Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis with a rich history, busy streets, and a culinary scene that satisfies the palates of both locals and expats, lies tucked away in the heart Vietnam. For those of us who have decided to settle down in this busy city, exploring its epicurean gems is a delightful adventure.
In a city where the sounds of sizzling woks and fragrant spices fill the air, the pursuit of outstanding dining encounters assumes particular importance. I've had the honour of discovering hidden gems and appreciating the flavours that make Ho Chi Minh City a true gastronomic utopia as an expat traversing the maze-like food scene. Come along on a exciting adventure with me as we discover the top-rated restaurants that have gained not only local praise but also the affection of the expat community.
Video Credit: Mott Visuals | Hotel Video Production
From worldwide fusion dishes to classic Vietnamese treats, these restaurants offer a unique dining experience that encapsulates the spirit of this vibrant city. Let's explore Ho Chi Minh City's diverse cuisine scene and learn about the six top-rated restaurants that have made a lasting impression on the locals and expats. Main Image Credit: Quince Saigon Facebook Page
Mùa Craft Sake
Mùa Craft Sake welcomes guests into a vibrant, laid-back setting perfect for social gatherings. Ingenious cocktails and craft beers are served alongside an amazing selection of the freshest seasonal sake available on tap at the taproom.
Their main course pays homage to Vietnamese ingredients and explores the fusion of Japanese izakaya culture with Vietnamese 'nhau' in a lighthearted manner, serving up bite-sized dishes with vibrant, strong flavours.
Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating is available in Mùa's taproom, which also has a separate tasting area upstairs for private gatherings. With a dedication to quality, Mùa selects and produces the best goods, highlighting the rich history and natural resources of Vietnam.
With their freshly made sake, Mùa Craft Sake serves as a platform to express these morals and stories. Every drink and bite of Mùa Craft Sake, where guests are welcome to indulge in the blend of flavours, culture, and workmanship, tells a story of Vietnam's gastronomic richness. Image Credit: Mùa Craft Sake Facebook Page
a. 7 Lê Ngô Cát, Ward, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
w. http://muasake.vn
s. http://www.facebook.com/muasake.vn
La Villa Restaurant
La Villa is the result of Chef Thierry and his wife Tina's love and passion for cooking. This restaurant, which combines history and innovation, is a monument to the finest standards of French cuisine. La Villa delivers traditional French fine dining at its best, but they also respect traditional cuisine and methods. They break free from tradition.
The restaurant is built in a gorgeous villa surrounded by lovely gardens and a front-facing swimming pool, conveniently located in the centre of District 2. It's the ideal pick for couples looking for a quiet evening in Ho Chi Minh City because of the intimate atmosphere, which is suitable for a romantic lunch.
Given that La Villa is Thierry and Tina's residence, it is not surprising that it has a cosy, homely vibe. The seamless but flawless service is carried out so well that it nearly goes unnoticed, adding to the whole dining experience. Eating at La Villa is an experience in cuisine, a journey infused with love, devotion, and superb flavours. Image Credit: La Villa Restaurant Facebook Page
a. 14 Ngô Quang Huy, Thảo Điền, Thành Phố Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
w. http://lavilla-restaurant.com.vn
s. http://www.facebook.com/LaVillaFrenchRestaurantHCMC
Olivia Dining
Under the culinary leadership of Chef David Green, who is excited to open his first restaurant named after his daughter, Olivia promises a fresh and personal fine dining experience. Guests can enjoy a tasting menu in the dining room, which highlights the freshness of ingredients taken from Vietnam's tropical woods, seas, and rural farms, all complemented with fine wines.
Olivia, a calm haven in the middle of the disarray, is located in the Thao Dien ward. European-style furniture, light wood, and a white colour palette all contribute to the sophisticated atmosphere. Visible through a glass wall, the open kitchen lets visitors watch the cooks at work.
Asian ingredients are the main attraction in terms of food; they are expertly cooked with enticing flavours and supported by contemporary European techniques. Olivia extends an invitation to customers to embark on a culinary adventure that combines creativity, precision, and a celebration of regional produce to provide an unforgettable dining experience. Image Credit: Olivia Dining Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 31A Le Van Mien st, Thao Dien, Dist.2, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City
An's Saigon
Guests at An's Saigon bond over shared stories and fragrant cups of coffee, easily moving from being guests to beloved friends and family. The first area you'll find yourself in, The Garden, welcomes visitors every day from 07:30 and serves a selection of pastries, coffee, and tea.
Similar to the living area of the house, The Lounge skillfully combines Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Here, a beautiful blend of seasonal products and local foods results in a well-balanced culinary adventure that gives diners a genuine sense of Vietnam.
The Chef's Table, which is located close to the kitchen, offers a more private dining experience by letting visitors dine in close proximity with the chef while enjoying a carefully prepared meal in comfort and privacy.
An's Saigon Garden is inspired by the custom of Vietnamese family dinners and strives to tell tales and interact with every customer, creating a dining experience that goes beyond just eating. It's an ode to relationships and proof of the immersive experience every guest can expect. Image Credit: An's Saigon Facebook Page
a. 5A Tống Hữu Định, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
SORAE Restaurant
The Japanese words "Sora" (sky) and "E" (direction) combine to form "SORAE," which elegantly captures the idea of gazing up at the sky. With this poetic declaration, SORAE triumphantly emerges in the sky as a jewel.
Located on Level 51 of the iconic Bitexco Financial Tower, the restaurant is adjacent to Vietnam's first helipad, which provides guests with an amazing aerial perspective of the city centre from 200 metres above the earth.
Luxurious, elegant, sophisticated, and intimate, SORAE captivates the most discerning guests with every square inch of its allure. The location is lavishly decorated, giving off an air of exclusivity. SORAE is an experience as much as a restaurant.
Being the only sushi and sake bar in the area, SORAE ensures a genuine culinary experience by importing fresh fish straight from Japan and offering an excellent selection of well-known sake collections. Notable attractions include their Yakitori & Beer area and Sushi Bar, which serve delectable treats that entice the senses. Image Credit: SORAE Restaurant Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 36 Đ. Hồ Tùng Mậu, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Quince Saigon
Enter Quince, a haven of Mediterranean and produce-focused delights, where Julien Perraudin and Charlie Jones, the chefs, operate two wood-fired ovens that are the main attraction. Leading chef Julien Perraudin's new kitchen and fire-grill oven, Quince, offers a new take on Vietnamese cuisine as it makes its debut in Saigon.
Quince promises a sophisticated eating experience in a relaxed atmosphere, with the aromas of expertly prepared meals taking centre stage and the cosy charm of home cooking. Every dining experience is guaranteed to be lively and savoury thanks to the food, which is always changing with the seasons and based on sustainable sources.
Quince, which is located in a renovated colonial-style home, has a cheerful interior with bistro-style furnishings and gentle lighting to create a welcoming ambiance. With six chairs and a direct view of the open kitchen, the copper counter is the focal point of the experience. A wide variety of oven-baked, wood-fired, and charcoal-grilled delicacies are available for guests to choose from. Image Credit: Quince Saigon Facebook Page
a. 37bis Đ. Ký Con, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
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