The Story Behind Brilliant

Since 2014, we've been crafting unforgettable dining experiences on the shores of My Khe Beach. Discover our journey, meet our team, and learn what makes us Da Nang's most beloved restaurant.

Reserve a Table Explore Our Menu
10+ Years of Excellence
60+ Team Members
1,247 5-Star Reviews
15+ Awards Won
Chef Nguyen Thanh Hai, founder of Brilliant Restaurant, in the kitchen
Est. 2014
Our Story

A Dream Born by the Sea

"I wanted to create a place where the flavors of Vietnam could meet the world — where every guest feels like family and every meal becomes a memory."

In June 2014, Chef Nguyen Thanh Hai turned his lifelong dream into reality. After training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and honing his craft in Michelin-starred kitchens across Tokyo, Singapore, and London, Chef Hai returned to his homeland with a vision: to create a world-class dining destination on the pristine shores of My Khe Beach.

What began as a small 30-seat restaurant has blossomed into Da Nang's most celebrated dining destination, spanning four unique venues — the Oceanfront Grand Hall, Private Dining Room, Ocean Terrace, and Rooftop Sky Lounge — with a team of over 60 passionate hospitality professionals.

Through every season and challenge, our commitment remains unchanged: to serve exceptional food, provide heartfelt service, and create moments that guests treasure for a lifetime.

NH
Chef Nguyen Thanh Hai
Founder & Executive Chef

Our Mission

To create unforgettable dining experiences by combining authentic Vietnamese culinary traditions with international excellence, served in a stunning oceanfront setting. We are committed to using locally-sourced ingredients, supporting our community, and providing exceptional hospitality to every guest who walks through our doors.

Our Vision

To be recognized as Vietnam's premier oceanfront dining destination — a place where culinary artistry, warm hospitality, and breathtaking natural beauty converge. We aspire to inspire the next generation of Vietnamese chefs and contribute to Da Nang's reputation as a world-class culinary destination on the global stage.

Our Values

What We Stand For

Six core principles guide everything we do — from the kitchen to the dining room, and beyond.

Passion

Every dish is crafted with love. Our passion for food and hospitality shines through in every detail of your experience.

Excellence

We pursue the highest standards in every aspect — from ingredient selection to plating, from service to ambiance.

Community

We support local farmers, fishermen, and artisans. Over 80% of our ingredients come from Central Vietnamese sources.

Integrity

We operate with honesty and transparency — in our sourcing, pricing, and interactions with guests and team members.

Hospitality

Every guest is family. We create warm, welcoming experiences that make you feel at home by the sea.

Innovation

We blend tradition with creativity, constantly evolving our menus and techniques while honoring Vietnamese culinary heritage.

Our Team

Meet the People Behind the Magic

Our leadership team brings together decades of culinary and hospitality expertise from around the world.

Chef Nguyen Thanh Hai, Founder and Executive Chef of Brilliant Restaurant

Chef Nguyen Thanh Hai

Founder & Executive Chef

Le Cordon Bleu Paris graduate with 20+ years of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens across Asia and Europe. Named Vietnam Chef of the Year 2022.

Le Thi Ngoc, Restaurant Manager at Brilliant Restaurant

Le Thi Ngoc

Restaurant Manager

With 12 years in luxury hospitality, Ngoc leads our front-of-house team with warmth and precision. She ensures every guest receives exceptional service.

Tran Minh Hai, Sous Chef at Brilliant Restaurant

Tran Minh Hai

Sous Chef

A specialist in Vietnamese seafood and fusion cuisine, Minh Hai brings creativity and technical mastery to our kitchen. He joined as a line cook and rose through the ranks.

Pham Thi Lan, Events Director at Brilliant Restaurant

Pham Thi Lan

Events Director

Lan orchestrates our private events, from intimate anniversaries to grand weddings. Her attention to detail and creative vision have made us Da Nang's top event venue.

Our Journey

A Decade of Excellence

From a small beachside restaurant to Da Nang's premier dining destination — our story in milestones.

2014

The Beginning

Chef Nguyen Thanh Hai opens Brilliant Restaurant with just 30 seats and a big dream. Our first menu features 25 signature Vietnamese dishes.

2015

First Recognition

Named "Asia's Best New Restaurant" and receive our first TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. The team grows to 15 members.

2017

Expansion

Launch of the Private Dining Room and Ocean Terrace. Introduction of our international fusion menu alongside Vietnamese classics.

2019

Private Events Launch

Opened the Oceanfront Grand Hall, establishing Brilliant as Da Nang's premier venue for weddings and corporate events up to 150 guests.

2020

Resilience & Innovation

Launched takeout and delivery services during challenging times. Introduced our farm-to-table program with local organic partners.

2023

National Recognition

Named among Vietnam's Top 50 Restaurants. Chef Hai receives the Golden Spoon Award. Team grows to over 60 members.

2024

Rooftop Sky Lounge

Opened our stunning Rooftop Sky Lounge with 360° panoramic views. Won "Da Nang Best Oceanfront Dining" award.

