Da Nang's Hidden Gems

Da Nang is full of treasures beyond the obvious tourist routes—quiet cafés, speakeasy bars, authentic street food, and cultural stops that reveal the city’s character. This list brings together some of MAKARA's favorite hidden gems in Da Nang, places that balance authenticity with atmosphere, and are worth seeking out for a different side of the city.

Ala Cafe (113/27 Nguyễn Chí Thanh, Hải Châu)

Ala Cafe is a tucked-away spot in a small alley, with a nostalgic interior and a relaxed, vintage vibe. Their coffee program is one of the strongest in Da Nang, featuring carefully roasted Vietnamese beans, hand-drip selections, and decaf options. It’s a cozy stop for anyone who values craft and detail in their cup.

Eau De Vie Cocktail Bar (211/77 Nguyen Van Thoai)

Eau De Vie is an intimate cocktail bar that keeps things simple: no sign, no menu, just an inconspicuous doorway and a handful of seats. Drinks are crafted directly by the bartender/owner, built on classic foundations but adapted for the moment. The atmosphere is quiet, personal, and ideal for settling into conversation.

Mì Quảng 1A (36C9+XJ Hải Châu)

A beloved, no-frills eatery where wide turmeric-infused noodles meet just the right amount of rich yet restrained broth—adorned with shrimp, pork, quail egg, peanuts, and fresh herbs in a bowl that exemplifies one of Da Nang’s signature dishes. It consistently delivers authentic flavors in a casual setting while offering great value for money.

MAKARA Bar | Tiki Speakeasy (162a Nguyễn Chí Thanh, Hải Châu)

MAKARA reimagines the tiki bar with a Vietnamese lens, blending Champa motifs, bamboo arches, and terracotta sculpture into an intimate speakeasy setting. Tropical cocktails and mocktails are created as stories in the glass, combining historical and mythological inspiration with local ingredients. It’s a place to explore both craft and culture in a unique setting.

Ông Phú Đạt Bánh Mì (364R+C5 Sơn Trà)

Ông Phú Đạt is known for its signature roast pork bánh mì, built on crispy, clay-pot-grilled pork belly and served in fresh baguettes with pickles, herbs, butter sauce, and chili paste. It’s a simple but brilliant expression of Da Nang street food. Multiple branches around the city make it an easy stop for breakfast or a quick bite.

Da Nang Fine Arts Museum (78 Đ. Lê Duẩn, Thạch Thang, Hải Châu)

The Da Nang Fine Arts Museum is a compact three-story space housing more than 800 works and artifacts that highlight both modern Vietnamese art and traditional ethnic heritage from Central Vietnam and the Highlands. Exhibits range from oil painting and lacquer works to sculpture, folk masks, and textiles. It’s an accessible, well-curated stop for anyone interested in art and culture.

Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng (280/23 Hoàng Diệu, Phước Ninh, Hải Châu)

A tucked-away bánh xèo spot where savory turmeric pancakes come sizzling to life with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. Served with a tangy tamarind dipping sauce, this is a signature Da Nang dish that resonates with both locals and tourists.