Tried and tested: Jovel Chan’s Top Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

After a lifetime of eating, two years of full-time blogging about Vietnam’s food and drink scene and eating at 120+ restaurants and eateries across the country - here are my top 25 restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.

Say hello to my annual guide of the top restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City!

This guide aims to spotlight the city’s vibrant and dynamic vibrant food and drink scene as well as highlight restaurants that consistently deliver top-notch flavours with a side of convivial ambience, tasteful interiors and great hospitality (of course). These are the places you’ll regularly see me happily spending my dong or showing off to my out-of-country friends, clients and family.

All concepts are homegrown and helmed by a talented group of both local and foreign culinary tastemakers changing the dining scene in Saigon. So, whether you’re a traveller, out-of-town business man or looking for new haunts in the city, I hope this guide (categorised by district and subdivided into casual and upscale dining) will help inspire your next foodie adventure in Ho Chi Minh City.

Here’s how you should use this guide:

• Restaurants are categorised by district and sub-divided into both casual and upscale dining

• $: Less than 200k for a main / $$: 200k to 350k / $$$: More than 350k for a main (all prices are in Vietnamese dong)

• Hyperlinks, full reviews (wherever available) and addresses are all provided

• All restaurants have been visited by Jovel Chan (either herself or her team) at least once in the past year (2022)

Photo courtesy of Fujiro (Source: Facebook)

District 1

CASUAL DINING

• 日本の定食 Fujiroホーチミン店 ($): Visit Fujiro during lunchtime and you’ll see droves of Japanese diners sinking their teeth into its signature Tonkatsu 豚カツ - a popular Japanese dish of deep-fried breaded pork cutlet served with rice, shredded cabbage and Japanese Worcestershire sauce. For me though, it’s the deep-fried Kaki (oysters) that keep me coming back. 8a/8b1 Thai Van Lung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Ittou Ramen ($): A hidden ramen spot located just a 15-minute walk from Saigon’s famous Japantown. Thick and chewy handmade ramen noodles served with a side of rich and flavourful broth - this Tsukemen (180k) favourite amongst both Japanese locals and foreigners is perhaps my favourite ramen spot in town. 8/8 Hẻm Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City

San Francisco Clam Chowder in a bread bowl (Source: Facebook)

• The Elbow Room Bistro ($): Opened in 2009 by celebrity chef Tristan Ngo, The Elbow Room was one of the first restaurants to serve American comfort food in Saigon. While there are many signatures on its menu that are worth mentioning such s the Reuben with pastrami with sauerkraut, a must-have for me is the San Francisco Clam Chowder in a bread bowl filled with delicious potato chunks, bacon and spring onion. 52 Pasteur Street, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City

• Dong Fan ($): Tucked away within a ramen joint, Dong Fan is a hidden gem specializing in chirashi bowls and tuna dishes, with only 12 seats available. The menu features just six items, including chirashi bowls with and without ikura or uni, and a straightforward tuna bowl showcasing various cuts of tuna. A unique highlight is their "two layers of rice" technique, where the second layer is enjoyed with a seafood broth, creating a comforting seafood congee. Served alongside are delectable sardines. These bowls start from 200k with generous portions. 8/5 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Sol Kitchen ($$): Playful Mediterranean-inspired interiors, moreish flame-kissed dishes boasting bold and fiery Argentian and Mexican flavours as well as colourful cocktails. A good value-for-money options for both lunch and dinner, Sol is an easy top choice for me. 115 lý tự trọng, Ho Chi Minh City

Duck roti with blue cheese fondue, apple, kale, spicy walnuts and finely-chopped herbs on a crisp homemade roti at Elgin (Source: Facebook)

UPSCALE DINING

• Elgin ($$): An open and airy two-story restaurant flaunting nude pink walls interspersed with bunker chair seating, floor-to-ceiling windows as well as an open kitchen where Head Chef Curtis Demyon sits at the helm. Snag a seat at the counter and tuck into the Duck roti with blue cheese (290k) and Razor clam fried rice (215,000 VND). 27 Đ. Mạc Đĩnh Chi, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Full review of Elgin)

• Lesung ($$): Led by two ex-fine dining chefs, Eden (Malaysian) and Tommy (Vietnamese), this new spot replaces white cloths with Batik to serve up authentic Malaysian flavors that pack a punch. Lesung is a love letter to Vietnam featuring time-tested recipes inspired by Chef Eden’s grandmother. From their signature dishes like the Prawn Sambal Petai, showcasing local Vietnamese tiger prawns in a fiery sambal sauce with Malaysian petai beans, to the Nyonya Lamb Curry, slow-cooked to perfection, every bite at Lesung tells a vibrant story of Malaysia's culinary heritage embraced warmly in Saigon. 72/1 Tran Quoc Toan, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

