The Grab driver drops me off in My An, a neighborhood I had rarely explored. On a quiet street, framed by French-inspired rooftops and intricate windows, I find Le Comptoir. It is understated, bistro-like, and unmistakably French yet it belongs here, in Da Nang.

Though it sits a little removed from the bustling city center, distance has never deterred its guests. Night after night, Le Comptoir welcomes diners from Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, and beyond, all seeking a taste of world-class French dining on the central coast.

Executive Chef Olivier greets me with his trademark mischievous smile. Sliding into a booth, he begins to tell me the story

The Beginning of a Legacy

“The story of Le Comptoir didn’t start with a grand plan it was fated. Myriam was invited to Danang as the first chef sommelier of the Intercontinental Peninsula, and I came along as the lucky partner, ready to be spoiled. That lasted about… two weeks.

Back in 2017, Danang was still a sleepy coastal town, but I could taste its potential. Wandering the markets, feeling the city’s energy, I knew this place was ready for something new. I found the perfect spot, and together with Myriam, we built Le Comptoir. What began as chance became history and home”.

Today, Le Comptoir has earned and maintained its Michelin Selection through 2025, standing as a cornerstone of fine dining in central Vietnam. Its mission is simple yet ambitious: to bring French culinary artistry beyond resort walls, anchored in quality, authenticity, and humility.

Even its name, Le Comptoir “the counter” is personal. It recalls Olivier’s childhood meals with his late father in Lyon, often perched at the last counter seats available. From those early moments of wonder to his present role in Da Nang, the counter has been his compass.

Beyond Le Comptoir, Olivier is also co-founder of The Gypsy, a rooftop bistro serving Mediterranean cuisine, further cementing his role as a key figure in Da Nang’s evolving food scene.

Behind the Counter

Inside, the restaurant hums with quiet preparation. Deliveries arrive not only for the kitchen but also for the adjoining deli, L’épicerie du Comptoir. Beloved by expats and locals alike, it offers artisanal bread, imported cheeses, and fine charcuterie.

The wine program, curated by Myriam and her team, is no less impressive. Recognized with the 2025 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, the cellar ranges from boutique natural labels to a 2015 Château Lafite Rothschild, priced at 52 million VND. It balances accessibility with ambition, inviting both casual enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs to explore.

In the kitchen, Olivier’s brigade of young Vietnamese chefs works steadily across hot pass, cold pass, and pastry. He observes closely, correcting firmly yet laughing often. He quips

“Bread, cheese, wine. The three pillars of French survival.”

But for Olivier, mentorship is just as important as cuisine. Many of Da Nang’s rising chefs trained under him, learning not only technique but also confidence. “Cooking is easy to teach,” he says. “Believing in yourself that’s harder.”

The Culinary Artistry

Le Comptoir’s menus change with the seasons, drawing on organic farms in Da Nang, vegetables from Da Lat, and artisan products from Mộc Châu. Select proteins duck liver, black cod, beef are sourced from France, Japan, and Australia.

During my visit, three dishes captured the essence of his culinary philosophy:

• Le Macaron de Saison – rhubarb sorbet with nitrogen-frozen rose petals, playful and poetic.
• Dry-aged pigeon breast – paired with cacao nibs, chocolate, beetroot, and raspberry purée, bold and surprising.
• Charred black cod – served with chicken beurre blanc, miso glaze, and Baeri caviar, balancing richness with restraint.

Olivier
“Food should be delicious, yes. But it should also tell a story.”

The Legacy in Motion

Born in Lyon, Olivier carries his city’s culinary DNA into every dish. At Le Comptoir, guests can choose between a six-course tasting menu (1,890,000 VND/~72 USD) or eight-course menu (2,490,000 VND/~94 USD), complete with expert wine pairings, or dine à la carte.

Admittedly, prices sit at the higher end of Da Nang’s dining spectrum. Yet dining at Le Comptoir is more than a meal it is an experience of French craftsmanship infused with Vietnamese generosity.

Seven years on, Le Comptoir is more than a restaurant. It is a community table, a training ground, and a symbol of how far Da Nang’s food scene has come. Olivier may have brought Lyon’s spirit with him, but what he is building in Vietnam belongs entirely to this city. As he looks toward the future, one thing is clear: Olivier is not only serving guests. He is shaping Da Nang’s next generation of chefs one counter seat at a time.

Le Comptoir – French Restaurant Danang
Address: 16 Che Lan Vien, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang
Tel: 0708040560
Website: https://lecomptoirdng.com/