A culinary treasure trove awaits those with a discerning palate and an appreciation for exquisite flavours, tucked away amid the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Living in this dynamic city has been a captivating experience for expats such as myself, not just because of the diverse and enticing culinary options that line its streets but also because of the rich cultural tapestry that permeates every corner.
Given Vietnam's historical ties to France, the abundance of eating options is complemented by a distinct French culinary flavour. I cordially invite you to embark on a gastronomic adventure with me as we visit the centre of Ho Chi Minh City from the perspective of an expat, exploring the fascinating world of French bistros that have embraced the regional Vietnamese flavours while encapsulating the essence of Parisian charm.
Every bistro on our listicle provides a different gastronomic experience, spanning the gap between two distant yet perfectly blended cultures, with dishes ranging from delicate pastries that melt on your tongue to powerful and hearty stews that warm your soul. These 8 highly-rated French bistros will fascinate and leave you wanting more, whether you're a visitor keen to sample the city's culinary offerings or an expat longing for a taste of home. Bon appetite! Main Image Credit: Hervé Dining Room Facebook Page
Truffle Restaurant
For more than four years, Truffle Restaurant—a premier fine-dining French restaurant—has been situated in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. Their objective? To offer the most delicious cuisine, the best service, and a relaxing, opulent setting to their guests.
They truly believe everyone should be able to enjoy fine dining. Their menu is always changing, tailored every two months to reflect the tastes of their guests and the changing seasons, demonstrating their commitment to excellence.
Truffle offers a wide variety of selections to suit every taste, whether you're looking for sophisticated set menus or fantastic a la carte options.But Truffle offers more than just excellent cuisine and service.
They're dedicated to continuous growth. Regular improvements are intended to improve the entire client experience, not just the appearance. Truffle, located at Landmark 81, is perched more than 300 metres above Saigon and offers stunning views that make every visit a genuinely remarkable one. Image Credit: Truffle Restaurant Facebook Page
a. 73rd Floor, Landmark 81, Vinhomes Tân Cảng, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
LE 17 Bistro
Explore LE 17 Bistro, a chic location with a modern vibe, tucked away on the second floor of the Sofitel Saigon Plaza. Located at 17 Le Duan Boulevard, this elegant bistro is named for its landmark address and welcomes patrons to savour the taste of traditional French food.
The charm of classic French cuisine is evoked at LE17 Bistro, where cooks expertly prepare classic home-style French dishes that take you to the centre of France's culinary legacy.
Start your adventure on the lounge and bar patio, perfect for digestifs and aperitifs. Enter the courtyard area, which has a hint of the classic French Gazebo charm. A private brassiere room follows the bustling main bistro-chic dining space, which is not to be missed.
One especially unique element is the private room, which is furnished to resemble a charming Provence cottage. Each space has a unique vibe that lets guests experience the magic of good French cuisine. Image Credit: LE 17 Bistro Facebook Page
a. 17 Le Duan Blvd, District 1, 700000 Ho Chi Minh City
Le Corto
Le Corto, a restaurant named for the iconic comic character Corto Maltese from novels written by Italian writer Hugo Pratt in 1967, extends a warm welcome to guests. Corto Maltese, the intrepid sailor renowned for his generosity and passion for exploration, is the inspiration behind the restaurant's design.
The enigmatic black cat owned by Captain Corto is prominently featured in the restaurant's emblem, perfectly capturing the essence of the business. Le Corto is named after a character whose food embodies a combination of Western refinement and an unquenchable wanderlust. Corto was born to a Gypsy-Romanian witch and a British sailor.
Le Corto's chefs expertly combine regional flavours with the precision of French haute cuisine to create a mouthwatering gastronomic experience. Every meal combines the excitement of novel, exotic flavours with the refinement of French culinary traditions to tell a story. At Le Corto, diners are invited to go on a culinary voyage where each taste embodies the essence of Corto Maltese's adventures. Image Credit: Le Corto Facebook Page
The Refinery
Nestled in a private courtyard, The Refinery is a delightful French brasserie and wine bar that is often underestimated. Built, created, and decorated in classic Parisian bistro fashion, this hidden gem features custom-made lighting and furniture.
