Top-Rated Buffets in Hoi An: A Traveler’s Guide (2026)

Finding a quality Hoi An buffet is not as straightforward as in larger cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Hoi An is a city of “slow food,” better known for small, carefully crafted local specialties than for sprawling buffet halls. However, several boutique resorts and riverside venues have mastered the art of the curated buffet. This guide identifies the best-rated experiences consistently recommended by food lovers on Reddit and local forums.

Key Takeaways

• Quality Over Quantity: The best Hoi An buffet experiences prioritize fresh, local ingredients and a calm atmosphere over sheer volume.
• Boutique Focus: Most top-rated options are located within boutique resorts or riverside hotels rather than independent commercial chains.
• Pricing: Expect to spend between 400,000 and 1,000,000 VND for a high-standard meal.
• Themed Nights: Many venues only host their full seafood or BBQ buffets on specific days (usually Fridays or Saturdays).

Quick Comparison: Top-Rated Buffets in Hoi An

The Best Hoi An Buffet Experiences for 2026

Unlike big cities, buffets in Hoi An tend to be more curated and experience-driven rather than overwhelming in scale. The venues below are repeatedly mentioned by travelers and expats as the best Hoi An buffet options, each serving a distinct purpose—from organic dining to beachfront seafood feasts.

1. Silk Sense Garden Restaurant – The Organic, Farm-to-Table Buffet

• Location: Near the Co Co River
• Price range: 400,000–550,000 VND
• Cuisine focus: Farm-to-table Vietnamese & seafood

Silk Sense Garden Restaurant stands out among buffets in Hoi An for its strong commitment to sustainability and freshness. What makes this buffet truly unique is the resort’s on-site organic herb and vegetable garden, which supplies much of the produce used daily—something rarely found even in luxury hotels. It is a top recommendation for those seeking vegetarian restaurants in Hoi An with a buffet twist.

Rather than offering an overwhelming number of dishes, Silk Sense focuses on ingredient quality and balance, which aligns well with Central Vietnamese culinary philosophy. The freshness of herbs is especially noticeable in dishes like Bánh Xèo, where crispness and aroma make all the difference, and Cao Lầu, which relies heavily on greens and texture rather than heavy sauces.

What to try first:
Start with the fresh rice paper rolls wrapped with garden-picked herbs, then move on to the seasonal steamed snails with ginger, a dish that highlights Hue–Hoi An crossover flavors rarely done well at buffets.

Why it’s recommended:

• Calm, resort-style atmosphere away from Old Town crowds
• Ideal for travelers who value health-conscious dining
• One of the few buffets in Hoi An where vegetables are a highlight, not an afterthought

This is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a best Hoi An buffet that feels light, refined, and environmentally conscious.

2. Anantara Hoi An Resort – Riverside Elegance & Consistency

• Location: 1 Pham Hong Thai Street
• Price range: 800,000–1,100,000 VND
• Cuisine focus: International fusion & Vietnamese staples

Set along the Thu Bon River, Anantara Hoi An Resort consistently ranks among the most reliable buffets in Hoi An, particularly for travelers who value ambiance and service as much as food. The colonial-style architecture and open corridors align with the classic Vietnamese architecture found in the region, elevating the dining experience.

The strength of Anantara’s buffet lies in its balance and predictability. While it may not surprise adventurous eaters, it excels at delivering high-quality versions of familiar dishes—making it especially popular with Vietnam family friends tour groups.

Signature highlights:
The seafood-on-ice station (typically prawns, mussels, and clams) is consistently fresh, while the Live Noodle Station rotates Central Vietnamese soups daily, often including Cao Lầu, mì Quảng, or a lighter-style bún bò.

Best for:

• Travelers who want a stress-free, high-standard dining experience
• Families with mixed tastes
• Those seeking what many consider the best Hoi An buffet in terms of service and setting

If you value atmosphere, comfort, and refined execution, Anantara is one of the safest high-end choices among buffets in Hoi An.

3. Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort – The Ultimate Seafood BBQ Buffet

• Location: Cua Dai Beach
• Price range: 650,000–850,000 VND
• Cuisine focus: Coastal BBQ & Western favorites

For travelers who associate Hoi An with the sea, Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort offers one of the most memorable seafood buffet experiences in Hoi An. Their weekly seafood BBQ nights are frequently recommended as the premier seafood restaurants in Hoi An for variety and value.

What sets this buffet apart is the charcoal grilling technique, which brings out deeper flavors than standard buffet hot plates. The selection makes it a top-tier choice for a BBQ restaurants in Hoi An experience.

Must-eat items:

• Grilled scallops with scallion oil
• Charcoal-grilled squid
• Fresh oysters (seasonal, often limited—go early)

Why travelers love it:

• Beachfront dining with open air and ocean sounds
• Strong social atmosphere, especially in the evenings
• One of the most “vacation-like” buffets in Hoi An

Practical note:
Located about a 10-minute drive from Old Town, this buffet works best as a planned evening destination, especially after a day of beach holidays in Vietnam.

