Travel + Leisure has officially unveiled its Tastemakers Awards 2025 – honoring the most exceptional restaurants and bars across Southeast Asia. Selected by a panel of top culinary experts, the list is widely regarded as a “gold standard” for discerning travelers seeking refined, distinctive dining experiences in the region’s most vibrant cities.
In Vietnam, just three hotels and resorts earned spots on the list. These include Capella Hanoi, represented by Backstage, Hibana by Koki, and The Hudson Rooms; InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort with La Maison 1888; and JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, home to Pink Pearl by Olivier E.
Capella Hanoi – A world of global flavors in the heart of the capital
Renowned as the only hotel in Vietnam to have three restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide, Capella Hanoi continues to reaffirm its standing as the country’s sole property with three culinary venues honored by Tastemakers 2025.
Backstage – one of three Capella Hanoi representatives honored by Travel + Leisure
Leading the trio is Backstage, celebrated for its refined approach to local ingredients and meticulous service. “Guests can savor elevated Northern Vietnamese cuisine in a luxurious setting inspired by theatrical artistry. While dining, they are immersed in an environment of elaborate costumes and vivid murals drawn from the world of opera,” Travel + Leisure wrote, likening meals at Backstage to intimate post-performance gatherings of opera artists behind the scenes.
Alongside Backstage, Capella Hanoi is also home to the one-Michelin-starred Hibana by Koki, a favorite among Hanoi’s gastronomes. The restaurant showcases the precision and artistry of Japanese teppanyaki under the direction of master chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi, with consulting chef Yoshida Junichi – the world’s first teppanyaki chef to earn a Michelin star. “This one-star Michelin teppanyaki restaurant offers an intimate and distinctive experience, where dedicated chefs prepare premium ingredients right before your eyes,” Travel + Leisure noted.
The Hudson Rooms, known for its elegant setting and one of the capital’s most coveted views
Completing the experience is The Hudson Rooms, a cocktail bar recognized by Tastemakers for its signature drinks inspired by iconic American railway routes of the 1920s. Designed with references to New York’s bustling Grand Central Station, the space also offers sweeping views over a corner of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort – The fine-dining standard in central Vietnam
“The only Michelin-starred restaurant in central Vietnam, La Maison 1888 presents French cuisine under the guidance of chef Christian Le Squer, where classical techniques are harmoniously blended with modern creativity,” Travel + Leisure wrote of La Maison 1888, located at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. This marks the second consecutive year the restaurant has been honored by Tastemakers.
Designed by resort visionary Bill Bensley, La Maison 1888 recreates an elegant French mansion in a striking black-and-white palette overlooking the sea. Diners may choose between the refined Indochine-style dining room, an elegant outdoor terrace, or a cozy private room upstairs. The exclusive Chef’s Table, limited to just 14 seats, offers an immersive experience with views into the open kitchen, where culinary artistry unfolds live before guests.
The elegant fine-dining interior at La Maison 1888, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
La Maison 1888 is also the first restaurant in Vietnam led by a chef who has earned three Michelin stars – culinary legend Christian Le Squer. Here, he showcases his signature “haute couture” cuisine, with each dish crafted as an artistic expression using seasonal, fresh ingredients, delivering an emotionally rich experience for discerning diners.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and the “culinary jewel”
Nestled within the elegant grounds of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, Pink Pearl by Olivier E. is widely regarded as a true “pearl” of high-end dining on Phu Quoc Island. Under the creative direction of celebrated French chef Olivier Elzer, whose career boasts an impressive collection of Michelin stars, Pink Pearl earned its place on this year’s Tastemakers list.
Distinctive architecture is one of the defining elements behind the reputation of Pink Pearl by Olivier E. – Phu Quoc’s culinary gem
Singapore’s leading newspaper The Straits Times once praised the restaurant’s French fine-dining artistry, writing: “Even now, I still dream of that meal – the blue lobster with tandoori sauce atop a rich panna cotta base, and the Hokkaido scallops seared and served in a sweet-and-sour uni sauce.”
Beyond cuisine, Pink Pearl’s architecture is a defining highlight. “Designed by architect Bill Bensley, Pink Pearl is a stunning space embracing maximalist design paired with exceptional French fine dining,” Travel + Leisure described.
The Tastemakers 2025/26 Awards by Travel + Leisure not only celebrate outstanding restaurants and bars, but also recognize the efforts of Vietnam’s leading hospitality brands in elevating resort experiences through culinary excellence. The honored venues stand as a source of pride for their respective resorts and collectively represent a Vietnam that is rising strongly on the regional and global culinary map – where gastronomy has become both a defining identity and a compelling reason for travelers to choose Vietnam as their destination.
