Our 5 best restaurants in Vientiane for all occasions

This simple eatery is one of the best places for traditional Laotian cuisine in Vientiane. The open-fronted restaurant has rows of simple tables and a menu that explores all the delicacies of Laos. Order a range of items from the menu to get a true flavour of the cuisine – the fish or wild mushroom laab, grilled Mekong fish and mango sticky rice come particularly highly recommended. Note that all dishes can be made as a Laotian version (spicy) or tourist version (virtually no spice)! Lao Kitchen, Rue Hengboun, opposite KP Hotel, Vientiane

For fine dining and a splash-out meal in Vientiane, soak up the French history of the city with a meal at L’Addresse. The interior of this restaurant is chic and modern, while the menu has all the French staples you’d imagine. There are set menus or a la carte options, with an extensive wine list. For dessert, the crème brulee or the home-made ice cream are both highly raved about. L’Addresse – Cuisine by Tinay, Wat Ongteu (behind the temple), Vientiane

For a cheap bite to eat and the best fruit shakes in the city, Noy’s Fruit Heaven is the place to go. The food menu has a range of sandwiches, pitta breads, salads, burgers and curries, so it’s possible to stop here for a proper meal. However, this place is all about the fresh fruit shakes, and there’s a huge menu to choose from. All juices are fresh and you can choose any combination you like to be made in front of you. Noy’s Fruit Heaven, Heng Boun Road, Ban Haysok, Vientiane.

For a Mediterranean meal with South American flair in Vientiane, Pimenton comes top of the list. Choose either a ion of tapas or grilled steaks, which come accompanied by an international ion of top wines and beers. The quality is high and although prices are on the higher end of the spectrum for Vientiane, this restaurant has a loyal following for a reason. The set lunch menu is a great way to try the restaurant at a fraction of the evening a la carte price. Pimenton, 5 Rue Nokeoukoumane, Vientiane

This restaurant serves traditional Laotian cuisine from a beautiful setting of an old colonial house. It’s popular with international travellers, but don’t let this put you off. The extensive menu serves almost every style of Laotian cuisine in dainty servings, making it possible to order a range of foods and try several different local dishes. Live music and dancing in the evening completes the picture, giving insights into the sights and sounds of Laos. Kualao Restaurant, 134 Samsenthai Road, Thatdam Intersection, Vientiane