• Sakura Yakiniku ($$): Bringing 15 years of culinary excellence to Saigon since its mid-June opening, Sakura Yakiniku specializes in immaculate A5 Wagyu beef, renowned for its tender texture and rich marbling. Guests can indulge in both yakiniku and shabu-shabu options, grilling each slice of Wagyu to perfection on traditional grills. 182 Pasteur, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Photo courtesy: NOUS (Source: Facebook)

• Kappou Nishiyama Omakase ($$$): Named after chef-founder Chef Nishiyama, who has graced sushi counters of some of the top omakase spots in the region such as Singapore and Hong Kong, this hole-in-the-wall counter-style omakase spot serves traditional purist-style omakase using only the freshest ingredients imported from Japan. 144/1 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Quince ($$$): Claiming the spot of ‘Best restaurant in Vietnam (2020)’, and name-checked on the Asia Top 50 Discovery list in 2019, Quince is helmed by Chef Julien Perraudin who was awarded “Best Chef of the Year’ for two consecutive years in 2019 and 2020. Sleek and sexy interiors with an open kitchen where you can witness the action, go for the Spicy Salmon Nori Taco (200k each) and BBQ Hokkaido Scallops and Suckly Pig Belly (450k). 37bis Đ. Ký Con, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Full review)

• Ta Dining ($$$): Ta Dining offers a unique communal dining experience, where guests share a table like old friends and can watch the Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef-owner at work. Located above a sushi restaurant, the restaurant serves a maximum of 9 guests per evening, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. The menu, ranging from 1,200,000 to 1,500,000 VNĐ per person, shall impress you with its refreshing Vietnames fusion dishes. 3rd Floor, 15 Nguyen Thiep, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Assortment of grilled kebabs and meat at Ararat (Source: Facebook)

Thao Dien

CASUAL DINING

• Ararat Restaurant & Messo Lounge ($): The first Armenian restaurant in Saigon. This Bohemian al fresco restaurant housed inside a villa serves up a gorgeous Khachapuri - a traditional Georgian bread dish with a cheese-stuffed crust and an egg baked into the centre - and an assortment of delicious grilled kebabs (chicken, beef, pork and crocodile - indeed). 2b Đường số 12, Thao Dien, Điền, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

• Koryori Noshi ($): For an authentic taste of Japan without breaking the bank, Koryori Noshi comes highly recommended. This cozy establishment mainly attracts Japanese clientele (that’s how you know it’s legit!). With a menu entirely in Japanese, ordering might require a little creativity—like showing photos—but the effort pays off with dishes like Smoked Mackerel Potato Salad, Meat Tofu, and a satisfying Crab Donabe. The cozy space exudes a relaxed Izakaya-meets-Kappo atmosphere, perfect for indulging in their affordable and generously portioned meals. 31 Me Linh, Ward 19, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

• Twelve - Com Ga Hai Nam ($): Priced at 78k for a quarter-leg chicken with fragrant rice, veggies, and seaweed soup, it offers great value. The portions are generous, and the chicken itself is praised for its tenderness and lack of excess fat, complemented perfectly by two excellent dipping sauces—one spicy chili and another balanced with ginger and spring onion. The darker-colored rice is noted for its exceptional flavor, delivering that elusive "X factor" that sets Twelve apart from other establishments. 29 Quoc Huong, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City

• Chevap ($): Say hello to HCMC’s only Balkan restaurant. This cosy joint serves up classic Balkan food including Ćevapi, a traditional Balkan grilled beef dish served with handmade flatbread, fresh onion and Ajvar - a grilled eggplant and bell pepper sauce - as well as drinks. 22A01 Đường 64, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City (Full review)

• Spice Bistro ($): My top pick for casual Vietnamese food set in a tranquil outdoor space surrounded by nature. The mixed rice noodles with pork (similar to Thai boat noodles) (120k) are a must and if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the platter of grilled eel meat wrapped in turmeric leaves (190k). 32 Đường số 11, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City

FEURO (Source: Facebook)

• FEURO ($$): A delivery-only concept that gives dine-in restaurants a run for their money. The menu consists of a mix of Western, Asian and even Middle-Eastern dishes from all over. Think of your favourite dish - Perogi, yaki udon with roast belly pork and Moroccan Harissa chicken - made with fresh high-quality ingredients and expert technique and that’s FEURO. Simple yet so satisfying, my go-to is their stir-fried yaki udon with juicy roast pork belly.

