1. Overview of La Maison 1888 - The Culinary Gem of InterContinental Danang
La Maison 1888 - Culinary gem of InterContinental Danang (Image: collected)
1.1 The Story Behind La Maison 1888
La Maison 1888 at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort was founded to become a world-class fine dining restaurant in Vietnam, where every detail holds its own story. The name "1888" evokes the beginning of international trade in Asia, when French merchants began exploring Indochina, bringing the flavors of a new world that blended with the natural beauty of the Son Tra Peninsula.
The culinary philosophy of La Maison 1888 is a sophisticated blend of traditional French cuisine and fresh, characteristic Vietnamese ingredients. Under the skillful hands of renowned chefs such as Christian Le Squer or Pierre Gagnaire, superior culinary techniques are combined with local produce such as forest vegetables, herbs, and Son Tra seafood to create a culinary experience with a cultural imprint, both sophisticated and intimate.
La Maison 1888 not only serves food but also offers a heritage-rich dining journey, where every detail in the space is meticulously crafted to blend with the story on the table. From the classic French villa architecture, the luxurious space, to the standard service style, all create the mark of a place honored as one of the fine dining icons on the regional culinary map.
1.2 Location and Unique Architectural Space
The restaurant is nestled on the Son Tra Peninsula, a naturally gifted location with panoramic views of Da Nang Bay and the Truong Son mountain range. The architecture of La Maison 1888 was designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley - the "resort king" who "magically transformed" InterContinental Danang, skillfully combining classic Indochine style with modern lines to create a space that is both cozy and luxurious.
Guests entering the restaurant will immediately be captivated by the high-quality leather chairs, the warm light from the exquisite chandeliers, and especially the large glass wall opening to a panoramic view of the sea. The outdoor space with the terrace area creates the feeling of dining in a tropical garden.
The ambiance of La Maison 1888 surpasses the standards of a fine-dining restaurant; it's truly a luxurious resort-style restaurant.
1.3 Acclaim from the International Culinary World
Before receiving its Michelin star, La Maison 1888 was named by CNN as one of the top 10 best restaurants in the world in 2016. The restaurant was also recognized by Architectural Digest as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world.
World Travel Awards honored La Maison 1888 as the world's leading luxury hotel restaurant in 2017. Wine Spectator awarded its wine cellar the Award of Excellence from 2018 to 2021, confirming its international quality.
In 2024, La Maison 1888 became the first restaurant in Central Vietnam to receive a Michelin star, maintaining its prestigious one-Michelin-star rating in the 2025 Michelin Guide announcement, solidifying its leading position in fine dining and elevating Da Nang's culinary scene on the world map.
1.4 Reviews from Diners and Culinary Experts
Diners who have experienced La Maison 1888 often share their pleasant surprise at finding a world-class restaurant in Vietnam. Many international culinary experts praise the refined presentation of the dishes and the harmonious blend of French culinary excellence with local flavors.
2. The Michelin-Starred Chef and Culinary Philosophy
Michelin-starred dishes at La Maison 1888 (Image: Collected)
2.1 La Maison 1888's Michelin-Starred Journey
The success of La Maison 1888 is intrinsically linked to Chef Christian Le Squer, a three-Michelin-starred chef whose culinary philosophy serves as the restaurant's primary inspiration. However, the journey of bringing this culinary philosophy to everyday dining is spearheaded by Florian Stein, a young and experienced chef who has worked in many top European restaurants.
Florian Stein spent months meticulously researching and combining distinctive local ingredients such as Central Vietnamese herbs and fresh seafood from Da Nang. Through this, he developed classic French techniques suitable for Vietnamese tastes and ingredients, creating a unique and refined fusion.
2.2 The "Joie de Vivre" Philosophy in Every Dish
"Joie de Vivre" - the joy of life - is the overarching philosophy in all of La Maison 1888's operations. This concept is reflected not only in the flavors of the dishes but also in the service, presentation, and interaction with diners. Each dish is created not only to satisfy the palate but also to evoke positive emotions and create memorable experiences.
The kitchen team at La Maison 1888 applies this philosophy by selecting only the freshest ingredients, from organic cherry tomatoes grown in Da Lat to truffles imported directly from France. The combination of the best of French cuisine and local creativity results in dishes that are both familiar and novel.
3. Exploring La Maison 1888's Exceptional Menu
Spaghetti truffle – the restaurant's signature dish (Image: Collected)
3.1 Must-Try Signature Dishes at La Maison 1888
Standing Spaghetti with truffle mushroom cream is the signature dish of La Maison 1888, a true work of art on a plate. The handmade pasta strands stand upright, piled like a small tower, topped with a layer of rich, black truffle cream, creating an unforgettable, captivating aroma. This unique presentation technique is not only visually impressive but also ensures that each strand of pasta is evenly coated with truffle cream.
Another dish that attracts diners is the perfectly grilled local flounder, combined with seasonal vegetables from organic farms in Central Vietnam. The chef uses the sous-vide technique to preserve the fish's freshness, then pan-fries it to create a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
3.2 Set Menu and A La Carte Menu
La Maison 1888 offers two main options: a tasting menu with 6-8 small dishes of diverse flavors and an a la carte menu allowing guests to choose freely. The tasting menu is updated seasonally, featuring fresh ingredients and creative inspiration.
