The Complete Guide To Cafes In Dalat
Published September 4, 2019
Before moving to Vietnam, I had never heard of the city of Dalat. However, once I learned that it was the coffee growing capital of the country, I knew I had to go check it out! In addition, Dalat is a backpacker’s paradise nestled in the mountains of Central Vietnam, so I was excited to breathe some cool, fresh air and spend most of my trip outdoors.
Unfortunately, it rained the entire time I was there. And I mean literally the entire time. It didn’t let up for one waking hour! As far as I could tell, it even rained through the night. So instead of exploring outdoors on foot like I normally do, I ended up checking out the city’s impressive cafe scene.
Since coffee is grown on farms surrounding the city, many cafes have their own local sources, resulting in unique blends you can’t get anywhere else. Many of these establishments are also beautifully decorated, making them the ideal spot to spend a few hours especially on a rainy day. Here’s a list of the ones I visited; click any link below to skip to that specific cafe!
1. Tiệm Cà-phê CÔ BÔNG
Address: 238 Yersin, Phường 9, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Website: https://www.facebook.com/caphecobong/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiemcaphecobong/
This cafe on two stories is most notable for its vintage-inspired decor. Order on the first floor and check out all the different rooms before deciding where to sit to enjoy your beverage.
The second floor also has a nice covered balcony where you can sit outdoors, rain or shine.
2. Cafe Thiên Thanh
Address: 02 Pasteur, Phường 4, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Website: https://www.facebook.com/CafeThienThanh
This restaurant and cafe is housed in what looks like a converted villa. Surrounding the main building is a lush, green patio and garden.
I stopped in for lunch and enjoyed the steak and baguette I ordered.
The interior of the main dining area has a unique color scheme featuring pastels and intricate paintings. If the weather is good, they also have a large outdoor seating area as well.
3. An Cafe
This cafe built on a steep hill had plenty of seating on multiple levels. I sat on the lower level, which had a wide view of the street below. The rustic decor and plants on each tabletop gave An Cafe a very interesting vibe. It somehow felt both modern and “well-worn.” As you can see, it had a very bright and cheery dining area as well, which was the perfect place to stay dry from the rain.
I tried a chocolate mint smoothie and eggplant parmesan here, both of which were delicious. If I had more time, I probably would’ve come back to try more items on their fairly extensive menu.
4. V Cafe
Address: 17 Đường Bùi Thị Xuân, Phường 2, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vcafe.dalat
I tried V Cafe for breakfast, although it definitely felt more like a bar than a breakfast or brunch joint. When I went, there was only one other person there. In all honesty, the interior seemed pretty dated, but that arguably gave the place a bit of charm.
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the chicken phở, fruit plate, and coffee I got here.
5. Bicycle Up Cafe
Address: 82 Đường Trương Công Định, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Website: https://bicycle-up-cafe.business.site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bicycleup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bicycleupcafe/
This was probably my favorite cafe in Dalat. Presumably named for the bicycle perched on top of the antique piano pictured below, Bicycle Up had an impressive menu of fancy choices for lovers of all things caffeinated.
Every inch of the cafe was quirky, which was great! Many of the decorations look like antiques, but overall the place has a refreshing yet very cozy atmosphere. Props to whoever designed this space and acquired everything on display.
Bicycle Up was also the smallest of all the cafes I visited. However, it never got crowded during the two-plus hours I spent there. Perhaps that was because of the rain, but it was nice to not have to share this small space with a crowd of people.
6. Artist Alley
Address: 124 Phan Đình Phùng, Phường 2, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Website: https://artist-alley-restaurant.business.site/
Like Bicycle Up, this restaurant was also quirky in an endearing way. Perhaps because the main theme seemed to just be “there are paintings on the walls,” or maybe because I was literally the only person here (although I did go for a late lunch around 3:00 p.m.), Artist Alley just felt a tiny bit odd. Nonetheless, the food and service were good, so don’t hesitate to pop in for lunch or dinner.
I ordered a curry with pumpkin soup as an appetizer, and both were perfect for the rainy weather.
