Taste the freshest seafood on Cat Ba — our top 9 Cat Ba seafood restaurants tested by travelers: where to find lobster, crab, seafood hotpot and best value.
Introduction
Cat Ba Island is a true paradise for seafood lovers. Thanks to its location in the Gulf of Tonkin, the island is blessed with daily catches of lobster, squid, clams, and a wide variety of fish. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Top 9 Cat Ba seafood restaurants, who they’re best for, what to order, and insider tips like live tanks, pricing, and floating vs. town dining.
Scroll down for must-try dishes, prices, and a handy set of tips before you go!
Top 9 Cat Ba seafood restaurants
1. The Three M Restaurant
Address: 252 April 1st, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
If you’re looking for the best all-around Cat Ba seafood restaurant, The Three M is a solid bet. Travelers praise it for consistent quality, fair prices, and friendly service. Signature dishes include generous seafood platters and grilled lobster, perfect for sharing with friends. Expect mid-range prices, making it ideal for groups who want a balance of freshness and value.
The Three M restaurant
2. Quan Cat Ba Family
Address: 180 April 1st, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
As the name suggests, this is a family-friendly spot loved for hearty portions and reasonable prices. Locals and visitors alike recommend the grilled squid and steamed clams. Do note: the place gets busy during dinner hours, so it’s best to book ahead or arrive early. Great if you’re dining with kids or a larger group.
Quan Cat Ba Family
3. Quiri Pub Cocktail & Restaurant
Address: 135 Tung Dinh, Cat Ba Town, Island, Hai Phong
Part restaurant, part cafe, Quiri blends international and local flavors. Expect seafood pastas, grilled calamari, and Asian fusion dishes, making it great for mixed groups where not everyone wants purely Vietnamese food. The vibe is more laid-back, with craft cocktails and a younger crowd.
Quiri Pub Cocktail & Restaurant
4. Nah Thai Bistro
Address: 239 April 1st Street, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
A little different from the typical seafood joints, Nah Thai Bistro blends local seafood with a Thai-inspired twist. Their Thai-style seafood salads are light, zesty, and perfect for travelers who want a break from heavier dishes. The modern, casual vibe also makes it a nice spot for couples or solo diners seeking a fresh take on Cat Ba seafood.
Nah Thai Bistro
5. Vien Duong Restaurant
Address: 12 Ngoc Mountain, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
Known locally as one of the best places for a steaming hotpot, Vien Duong is where many visitors head for an authentic seafood hotpot experience. Live tanks at the front let you pick your clams, crabs, and fish before they hit the pot. It’s lively, affordable, and consistently well-reviewed—just be prepared for a bustling, local-style atmosphere.
Vien Duong restaurant
6. Buffet Oc Ba Tau
Address: 29 Tung Dinh, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
Looking to try as many shellfish dishes as possible? Buffet Oc Ba Tau specializes in sea snails and offers a buffet-style dining experience where you can sample a wide range of preparations. It’s fun for groups, but reviews suggest quality can vary—so go in with the spirit of adventure.
Buffet Oc Ba Tau
7. Nhat Anh Floating Restaurant
Address: Ben Beo Tourist Wharf, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
Dining on a floating restaurant is an experience in itself, and Nhat Anh is one of the better-known options. Sitting right on the water, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the bay while digging into seafood caught nearby. Grilled prawns and lobster are favorites here. Prices are higher than inland restaurants, and service can be hit-or-miss, so check recent reviews before going.
Nhat Anh floating restaurant
8. Yummy Restaurant
Address: 102 Ngoc Mountain, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
It is a reliable name often recommended in local travel blogs. The restaurant has casual settings with menus featuring grilled fish, prawns, and seafood platters. It's especially good if you’re looking for budget-friendly options right in the center of town, with English-speaking staff to make ordering easy.
Yummy restaurant
9. Fishing Village Cat Ba Restaurant
Address: 256 1/4 Street, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
This spot has been highlighted in local guides for its cozy atmosphere and emphasis on Vietnamese-style seafood dishes. The menu leans traditional, with dishes like stir-fried crab and fresh fish cooked in clay pots. Perfect if you want a more local dining experience away from the tourist crowds.
Fishing Village Cat Ba Restaurant
Must-Try dishes on Cat Ba
When visiting any Cat Ba seafood restaurant, these dishes are not to be missed:
- Seafood Hotpot: A steaming pot with crabs, clams, prawns, and veggies.
- Grilled Lobster/Crab: Freshly caught and fire-grilled.
- Sashimi-style Local Fish: Often served with herbs and dipping sauces.
- Grilled Clams with Scallion Oil: Smoky, buttery, and fragrant.
- Grilled Squid: A must-try Cat Ba specialty.
- Assorted Sea Snails: Popular with locals; try them stir-fried with chili and lemongrass.
Tips for enjoying seafood in Cat Ba
- Ask for the live tanks: Pick your seafood to guarantee freshness.
- Reserve a table in advance: Especially at popular spots during peak season.
- Clarify pricing: Many restaurants charge per 100g rather than per dish—always ask before ordering.
- Town vs. harbor: Restaurants in town are often cheaper and more consistent than those near the pier.
- Go local-style: Sharing multiple small dishes is the best way to experience variety without overspending.
Conclusion
Cat Ba seafood restaurants offer something for every traveler—from budget-friendly street-side grills to floating restaurants with a view of the bay. Enjoy your meal while savoring Cat Ba seafood!
If you’d like to explore Cat Ba Island, feel free to contact Cat Ba Du Ky Travel at +84 989 745 338 for travel advice. You can also check out our full-package Cat Ba tours below:
- Lan Ha Bay - Ha Long Bay 1 Day Boat Tour From Cat Ba
- Night Kayaking Tour With Bioluminescence Plankton On Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba National Park - Trung Trang Cave Half Day Trekking Tour
- Lan Ha Bay - Ha Long Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruise From Cat Ba Island
- Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island 3 Day 2 Night Tour From Hanoi