Each month, the restaurant introduces a new menu section to provide a rich experience for regular diners. This continuous innovation ensures that customers always discover exciting surprises with each visit.
3.3 Refined Choices for Vegetarians
Recognizing modern dietary trends, La Maison 1888 has developed a vegetarian menu that is equally refined and appealing. The restaurant's vegetarian menu focuses on local organic vegetables, prepared using modern French techniques to maximize natural flavors.
The mushroom risotto is a highlight of the vegetarian menu. Local wild mushrooms are slow-cooked in the Italian style, blended with the characteristic fragrance of lime leaves and lemongrass from the region. This combination creates a fresh taste experience, harmoniously blending Eastern and Western traditions.
4. La Maison 1888's High-Class Wine Cellar
Wine Spectator-standard wine cellar at La Maison 1888 (Image: collected)
4.1 Rare Wine Collection
It is no coincidence that the wine cellar of La Maison 1888 has been recognized by Wine Spectator. The collection of over 1,500 bottles represents the most famous wine regions in the world, from Bordeaux and Burgundy in France to Napa Valley in the US and Barossa Valley in Australia.
Here, many rare wines are gathered, including Premier Grand Cru Classé bottles and many masterpieces from legendary winemakers. The collection is carefully curated and selected, making La Maison 1888 an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts visiting Son Tra Peninsula.
4.2 The Art of Pairing Wine with Food
Pairing wine with food at La Maison 1888 is considered an art. An internationally experienced sommelier will advise each guest based on their personal preferences and the chosen dish. Each combination is carefully calculated to create a perfect harmony between the wine's taste and the food's flavor.
The restaurant also organizes special wine dinners, where guests can experience a specially designed menu paired with exceptional wines. These events are often fully booked weeks in advance due to their special appeal to wine enthusiasts.
5. Dining Experience at La Maison 1888
The art of wine and food pairing (Image: collected)
5.1 5-Star Superior Service
From the moment you arrive at InterContinental Danang, guests are treated to a private electric vehicle service that takes them directly to La Maison 1888. The service staff are professionally trained to international standards, understand each dish and its preparation process, and are ready to explain it in detail to guests.
The staff-to-guest ratio is always high, ensuring that each table receives attentive care without being intrusive. Small details such as napkin folding or adjusting the room temperature are always meticulously attended to.
5.2 Romantic Ambiance for Special Occasions
La Maison 1888 is the ideal destination for important occasions such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or proposals. The ocean-view terrace creates a naturally romantic setting, especially as the sun sets and bathes the sky in golden light.
The restaurant provides customized decoration services, from fresh flowers to surprise gifts. Many couples have chosen this place as the setting for their marriage proposals, with a sophisticated collaboration to create an unforgettable moment.
6. Notes when visiting La Maison 1888
La Maison 1888 – Michelin-recognized restaurant (Image: Collected)
6.1 Opening Hours and Reservation Policy
La Maison 1888 is open daily from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, with last orders at 9:30 PM. These limited hours allow the restaurant to focus on providing high-quality dinner service, while also creating an exclusive and special atmosphere.
Reservations are required and are strongly encouraged at least one week in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. A deposit of 1,000,000 VND per person will be added to the final bill. The cancellation policy is strict, with a fee of 1,000,000 VND per person for cancellations after 11:00 AM on the day of the reservation.
6.2 Dress Code and Etiquette
The restaurant requests smart casual attire; neat but not overly formal. Men are not permitted to wear shorts, and women are asked to avoid revealing clothing. Sneakers and flip-flops are not appropriate for the restaurant's sophisticated ambiance.
Guests are encouraged to arrive on time to fully enjoy their experience. Limiting phone use during the meal helps maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere.
7. Connect with La Maison 1888
Elegant ambiance at La Maison 1888 (Image: Collected)
7.1 Contact Information and Reservations
Guests can contact the restaurant directly at +84 236 393 8888 or make reservations online through the Table Check system.
Refer to the official website for details: https://www.danang.intercontinental.com/vn/
The reservation team can usually assist in Vietnamese, English, and French, ensuring that international diners can easily contact and exchange information.
7.2 Social Media Connection
La Maison 1888 maintains regular activity on social media platforms to introduce new dishes, special events, and unique culinary stories. Food lovers can follow for updates on private wine parties and seasonal menus.
8. Why you should experience La Maison 1888 once in your lifetime
La Maison 1888 offers a high-end culinary experience (Image: collected)
La Maison 1888 offers a high-end culinary experience, blending sophisticated French cooking techniques with fresh local ingredients. This is not just a meal, but a journey to discover unique flavors rarely found elsewhere.
Located on Son Tra Peninsula with stunning bay views, the restaurant impresses with its luxurious ambiance and professional service. La Maison 1888 is the ideal destination for those who appreciate culinary perfection.
La Maison 1888 is the first and only restaurant in Central Vietnam to be awarded a Michelin star by the Michelin Guide. This award is a testament to the consistently high quality of its food and service.
Whether you're a food enthusiast or looking to make a special impression, La Maison 1888 promises an experience beyond expectations. Book your table today to enjoy a world-class culinary journey in the heart of Da Nang.
