11 Best Restaurants in The South-Central Coasts and Highlands, Vietnam

Take your pick of tom (shrimp) or bo (beef) to fill your Binh Dinh--style rice pancake. The local rendition of banh xeo is arguably the best in the country; they come smaller and zestier here than in other parts of the country, and can be wrapped in rice paper and green mango (a must). Wrap everything up, dunk it in some chili-laced fish sauce and tuck in. One's good for a snack; two makes a meal.

True to its motto of “Eat, drink, relax, be happy”, Pit Stop Food Court is shaping up to be “the” place to eat and hang out in Mui Ne. Order anything from seafood hot pot and lobster grilled with cheese to Hungarian goulash and fish tacos and find a seat under the swaying palms with sweeping views of the water. The open-air space is family-friendly during the day while the on-site Nirvana Beach Club cranks up the tunes at night.

Inside Sailing Club Resort Mui Ne in a high-ceilinged Bali-style pavilion overlooking the beach and the East Sea, Sandals is considered one of Mui Ne's best dining options even if you're not staying there. Sandals invites guests to linger a little bit longer with an excellent wine selection and a kitchen which can adapt to dietary requirements, including vegan and gluten-free options. Signature dishes include the chili salt squid and fresh poke bowls.

A centrally located, quirky, chic café-restaurant, Alpaca captures the spirit of the more artful, creative modern day with its expressive atmosphere. It also boasts a versatile menu, all prepared with great care. The Mexican options are very popular, as are the vegan and gluten free items.

Located high up on a hill above the tourist strip, this restaurant serves a range of Western dishes as well as great local seafood. Use of the pool in the surrounding resort is free for paying customers.

An upmarket brewery, bar, and restaurant situated in huge beachfront premises, Lousiane Brewhouse even has its own pool and sun loungers. A good selection of well-priced European-style craft beer is on offer, as well as international, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisine. Louisiane Brewhouse has a bit of something for everyone, including live music in the evenings, and is one of the best places in town for a sundown drink.

Beer connoisseurs should ask about the brewery tours.

This plain but pleasant local eatery serves only one dish: nem nuong (barbecued pork skewers), with a range of edible accoutrements that are rolled up and dunked in a delicious dipping sauce.

Whether you're looking for some seaside relaxation, great meals, or a thumping party, the Sailing Club has you covered with its prime beachfront location and wide-ranging menu serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After dark it magically morphs into one of the plushest clubs in Nha Trang. Daytime options include coffee and/or cocktails, while lounging on a four-poster bed near the lotus pond or on a deck chair on the beach; the more upright options including dining, playing pool, or hanging out on a swing, all with a spectacular view of the East Sea.