Famous for its delicious ‘pho’ (a traditional noodle soup) and strong coffee, Saigon is a must for anyone who’s curious about Vietnam’s culinary delights. One of the best things about exploring magical Saigon is eating your way through the food markets and ordering a set menu for practically nothing. Check out the 10 best restaurants across the city.
1. Noir (from USD 32.75)
No Toto, we’re definitely not in Kansas anymore. In fact, we can’t really see where we are, as this restaurant is pitch black. That’s right - you’ll be dining in the dark at Noir, which just happens to be one of Saigon’s most beloved restaurants. The idea is that when you take away sight, your other senses become more alert and you will enjoy the meal on a different level. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience! Want a food recommendation? Go for the Eastern menu.
Noir. Dining in the Dark in Ho Chi Minh City
2. Den Long
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
May your Monday be sweet and full of joy!!! _________ Come to Den Long - Home Cooked Vietnamese Restaurant and "Feel...
Posted by Đèn Lồng Restaurant on Monday, September 10, 2018
Popular Den Long is easily one of the most Insta-friendly restaurants in Saigon, with its rainbow coloured dishes and festive paper lanterns. If you love all things Vietnamese food, there’s simply no better dining spot in town. The ginger chicken hot pot, coconut shrimp salad and sweet and sour beef are some of the signature dishes, although the menu boasts hundreds of other options. Den Long is especially popular with vegans as they do amazing tofu, while the mango mojito is a must for those sunny days.
Den Long
Address: 130 Nguyen Trai, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Hồ Chí Minh 700000
Facebook: Den Long
3. Saffron
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Who knew that Mediterranean flavours would go so well with Vietnam exotica? Saffron has always been a favourite with couples visiting Saigon, as it’s got the romantic, intimate atmosphere of an Italian trattoria. Seafood spaghetti, Greek souvlaki and Moroccan chicken are some of the highlights of the menu, while guests are treated to a complimentary glass of prosecco, on arrival. All in all, Saffron offers great value for the money and is a good spot, for both lunch and dinner.
Saffron
Address: 1, 51 Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Website: Saffron
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4. La Villa French Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Celebrating a special occasion and want to add a touch of French elegance to your Saigon stay? Located in an actual colonial villa, this stunning restaurant gets rave reviews. No matter if you go for the tasting menu or prefer a la carte, La Villa is bound to impress even the pickiest of foodies. From beef tartare to sea scallops and lobster, everything is lovingly presented and filled with flavour. Plus, with desserts like mille-feuille and lemon tart with Italian meringue, there’s no skipping something sweet at the end of the night.
La Villa French Restaurant
Address: 14 Ngô Quang Huy, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Hồ Chí Minh
Website: La Villa French Restaurant
Ho Chi Minh City Tour Guide
Luan Larry
5. Shri Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
[English below] Đầu tuần thì ăn trưa ở đâu ? Thoải mái nhất là ở SHRI rồi. Không lo về nắng, không...
Posted by Shri Restaurant & Lounge on Friday, May 27, 2022
We all deserve some luxury every once in a while and Shri Restaurant is the ultimate place to indulge. Nothing beats enjoying nice food on an outdoor terrace, overlooking Saigon’s skyline. Kick off the evening with an award winning cocktail, before you discover the menu, featuring international/Asian fusion, with a Spanish touch. The lamb shank, paella and green curry always go down a treat, while the panacotta tends to be the most popular dessert.
Shri Restaurant
Address: 72 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
Website: Shri Restaurant
6. Royal Saigon
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Perhaps slightly more low key than the name implies, Royal Saigon is still one of our favourite restaurants in Saigon. Located in the busy backpacker area, they offer amazing Vietnamese and vegetarian cuisine, in a buzzy setting. Do make sure you try the braised pork, banana cake or pho bo. This restaurant is popular with families, young travellers and couples, who wish to enjoy a cheap meal without compromising on quality. Highly recommended!
Royal Saigon
Address: 40 Đặng Thị Nhu, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 00000, Vietnam
Website: Royal Saigon
7. Baba's Kitchen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Get a taste of real India at Baba’s Kitchen in District 1. Lovers of chicken tikka masala, mango fish curry and garlic naan will be pleased to find that Baba’s Kitchen is one of the best Indian restaurants in Vietnam. As a guest, you will feel welcome as soon as you enter and the friendly staff will go out of their way to make your meal at Baba’s Kitchen sensational. What’s even better is that the dishes are very reasonably priced and that it’s not too spicy.
Baba's Kitchen
Address: 164, Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Website: Baba’s Kitchen
8. Bun Cha 145
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Sometimes all it takes is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and an exquisite portion of bun cha (pork and noodles) to make your evening memorable. If it’s Saigon’s best bun cha you’re after, this is where you should head. Bun Cha 145 is a small, quirky place, so you might have to wait to get served - but trust us when we say that the meal will be worth the wait. The spring rolls and fried bananas are perfect side orders, while the menu as a whole is affordable.
Bun Cha 145
Address: 145 Bùi Viện, Phạm Ngũ Lão, Hồ Chí Minh, phường Phạm Ngũ Lão Ho Chi Minh City
9. The Garlik de Tham Restaurant
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Experience gourmet dining at its best at the Garlik de Tham, which is centrally located in District 1. Having recently moved away from European/Asian fusion cuisine to traditional Vietnamese food, this exclusive restaurant offers unforgettable meals. You can expect attentive waiters and tasty signature dishes, including Hanoi grilled fish and three-way pork. Some restaurants you don’t forget, and this is one of them…
The Garlik de Tham Restaurant
Address: 216 De Tham Street | Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: The Garlik de Tham Restaurant
10. Bep Me In
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
BUFFET BIA 99K UỐNG PHỦ PHÊ KHÔNG GIỚI HẠN 10 LOẠI BIA TỪ 99K Sài Gòn đổ nắng gắt, là thức uống giải khát hàng...
Posted by Bếp Mẹ Ỉn - Lê Thánh Tôn on Friday, March 26, 2021
Talk about authentic! Bep Me In is a hidden gem, in the heart of the bustling city, located in a small alley. It’s not hard to pretend that you’re one of the locals while enjoying traditional spring rolls and caramelised pork in this unpretentious restaurant. It’s not the cheapest place in Saigon, but the quality of the food and the “off the beaten track” atmosphere more than make up for the prices. Why not stop by Ben Thahn Market on your way to Bep Me In, as it’s located in the same neighbourhood?
Bep Me In
Address: 9 ward, 136/9 Lê Thánh Tôn, Hồ Chí Minh 700000
Website: Bep Me In
Explore Saigon's top restaurants
Eating one’s way through a city is a fantastic experience - especially when the city is Saigon where there’s so many wonderful restaurants to pick from. Time to start planning your culinary adventure.
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