New restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City to check out this December

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Dec 1

This month’s hottest openings have something for everyone. Dive into Mediterranean flavours and organic wines at Ôliuu, explore first-of-its-kind meatless yakiniku at Yakiuo, or sip inventive cocktails from an award-winning bartender duo at SAVOR Cocktail Club. Craving sweets? Don’t miss the quirky “NOT TOMATO” bakes at This That, brought to you by the fun-loving Korean team behind Pigmakers Company.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, check out Vietnam’s first-ever food and drink retail tasting space. The Sip Saigon: Vietnamese Craft Spirit tasting offers a tasteful selection from its menu of over 30 Vietnamese craft spirits, fruit liquors, and wines—all curated to perfection at its cosy District 1 - perfect for wowing friends, family, and visitors in Vietnam.

As and always, happy dining, Saigon!

Yakiuo Ishikawa

Say hello to Yakiuo, Saigon’s first-ever meatless yakiniku spot by Lanh, the talent behind Maguro Studio and Shoku. Nestled near Saigon’s Japan Town, Yakiuo brings the magic of Tokyo’s Tsukiji market to life, treating seafood with the kind of reverence typically reserved for premium meats.

The star of the show is the Premium 7 Kinds Yakiuo 🌊, a stunning platter of seafood perfection grilled tableside by Lanh himself, who performs each torch-touched piece with meticulous flair. For a full dive into indulgence, the 1,900,000++ Umami Course 💫 is a seafood lover’s dream—think corn-seafood soup, fatty tuna steak, black miso cod, and pristine sashimi. The crispy fried puffer fish, refreshing cold noodles, and zesty yuzu cheesecake cap off the meal in style, while the Uni + Ikura Donburi with creamy uni, rich ikura, and buttery otoro bluefin tuna is an absolute showstopper.

Sip on floral Junmai Daiginjo 45 🍶 served in an ingenious Mount Fuji-inspired glass as you soak in the spectacle. With Yakiuo, Saigon gets a whole new take on yakiniku—deliciously inventive, utterly unique, and unforgettable.

Address: 38 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yakiuosaigon

Rokusho

Get ready, Saigon—award-winning Japanese concept Rokusho (緑青) has landed in District 1, bringing Tokyo vibes straight to your plate. With locations in Los Angeles and Tokyo, their first Vietnam outpost is serving up traditional Japanese techniques with a bold, modern twist. Think authentic, but make it fun, fresh, and seriously impressive.

To kick things off, think of appetizers like Tuna Yukke, Agedashi Tofu, and Steamed Clams in Sake. Sushi lovers, brace yourselves—the Sushi Moriawase is a masterpiece featuring pristine cuts like Ebi (prawn), Hirame (flounder), and Buri (yellowtail). And let’s talk Temaki (hand rolls)—options like Negi Toro (tuna), Kani Ikura (crab and salmon roe), and the luxe Salmon Ikura (salmon and roe) are the kind of bites you’ll dream about.

Address: 2 Thi Sach, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/rokusho.sg

SAVOR Cocktail Club

Saigon’s bartending dream team is stirring up a storm at SAVOR Cocktail Club, led by Ngoc Vu of the award-winning Enigma Mansion and Lam Duc Anh from STIR Saigon (Asia’s 50 Best). Taking over a spacious first-floor spot on Bui Thi Xuan, this new cocktail haven blends the creative genius of two of Saigon’s pioneering bars, set right in the heart of the city’s buzzing tourist strip.

The menu is just as impressive, structured like a sophisticated dinner experience with cocktails as the star. Start with “appetizers” like the fruity, zingy Peach, Please or the clever drinkable Fruit Salad. Move on to full-bodied “mains” like the Santorini Breeze, and finish with indulgent dessert-inspired creations like the creamy Choco Sherry or the bold Coffee Tini. And if that’s not enough to draw you in, a live band by the door sets the perfect vibe to sip and savor.

Address: Level 1, 60 Bui Thi Xuan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/savor.sgn

This That Bakery

Get ready to swoon over This That, the latest brainchild from Korean food and beverage group, Pigmakers Company—the same crew who’ve already wowed us with their quirky, Instagrammable concepts I Hate Monday and Dotori Dining. Now, they’re bringing their magic to Thao Dien (home to all their concepts in fact) with their first-ever bakery that’s sweet and full of vintage charm (just in time for Christmas!).

Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a retro dream—think white shelves stacked with goodies, exposed brick walls, and playful drawings that give the space a whimsical edge. The menu? An absolute vibe. From flaky croissants to decadent cakes, it’s all about blending classic baking with a cheeky, modern twist. Oh! And, don’t miss the NOT A TOMATO (yep, it’s as fun as it sounds).

Address: 8 Đ. Đặng Hữu Phổ, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: https://www.instagram.com/thisthat.bakerycafe/

Oliuu

Ôliuu isn’t just a bistro—it’s a vibe, a mood, and your new neighbourhood spot all rolled into one. Think Mediterranean flavors served in a space so vibrant it feels like stepping into a candy store from playful splashes of color to walls that double as art galleries,—except this one’s got better taste, soulful art, and a killer wine list paired with dips, grills, desserts and more.

The menu? Pure joy on a plate. Start with dips like the creamy Homemade Yoghurt Tzatziki (110k) or the bold Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus (140k), and work your way to hearty grills like Marinated Chicken Thighs (150k), juicy Kofta (200k), or indulgent Grilled Lamb Racks (260k). Seafood lovers, the Octopus Chimichurri (320k) is calling your name. Fancy a classic? The Shakshuka (120k) is here to comfort your soul.

Pair it all with a wine list that’s got something for everyone—reds, whites, rosés, sparklings, and even organic sips. Or, if you’re not a wine person, cocktails (from 150k) here are just as tempting, with all the classics like Negronis, Whisky Sours, and Margaritas done right. Whether you’re here for the hummus, the vibes, or a cocktail-fueled escape, Ôliuu is the playful dining experience you didn’t know you needed—but won’t be able to stop talking about.

Address: 56 Pham Viet Chanh, Bình Thạnh, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: https://www.instagram.com/oliuu.creativebistro/

Saigon Social: first-of-its-kind retail tasting space

Saigon Social is the brainchild of food writer and Travel + Leisure SEA Tastemaker Jovel Chan, who’s spent four years diving into Vietnam’s vibrant culinary, cocktail, and craft scene. Inspired by her successful Saigon Supperclub—a 400-member foodie community featuring pop-ups with rising chefs like Ta Dining’s Chef Thach and MasterChef Vietnam’s Chef Tri—Jovel is leveling up with a game-changing concept.

Say hello to Vietnam’s first-ever food and drink retail tasting space. Located right next to Saigon Centre, don’t miss the ‘Sip Saigon’ tasting experience that offers a rotating selection of over 30 Vietnamese craft spirits, fruit liquors, and wines. Think award-winning rums, locally distilled gins, and even Vietnamese sake and makgeolli. The space also hosts cool workshops and events where you can sip, learn, and mingle with Vietnam’s top makers. According to Jovel, it’s all about creating a platform to spotlight rising talents and products.

Bottom line? If you’re looking to impress your friends visiting from oversea, a fun group activity or looking to pick up truly unique gift, Saigon Social is where it’s at.

Address: Level 2, 70 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: https://www.instagram.com/saigon.social

Casinha

Get ready to swoon, Saigon, because Casinha has landed in District 3, serving up all the buttery, flaky goodness your carb-loving heart desires. This super cute and cozy little spot is the city’s first Portuguese gem, bringing "Breakfast in Lisbon" vibes to your mornings (and anytime cravings). The star of the show? Freshly baked Pasteis de Nata—those golden, creamy custard tarts that are basically sunshine in pastry form.

But don’t stop there—treat yourself to other Portuguese classics like Pão de Deus (a heavenly coconut-topped bun), Bolo de Arroz (sweet rice flour muffins), and the pillowy soft Travesseiros. Bonus? They’re running a sweet deal: buy two, get one free. Oh, and the best part? You don’t even have to leave your couch—Casinha is now on Grab. Homemade Portuguese pastries delivered straight to your door? Run, don’t walk.

