Ninh Binh is not only known for its limestone landscapes and river caves, but also for a food scene deeply rooted in local traditions. From mountain goat specialties to humble breakfast stalls, knowing where to eat in Ninh Binh will help you experience the region far beyond sightseeing.
This guide focuses on the best places to eat in Ninh Binh, organized by local specialties and traveler needs.
If you’re still deciding what dishes to try, read our food hub first: What to Eat in Ninh Binh – Local Food & Specialties
How We Selected the Best Restaurants in Ninh Binh
To avoid tourist traps and generic lists, we selected restaurants based on:
- Serving authentic Ninh Binh local specialties
- Positive feedback from locals and travelers
- Convenient locations near sightseeing areas
- Reasonable pricing with consistent food quality
This approach helps first-time visitors eat well without wasting time searching.
Best Restaurants Serving Ninh Binh Local Specialties
These restaurants are ideal if you want to experience authentic Ninh Binh local food, especially signature dishes like mountain goat meat and crispy rice.
Best Places for Ninh Binh Mountain Goat Meat
Trung Tuyet Restaurant
- Address: 14 Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Ninh Binh City
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:00
- Average price: 100,000 – 350,000 VND
A long-established restaurant known for classic goat meat dishes and crispy rice crust. Simple flavors, generous portions, and consistent quality.
Chinh Thu Restaurant
- Address: Khe Thuong Village, Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:00
- Average price: 100,000 – 350,000 VND
A family-run restaurant famous among locals for goat meat prepared in traditional Ninh Binh style. Spacious but often busy.
Duc De Restaurant
- Address: 446 Nguyen Hue Street, Ninh Binh City
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:00
- Average price: 100,000 – 350,000 VND
One of the most popular places for goat meat and crispy rice, suitable for both tour groups and independent travelers.
Thang Long Restaurant
- Address: Trang An Road, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:00
- Average price: 100,000 – 350,000 VND
Conveniently located near major attractions, offering a wide range of goat dishes in a large, airy setting.
Where to Eat Crispy Rice (Cơm Cháy Ninh Bình)
Hoang Giang Restaurant
- Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:00
- Average price: 150,000 – 350,000 VND
Famous for crispy rice served with rich goat meat sauce. Garden-style seating makes it a relaxing stop after sightseeing.
Duc De Restaurant
- Address: 446 Nguyen Hue Street, Ninh Binh City
A reliable option if you want to try both crispy rice and goat meat in one meal.
Where to Eat in Tam Coc & Trang An Area
For travelers staying near Tam Coc or Trang An, these restaurants are convenient and well-suited for lunch or dinner after boat tours.
Family Restaurant
- Address: Van Lam, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:00
- Average price: 100,000 – 350,000 VND
A relaxed, open-space restaurant serving rustic Vietnamese dishes that reflect countryside flavors.
Ba Cua Restaurant
- Address: Trang An Village, Truong Yen Commune
- Opening hours: 07:00 – 20:30
- Average price: 150,000 – 350,000 VND
Located inside the Trang An eco-tourism complex, this restaurant combines scenic views with local specialties like goat meat and free-range chicken.
Best Local Breakfast & Street Food in Ninh Binh City
If you want to eat like a local, start your day at these humble yet beloved food spots.
Mien Luon Ba Phan (Eel Glass Noodles)
- Address: 99 Tran Hung Dao Street
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 20:00
- Average price: 40,000 – 70,000 VND
A morning-only eatery serving hearty eel noodles with fresh herbs — affordable and satisfying.
Bun Cha Quat Tinh Mai
- Address: 7 Pham Hong Thai Street, Dong Thanh Ward
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 20:00
- Average price: 30,000 – 70,000 VND
Known for large, juicy grilled pork patties served with rice noodles. Arrive early, as it often sells out.
Bun Moc To Nhu
- Address: 74 Dinh Tien Hoang Street
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 20:00
- Average price: 30,000 – 70,000 VND
A unique serving style where broth, noodles, and pork meatballs are separated, creating a memorable local experience.
Banh Da Ca Ro Lien Dong
- Address: 94 Hoang Dieu Street
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 20:00
- Average price: 30,000 – 70,000 VND
Crispy tilapia noodle soup with fragrant herbs and rich broth, popular among local residents.
Desserts & Local Snacks Worth Trying
Coconut Jelly – Nguyen Cong Tru Street
- Address: 60 Nguyen Cong Tru Street
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:00
- Average price: 35,000 – 90,000 VND
Refreshing coconut jelly with soft coconut meat and creamy coconut milk — perfect in hot weather.
Kem Xoi Thanh Hang (Sticky Rice Ice Cream)
- Address: Luong Van Tuy Street
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:00
- Average price: 15,000 – 60,000 VND
An unusual but addictive combination of sticky rice and ice cream, loved by younger locals.
European & Western Restaurants in Ninh Binh
For longer stays or a break from Vietnamese food, these Western-friendly restaurants are popular among travelers.
- Chookie’s Beer Garden – Tam Coc & Ninh Binh City
- Chu’s House Tam Coc
- Pyzzi Pizza Restaurant
- Tam Coc Sunflower Restaurant
- HANA Cafe
These places offer pizza, burgers, vegetarian options, and relaxed social spaces, especially around Tam Coc.
Practical Food Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Local restaurants often close by 10:30 PM
- Cash is preferred at small eateries
- Seasonal dishes like mountain snails depend on weather
- Many local dishes are meant to be shared
Final Thoughts
Knowing where to eat in Ninh Binh helps you experience the region beyond landscapes and monuments. From trusted goat meat restaurants and local breakfast stalls to desserts and Western-friendly options, the food scene here reflects everyday rural life and long-standing traditions.
To complete your trip planning, explore:
- What to Eat in Ninh Binh – Local Food Guide
- Best Coffee Shops in Ninh Binh
- Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh
- Where to Stay in Ninh Binh
- How to get to Ninh Binh
