Why there has never been a better time to visit InterContinental Danang for Michelin-starred dining

Nestled along the pristine shores of central Vietnam, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort offers more than just an idyllic escape — it’s a destination that caters to every sense. Recently, the resort reached an extraordinary culinary milestone: its La Maison 1888, a signature French fine-dining restaurant, earned Central Vietnam’s first Michelin star. This historic achievement, alongside the resort’s stunning surroundings and impeccable service, means there has never been a better time to visit. As a foodie couple with a young daughter, we were thrilled to return to this iconic hotel to indulge in the world-class food and drink offerings — from Michelin-starred dining to family-friendly culinary experiences.

The essence of La Maison 1888

At the heart of the resort’s gastronomic offerings is La Maison 1888, where dining is transformed into an unforgettable, immersive experience. Guided by Michelin three-star Consultant Chef Christian Le Squer, this exceptional restaurant blends the artistry of French haute cuisine with the vibrant, fresh flavours of Vietnam. Chef Le Squer, known for his mastery of seafood and classical French techniques, creates seasonal menus that showcase his innovative approach to French culinary traditions. Dishes like “Bar Sauvage” (Wild Blackfin Seabass with Buttermilk and Caviar) and Le Spaghetti Debout (black truffles with chanterelle cream) are the perfect reflection of his philosophy, Joie de Vivre — the joy of life through food.

Designed by world-renowned architect Bill Bensley, the restaurant’s interiors are a striking blend of French colonial elegance and tropical charm, with black-and-white tiled floors and lush greenery framing breathtaking views of the Son Tra Peninsula. The atmosphere is timeless and whimsically enchanting.

For families, La Maison 1888 offers a special touch—adventure themed private dining rooms provide the perfect setting for intimate family gatherings. The rooms, designed with families in mind, offer a unique and playful atmosphere that feels like an adventure of its own, making it an ideal choice for guests with children who would like a Michelin experience. My own daughter delighted in the exquisite veal bolognese from the restaurant’s children’s menu —perhaps the most decadent bolognese she will ever have. 

Meanwhile, the Chef’s Table offers an intimate setting within the kitchen itself, where guests can watch the culinary team’s artistry unfold in real-time. Guests will be seated at a custom 10-seat table with specially designed tableware right beside the extensive wine cellar. It’s the perfect way to connect with the passion and creativity behind each dish while enjoying an exceptional meal in an unforgettable setting.

Elevating the wine experience

Speaking of wine, complementing the exceptional cuisine at La Maison 1888 is the restaurant’s renowned Wine Cellar, one of the finest in Vietnam. Boasting over 450 wines, including rare bottles like the $90,000 Domaine Henri Jayer ‘Cros Parantoux’, it’s a true treasure trove for wine enthusiasts. Awarded Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence since 2018, the cellar features selections from some of France’s most prestigious wine regions.

Leading the wine program is Amedeo Bellini, the restaurant’s Head Sommelier, whose international expertise ensures that every dish is paired with the perfect wine. Guests can indulge in the exclusive Tour de France wine-pairing experience, where sommeliers curate a selection of exceptional regional wines from across France, perfectly complementing the bold and inventive dishes crafted by Chef Christian Le Squer.

During our visit, Assistant Sommelier Toan Nguyen, who was recently recognised by Michelin for his outstanding talent, assisted us with the most thoughtful and engaging wine pairings throughout the evening. A native of Danang, Toan was honoured with a prestigious award on the same night that La Maison 1888 earned its Michelin star. 

Beyond La Maison 1888

While La Maison 1888 steals the spotlight, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort also offers a variety of dining experiences to suit every taste. Citron Restaurant serves everything from traditional Vietnamese pho to gourmet creations by renowned Chef Doan Thu, while the beachside Barefoot provides a more casual, fresh dining experience in a charming traditional fishing-boat setting. For a nightcap, head to Buffalo Bar, or sip handcrafted cocktails at The L_O_N_G Bar, known for its trendy, Instagram-worthy ambiance. 

One of the most memorable experiences during our stay was the pizza-making class with the chef at Barefoot. We had so much fun getting our hands messy as we learned the art of crafting the perfect pizza, from kneading the dough to adding the freshest ingredients. A perfect activity for food-loving families.

Another highlight of our stay was the incredible breakfast experience in the Club Lounge — we loved the à la carte menu, which features dishes like an indulgent lobster omelette, local Vietnamese classics such as bánh mì and beef phở, and refreshing homemade kombucha and sparkling wine. 

New opening: Tingara

Perched in the rainforest mountainside, at the former location of the hotel’s Club Lounge, the resort’s brand new restaurant Tingara redefines Japanese cuisine with a fusion of tradition and modern innovation. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Junichi Yoshida, the menu features bespoke omakase and reimagined teppanyaki, emphasising scent, temperature, and harmony. Impeccably crafted sushi, nigiri, and sashimi showcase the finest local and international seafood. The restaurant’s striking interior, designed by Bill Bensley, immerses diners in a cosmic underwater world, enhancing the multi-sensory experience. Tingara is currently offering a curated pre-opening menu to a limited number of in-residence guests.

Seamlessly combining nature and luxury

Of course, the food is just one reason why InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a must-visit destination. The resort spans 39 hectares of pristine landscape, offering guests an unparalleled connection to nature. Designed by Bill Bensley, its architecture makes the most of its tropical surroundings, with sweeping ocean views and lush greenery at every turn. Whether you’re relaxing in one of the Seaside Villas or enjoying panoramic views from the Club InterContinental Lounge, the sense of tranquillity is palpable.

In addition to its exceptional culinary offerings, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty. My family had the chance to embark on an early morning nature tour led by the wildlife expert during which we explored the lush jungle and witnessed some of the region’s most rare and endangered wildlife. The highlight of our tour was spotting the elusive red-shanked douc langur, a species of monkey that’s critically endangered. With over 100 species of birds and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, this truly feels like an oasis for nature lovers.

The recently renovated Mi Sol Spa features sound therapy for ultimate relaxation, while the resort’s villas and suites offer unparalleled privacy. You can spend your days lounging by your private infinity pool or exploring the surrounding natural beauty. 

Why go now? 

With its Michelin-starred La Maison 1888, exceptional culinary offerings, and world-class service, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the best of French cuisine, paired with some of the finest wines in the world. While dining is a highlight, the resort’s natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, and exclusive amenities ensure that every moment of your stay is extraordinary. Whether you’re in search of an unforgettable meal, a relaxing retreat, or a family-friendly getaway with a range of activities, this resort offers a unique combination of luxury, design, food and fun that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Bãi Bắc, Thọ Quang, Sơn Trà, 550000, Vietnam, +84 236 3938 888