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Headers image courtesy of Foto T (via Unsplash) and The Deck Saigon
Although Ho Chi Minh has its fair share of scrumptious street food options, some days, it’s worth the splurge to dress up and take in the show-stopping views of the city from a high-end restaurant. What’s more, the city is in fact home to an abundance of excellent cuisine, perfected by chefs who have been in the industry for generations. Whether you’re feeling a candlelit dinner or a panoramic view, here we have a luxury guide to dining out in the Vietnamese capital.
Perched on the banks of Saigon River, The Deck is one of the best fine-dining spots in the city, offering a pan-Asian menu loved by tourists and locals alike. The classy restaurant is famed for its romantic riverside setting and features an alfresco space fitted with glass doors and ambient lighting, furnished by well-known local designers.
Open all day, foodies can come in the morning for the Western breakfast menu, which includes smoothies, eggs, and homemade granola, following lunch offerings which go from pan-fried foie gras to phú quốc prawn rolls. When happy hour rolls around, the fully-stocked bar serves champagnes, cocktails, and wine on special from 4 pm to 6 pm daily.
Want to go for the full top-of-the-range experience? Arrive in style by requesting a boat pick-up from the restaurant—and whilst you’re at it, add a glass of Prosecco to the mix.
The Deck Saigon, 38 Nguyễn Ư Dĩ, St, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam | (+84) 83 744 6632
If you love to wine and dine, EON51 is the place to be. Boasting spectacular views of the city and being the highest restaurant in the region (on the fifty-first floor), the venue is fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and warm mood lighting. Savour the best of international fine-dining amid sky-high panoramas for a cool evening above the clouds. Some favourites off the menu include the codfish fillet and the Australian Wagyu beef rib.
EON51, Level 50/51/52, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hải Triều, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam | (+84) 28 6291 8751
Serving both modern and traditional Vietnamese dishes, Xu Restaurant Lounge is a go-to for regional favourites, using authentic techniques. The menu consists of traditional specialities including salads, baguettes, and dishes from the wok, and welcomes cocktails at night. Dine in the ambient setting with a partner or with friends for an unforgettable evening.
Xu Restaurant Lounge, 75 Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam | (+84) 28 3824 8468
Bringing French charm to Ho Chi Minh, The Refinery Bar and Restaurant stays true to its colonial roots by serving bistro classics like steak-frites and salads. Located in Saigon’s old “Manufacture d’Opium” of 1881, the restaurant was built, designed, and decorated locally using custom-made furnishings and craftsmanship. Enjoy wine and food pairing in the secluded courtyard (which includes an outdoor terrace)—its enchanting interiors will charm and delight.
The Refinery, 74 Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam | (+84) 28 3823 0509
Frequented by celebrities and A-listers, The Temple Club is situated in a converted Chinese temple off Pasteur Street. The restaurant is housed on the second floor of the historical house, decked in significant spiritual motifs and Chinese characters. Inside the sophisticated eatery and bar, diners can indulge in the Vietnamese fusion dishes and cocktails for a modern experience—don’t forget to bring a crowd, as the tapas are great for sharing.
The Temple Club, 29-31 Tôn Thất Thiệp, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam | (+84) 28 3829 9244
One of the best parts of fine-dining in Ho Chi Minh is the spectacular views from some of the restaurants. Shri showcases breathtaking scenes from the twenty-third floor of the Centec Tower, which includes an outdoor terrace for sunset cocktails and an indoor lounge, popular amongst locals. Order a variety of drinks, tapas, and dishes from the European-inspired menu for a taste of the finer things in life—with a view to match.
Shri Restaurant & Lounge, 72 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam | (+84) 28 3827 9631
What’s a trip to Vietnam without a taste of Vietnamese coffee? For something a little hipster, L’Usine is a bit of a speakeasy, hidden up some old stairs between a laundry-drying hallway and a motorbike lot, yet once you enter, it is in fact, a sleek, polished café. From the cool 1950s tunes to the quality coffee, the venue actually has several outposts across Ho Chi Minh—but this one is the best. It’s at the corner from the Park Hyatt across from the Opera.
L’Usine, 151 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam | (+84) 28 6674 9565
Serving exactly what you’d probably guess, El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse cooks juicy meat dishes sourced from the best farms in Victoria, New South Wales, and the United States. The chain opened its first restaurant in Vietnam in 2011, and now has restaurants across the globe, including in Hong Kong, Manila, Hamburg, and Phuket, to name a few. If you’re a non-meat eater, don’t fret—there are vegetarian or seafood options, too.
El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse, 74/1 Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 100000, Vietnam | (+84) 28 3827 2090
Faye Bradley is a freelance writer based in Hong Kong, covering topics in travel, wellness, F&B, and the arts. As the editor and business development executive for Cha Siu Papers Times and Compare Retreats, Faye has experience in writing predominantly about luxury travel and well-being. With a keen eye for finding hidden gems, exploring new destinations, and tasting best-of-the-best cuisines, she continues to pursue her love for writing about travel and visiting remote lands. You can find her by the pool with a good book and a mojito in hand.
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