Guests can enjoy the bistro's delightful ambiance, which is accentuated by its excellent furnishings and distinctive architectural accents. The spacious covered outside patio is the ideal place to unwind and enjoy the day, inviting guests to settle into comfortable couches.
Inside, visitors can take in the cosy ambience and distinctive décor of the café. The Refinery is renowned for its delicious food, which includes a range of enticing platters that are a must-try, in addition to its pleasant atmosphere.
A wonderful range of 17 Old and New World wines offered by the glass will also thrill wine connoisseurs. The bistro regularly handles wine and cuisine pairing sessions to improve dining experiences for its customers. Image Credit: The Refinery Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 74 Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
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
RuNam d'Or
Le Maison de RuNam D'Or, a lovely bistro experience in a quintessential French-style home, is situated in the centre of old colonial French Saigon. Recognised for its refined atmosphere, this classy eatery has a lovely patio with expansive views of the cathedral.
RuNam D'Or focuses on expertly prepared French-Vietnamese fusion home cooking that will entice your palate. The best Vietnamese and European wines are served in the restaurant's vast wine cellar, which it takes great pride in. For those who love coffee, RuNam D'Or sells Cafe RuNam, which is known for some of the greatest coffee in Vietnam.
RuNam D'Or is a haven for luxury seekers and gift connoisseurs, in addition to its delicious cuisine. Popular RuNam presents and coffee sets are on display in the restaurant; local businesspeople, Vietnamese visitors living abroad, and expats all admire them. Visit RuNam D'Or to discover the allure of classic Colonial France with a modern touch. Image Credit: RuNam d'Or Facebook Page
a. 3 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Lavelle Library
People, art, and environment live in perfect harmony at Lavelle Library, a sanctuary in the centre of Thao Dien. This distinctive space integrates food, creative expression, and social interaction to function as a lifestyle hub. Under the direction of the renowned Chef Thao Na, the restaurant within is a monument to creativity and enthusiasm in cooking.
The dishes that Chef Thao Na prepares showcase a tasteful blend of premium ingredients, international flavours, and traditional French techniques. Her menu features thoughtfully chosen foods that astonish and delight patrons. As one of Vietnam's most talented chefs, Chef Thao Na stands out thanks to her Vietnamese ancestry and her expertise at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme.
At Lavelle Library, diners may savour Chef Thao Na's whimsical interpretation of traditional French fare, such as her well-known beef tartare accompanied by crispy "taco" crackers or her inventive Lavelle onion soup presented in layers of freshly baked onion. Every meal is an expression of her creativity and artistry, guaranteeing each guest a memorable gastronomic journey. Image Credit: Lavelle Library Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. Tp, 12 Đ. Số 12, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
w. www.lavellelibrary.com/bistro-dining
Hervé Dining Room
Hervé Dining Room is an exquisite example of Zen style, well situated in a serene setting. Chef Hervé Rodriguez, Vietnam's only 1-Michelin-star chef, designed this unique restaurant with a live kitchen. A Michelin-starred chef's creative process is rarely revealed to diners until they visit Hervé Dining Room.
Chef Hervé Rodriguez demonstrates his dedication to using only the freshest, tastiest local foods, a testament to his love of local produce. Chef Rodriguez and his Vietnamese kitchen staff have gained notoriety in the culinary world with the motto "Many hands, one masterpiece."
The restaurant's 20-course menu, which rotates according to the seasons, is a showcase of its mastery in the kitchen, application of cutting-edge methods, and selection of the best locally produced products in Ho Chi Minh City. At the nexus of history and innovation, each dish is a blend of skill, passion, and the rich flavours of the area, guaranteeing diners an amazing culinary experience. Image Credit: Hervé Dining Room Facebook Page
a. 204/20 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
w. herve-dining-room.business.site
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