Hue, the culinary capital of Vietnam, is home to exquisite royal and rustic dishes, ranging from the spicy flavors of bun bo to the crunchiness of banh khoai. Hue’s cuisine not only captivates adults but also appeals to children with its diversity and creativity. The city offers countless family-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals in a cozy, comfortable space, perfect for both children and adults. Let’s explore the ideal places to create memorable moments during your trip to Hue!
1. Criteria for Choosing a Family Restaurant in Hue
To ensure a great dining experience for the whole family when visiting Hue, we base our restaurant selection on specific criteria that meet the needs of both children and adults. Below are the important factors we consider when recommending restaurants for your family:
- Spacious, Comfortable Space for Children: The restaurant should have an airy space with tables and chairs arranged reasonably. Ideally, it will have a small play area or seating that is suitable for children. This helps kids feel comfortable, while parents can relax and enjoy their meals.
- Diverse Menu: An ideal restaurant should offer traditional Hue dishes such as bun bo, banh beo, or Hue sweet soup, in addition to kid-friendly options like fried rice, fried chicken, or spaghetti. This diversity ensures that every family member can find something they enjoy.
- Reasonable Prices for Family Groups: The prices should be family-friendly, with filling and good-quality meals that are not too expensive. Restaurants offering family combos or group menus are often preferred.
- Friendly Service: The staff should be enthusiastic, attentive, and willing to accommodate special requests, such as preparing quick meals for children or providing high chairs. Excellent service creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes families feel at home.
These criteria not only help families enjoy delicious meals but also create lasting memories during their trip to Hue. However, it’s important to note that not all restaurants offer both local and European dishes, as each restaurant often focuses on a specific cuisine to showcase its unique character. Therefore, the criterion of a “Diverse Menu” refers to the variety within the type of cuisine the restaurant specializes in.
2. The List of 6 Best Friendly Family Restaurants in Hue
2.1. Ancient Space Restaurant (Nhà hàng Không Gian Xưa) – Traditional Vietnamese & Hue Cuisine with a Royal Touch
- Address: 205 Điện Biên Phủ, Hue City
- Highlights: Famous for its “Royal Rice” experience, paired with court music, offering a unique cultural atmosphere.
- Recommended Dishes: Royal Rice, Grilled Pork with Wet Cake, Mung Bean Sweet Soup.
The restaurant is designed with traditional Hue elements, making it an ideal place to treat distinguished guests or for families looking to experience royal cuisine. The menu features light dishes such as Hue cakes and sweet soups, making it suitable for children. The service is quick and friendly. Occasionally, the restaurant hosts wedding banquets, which brings a lively energy to the whole venue.
2.2. Madam Thu Restaurant – Hue Specialties with an International Service Style
- Address: 45 Vo Thi Sau, Hue City
- Highlights: Cozy atmosphere, friendly family-style service, specializing in Hue specialties such as banh khoai, nem lui, and vermicelli with grilled pork.
- Recommended Dishes: Banh khoai, nem lui, bun bo Hue (can be requested less spicy), Hue sweet soup.
The restaurant features a warm and welcoming staff. The owner is friendly and happy to share how traditional dishes are prepared — even offering in-house cooking classes for a unique cultural and culinary experience. With its cozy setting, fast service, and diverse menu that includes many easy-to-eat options, this spot is ideal for children and international families looking to explore Hue’s cuisine in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
2.3. Y Thao Garden House Restaurant – A Green, Airy Retreat in the Heart of the Ancient Capital
- Address: 3 Thach Han, Hue City
- Highlights: A space reminiscent of an old villa, with a lush garden and traditional Hue-style architecture.
- Recommended Dishes: Lotus seed rice, mixed fig salad (considered the best in Hue), corn sweet soup.
The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring many classic royal dishes such as tapioca dumplings, mixed fig with shrimp and pork, banh khoai (Hue-style savory pancake), lotus seed rice, and nem cong. Meals are often served as set menus, making it ideal for families to enjoy the refined flavors of royal cuisine together in a warm and elegant setting.
The spacious, green garden is perfect for relaxing and taking in the fresh air. Children can stroll along the stone paths, watch colorful fish swimming in the pond, and enjoy a peaceful, nature-filled escape right in the heart of the city.
» Families looking for a more refined culinary experience can also explore our guide to fine-dining restaurants in Hue City.
