The New Hanoian

Having read the reviews of Le Cooperative and looking forward to some comic relief from Dan Evans, we were looking forward to the evening. Ordering food at around 7.15pm we were amazed and not to mention starved that they still hadn't arrived by 9pm (thereby missing the show..). The staff had no idea how to deal with it including the western guy there. Anyway despite missing the show we had some comic relief but not as expected. The food that did arrive for the table was apparently good, especially the steaks. We will check it out again but perhaps not if we are looking to make it to something with a timeframe!

Had dinner here before the Dan Evans show and was pleasantly surprised. The top floor, as previously mentioned is large and inviting and extremely comfortable in feel, look and temperature. The care with which it was decorated is evident in the stylized yellow and red electricity cords running along the wall in ordered rows, and braided around each other to reach the lamps. Practical art.

Our waiter gave us menus and didn't leave our sides til we ordered. The menu is large and takes some time to read through.

He had relatively little English and no French, but we managed fine. We could see other tables later in the evening had more difficulty explaining what they wanted -- for example, one table wanted to order their drinks first and then decide on the menu and couldn't get the waiter to understand that request for love or money.

Our dishes came quickly, the starters were ok (vietnamese tomato/cuke salad and an asparagus dish); the mains were excellent -- 1 sea bass and 1 beef fillet with green pepper sauce. The bill, including a very decent bottle of red, came to under 1,000,000vnd.

I gather other parties that night didn't get their food quickly and didn't get into the show on time, but when you show up at 7:45, you can't expect to be done and paid by 8:30.

I look forward to returning, with a group of friends, and enjoying the warm atmosphere and good food.

The moto park guys were also very helpful; we came in our car and they guided us to a parking space across the street (its no parking on the restaurant side) and even opened my door for me.

They support people who want to make Hanoi happen, and the chicken liver salad is first class. Dont turn-up your nose; try them!

There's nothing about the outside of Le Cooperative-not it's brick construction, not its large sized once gated entrance way(see picture)--that says "Excellent food and drink within". The area is dominated by the Sofitel Plaza so the restaurant blends in too easily with the shops on the side street, An Duong.

I would have never thought to find memorable Vietnamese cooking in the shadow of the Sofitel Plaza, but for a class reunion I attended at Le Cooperative where I met fellow schoolmates for the very first time.

The fixed menu at 200,000 a head brought a nice variety of seafood, vegetables, some meats and dessert fruit. Everything was hot, fresh and delicious. Beer was at the ready when you wanted to down another. Despite the somewhat large crowd of diners, service was prompt and it seemed the staff quite ready for larger groups.

The place has three floors and different seating areas, including a floor pillow arrangement and could comfortably handle a group of 10-12 diners.

The principal strength of Le Cooperative was the excellent cooking, spacious size of the eating area and good value for reasonably priced dining.

The evening was memorable, the food great, the beer cold and the laughter of friends--priceless.

I went here for dinner with the "Usual Suspects" last night and have to say I'm thoroughly impressed by this place.

I think the first thing that's worth mentioning about this place is it's size; it's massive. Lots of space and seating, so great for catering to large groups.

We had a set meal for 200K VND and I have to say I was amazed by the value for money we got out of this deal; the quantity of food on offer made sure that no one went home with an empty stomach.

But as we all know when it comes to food, quantity isn't everything. As far as quality went, they didn't disappoint either. The selection of dishes was really well chosen and all the food was well cooked and tasted good.

The staff seemed to cope very well with looking after so many people, but I think there might be a little room for improvement there. Nothing major, but on occasion watching them run around, I couldn't help but think of the way chickens look with their heads chopped off.

They have a large selection of drinks too, several Belgium beers a good wine list and a nice selection of fruit juices too. I had wine by the glass, and thought the price was very good. You can't go wrong at 50K VND a glass, for a nice Spanish wine.

I'll give this a solid 4 stars for now, but intend to return and could see this place gaining an extra star if it remains consistent.

A great night, with great company.