4. Little Faifo – Boutique Buffet for Authentic Central Vietnamese Flavors

• Location: Inside Hoi An Ancient Town
• Price range: 350,000–450,000 VND
• Cuisine focus: Traditional Hoi An tasting buffet

Little Faifo is not a buffet in the conventional sense—but that’s exactly why it deserves attention. Instead of endless trays, it offers a curated tasting-style buffet, allowing travelers to sample over 20 iconic Vietnamese street food 9 must try delicacies in one comfortable setting.

This format is especially appealing for visitors short on time or those who want to understand the city’s cuisine without navigating crowded streets or intense midday heat.

Highlights:

• Bánh Vạc (White Rose Dumplings), a Hoi An specialty rarely executed well outside the region
• Hoành Thánh (fried wontons) with light, crisp wrappers
• Small portions designed for tasting rather than overeating

Why it works:

• Captures the “soul” of Hoi An cuisine in one sitting
• Excellent value for first-time visitors
• A smart alternative if you want the essence of a best Hoi An buffet without excess

This is one of the most culturally focused buffets in Hoi An, prioritizing storytelling through food rather than volume.

Hoi An Specialties to Prioritize at Your Buffet

Don’t fill up on bread! When navigating a Hoi An buffet, look for these four “Must-Haves” which represent the pinnacle of Vietnamese culinary experiences:

1. Cao Lầu: The city’s signature thick noodles. Look for a buffet that keeps the noodles separate from the broth to maintain the chewy texture.
2. White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Vạc): Translucent shrimp dumplings that should be topped with plenty of fried shallots.
3. Grilled Pork Skewers (Nem Lụi): Best when wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and dipped in savory peanut sauce.
4. Lotus Seed Sweet Soup: A light, elegant dessert that is a staple of Central Vietnamese nobility.

What to Do After Buffets in Hoi An

After a heavy meal, a slow-paced activity is essential to fully enjoy the charm of this ancient town. Whether you are looking for a gentle stroll or a cultural immersion, here are the best ways to spend your post-buffet hours:

• Evening Lantern Walk: A 20-minute gentle stroll through the Hoi An Old Town is the perfect way to digest while soaking in the atmospheric glow of handmade lanterns.
• Hoi An Memories Show: Combine a late-afternoon buffet with this spectacular outdoor performance. It is a visual feast that requires no physical exertion, making it ideal for a relaxing evening.
• Hoi An Sunrise Fish Market Tour: If you enjoyed an early breakfast buffet, consider starting your next day with the Hoi An Sunrise Fish Market Tour. It is a fantastic way to witness the local lifestyle at its most vibrant.
• Rural and Cultural Exploration: For those who want to escape the crowds after lunch, Sun Getaways Travel offers a Half Day Tour to Explore Hoi An Farmers and Fishermen. This trip allows you to experience Vietnamese rural life at a leisurely pace.
• Artistic Immersion: If you prefer to stay out of the sun, engage in a hands-on art & craft experience. This creative activity is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon without the need for a long trek.
• Countryside Cycling: If you enjoyed a lunch buffet and feel a burst of energy, consider a light afternoon ride. Exploring the rural and ancient land surrounding the town pairs perfectly with a morning of food exploration

Expert Insight from Emma

“Hoi An isn’t about the size of the buffet; it’s about the view and the freshness of the herbs. I always tell my clients to choose a riverside or beachfront venue for the atmosphere. Also, check if the buffet includes ‘White Rose’ dumplings—if they do, it’s a sign they are sourcing from local families!”

— Emma, Senior Consultant at Sun Getaways Travel.

FAQs: Buffets in Hoi An

1. Is it better to eat street food or go to a Hoi An buffet?

Street food offers the most authentic flavors, but a Hoi An buffet at a resort provides food safety, variety, and comfort (AC and seating), which is often better for families.

2. Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, especially for “Seafood BBQ Nights” at Victoria Beach or Anantara, as these are highly popular and often sell out.

3. Are these buffets suitable for vegetarians?

Hoi An has a strong Buddhist tradition. Most buffets here offer a significant selection of tofu dishes and fresh salads. Silk Sense is particularly good for vegetarians.

4. How can I combine a buffet with a tour?

Many of our Central Vietnam Discovery tours (like GNT03 or DAY07) can be customized to include a high-end buffet dinner as the final stop.

Ready to taste the best of the Ancient Town without the guesswork? Let our local experts craft an itinerary that pairs world-class dining with hidden cultural gems.

👉 Contact Sun Getaways Travel today to design your personalized culinary and culture tour in Hoi An!