Address: 154 Nguyễn Dinh Chieu, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: https://www.instagram.com/casinha.vn/

Bon for Bowls

Say hello to Bon for Bowls, the fresh new hotspot from the legends behind Merci Marcel, and they’re here to shake up Saigon’s healthy-eating scene! Imagine health-conscious bowls loaded with ingredients straight from the lush, green farms of Da Lat—so fresh you can taste the goodness in every bite. And they didn’t just ease into it; they went all in with bold debuts in both District 1 (opening in a month) and Thao Dien. Talk about efficiency!

The menu? Tuck into signature creations like the Bon Bon Bowl with pearl barley, miso ginger chicken, sage & orange butternut, Sichuan roasted cauliflower, cashew bomb, and pickled red onions for just 160k. Or keep it local with the Bún Cha Ca La Vong, featuring tomato salad, Sichuan roasted cauliflower, avo & herb yogurt, and Asian slaw for 140k.

Feeling creative? Build your own bowl and make it your masterpiece. Start with bases like brown rice or kale Caesar, add proteins like sea bass ceviche or garlic shrimp, and finish with sides ranging from Greek salad to the fabulous Korean mac & cheese or Sichuan roasted cauliflower. It’s fresh, fuss-free, and totally customizable, it’s the perfect go-to for balancing all those festive treats.

Address: 20 Tong Huu Dinh, Thao Dien, District 2
Contact: https://www.instagram.com/bonforbowls

RŌNIN Izakaya

Joining Saigon’s growing number of rooftop bars is RŌNIN Izakaya atop 13 Pasteur Street. With neon lights, swaying lanterns, and a yakitori grill sizzling away, this rooftop izakaya feels like a love letter to Neo Tokyo, splashed across Saigon’s concrete jungle. It’s where founder Linh, the mastermind behind Saigon Outcast, brings his story full circle: part wanderer, part outcast, now creating a haven for all the cool kids who just don’t quite fit in.

Teaming up with Khoa—hospitality’s golden boy who’s left his mark on ROGUE, Pasteur Street Brewing, and FUME—this duo has created a space that’s equal parts edgy and welcoming. With panoramic views, glowing lanterns, and beats that hit just right, RŌNIN is where you come to escape, mingle, and feast.

And oh, the food! Think MOMO YUZU KOSHO, juicy chicken thigh nuggets with a zing of yuzu chili salt, or crispy TORI KARAAGE that’ll have you reaching for another frozen mug of Sapporo (trust us, one won’t cut it). Add a classic Lemon Sour to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a rooftop party with a side of sushi and skewers.

Address: 13 Pasteur Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/theizakayaronin

Vesou

Tucked away in the alleys of Nguyen Trai Street, Vesou is rewriting Saigon’s drinking playbook with its love letter to rum. Founded by Remy—a French IT project manager turned rum aficionado—this cozy spot is home to over 350 bottles from around the globe, each with a story and a flavor that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about rum.

The cocktails here? Absolute fire. Hảo and Vương are behind the bar, crafting everything from bespoke drinks to classics like the Ti’Punch that’ll have you rethinking your go-to order. Meanwhile, Đại’s got the charm game locked down, making sure you feel like a VIP as you sip your way through the rum spectrum. Bright whites? Deep, smoky aged rums? Vesou’s got it all—and then some.

But this isn’t just a bar; it’s a full-on rum love affair. Remy’s obsession with the spirit started in French Guiana, and now he’s bringing that passion to Saigon, showing everyone why rum is more than just a party drink. Every bottle’s got a story, every sip’s got a vibe, and if you’re lucky, Remy might just drop some cocktail trivia on you (ask him about the Cable Car).

So, if you’re over your usual vodka soda and ready to step into the rum life, Vesou’s the place. Killer cocktails, great vibes, and a team that knows their stuff—what’s not to love? Cheers to that! 🥃

Address: 150/7/3 Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565891333676

Hungry for more? Check out my tried-and-tested guide to the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

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Hi, I’m Jovel Chan, a Singaporean food and drink blogger and F&B consultant📍Ho Chi Minh City.

Over the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of dining in more than 150+ restaurants across Vietnam and judging multiple competitions. Here, I share the industry through my eyes and I hope it inspires you to discover, learn and explore Vietnam’s exciting food and drink scene.