2026

A Decade of Excellence

Celebrating 12 years of culinary excellence with over 500 private events hosted, 15+ awards, and 1,247 five-star reviews from guests worldwide.

Recognition

Awards & Accolades

Honored to be recognized by guests, critics, and industry leaders for our commitment to excellence.

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

2015 — 2026

Vietnam Top 50 Restaurants

2023

Best Oceanfront Dining Da Nang

2024

Asia's Best New Restaurants

2015

Golden Spoon Award

2020

Travelers' Choice Award

2022 — 2026

Vietnam Chef of the Year

Chef Hai • 2022

Best Value Dining Vietnam

2025
Why Brilliant

Why Guests Choose Us

From first-time visitors to loyal regulars, here's what makes Brilliant Restaurant the preferred choice for discerning diners.

01

Stunning Oceanfront Location

Dine with panoramic views of My Khe Beach — consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches.

02

Award-Winning Cuisine

Our fusion of authentic Vietnamese and international dishes has earned recognition across Asia.

03

Locally-Sourced Ingredients

Over 80% of our ingredients come from local Da Nang markets, farms, and sustainable fisheries.

04

Exceptional Value

World-class dining at prices that surprise and delight — most main courses between $12-$20.

05

Four Unique Venues

From intimate private dining to grand celebrations — we have the perfect space for every occasion.

06

Heartfelt Hospitality

Our team treats every guest like family, creating warm memories that last long after the meal ends.

Gallery

Moments at Brilliant

A glimpse into the ambiance, cuisine, and experiences that define our restaurant.

Brilliant Restaurant oceanfront dining area at sunset with elegant table setup
Oceanfront Grand Hall at Sunset
Chef Nguyen Thanh Hai preparing signature dishes in the kitchen
Chef Hai in Action
Signature Wagyu Beef Pho dish beautifully plated
Signature Wagyu Pho
Brilliant Restaurant team members smiling together
Our Amazing Team
Rooftop Sky Lounge with panoramic Da Nang views
Rooftop Sky Lounge
Guest Stories

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from travelers and locals who've made Brilliant part of their Da Nang memories.

"The story behind this restaurant is as beautiful as the food. You can feel the passion in every dish. Chef Hai personally came to our table to explain the inspiration behind our meal — truly unforgettable!"

"We've been coming here every vacation for 5 years now. The consistency is remarkable — same warm service, same incredible food, same stunning views. It's our Da Nang home away from home."

"As a food blogger, I've dined at hundreds of restaurants worldwide. Brilliant stands out not just for the food, but for the authentic story and genuine hospitality. A must-visit in Da Nang!"

FAQ

About Brilliant Restaurant

Learn more about our history, team, and what makes us unique.

Brilliant Restaurant was founded in June 2014 by Chef Nguyen Thanh Hai, a renowned Vietnamese chef with over 20 years of culinary experience. The restaurant opened its doors on Vo Nguyen Giap Street near My Khe Beach with a vision to bring world-class dining to Da Nang.
Brilliant Restaurant was founded by Chef Nguyen Thanh Hai, an award-winning Vietnamese chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris. With experience in Michelin-starred kitchens across Asia and Europe, Chef Hai brings over 20 years of culinary expertise to create our unique fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine.
Brilliant Restaurant stands out for its stunning oceanfront location on My Khe Beach, award-winning fusion cuisine that blends authentic Vietnamese flavors with international techniques, commitment to locally-sourced ingredients, and exceptional service. Our team of 60+ dedicated professionals ensures every guest receives a memorable dining experience.
Brilliant Restaurant has received numerous accolades including TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (2015-2026), Vietnam Top 50 Restaurants 2023, Da Nang Best Oceanfront Dining 2024, and Asia's Best New Restaurants 2015. Our founder Chef Nguyen Thanh Hai was named Vietnam Chef of the Year 2022.
Brilliant Restaurant is located at Vo Nguyen Giap Street, My Khe Beach, Da Nang City, Vietnam. We offer breathtaking ocean views and are just 10 minutes from Da Nang International Airport, making us easily accessible for both locals and international visitors.
Brilliant Restaurant employs over 60 dedicated team members including chefs, waiters, bartenders, event coordinators, and management staff. Many of our team members have been with us for 5+ years, reflecting our commitment to creating a supportive and rewarding workplace.
Yes, we are committed to supporting local communities and sustainability. Over 80% of our ingredients are sourced from local Da Nang markets, Central Vietnamese farms, and sustainable fisheries. Our seafood is caught daily from local fishermen, and our herbs and vegetables come from organic farms in the surrounding region.
Our mission is to create unforgettable dining experiences by combining authentic Vietnamese culinary traditions with international excellence, served in a stunning oceanfront setting. We are committed to using locally-sourced ingredients, supporting our community, and providing exceptional hospitality to every guest who walks through our doors.
Experience Brilliant

Ready to Become Part of Our Story?

Join the thousands of guests who've made Brilliant Restaurant part of their most cherished memories. Reserve your table today.

Reserve Your Table