The 9 Best Restaurants in Luang Prabang, Laos

Whenever I travel to a new destination, one of the first things I do is research places to eat. Why? Because I love trying the local cuisine and visiting restaurants that are getting all the buzz. So of course, on my recent trip to Luang Prabang, I had to seek out the best restaurants!

Now that I’ve been to this charming city nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, I want to share my local knowledge of the food scene with you. So keep reading to learn more about 9 of the best restaurants in Luang Prabang.

Pssst. Looking for things to do in Luang Prabang? I’ve got you covered! Check out my Luang Prabang travel guide to learn more.

COVID-19 Update: As of this writing, things are starting to open back up in Luang Prabang. Some of the places I’ve listed below are already open, and others are re-opening on July 1st. Since things are shifting daily due to this pandemic, I recommend you check to see what hotels and restaurants are open before booking a trip to Luang Prabang. 

The Culinary Scene in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is one of my favorite cities in South East Asia. (Sorry Vietnam and Cambodia!) And that is in no small part because of the food.

There’s a lingering French influence in the city that translates to the cuisine. So not only do you get to soak up the French architectural vibes, but you also get to enjoy French-influenced food.

But I’d be remiss if that was all I talked about. While there are plenty of restaurants serving French and French-Lao inspired cuisine, there are so many other options here as well. From local Laotian establishments (with budget-friendly prices) and ‘Western-style’ cuisine to pizza (Yes, really), and vegan bowls, there’s something here for everyone.

So let’s dive in, cause I’m getting hungry just writing this!

The 9 Best Restaurants in Luang Prabang

 1. Manda de Laos

Ok, I might be biased because I stayed at Maison Dalabua, the boutique hotel where this restaurant is located, but I think Manda de Laos is the best restaurant in Luang Prabang. Not only does the restaurant have outstanding, local Laotian cuisine, but the setting, perched on a lily pond is heavenly. The décor is chic and cozy and the attention to detail makes for an overall incredible experience.

Pro Travel Tip: Looking for a place to stay in Luang Prabang? Read my full review for the Maison Dalabua. (Spoiler alert: I highly recommend it!)

2. Khaiphaen

I highly recommend Khaiphaen restaurant for two reasons. First, it serves delicious, traditional Lao cuisine. Second, it’s a vocational training school as well as a restaurant. I’ve been to a few of these places throughout South East Asia, and I think they are all doing great work. These restaurants provide training for young, local people who want to learn about the hospitality industry. It’s a great way for local people to learn valuable skills and find work. I’m always happy to support a place like this!

3. Utopia

If you’ve done any research about Luang Prabang, then you probably already know about Utopia. Known as the most popular tourist and backpacker hang out in town, I’m putting Utopia on the list not so much for the food as the atmosphere and general vibe. As they even say themselves, come for some Zen during the day, and a lively party at night.

Perched high above the meandering Mekong River, with Bohemian and beach-style décor to boot, this laid back café is the perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon. Their fruit smoothies are among the best I’ve had, and the eclectic menu will please vegans and carnivores alike, with a range of options including Western and Laotian dishes.

4. L’elephant

One of the restaurants that set the standard for great cuisine in Luang Prabang is L’elephant. The French colonial décor is a perfect match for the French-Laotian fusion cuisine served here.

Located on a quiet street that parallels the main thoroughfare in town, (a street with many of the town’s best restaurants), it’s the perfect spot to escape the crowds of the night market, enjoy delicious food, and wash it down with a classic French wine.

And for all you vegans, you’re in luck. L’elephant Vert, located next door, is a vegetarian restaurant with the same French-influenced cuisine.

5. Xieng Thong Noodle Shop

The Xieng Thong Noodle Shop, known for its noodle soup, is as local as it gets. The restaurant is literally located at someone’s house. The seating is sparse – just outside in the shaded courtyard, and they usually sell out of noodles by 1 pm. My advice is to get there early if you want your fill of truly local, Laotian cuisine. Please note that the menu is very limited but I did manage to get a vegetarian soup with egg in it. (If you’re vegan, this probably isn’t the place for you.)

The restaurant is right around the corner from the Wat Xiengthong Temple, so it’s a good place for lunch after a morning of sightseeing. When I told my guide I wanted to eat there, he knew about it right away and made sure we got there by 11:50 am to ensure we got our noodles!

6. Coconut Garden

A sister restaurant of L’Elephant, Coconut Garden is another charming spot to enjoy local Lao cuisine (with a few American dishes like pizza added to the menu).  Located on the main drag in town, the restaurant has two courtyards, one out front, and a second, tucked in the back. There’s also indoor seating with air conditioning.

This restaurant is very popular, so plan in advance and make a reservation, or be prepared to wait, especially for dinner.

7. Phonheuang Café

Another very local and very affordable café is Phonheuang Café. Don’t expect any ambiance here but the fusion of Vietnamese and Laotian cuisine is outstanding, especially when you’re paying next to nothing for heaping dishes of food. I had the fresh spring rolls and Pad Thai. It was so much food I had to bring the spring rolls home with me! This place is great value for delicious food.

8. Blue Lagoon

Another high-end restaurant that hits all the marks is the Blue Lagoon. Located on a side street just off the main road, the Blue Lagoon feels like an oasis with its large, secluded garden. The gourmet restaurant also has indoor dining with AC, for those who prefer to sit inside.

I would not have known about this restaurant if my local guide hadn’t mentioned it to me. He used to work there and told me the story of chef Somsack Sengta, who opened the restaurant 15 years ago.

Originally a local himself, Somsack was adopted by an affluent Swiss family and studied the culinary arts in Europe. After spending a few years training there, he returned to Luang Prabang to open a European-Laotian fusion restaurant. Spoiler alert: he succeeded!

Though this restaurant is pricier than many of the other options in town, it’s well worth it. Outstanding dishes include the cold Papaya and Coconut soup, and the tiger prawn ravioli. Also, if you’re an adventurous eater, there’s an insect menu which includes a grasshopper tagliatelle and an ant egg sorbet!

9. Joma Coffee

If you know me, you know I love my coffee! Most of the hotels I’ve stayed at in South East Asia do not have an espresso machine, so I’m always jumping for joy when I find a café that can make a proper latte. And Joma Coffee is one of those places in Luang Prabang! (And they earn bonus points because they have soy milk.)

But Joma Coffee is so much more than a coffee shop. They also have a great breakfast menu, so if that’s a meal that’s not included with your hotel, make sure to eat breakfast here. You won’t be disappointed!

Are You Ready to Try the Best Restaurants in Luang Prabang?

Are you ready to eat your way through Luang Prabang? If so, I wouldn’t blame you! There are so many great restaurants to choose from.

I can’t wait to go back myself, so I can sample a few more charming restaurants that caught my eye. Unfortunately, my stomach would only allow for three meals a day, so another trip to Luang Prabang is definitely in my future!

If you’re a foodie like me and enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends!

And comment below with any restaurants in Luang Prabang you love that I might have missed on my travels. I’m always looking to add more good finds to my travel lists.