Restaurants

The Living Library Restaurant

4.5 139 reviews 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM XJ75+H6R, Rue Setthathilath, Vientiane, Laos

Discover this place

Ma Maison Restaurant - Laos is situated on Rue Setthathilath in Vientiane, housed in a historical building dating back to 1975. Originally a library, the space has been thoughtfully transformed into a restaurant and café that embraces its architectural heritage. The menu features a mix of local and international dishes, including herbal grains baguette, warm salad, tofu mushroom soup with noodles, and pesto spaghetti. Beverage options range from green latte and wheatgrass juice to traditional coffee and unique offerings like iced orange coffee. The interior includes a small garden courtyard with outdoor seating, providing a tranquil setting for both dining and relaxation. The establishment combines a casual dining experience with a fast-food concept, offering reasonably priced meals in a comfortable environment. The restaurant’s use of technology, such as an online ordering system, facilitates ease of service in a bilingual setting. Overall, Ma Maison presents a blend of culinary variety and historical charm, making it a notable stop for those exploring local flavors alongside contemporary café culture in Vientiane.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights

Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection

Popular for

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd

Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with The Living Library Restaurant before visiting.

Reviews for The Living Library Restaurant

4.5

139 reviews

100%

33%

14%

Review highlights

Based on 139 reviews

Ma Maison Restaurant - Laos is frequently praised for its unique location within a charming historical building that once served as a library, offering patrons a distinctive and relaxing ambiance. Visitors appreciate the blend of cultural heritage and modern dining, with a pleasant garden area enhancing the overall experience. The menu features reasonably priced dishes, often described as flavorful and freshly prepared, with quick service facilitating a convenient dining option. Staff members receive consistent commendations for their kindness and helpfulness, with English-speaking capabilities and digital ordering systems aiding international guests. The restaurant's atmosphere caters well to both casual meals and leisurely visits, making it a favored spot for those seeking a combination of good food, welcoming service, and a serene setting in Vientiane.

Janusz Dobkowski

Apr 22, 2025

The restaurant is located in a beautiful historical building. Looks like they built their vision and concept of the restaurant around it's history. Worth visiting. The food is good, the staff is kind and English speaking. There are a few tables in the yard where you can enjoy both food and smoke. Prices are very reasonable for what they call in their menu "fast food" (don't be mislead by the name though, these are normal meals ) and much more expensive for what they call main courses. Nevertheless, it looks like even if you are on the budget, you are able to enjoy food there.

Solo Traveller

Apr 02, 2025

I was walking by (lost as usual) when I noticed the library was actually a restaurant/cafe, so I had to stop in. I ordered the pad krapow and an iced orange coffee both came out quickly and the food was piping hot. Not a lot of english spoken but I was able to order without any problem due to their use of an online ordering system, using the handheld ipad. So I got just what I ordered, so any errors would be on me. The interior looks & feels quiet & cozy just like a real library.

C L

Mar 30, 2025

it’s so beautiful. A building built in 1975, used as a library. But transformed into a restaurant and cafe. i ordered a pho as lunch, it was 59000 kip, good price. And the staff were very nice too. I recommend this place!

Kanokwan Chansuwong

Mar 10, 2025

I didn’t order food, just wanna chilling. Love this old building with beautiful garden. Staffs are lovely.

Julia Lin

Feb 18, 2025

Lovely light lunch of great spring rolls and watercress soup. Relaxing ambiance

Sala McCarthy-Stonex

Feb 05, 2025

Beautiful venue and lovely atmosphere to escape out of the bustle of the city. Highly recommend the fresh spring rolls and matcha frappe—both refreshing and delicious.

Phim Tmvs

Jan 14, 2025

Yeah!! Great structure and decorations. This place used to be the library. Now, it is renovated and maintained to be restaurant and cafe. For coffee, it is very great one of several coffees in Vientiane. A cup of Americano coffee is 19,000kip and this price is very cheap for its taste. I then give 5 stars due to the beautiful decorations and also coffee taste. You will not be disappointed indeed.

Stephie Correa

Jan 01, 2025

Just stopped by because it was a beautiful place and I could feel the air conditioning blowing. I stopped in for a drink and treat to cool off. The service was fantastic and they take credit card too!