Shri For the candlelit dinner 23rd Floor, Centec Tower, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q3, Ho Chi Minh City Although the ascent up to the 23rd floor of the exceptionally non-descript Centec Building wouldn’t suggest it, Shri oozes a sophistication and subtle glamour that few other rooftop bars can come close to. It’s split into four distinct areas — a bar and lounge area, a dining area, a surrounding patio and a glasswalled dining space at the end of the patio. If it were not for the harmony of the décor with its rich jewel-tones and hazy glow, the compartmentalization would be a drawback. Instead, the separation lends to the aura of each space. The dining room feels intimate despite its surrounding walls of windows, and the patio balances natural elements like trees and water with the same vivid scarlet and plum accents of the indoor lounge area. Together with staff speaking just above a whisper, Shri feels less like a restaurant and more like a
place to come to relax. Although happy hour from 4.30pm to 6.30pm brings in a healthy amount of guests enjoying a post-work cocktail, the best time for Shri is dinner. The impressive menu draws in an average of 100 reservations a night and nearly as many walk-ins after sundown, and when the weather is clear, most prefer eating on the patio and taking in the view. Most of the tables are for two, since a majority of the diners are out for a romantic meal over candlelight. It’s clear that Shri is made for romance, since even the cocktail selection hints at the establishment’s true intention, with clever names like Sex on the Roof, Blue Job and Café XXX. The tasty cocktails and the hazy romance make Shri the perfect place for a romantic date — spending a few hours here would certainly put anyone in the right mood.
Summit Lounge For a kick-back cocktail 20th floor, Sofitel Plaza, 1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh, Hanoi There is no denying that the Summit Lounge, on the 20th floor of the Sofitel Plaza, has the best view in Hanoi. The prime location affords sweeping views, not just across the city but also over West Lake and Truc Bach Lake. From this vantage point you’re able to really appreciate the twists and turns of the city, and it is hard not to be charmed by the colourful reflections of the lights in the dark water of the lakes. The Summit Lounge’s biggest asset is its large terrace and the clear glass barrier that ensures the view is not interrupted, even from the low lounge seating. It is the place to be for a sunset drink on a warm evening. Inside, the lounge and bar area are very tasteful, with large windows to ensure you don’t miss the view. There is a DJ to provide good music and the Summit Lounge has a reputation for throwing lavish parties. The cocktail list is extensive and it can be hard to choose from the special house creations, which cost about VND180,000. What is even more exciting than a good sounding cocktail list is a good tasting one and the drinks at the Summit Lounge are refreshingly mild in sweetness, allowing you to taste the drink, not just sugar. With a stunning view, great drinks, and good service, The Summit Lounge is defiantly top of the roost in Hanoi’s bars above the tenth floor.
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