Restaurant Bobby Chinn is an experience before you've even tasted the food. Located beside Hoan Kiem Lake, inside, an opulent oasis awaits of hanging rose buds, silk drapes, soft lights and candles. Modern original Vietnamese art works adorn the walls. The open-plan bar (the only Western-managed one in town) boasts a 102 cocktail menu and the electic wine cellar is one of the most well-stocked in Hanoi. Even its disabled-access toilets set a precedence! The owner, local legend Bobby Chinn may have something to do with this. Half-Chinese, half Egyptian and Californian native, his exotic flair and personality is stamped everywhere. It certainly explains the egyptian glass pipes (shisha's) and imported apple, honey, lemon or mango tobacco, to be decadently smoked on scattered cushions. If he's not entertaining loyal patrons, Bobby is found in the kitchen, creating mouth-watering cuisine. Is the food fusion Asian or fusion California? Who cares: the combination of flavours, fresh produce, divine presentation and sheer deliciousness is as good as you'll get at any good restaurant in L.A. or London.

The main menu comes under four sections: from: "Appetizers" ($4++), try the saliva-inducing almond crusted goat cheese salad; from "Sea," ($7++), try the blackened barramundi on braised banana blossoms; from "Air" ($8++), ascend to heaven with pan roasted squab breasts in port sauce. Amongst  "Land," indulge yourself with the filet mignon, creamed mashed potatoes and fire-roasted vegetables. Dining is intimate, with silk partitions, sink-without-trace cushioned seats and acoustic-sealed sound system. However, if you require more informality, prop yourself up at the bar, New York Style, and enjoy the extensive Tapas Menu ($2 a piece), featuring sticky rice dumplings filled with mung bean puree and chicken satay with peanut sauce. Or opt for the new Sushi Bar ($5 a piece).