Commune

Situated in an enviable position overlooking West Lake, Commune is a new edition to Hanoi's food scene that offers, well, just about everything.

Come for a filling breakfast on a Sunday afternoon (served until 15:00 during the week and 17:00 on weekends), or stop by for a roast pumpkin-aubergine-feta cheese sandwich on hearty multi-grain or German rye bread (served until 17:00). After 17:00, bring some friends for a beer and a noshing on (excellent) hummus, potatas bravas with homemade relish and aioli or homemade chicken liver pate. Though the food is easily good enough to be served in a more "proper" restaurant atmosphere, Commune goes with a creatively relaxed cafe style setting with multiple floors and some great lake views.

Come alone with a notebook (WiFi is free) and grab an excellent coffee or stage a group takeover of the rooftop terrace for drinks and snacks.

Speaking of drinks, the cafe offers juices, smoothies, beer, wine and cocktails, and drink menus are presented in hardcover children books so you can relive your childhood while deciding between vodka and beer.

The cafe is a little difficult to find. It's located on Duong Ven Ho, which runs on the southern edge of West Lake at the Lac Long Quan end of the street, next to a vegetarian restaurant. Before setting out, you might check the map on the cafe's website.

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