2.4. Sala Vegetarian Restaurant – Vegetarian Cuisine for Health and Serenity
- Address: 04 Phan Boi Chau, Hue City
- Highlights: A peaceful, cozy space designed in a serene style, with gentle yellow and brown tones that create a sense of closeness and relaxation. The restaurant specializes in healthy vegetarian dishes made with fresh ingredients and seasonings infused with traditional Hue flavors.
- Suggested Dishes: Braised jackfruit, braised eggplant with ginger, sour soup, bean curd with tomato sauce.
The restaurant offers a diverse vegetarian menu with light, easy-to-eat dishes such as vegetarian vermicelli, vegetarian hotpot, braised jackfruit, and bean curd with tomato sauce. It’s very suitable for health-conscious families, especially those with young children who need a mild, low-spice diet. The space includes both indoor seating and a spacious, airy backyard, ideal for accommodating large family gatherings.
Note: On the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, the number of vegetarian diners increases significantly, so it’s recommended to call ahead and reserve a table to ensure a suitable seat.
2.5. Little Italy – Italian Dishes for a Change of Taste for Children
- Address: 10 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hue City
- Highlights: The restaurant features a modern Italian style, with a cozy atmosphere and tastefully decorated interior, creating a sense of warmth and comfort for families.
- Recommended Dishes: Pepperoni pizza, spaghetti with tomato sauce, beef lasagna, cheese fries.
The restaurant offers Italian dishes such as pepperoni pizza, spaghetti aglio e olio, lasagna, and European-style burgers, all made with fresh ingredients and mild flavors—suitable for both children and adults. With a friendly atmosphere, attentive service, and a menu focused on familiar European dishes, it provides a pleasant change of pace after many Vietnamese meals. The restaurant also offers non-spicy options and smaller portions specifically for children.
2.6. Les Jardins de La Carambole – European and Vietnamese Cuisine
- Address: 32 Dang Tran Con, Hue City
- Highlights: Known for its warm yellow building, lush greenery, and a small but airy and elegant garden space.
- Suggested Dishes: Seafood pasta, four seasons pizza, beef steak with pepper sauce, caramel flan, grilled beef in lolot leaves, fried spring rolls, banana blossom salad.
Les Jardins de La Carambole in Hue offers a diverse menu featuring European dishes such as seafood pasta, beef steak, and mushroom pizza, along with desserts like tiramisu. In addition, several Vietnamese dishes are available to cater to a wide range of tastes, including grilled beef in lolot leaves, fried spring rolls, and banana blossom salad.
Though the garden area is small, it’s open and breezy, while the indoor space is spacious enough for families looking to enjoy lunch or dinner together. The menu is varied, with mild, easy-to-eat dishes that are especially suitable for children. The blend of European and Vietnamese flavors provides a mix of familiarity and novelty, making it a great choice for international families.
3. Tips for Choosing a Good Family Restaurant in Hue
If your family enjoys dining with a scenic view, you may also like our selection of riverfront restaurants in Hue.
To ensure a smooth and comfortable dining experience for the whole family when visiting Hue, here are some useful tips:
- Visit during off-peak hours for more comfortable seating: Restaurants in Hue tend to be crowded during peak times—typically lunch (11:30 AM to 1:00 PM) and dinner (6:00 PM to 7:30 PM). To enjoy a more spacious and relaxed setting, consider dining earlier or later, such as around 11:00 AM or after 7:00 PM—especially helpful if you’re traveling with young children who need roomier and more comfortable seating.
- Make a reservation during peak seasons: Hue is a popular tourist destination, particularly during holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year), and summer. To avoid long waits or the risk of not getting a table—especially with a large family—be sure to contact the restaurant in advance to make a reservation.
- Inquire about child-friendly options: Before ordering, ask the staff if they offer child-friendly options, such as dishes that are less spicy, less oily, or served in smaller portions. Some restaurants may also be able to adjust seasoning or offer special dishes like porridge or soup to better suit children’s tastes.
Hue offers a wide range of family-friendly restaurant options, from traditional eateries to modern international venues. To make your trip more complete, families should consider combining Hue specialties—such as bún bò and bánh khoái—with international dishes like pizza, fried chicken, or healthy vegetarian options. These ensure that the meals suit the tastes and needs of all family members, from children to adults. These restaurants not only serve delicious food but also provide a cozy, enjoyable atmosphere, helping families create lasting memories during their journey to explore Hue.
For a broader look at the city’s food scene beyond family-style venues, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Hue City.