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

One of Mui Ne’s best kept secrets is the beachside B&B Café. It feels out of place on the expansive grounds of Ca Ty Resort, but you can hang out here all day watching the kitesurfers and sipping reasonably priced fresh squeezed juices, blended coffees, and flavored sodas in shaded huts steps from the beach. The wooden chairs are hard, though, so bring a towel and sit on the beach or the grass. Meals can be ordered from adjacent restaurant.

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.

A cute and quirky little coffee shop serving a range of drinks, including beer, cakes, ice cream, and yogurt, Bicycle Up is a great place to rest and recharge with a book (check out the homemade book light fittings), a coffee, or a fruit smoothie while listening to mellow music. This quiet refuge is perfect for a rainy day.

This stunning café was designed by international-award-winning Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, who specializes in structures made completely out of bamboo. Part of the Indochine Hotel, it's a local drinks-and-ice cream spot overlooking the Dakbla River, with soaring inverted cone-shaped bamboo columns and many peaceful fish ponds.

This American-styled barbecue restaurant, complete with a smoker and long tables, serves up sweet, delicious barbecue and locally made craft beer. The hip, contemporary space also carries great gifts from local artists and designers. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

This is a basic metal-tables-and-chairs joint that's open to the street, serving up a delicious version of nem nuong (barbecued pork) served with platters of rice paper, herbs, pickled vegetables, fried wonton wrappers (for crunch), fresh rice noodles, sliced green banana, and star fruit, which are rolled together and dipped into a pork-and-peanut sauce. This is a Central Highlands specialty that's best washed down with a cold beer.

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.