7. La Viet Coffee
If Bicycle Up was my favorite place on the list, then La Viet was a close second. However, the two are so different that it’s hard to compare them. While Bicycle Up was small and quirky, La Viet is housed in a massive industrial warehouse. It’s by far the biggest cafe I visited in Dalat, and has an almost American vibe. They were even playing country music when I was there!
For dinner, I tried a lavender Vietnamese coffee and an order of fish and chips. Both were good; the menu here has some other western meal choices as well.
La Viet is a little out of the way. However, if you’re willing to walk or hire a Grab, it’s definitely worth checking out. You’re also basically guaranteed to get a seat because there are so many tables inside.
8. K'fe House
(Formerly DOHA Café Đà Lạt)
Address: Số 2, Trần Quốc Toản, Phường 10, Thành Phố Đà Lat, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Website: https://kfehouse.vn/gioi-thieu/?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kfehouse.millijsc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kfe.house/
Located on the southern shore of Xuân Hương Lake (Hồ Xuân Hương), K’fe House is hard to miss. It’s a large glass building shaped like a flower bud. If you grew up in the 90s, it might remind you of the Pokemon Bulbasaur! It’s located next to a few other pieces of interesting modern architecture as part of a large public square with scenic lake views.
While the coffee here wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, it’s worth ordering something inside so you can check out the glass panes up close. There are multiple levels of seating, so it’s also a great place to take a rest if you’ve been walking around the city for a while.
9. Miền Du Lam
Address: 37 Đường Đống Đa, Phường 3, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mienDuLam.Official/
This cafe (which seems to be run by a family who live on the same property) is located on a residential street away from the hustle and bustle of the town center. Not only is their outdoor seating area beautiful, but they serve their coffee on a cute little platter, complete with a cup of tea and some crackers and candy. The atmosphere simply couldn’t be better!
Miền Du Lam is proof that even the most random coffee shops in Dalat are full of character regardless of location. In fact, I only found Miền Du Lam because it was a short walk away from the Airbnb I stayed in. If there are any cafes near your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb, give them a try! One could end up being your favorite, even if it’s not mentioned on this list.
Two Restaurants and a Bar
10. Biang Dalat Garden Restaurant
Biang Dalat (formerly Biang Bistro) was the perfect blend of a beautiful outdoor-centric dining area and a modern take on Vietnamese cuisine. If ever a restaurant had the vibe of a spa, this would be it. If you’d like to try something a little different in terms of flavor that isn’t a complete departure from local cuisine, Biang Dalat is exactly what you’re looking for.
11. Le Chalet Dalat
Address: 6 Đường Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Phường 4, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lechaletDalat4
Le Chalet Dalat was another interesting restaurant we tried. Located a short distance from Cafe Thiên Thanh, Le Chalet combines an interesting vintage vibe with satisfying meals. I have to admit that I liked Biang Bistro a tiny bit more, but Le Chalet was another good option for a nice dinner.
12. Heyla Cocktail Bar
Address: 10 Tản Đà, Phường 6, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Website: https://heyla-cocktail-bar.business.site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeylaCocktailBar/
Dalat may not have the reputation for nightlife that Ho Chi Minh City does, but there’s one bar I recommend if you’re looking for a couple of drinks after dinner. Heyla Cocktail Bar is a stylish place that draws both locals and foreigners. While the vibe is good, their selling point is their massive menu of creative cocktails. We tried a number of unique drinks there, including some legitimately spicy (yet still delicious) ones, pictured below with the chili pepper devil horns on the glass!
My favorite beverage there was definitely the blue flaming cocktail shown in the video below. I don’t remember what it was called, but I’m if you show the bartender this video, he or she might recognize it and be able to set one up for you!
Dalat: I Had to Go Back For More!
Although I was stuck indoors the entire time I was there, Dalat clearly had much more to offer than its impressive selection of coffee shops. I’m planning on heading back soon with fingers crossed for better weather. Keep an eye out for when I do; I’ll write another post and update this one with any new cafes I discover. Thanks for reading, and remember to check out my comprehensive guide to Dalat if you haven’t already!
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This post was published on Sept 4, 2019
The Caffeinated Man Behind The Blog
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Wow, I had no idea that Vietnam is a coffee country, although it makes sense with all the hills and climat… In which month were you there? I’m planning to visit Vietnam, but always when the ticket prices get lower I get discouraged by the rain season :/ Maybe I should go anyway, just to visit such lovely cafes?
