The gentle Perfume River flows slowly through the heart of Hue, creating a poetic beauty found nowhere else. Immerse yourself in its enchanting scenery by enjoying a meal at one of the riverfront restaurants in this city, where you can savor both the quiet, romantic atmosphere and the distinctive flavors of the ancient capital.
» If you want to explore more options, check out the list of restaurants in Hue to find additional interesting places.
2. The Best Riverfront Restaurants in Hue
2.1. Song Huong Floating Restaurant
When it comes to riverside restaurants in Hue, the Song Huong Floating Restaurant is often the first name that comes to mind for many locals. Located right on the water, near Trang Tien Bridge in the city center, this place is well-known and easy to remember.
The restaurant serves both European and Hue dishes, with the local flavors being particularly popular. Diners come not only for the food but also to enjoy the cool breeze blowing from the river to escape the summer heat or to admire the colorful lights dancing on Trang Tien Bridge at night.
Address: 3/2 Park, Le Loi, Hue City (on the Perfume River bank, near Trang Tien Bridge).
2.2. Starbucks Song Huong Hue
It would be a mistake to mention Song Huong Floating Restaurant without also mentioning Starbucks, as both are located on a floating structure right on the riverbank, sharing the same prime location near Trang Tien Bridge. Although not a full-service restaurant, Starbucks here is still an ideal stop for those who want to enjoy coffee in an open space overlooking the Perfume River. Just a few steps upstairs, diners can continue their culinary experience at the Floating Restaurant. Thanks to its beautiful location and river view, this Starbucks branch always attracts special attention from both locals and tourists visiting Hue.
2.3. Riverside Restaurant at Huong Giang Hotel
Riverside Restaurant, located next to the Reception Hall on the Ground Floor of Block A at Huong Giang Hotel, is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy exquisite cuisine in a luxurious setting with a beautiful view. Inside, the cozy, classic-style interior, along with a large system of glass doors, offers a clear view of the river and the peaceful Con Hen.
If you prefer an open-air space, you can choose a table in the garden. Here, you can not only enjoy delicious dishes but also admire the sparkling Truong Tien Bridge from afar. On the opposite bank, you’ll see Dong Ba Market and the nostalgic old ferry wharf.
With its harmonious combination of cozy indoor space and airy garden, along with a clear view of Hue’s iconic landmarks, Riverside Restaurant promises to create a private evening or a special event for a group of friends or colleagues.
Address: 51 Le Loi, Hue City
2.4. Century Garden Restaurant (Century Hotel)
Located right on the banks of the poetic Huong River, the garden restaurant at Century Riverside Hotel Hue is one of the most worthwhile culinary destinations. The airy outdoor space, surrounded by lush green grass and tall palm trees, creates a sense of closeness to nature. A special highlight is the direct view of the river, where visitors can enjoy specialties like Nem Cong, Hue cakes, or banana flower salad while watching dragon boats glide by.
The garden area is arranged flexibly, making it suitable for both large gatherings and intimate meetings. At night, the sparkling string lights and the sound of wind through the trees create an incredibly romantic atmosphere. This is a place not to be missed if you want to immerse yourself in nature and fully enjoy the beauty of Hue.
Address: 49 Le Loi, Hue City
2.5. Le Cercle Hue – A Rendezvous on the Perfume River
Located right on the banks of the Perfume River, near the Phu Xuan Bridge, Le Cercle is one of the riverfront restaurants with the most beautiful views in Hue. The building features a unique arc-shaped architecture, facing the river, and opens up to an airy space with a stunning panoramic view.
From the balcony and terrace, diners can enjoy the cool breeze and admire the poetic beauty of the Phu Xuan Bridge, Trang Tien Bridge, and the winding limwood walkway along the river. As night falls, the scene becomes even more sparkling and magical, with the lights reflecting from the bridge and the dragon boats shimmering in the distance.
The cuisine at Le Cercle is a delicate blend of tradition and modernity, with authentic Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls, grilled pork rolls, and Hue specialties such as bánh khoái and nem lụi—each beautifully presented. In particular, the outdoor area next to the river can host grilled seafood parties, served on-site, offering a lively culinary experience where flavors and scenery blend perfectly.
Le Cercle is not just a place to enjoy a delicious meal; it’s also a romantic stop, where the beauty of the Perfume River is woven into every dish and every moment.
Address: 11 Le Loi, Hue City
3. Restaurants with High Views of the Perfume River
In addition to restaurants located close to the riverbank, another way to enjoy the scenery of the Perfume River is by visiting restaurants and sky bars at high-rise hotels. From these elevated spots, you can still admire the panoramic beauty of the river and the entire city of Hue from unique angles.
Some ideal destinations where you can dine while taking in a distant view of the river include:
- Vinpearl Hue Hotel – 50A Hung Vuong, Hue City
- Imperial Hotel Hue – 08 Hung Vuong, Hue City
- White Lotus Hue Hotel – 05 Hoang Hoa Tham, Hue City
- Muong Thanh Hotel – 38 Le Loi, Hue City
At these restaurants, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy food in a spacious and airy setting, all while admiring the stunning views of Hue city, the Truong Tien Bridge, and the Perfume River from above. Especially at night, the sparkling lights of the city create a magical atmosphere, with the Perfume River seemingly blending into the nighttime landscape of Hue.
If you’re looking to enjoy high-end cuisine in an elegant setting, please check out the luxurious dining spots in Hue City.
4. Things to Know When Choosing a Riverside Restaurant in Hue City
- Prices are usually higher: Restaurants along the Perfume River tend to be more expensive than those in the city due to their prime location and high-class service.
- Customers are mainly international tourists or affluent Vietnamese: The primary clientele at these restaurants are those seeking a luxurious and unique experience, particularly foreign tourists and high-income local customers.
- Reservations are recommended: If you plan to visit in the evening or during peak seasons, especially on holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day (February 14), or New Year’s Eve, it’s advisable to book a table in advance to ensure you get the best seats with a view of the Perfume River.
- Location: The north side of the Perfume River is mostly parks and does not have riverside restaurants. As a result, you can only find this type of restaurant on the south bank, especially in the Le Loi area.
With riverside restaurants in Hue, you can not only enjoy delicious food but also fully experience the beauty of the Perfume River. Depending on the restaurant’s location, you can admire the sparkling elegance of the ancient Truong Tien Bridge, the lively Phu Xuan Bridge, or the rustic charm of the ironwood bridge. These spots are ideal for those looking for an airy space for a summer lunch, a romantic dinner, or to host memorable events.