The Ancient Hue Garden House Restaurant is not just a fine dining destination; it’s a cultural experience that transports diners back in time to the elegant, timeless beauty of Hue. Nestled within the serene, green space of a traditional garden house, this venue skillfully blends architectural heritage with royal cuisine in an atmosphere that’s both cozy and luxurious, yet incredibly inviting.
Restaurant Information:
- Full name: Ancient Hue Garden House Restaurant (Many on our team simply call it Ancient Hue Restaurant)
- Address: 47/104 Kim Long, Hue City; 104/47 Kim Long, Hue City, Vietnam.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Phone: +84 342 640 456 – +84 234 3590 356
The restaurant on Google Maps:
1. A Nostalgic Ambiance at the Ancient Hue Garden House Restaurant
Upon entering the Ancient Hue Restaurant, you’ll immediately sense the tranquility and warmth radiating from the wooden interiors. The entire restaurant is a faithful reproduction of traditional Hue house architecture. Large wooden columns support soaring roof trusses, creating an open, airy space that feels alive with history.
Soft amber light from lanterns, chandeliers, and table lamps gently complements the dark wood tones, crafting a romantic, private, and intimate ambiance, especially at night.
A standout feature that cannot be overlooked is the classic patterned ceramic tile floor. With its thoughtful arrangement of yellow, blue, and brown hues, the floor serves not only as a backdrop but as a vibrant artistic carpet beneath your feet, beautifully balancing the rich, dark wood tones. Dining here makes you feel like a distinguished guest in a noble mansion at the heart of the ancient capital.
2. The Essence of Cuisine: Royal Charm on Every Plate
The cuisine at Ancient Hue is the pinnacle of sophistication and artistry. The restaurant embraces and elevates the spirit of royal cuisine—where every dish is not only flavorful but also visually stunning.
2.1. The Art of Plating
Each dish served is a miniature sculpture.
The Sophistication of Salads: Salads are often presented in carved fruit skins—such as the Pomelo Salad—showcasing the chef’s meticulous craftsmanship. The vibrant colors of fresh vegetables and seafood are wrapped in elegant presentation, creating a feast not just for the palate but for the eyes.
Unique Presentation: Main dishes like Chicken Rice or Braised Squid Rice are elevated through thoughtful shaping—ingredients arranged into symbolic forms such as a phoenix or rooster crafted from vegetables, a pair of graceful butterflies, or a delicate lotus petal. The presentation is never excessive; instead, it reflects deep respect for both the guest and the dish.
Balanced Decoration: Alongside each dish are subtle touches—white lotus flowers, elegant table blooms, or a single flower branch placed with intention. These refined details help the dish stand out beautifully against luxurious emerald green or metallic gold tablecloths.
2.2. Taste and Experience
Each dish captures the essence of traditional Hue flavors, refined and thoughtfully composed. Main courses offer richness in both spice and texture—whether it’s the bold flavor of chicken, the freshness of seafood, or the crunch of vibrant vegetables. Desserts, in contrast, embody subtle elegance.
The dessert experience at Ancient Hue Garden House Restaurant leaves a lasting impression. A bowl of longan and lotus seed sweet soup—a light, refined dish once served in the royal court of Hue—offers more than just a sweet ending. It’s also a natural remedy, believed to cool the body, calm the mind, and promote restful sleep. The broth is clear and lightly sweet; the longans are tender but intact, delicately enveloping the lotus seeds. The result is a dessert that’s both soothing and sophisticated.
When tea is served, the glass cup with its lid is gently lifted, revealing a warm orange-gold infusion adorned with elegant chrysanthemum petals. A sweet, serene finale—perfectly befitting a meal rich in flavor, tradition, and cultural depth at one of the most distinctive fine dining restaurants in Hue City.
3. Ancient Hue Restaurant’ Photo Gallery
Explore the beauty of Ancient Hue Garden House through these exclusive photos showcasing our elegant space and exquisite dishes.
Photo credit: Ancient Hue Garden House
4. Highlights and Suggestions for Tourists
4.1. Highlights: Details Make the Difference
Emotional Space: The ambiance is not only visually stunning but also evokes a deep sense of history. The combination of antique wooden furniture, nostalgic ceramic tiles, and warm yellow lighting creates a serene, calming atmosphere—perfect for those looking to slow down and reconnect with the past.
Art of Table Decoration: Dark blue tablecloths paired with elegant porcelain tableware or rustic ceramic plates, along with runners featuring soft brocade patterns, strike a perfect balance between traditional Oriental charm and international fine dining standards.
4.2. Suggestions for Visitors
If you’re a lover of culture and cuisine, consider the following:
- Dinner Options: The restaurant is at its most magical and romantic in the evening, when the warm yellow lights glow against the dark wooden interiors.
- Try the Specially Presented Salad: For a true appreciation of Hue’s culinary artistry, especially in fruit and vegetable carving, don’t miss the pomelo salad.
- Enjoy the Little Details: Look beyond the food. Notice the thoughtful décor—incense burners, carved wooden boxes, and decorative lotus flowers—all of which add the final touches to this immersive cultural experience.
If you’re looking for more exceptional dining options, don’t forget to check out the list of the best restaurants in Hue for a truly complete experience.
5. FAQs About the Ancient Hue Restaurant
5.1. Where are the Kim Long, Phu Mong Royal Dining, and Le Soleil de Hue restaurants located?
Kim Long, Phu Mong Royal Dining, and Le Soleil de Hue are all part of the Ancient Hue Restaurant system, each offering its own unique architectural style and culinary experience.
Phu Mong Royal Dining recreates the ambiance of the Nguyen Dynasty’s royal court, combining refined interior design with luxurious service. It’s an ideal setting to enjoy royal cuisine in a private space or to host large group events, giving guests the feeling of being served in an ancient palace.
Kim Long Restaurant features classic architecture that blends Hue’s cultural heritage with modern elements. Here, diners can enjoy a fine dining experience with carefully selected ingredients, elegantly presented dishes, and royal-inspired plating with a modern twist.
Le Soleil de Hue showcases a modern French architectural style infused with Indochinese romanticism, highlighted by a glass space inspired by Maison de Verre and Art Deco interiors. The cuisine is a refined blend of traditional French techniques and Hue flavors, crafted under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Thierry Mounon.
5.2. Do I need to book a table in advance at Ancient Hue Restaurant?
Yes, it’s recommended to book a table in advance to ensure availability—especially during busy periods or when corporate groups may have prior reservations.
Making a reservation also allows you to choose your preferred dining space: Phu Mong Royal Dining – a luxurious area with strong royal ambiance, Kim Long – a setting that offers a refined culinary experience in a classic-meets-modern atmosphere, orLe Soleil de Hue – French cuisine combined with Hue tradition.
5.3. How do I get to Ancient Hue Restaurant?
If you’re staying at a hotel in central Hue, the most convenient way to reach Ancient Hue Restaurant is by taxi or Grab.
The restaurant is about 4 km from the city center (e.g., the Trang Tien Bridge area), so walking is not recommended. Most local drivers are familiar with the location, so you should have no trouble getting there.
You may want to learn more about transportation in Hue City.
Ancient Hue Garden House Restaurant is truly a place where you dine with all five senses. Every dish and every view tells a beautiful story about the culture and history of Hue.