I visited Dalat in September. I can’t speak for other parts of the country, but at least in Saigon where I’ve been based since March, rain tends to be heavy but only last for half an hour or less (usually in the evenings). That’s why I was very surprised by non-stop rain in Dalat. I’m going back later this month and am really hoping for some sunshine. Thanks for your comment, Kasia! Hope you make it to Vietnam soon 🙂
I really liked Dalat and fortunately the weather was beautiful when I was there. I think it’s a very interesting place, different from other Vietnamese cities. I didn’t go to any cafes when I was there, as I don’t drink coffee so I had no idea they had such cool ones! The Bicycle Up and An Cafe sound like my kind of place: hip and quirky.
First time hearing of this place Dalat. You are right it truly looks as backpacker’s paradise with surrounding mountains with outdoor adventures. It would have been great experience having unique blends of local grown coffee. I would like to stop at Cafe Thien Thanh for food and green surroundings.
I was in Northern Vietnam earlier this year and loved the egg coffee there. An Cafe looks amazing with the atmosphere and eggplant parmesan. The bicycle cafe is super cute too. No wonder you spent two hours there! Feels like a great spot to just relax or even catch up on some work. Looks like I’ll need to visit Dalat the next time I’m back in Vietnam!
Such an informative post and your photographs are amazing. I didn’t know till I read your post that Dalat was the coffee growing capital of Vietnam. I am so intrigued by the fact that the cafes offer their unique blends of locally grown coffee that aren’t available elsewhere. The décor of these cafes is also so inviting and charming. Would love to visit these 7 when in Dalat.
Never heard of Dalat, now I want to go here but also this is a great and informative guide on the cafes there! Havent hit up Vietnam yet but hopefully soon on my big SE Asia tour and now I want to add this place to the list. Thank you 🙂
I have heard about Vietnamese coffee. Now I know why it has that reputation!
Maybe it was a blessing in disguise that it literally rained the entire time you were there. It’s pretty relaxing to just hang out in local eateries and do coffee shop crawls. Although, you’ll probably always feel like you’ve got to go back and see the things you originally wanted to see.
So many cool cafes in Dalat, it’s hard to pick a favourite, but I really like V Cafe. I’m always amazed to see how the Vietnamese have kept some French influence in their cuisine!
So many lovely cafes in Dalat! I would love to go to An Cafe! However, all your photos are amazing and make them all look perfect.
Your loss (of being forced to stay indoors) was our gain as we always love reading your food reviews. Love the Bicycle Cafe and its quirky furnishings. And the An Cafe sounds delicious as I love eggplant parmesan. Of course, I would also have to visit the V Cafe simply because of the French influence … tasty! And here’s to hoping your next visit is a drier one so we can see more of the region through your eyes and photographs.
My husband is the coffee enthusiast, and he did enjoy several coffee breaks when we were in Vietnam. We definitely felt the French influencer as we could enjoy croissants here and there – as French folks, can’t say we did mind! We never made it to Dalat though, but the An Cafe would certainly be a place we would like to try, charming crazy!
I heard of Dalat, when i was in Saigon but we didn’t visit it, now i have a feeling that i should. Maybe next time since Vietnam is our favourite country and for sure i want to go back there
We visited Vietnam back in 2014, but didn’t go to Dalat. My mother who’s from Vietnam always told me how much she liked going there when my family still lived in Vietnam. Of course, back then there weren’t so many coffeeshops. When we go to Vietnam again, we’ll spend a few days in Dalat and as coffee lovers we’ll most certainly go to a few of these cool cafés!
My daughter is moving back to the US from Vietnam in less than two weeks. Your gorgeous photos just reinforces how sad I am that I didn’t get a chance to visit her while she was living there this past year.
Dalat seems the perfect place for Caffeinated Man. The cafes look amazing and who cares about the rain when you’re spoilt for choice with this many cafes.
I remember going through Dalat on a tour and thinking to myself I needed to head there the next time I’m in Vietnam. Now seeing all these cool cafes there I will definitely have to head there one day
Everything is so beautiful and colorful! I want to try!