6 Italian restaurants for a romantic evening in Hanoi

Pane e Vino

The outdoor dining area at the Nguyen Chanh branch of Pane e Vino. Photo courtesy of Pane e Vino

The original location at 3 Nguyen Khac Can Street, Hoan Kiem District is a well-known haunt for Italian food lovers in Hanoi. Following its success, a second branch opened its doors on Nguyen Chanh Street at the end of 2023, quickly gaining popularity among office workers in Cau Giay District.

The eatery offers a cozy indoor space with a VIP room and an outdoor patio overlooking the street. With a capacity for up to 150 guests, it's an ideal venue for gatherings. The menu comprises breakfast, set lunches, and dinners that undergo monthly changes.

Noteworthy selections include Farmer's Spaghetti, characterized by pork belly and Parmesan cheese, as well as Pizza Esplosiva, adorned with blue cheese, chorizo, and capers.

To conclude the dining experience, patrons may opt for the coffee-infused Mascarpone Cheese Cream Tiramisu. Prices range from VND75,000 to VND865,000 (US$3 to $34) per dish.

Address: 57 Nguyen Chanh Street, Cau Giay District.

Pizza Amalfi

Pizza Amalfi provides a diverse selection of pizzas that are cooked in a wood-fired oven. Photo courtesy of Pizza Amalfi

Pizza Amalfi has a spacious dining area with a minimalist design characterized by gray and brown wood tones, illuminated by plenty of natural light. The restaurant can host around 100 guests, making it suitable for lively gatherings and events.

The menu features a variety of wood-fired pizzas, such as the 4-cheese pizza, options with seafood, salmon, and beef. Prices typically fall between VND200,000 to VND300,000 ($8 to $12) per person.

Address: 3 Ton That Thuyet Street, Cau Giay District.

Trattoria Pomodoro Hanoi

A pizza garnished with arugula served at Trattoria Pomodoro Hanoi. Photo courtesy of Trattoria Pomodoro Hanoi

Located in a somewhat secluded area - on the 6th floor of a building in an alley on Lieu Giai Street, Trattoria Pomodoro Hanoi is praised as one of the hidden gems of Italian cuisine in Hanoi. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with a balcony featuring a terrace area furnished with blankets and heaters to accommodate chilly days in Hanoi.

Notable dishes on their menu include seafood salad, seafood ravioli, spaghetti with clam flower sauce and salted mullet roe, and 45-day dry-aged Australian beef tenderloin. Prices typically range from VND400,000 to VND500,000 ($16 to $20) per person.

Address: 19/15/2, Lieu Giai Street, Ba Dinh District.

Il Forno Italian Restaurant

A portion of bruschetta served with a side of caramelized balsamic vinegar. Photo courtesy of Il Forno Italian

Il Forno Italian restaurant is a casual dining eatery founded by an Italian chef and his spouse. Despite its modest size and simple decor, the restaurant receives high praise from food lovers, including many Western customers.

The menu features mostly handmade dishes, such as fresh pastas and cake bases. Customers can enjoy items like square pizzas topped with cheese or salami, as well as lasagna, pasta, and ravioli with cream sauce. Prices are quite affordable, ranging from VND50,000 to VND200,000 ($2 to $8) per dish, making it a popular choice among students and those looking for budget-friendly dining options.

Address: 28 Alley, 120 Truong Chinh Street, Dong Da District.

21gam Yeu Y

21gam Yeu Y features vibrant and colorful decor. Photo courtesy of 21gam Yeu Y

21gam Yeu Y offers a youthful ambiance. Recently established, it offers an inviting European-style setting with brown wood tones and Renaissance-inspired paintings adorning the walls. The restaurant is available for private reservations and often embellished for special occasions like Christmas and New Year.

Featured dishes include lobster squid pasta, Tuscan salmon and cod, and carpaccio - thinly sliced beef or raw fish drizzled with olive oil and lemon. Prices range from VND45,000 to VND950,000 ($1.80 to $38) per dish.

Address: 11A Tran Quoc Toan Street, Hoan Kiem District.

IL Grillo

IL Grillo is decorated with a variety of wines and paintings on the walls. Photo courtesy of IL Grillo

IL Grillo, established in 1996, stands as one of the esteemed and long-standing Italian eateries in Hanoi. It has been a favored destination for enthusiasts of European and specifically Italian cuisine over the past two decades.

Despite its small size, the restaurant exudes a cozy ambiance, attracting patrons with its selection of classic dishes including mushroom risotto, lasagna, four-cheese pizza and tiramisu.

IL Grillo does not actively promote itself through advertising or engage in maintaining active social media accounts. Despite this low-profile approach, the restaurant still manages to attract many diners. Prices range from VND35,000 to VND275,000 ($1.40 to $11).

Address: 116 Ba Trieu Street, Hai Ba Trung District.