Best Buffet Restaurant in Hanoi: Savoring the Feast at Bay Seafood Buffet
Hoai Trinh
Discover the best buffet restaurant in Hanoi at Bay Seafood Buffet. Enjoy over 200 dishes and fresh seafood in a vibrant setting!
Hanoi, Vietnamโs vibrant capital, is a culinary playground, and finding the best buffet restaurant in Hanoi leads you straight to Bay Seafood Buffet. Established in 2016, this seafood haven has redefined buffet dining with its sprawling menu of over 200 dishes, showcasing fresh catches like Phu Quoc grouper and Ca Mau horseshoe crab. Whether youโre a local or a traveler landing at Noi Bai Airport, the journey from Hanoi airport to Old Quarterโa 45-minute taxi ride (300,000 VND, $12 USD)โlands you near Bayโs Hoan Kiem location, ready to dive into a feast.
Why Bay Seafood Buffet Is Hanoiโs Buffet Champion
When it comes to the best buffet restaurant in Hanoi, Bay Seafood Buffet shines with its bold flavors and upscale ambiance. Located at No. 14 Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District and No. 167 Hoang Ngan Street in Cau Giay District, Bay pioneered Hanoiโs seafood buffet scene. Its menu spans over 200 dishes, from Vietnamese classics to global cuisines, with seafood sourced daily from regions like Quang Ninh and Phu Quoc. Expect steamed crabs, grilled oysters with cheese, and sashimi, all for 350,000-430,000 VND ($14-17 USD) per person, excluding drinks.
Bay Seafood Buffet shines with its bold flavors and upscale ambiance.
The restaurantโs modern design, with tree-style roofs and open layouts, creates a lively yet comfortable vibe, perfect for families or groups. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Bayโs professional staff ensures every guest feels pampered. After your meal, stroll to 36 streets Hanoi, just 500 meters from the Hoan Kiem branch, to explore the Old Quarterโs bustling shops and street food. Bayโs blend of quality, variety, and service cements its spot as the best buffet restaurant in Hanoi.
Must-Try Dishes at Bay Seafood Buffet
With separate zones for seafood, Asian, European, and Japanese dishes, Bay ensures variety for all palates.
Bay Seafood Buffetโs menu is a culinary adventure, making it a standout as the best buffet restaurant in Hanoi. Here are the highlights you canโt miss:
Steamed Crab: Fresh Ca Mau crabs, steamed to lock in their sweet, tender flavor, served with tangy dipping sauce (included in buffet price).
Grilled Oysters with Cheese: Quang Ninh oysters baked with melted cheese, a creamy and savory crowd-pleaser.
Sashimi and Sushi: Norwegian salmon and tuna, sliced fresh at the counter, paired with wasabi and soy for 350,000 VND ($14 USD) base buffet.
Hot Pot: A DIY station with shrimp, squid, and veggies in spicy or sour broths, perfect for sharing.
Desserts: Cakes, Vietnamese sweet soups, and tropical fruits like dragon fruit round out the meal.
With separate zones for seafood, Asian, European, and Japanese dishes, Bay ensures variety for all palates. For an unlimited crab option, add 100,000 VND ($4 USD) per person. The quality and freshness, as noted by diners on Tripadvisor, make every bite memorable, solidifying Bayโs reputation as the best buffet restaurant in Hanoi.
Where to Find Bay and What to Expect
Steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, this branch is ideal for tourists exploring the Old Quarter.
Bay Seafood Buffet operates two prime locations, each offering a unique vibe for the best buffet restaurant in Hanoi experience:
Hoan Kiem District (No. 14 Tong Dan Street): Steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, this branch is ideal for tourists exploring the Old Quarter. Its shimmering exterior and castle-like design draw crowds, with a capacity for nearly 1,000 guests. Expect a lively atmosphere, especially during dinner (6-10 p.m.), with families and groups enjoying the seafood spread.
Cau Giay District (No. 167 Hoang Ngan Street): A modern, slightly quieter location, perfect for locals or those staying outside the city center. Itโs great for lunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and has a cozy indoor play area for kids.
Both locations boast over 200 dishes, from grilled pork belly to spicy snails, with seafood as the star. Prices range from 350,000-430,000 VND ($14-17 USD), with drinks like beer or juice at 30,000 VND ($1.20 USD) extra. Reviews praise the fresh seafood but note the busy vibeโarrive early to snag a table. After dining, explore Anthony Bourdain Vietnam haunts like Bun Cha Hang Manh, a 10-minute walk from Hoan Kiem, for a taste of Hanoiโs street food legacy. Bayโs central locations and diverse menu make it the best buffet restaurant in Hanoi for any occasion.
Tips for Enjoying Bay Seafood Buffet
Buffet areas are busyโqueue patiently and take small portions to sample more dishes.
To make the most of your visit to the best buffet restaurant in Hanoi, keep these tips in mind:
Getting There: From Hanoi airport to Old Quarter, take a taxi (300,000 VND, $12 USD) or shuttle bus (40,000 VND, $1.60 USD) to reach the Hoan Kiem branch in 45 minutes. The Cau Giay branch is a 20-minute Grab bike ride from the Old Quarter (50,000 VND, $2 USD).
Timing: Lunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) is less crowded; dinner (6-10 p.m.) buzzes with energy. Book ahead via Bayโs hotline (096 438 8844) for peak hours, especially weekends.
What to Bring: Cash in small VND notesโcards are accepted, but cash is quicker. A light jacket helps in air-conditioned spaces, and a tote bag is handy for souvenirs from nearby markets.
Etiquette: Buffet areas are busyโqueue patiently and take small portions to sample more dishes. Kidsโ play areas keep families entertained, but supervise young ones in crowded spaces.
For a post-buffet adventure, escape to the beaches near Hanoi, like Cat Ba Island, a 3-hour drive or bus ride (200,000 VND, $8 USD), offering sandy shores and Halong Bay views. A visit to Bay Seafood Buffet takes 2-3 hours, leaving plenty of time to explore Hanoiโs sights or relax by the coast.
Conclusion
Bay Seafood Buffet is undeniably the best buffet restaurant in Hanoi, offering an unrivaled feast of over 200 dishes, from fresh seafood to global flavors, in a vibrant, modern setting. Whether youโre savoring grilled oysters at the Hoan Kiem branch or enjoying a quieter meal in Cau Giay, Bay delivers a culinary experience that captures Hanoiโs dynamic spirit. Ready to indulge? Book a Local Buddy from Tubudd to guide you to Bay and other Hanoi gemsโdownload the app now and feast like a local!
