4 Best Restaurants in Laos

A husband-and-wife team from New Zealand opened this restaurant that serves outstanding wood-fired pizzas, freshly baked bread, pasta, and other Western dishes you can enjoy with a real espresso or cappuccino. It's affiliated with Forest Retreat Laos, a trekking agency across the street that works with local people to create and promote sustainable tourism in the Nam Ha Protected Area.

Canadians run this inexpensive self-service restaurant, where the in-house bakery turns out delicious pastries, bagels, sandwiches, and salads. The homemade soups are excellent, as are the breakfast burritos and wraps, and there are all the typical coffee and espresso drinks. A second Joma branch is available on Sisavangvong Road about halfway down the peninsula.

Sidewalk seating and the retractable brown-striped awning contribute to the atmosphere of a traditional French café at this café on the northern end of town. Freshly made quiche, baguettes, and grandes tartines (large slices of homemade bread with various toppings) are menu highlights for lunch and dinner. 

The family that runs this cute little café prepares various breakfasts and gourmet sandwiches that include imported feta, Camembert, or goat cheese melted onto fresh baguettes. They also whip up just about any tropical fruit smoothie you can imagine. The colorful spot, which also sells local handicrafts, is a good place to watch the world go by and meet other travelers.