--43190

    Known For

    • Eclectic range of pizzas
    • Tasty burritos
    • Espresso drinks
  • 11. The River Resort Restaurant

    $

    The international team in the kitchen of the River Resort's elegant restaurant prepares fine Asian and Western dishes—the best food you will find in all southern Laos—with equal skill and panache. Highly recommended is the local Mekong fish, which can either be grilled and served with tamarind sauce and lime, or steamed in a banana leaf Lao-style.

    Ban Phaphinnoy, Rd. 14A, Champasak, Champasak, Laos
    031-511055

    Known For

    • Good wine list
    • Lao specialties
    • Good prices for this quality
  • 12. Daauw Home

    $

    Inside a thatched hillside bungalow overlooking Houay Xai's main street, Daauw Home is run by a nongovernmental organization that helps local women and ethnic minorities empower themselves. Cooking over an open fire, the chefs prepare amazing dishes that diners enjoy with "mojitlao" cocktails. There are knockout sunset views, and a bonfire keeps things warm when it's chilly.

    Wat Jom Kao Manilat, Ban Houayxay, Bokeo, Laos
    030-904--1296

    Known For

    • Gai baan grilled chicken
    • Pizzas
    • Hmong handicrafts for sale
  • 13. Jasmine

    $

    A Pakse mainstay, this restaurant serves vegetarian and nonvegetarian Indian and Malay food, including excellent dosas and curries. Western-style breakfasts are prepared starting at 6:30 am—perfect for the early-morning minivan crowd heading to the 4,000 Islands.

    385 Banthaluang, Rd. 13, Pakse, Champasak, Laos
    031-251002

    Known For

    • <PRO>masala dosa</PRO>
    • <PRO>roti canai</PRO>
    • <PRO>rice and curries</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No credit cards
  • 14. Joma Bakery Cafe

    $

    Canadians run this inexpensive self-service restaurant, where the in-house bakery turns out delicious pastries, bagels, sandwiches, and salads. The homemade soups are excellent, as are the breakfast burritos and wraps, and there are all the typical coffee and espresso drinks. A second Joma branch is available on Sisavangvong Road about halfway down the peninsula.

    Chao Fa Ngum Rd, Houa Xieng, Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    071-252292

    Known For

    • Good coffee
    • Western comfort food
    • Social atmosphere
  • 15. Khaiphaen

    $

    A TREE Alliance training restaurant for marginalized youths, Khaiphaen's menu might include anything from tofu with Khaiphaen crispy river weed and green mango dip to fusion Lao staples such as grilled buffalo steak with pickled daikon. The food is great and you'll also be helping young Lao people build their hospitality skills.

    100 Sisavang Vatana Rd., Ban Wat Nong, Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    030-515--5221

    Known For

    • Humanitarian concept
    • Chocolate mousse with rosella syrup
    • Pineapple and chili margarita

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sat. and Sun.
  • 16. Khop Chai Deu

    $

    An incredibly scenic branch of a Vientiane restaurant mainstay, Khop Chai Deu offers Lao, Thai, and Western food options served on the pool deck of Inthira Vang Vieng hotel. Try the duck laab, a zesty minced duck salad tossed with herbs. The staff are quite well-trained and the bartender keeps the champagne chilled as you watch the sun dip down behind the jagged landscape. 

    Vangviang, Vientiane Province, Laos
    023-511088

    Known For

    • Romantic sunset views
    • Tom yum seafood spaghetti
    • Quality cigar menu
  • 17. La Verandah Riverside

    $

    This beautifully situated resort restaurant right on the river serves an impressive mix of Thai, Lao, French, and Western dishes. The penang curry is aromatic and full of flavor, as is the spaghetti pad kee mao (drunken noodles, with basil and chili sauce).

    Unit 9, Ban Viengkeo, Vangviang, Vientiane Province, Laos
    023-511637

    Known For

    • <PRO>good wine list</PRO>
    • <PRO>duck breast with honey and red wine sauce</PRO>
    • <PRO>affordable set menus</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 18. Laoper

    $

    This restaurant near the market serves the best authentic Chinese food in Phongsaly, though ordering is a bit unusual as there is no menu and the owner speaks no English nor Lao, so she invites you into the kitchen, opens the refrigerators, and you simply point to what vegetables and meats you want. The rest is up to her culinary magic. 

    Phôngsali, Phôngsali, Laos
    020-554--81444

    Known For

    • Stir-fried morning glory
    • Inexpensive prices
    • Hot green tea
  • 19. Le Bistro Ban Vat Sene

    $ | Ban Wat Sene

    Sidewalk seating and the retractable brown-striped awning contribute to the atmosphere of a traditional French café at this café on the northern end of town. Freshly made quiche, baguettes, and grandes tartines (large slices of homemade bread with various toppings) are menu highlights for lunch and dinner. 

    Sakkarin Rd., Luang Prabang, Louangphabang, Laos
    071-212517

    Known For

    • Organic garden
    • Fully homemade menu
    • Upstairs lunchtime salad bar
  • 20. Le Panorama

    $

    The sixth-floor restaurant at the Pakse Hotel not only has the best view in town, but it also has some of the best food. Start with a sunset cocktail on the rooftop terrace, then move on to a romantic candlelight dinner under the stars. There is a choice of French food and pizzas, but it's the Lao food here that really stands out.

    Th. 5, Ban Wat Luang, Pakse, Champasak, Laos
    031-212131

    Known For

    • Gai vat phou (chicken breast stuffed with crabmeat)
    • International wines
    • Pakse's best burgers

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch

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