“Went there for dinner based on recommendations of Trip Advisor and was not disappointed. Ambience was elegant , romantic and service impeccable , friendly and very helpful . Kudos to the really well trained staff. Had pumpkin soup , fresh tofu spring role and aubergine clay pot . All of which was without fault. Fresh fruit and yogurt for dessert was satisfying. It is an upmarket restaurant with a very decent choice of international wine and alcohol. Price for a full dinner for two with drinks will cost about $50 approximate.Would surely recommend."

"Service - immaculate. I never had to signal the waitresses for anything. They anticipated our needs which made it an amazing experience. Even told us when we're about to overorder which was much appreciated.
Food - best Vietnamese food I've ever had so far. Rice pancake, bamboo beef and grilled chicken with chilli and lemongrass were top notch. (as good as the photos!)
Price - us$42 for 2 starters 2 mains and 2 cocktails. Very reasonable!"

I NEVER eat in hotels, believeing that I can far eat better and more cheaply elsewhere, but I arrived in Hanoi this week too tired drag to myself out for dinner, so I tried the Cafe at the Essence Hotel where I was staying. What a find! The Vietnamese food was delicious and inexpensive, the setting was quiet and peaceful and of course the delightful staff of the Essence couldn't have been more helpful. In the end I had two out of three evening meals there and both were first class. If you are staying at the Essence it's well worht having a couple of meals there and if you are somewhere else and want a peaceful night with excellent food, this is well worth coming out for.