• Terraviva Pizza ($$): Originating from Veneto, Italy, Chef Giorgio brings over 20 years of pizza-making expertise, evident in every meticulously crafted pie. The atmosphere exudes coziness, making it ideal for gatherings with friends or a relaxing meal away from the city's hustle. During our visit, we indulged in classics like the margherita and a veggie-filled vegan option, alongside the signature Terraviva pizza adorned with parma ham and truffle paste—truly a savory delight. The extensive wine list complements the menu perfectly. 2C Dang Tien Dong, An Phu, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City

• Mami Cocktails ($$): Known for its seductive ambiance—think neon red signage, plush velvet sofas, and a bar adorned with mahjong tiles. During their standout happy hour (second only to 86 Proof's), selected cocktails are half-price from 5pm - 8pm, drawing in patrons with a penchant for creativity and high ABV mixes. The menu complements the drinks with Asian-inspired tapas and hearty dishes like the Crispy Chicken Burger, alongside indulgent desserts like Tau Fu pudding. 97a Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City

An’s Saigon (Source: Facebook)

UPSCALE DINING

• An’s Saigon ($$): This multi-concept sanctuary tucked away in a small alley combines a spa, chef’s table, beautiful al fresco cafe and garden (where the team grows their own herbs and spices) in one space. Meaning “peace” in Vietnamese, An’s menu is a refreshing discovery of familiar Vietnamese flavours and ingredients such as fish sauce, shrimp paste and jungle leaves in subtle and simple unprecedented ways. By far one of my favourite Vietnamese haunts, An’s is helmed by the talented Chef Cuong Nguyen who is no doubt a rising culinary star. 5A Tống Hữu Định, Thảo Điền, Ho Chi Minh City

• Brix Villa ($$): Helmed by Chef Phong — ex-head chef at Quince, Brix Villa serves up a fresh menu highlighting Mediterranean-Asian flavors, prepared in a state-of-the-art wood-fired kitchen. This promises a delightful fusion of French techniques, Asian inspirations, and premium ingredients, all meant to be shared and savored in the newly expanded two-story indoor space. Featuring a striking wood-fired open kitchen, Brix Villa invites diners to experience Chef Phong’s culinary magic and the revamped ambiance firsthand. It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking innovative cuisine in Saigon’s vibrant dining scene. 26 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

• CLAY ($$): A riverside open-air casual dining concept with stunning interiors, a live DJ and a happy hour from 4 to 7 pm and 10 pm to late featuring 100k sangrias - what is there not to like about Clay? For food, I recommend pork ribs or chicken but make sure to order multiple plates to fill up your bellies. 18 Duong so 6, Phuong Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City

La Villa French Restaurant (Source: Facebook)

• La Villa French Restaurant ($$$): A cut above the rest, a meal at La Villa by Chef Thierry Mounan is more than a pleasurable treat, it’s a luxury. Housed inside a charming villa, expect white tablecloth service with an impressive cheese trolley and a variety of tasting menus (starting from VND 1.69 mil for lunch) to choose from that feature quintessentially French classics such as Duck Foie Gras terrine and Snacked Hokkaido Scallops with apple compote and sweet cider jus. Don’t miss the famous apple tart. 14 Ngô Quang Huy, Thao Dien District, Ho Chi Minh City

• Okra Food Bar ($$): This dimly-lit and sleek fine-casual 10-seater concept fronting an open kitchen and chef counter is helmed by Chef-founder Jamie Celya. The focus here is on in-season locally-sourced ingredients with an emphasis on vegetables. I recommend the Brown bourbon butter street corn and Burnt cabbage with Romesco sauce. So 10 Thao Dien, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City

Olivia Dining (Source: Facebook)

• Olivia Dining ($$$): Helmed by Chef David Green (ex-Executive Chef of two-hat Lakehouse Daylesford in Sydney), Olivia (named after Chef David’s daughter) boasts aesthetically-pleasing minimalistic country house interiors with an open kitchen, private dining room, wine cellar and crisp white tablecloths. The tasting menu is simple yet elegant and masterfully displays Chef David’s clever interpretations of local ingredients, flavour and texture, all delivered with expert technique and tasteful presentation. 31A Lê Văn Miến, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City

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