The Hill Station Hoi An

The Hill Station is a European-style deli, cafe and wine bar in a 100-year-old colonial villa at 321 Nguyen Duy Hieu Street, close to the old town. It is the Hoi An branch of a business whose European deli tradition began in Sapa, in northern Vietnam, in 2011, and it works as a cafe by day and a relaxed bar after dark.

The villa itself sets the tone. Travel writers have described it as a two-storey French colonial mansion, and in the evening the lighting is kept low for a moodier atmosphere, which makes it a good choice for a date or a quiet drink with friends rather than a party night.

Food and drink are the draw. The menu focuses on European dishes, with wine, craft beer and house charcuterie at its heart, and earlier reviews have highlighted house-made pates, terrines and smoked meats, as well as roasted camembert. The wine list covers French and Vietnamese labels, and the craft beers include Vietnamese brews. Sharing a charcuterie or cheese board with a bottle of wine is the classic order.

The Hill Station is open every day from 07:00 to 22:00, so it also serves as a breakfast or lunch stop and a cafe through the day, and the deli counter is a useful place to pick up picnic supplies. The website advertises a daily happy hour, so it is worth asking about current offers when you arrive. Tables can be reserved through the website, which is sensible on weekend evenings.

The location on Nguyen Duy Hieu Street is within easy reach of the Ancient Town, and travel writers note that it is across the road from the Yaly tailoring shop at 358 Nguyen Duy Hieu, so you can combine a fitting with a drink. It suits couples and small groups, as well as visitors looking for a change from Vietnamese food.

For enquiries, The Hill Station publishes a phone number and an email address on its website, and it belongs to the same hospitality group as several other venues listed there. Its daytime opening also makes it a convenient stop for coffee before a morning of sightseeing.