This second location by the same owner (original on Gerrard that I've also been to) is lovely. A friend of mine who used to live in Toronto but now lives in Calgary always unites a group of us at Hanoi whenever she's in town.
My first (and honestly) only experience with North Vietnamese food is with Hanoi and it has been wonderful every time I've been there. My personal favourite is a #10 and most people at the table order it - a delicious dish served your choice as a soup or with vermicelli (I choose vermicelli) is a healthy serving of noodles, lightly coated and cooked white fish with carrots, cilantro, and I'm not sure what kind of sauce but it's delicious!!
Others have ordered the spicy chicken version of this dish and there are many variations, I've never seen anyone disappointed. We usually start with a couple of orders of the clam appetizer - also delicious served with rice cakes for getting a good spoonful.
The wine is fine and a couple of eclectic beers are on the menu. The service is always pleasant and efficient. And the price is unbelievably low - 9 of us had drinks, apps, dinner all for under $300 - including tax and 20% tip - about $35 per person. Amazing.
And the owner always remembers us and sometimes gives us a delicious complimentary dessert plate of green tea/white bean/ginger ice cream, fried bananas that is mouth wateringly tasty.
Decor is simple - there's no pomp and circumstance here - just nice people serving great food for great prices. Perfect for a group, a casual date or reuniting with great friends.