Due to the economic situation in Laos, the availability of high-end cuisine is relatively limited. After all, most locals usually eat simple home-cooked meals or affordable street food. But what if that’s not enough, and you’re looking for some variety beyond the typical restaurants? In that case, you’ll still have a few options, but it really depends on where you are. Fine dining isn’t available everywhere in Laos.
Best cities for an exceptional fine dining experience
In fact, there are only two cities in Laos where you can enjoy a true fine dining experience. One is Vientiane, the other is Luang Prabang. Since Vientiane is the capital, there are many wealthy Laotians living there – especially those working for the government and successful business owners. They can afford upscale culinary experiences, and therefore it’s no surprise that many fine dining venues are located in the capital. Not to mention the embassies and international organizations based there .The same also applies to Luang Prabang, but to a lesser extent. Here, the main reason for the availability of fine dining restaurants is the influx of international tourists from all over the world.
The 5 most popular fine dining restaurants in Laos
To give you a better overview of your fine dining options in Laos, we’ve put together a table with the most important restaurants and details. Check it out to find the spot that suits your taste.
Name | Dish Recommendation | Popularity | Price Range | Type of Cuisine | Location |
Swan Restaurant | roasted chicken | very popular | average | Western | |
L'Elephant | buffalo steak tartare | popular | high | French | |
Home Vientiane | nicoise salad | very popular | high | French | |
Manda de Laos | grilled pa nin fish | very popular | very high | Laotian | |
Metisse Restaurant | lamb chops | very popular | very high | French |
Swan Restaurant
What distinguishes the Swan Restaurant from other fine dining venues in Laos is the average-priced menu. You won’t have to pay a lot for a carefully prepared and tasty Western dish in a relaxed atmosphere. Just don’t expect too fancy food selections. Most dishes available are typically simple, like pasta, pizza, or steak. One of the highlights is the roasted chicken. It’s freshly prepared with local herbs and spices.
L'Elephant
With its distinctive exterior, it’s almost impossible to miss this restaurant. The French bistro offers an amazing choice of starters ranging from classic to innovative. One of the highlights is the buffalo steak tartare, that combines bold flavors with a delicate and fresh texture. They also offer some great cocktails to complement your meal.
Home Vientiane
This modern French restaurant is a very popular choice among wealthy Laotians and expats. They come here to try some French cuisine and drink a glass of wine. Home Vientiane offers classic traditional dishes like the famous Nicoise salad, seared duck breast, and creamy mushroom soup. If you’re into something more casual and just want to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, you can find well made pizza here.
Manda de Laos
Most fine dining venues are Western restaurants aimed towards tourists or wealthy locals that want to try something different. Manda de Laos is one of the few exceptions. It’s probably the most fancy Laotian restaurant in the whole country. They don’t just offer an amazing selection of Lao dishes, including tasting menus for one or several people. Another highlight is the UNESCO classified lotus pond setting. It’s going to make your dining experience unforgettable.
Metisse Restaurant
There are some French restaurants in Laos, but very few are comparable to the Metisse Restaurant. One of the big highlights is its exceptional service and the extensive range of drinks. The selection of wines and spirits will even satisfy the pickiest drinkers. While enjoying lamb chops, duck confit and other classic dishes, you can also just come here to share a platter with cold cuts and cheeses followed by a delicious dessert.
Is there a Michelin-starred restaurant in Laos?
Many enthusiasts of fine dining actively look for Michelin-starred restaurants. That’s understandable, as these venues are often seen as the gold standard of culinary excellence. Unfortunately, Laos doesn’t have a single Michelin-starred restaurant yet – not even in its capital. Does that mean the country lacks quality cuisine? We don’t think so. The above restaurants are all great examples of atmosphere, creativity and flavor. We’re sure you’re going to enjoy them.
What to pay for fine dining in Laos?
Even in the best upscale restaurants in Laos you’re still going to pay way less than in most other countries, including other parts of Southeast Asia like Malaysia, Singapore or Thailand. For a tasting menu with several courses you can expect around 50 to 100 US dollars per person. That’s not too much compared to what you’d pay in high-end restaurants in cities like Bangkok – not to mention the prices in other metropolises like London, New York or Tokyo.
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