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

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Apr 6

Saigon’s food scene kicks off this month with some serious flavour and budget-friendly prices

From all-you-can-eat Korean buffet and Japanese sushi to a new day-to-night cool kid hangout spot helmed by leading influencers in Vietnam’s creative scene and a new vegan spot that’s all about the Kombucha - here’s what’s hot this month.

Mita 274

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Binh Thanh, Mita 274 is a sake and natural wine bar that channels the warmth of the owner’s cozy Tokyo home. With over 20 types of sake to choose from—ranging from chilled to sparkling to warm—all carefully curated by a sake sommelier, there’s something for every taste. For wine lovers, a bold selection of natural wines, including old-world bottles from Italy and France, alongside natural wines from Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. Unsure what to pick? Two sommeliers are always on hand to guide you to the perfect choice while you sip and take in stunning views of Landmark 81.

As for the food, it’s all about umami-packed plates like smoked salmon carpaccio, sake-steamed clams, and potato mentaiko salad, starting at just 70k VND. For something more filling, try the Japanese curry with rice or baguette (130k VND) or the cream cheese bacon baguette (80k VND). Don’t miss the monthly-changing sake pairing course (6 courses for just 700,000 vnd) for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Address: 135/19 Nguyen Huu Canh Street, Binh Thanh District
Opening hours: 6pm to 12am, daily
Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/mita274.gathering

SOMME Wine Bar

Set in the heart of Saigon’s CBD (we’re talking District 3) and an ever-buzzing bar scene, this new wine bar is a solid pick for your next night out. While the 70-label-strong wine list is impressive—spanning sparkling, rosé, red, and white from both classic and contemporary producers—it’s the cocktail program that caught our attention. Signature, classic and wine-based cocktails like the Serenade (red wine, Campari, Elderflower syrup and pineapple juice) for 230,000 VND.

Food-wise, the kitchen holds its own. Think Cauliflower Tempura with Szechuan aioli, Beef Tartare with sambal and egg yolk cream, Squid Curry finished with lime and Thai basil, and a richly glazed Pork Jowl with red wine jus— starting from just 95,000 VND. There’s also a well-composed cheese and charcuterie board (435,000 VND) featuring Brie de Meaux, Emmental, nduja, and enough fruit, nuts, and sourdough to make it a meal.

Come for the wine, stay for the cocktails, and don’t leave without ordering at least one plate of something snacky. This spot’s got range, and it’s doing it well.

Address: 32 Phạm Ngọc Thạch, District 3
Opening hours: 430pm to midnight (closed on Sundays)
Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/somme.winebar/

Brick & Barrel (reopening)

After months of anticipation, Brick & Barrel has reopened in a brand-new home at 64 Vo Thi Sau, bringing its signature burgers, wings, and pizzas to the heart of D1. It may have traded its rooftop for a cozier, brighter space, but the vibe is still very much classic American tavern—now with views of Ben Thanh Market and that same warm, woodsy charm.

The menu hits hard: blue cheese-drenched wings, oozy, juicy burgers, and that four-cheese pizza crust you’ll want to finish (even if you're not a pizza person). The new Koa pizza might divide opinions, but the crust? Still a knockout. And the Brick & Barrel Burger—with bacon jam and blue cheese on a pretzel bun—is an absolute must. Pro tip: Pair your meal with a 7 Bridges Dragon IPA or a Steersman Dark Horse Ale.

To celebrate the reopening, they’re running 20% off all food and 30% off drinks all weekend. Perfect for that casual night out when you want good food, cold beer, and no stress—just spicy mango chilli wings, good convos, and maybe even a surprise crème brûlée.

Address: 64 Vo Thi Sau, District 1
Opening Hours: 10am to midnight (daily)
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bricknbarrelvn

Marcel (reopening)

Marcel is back on the scene with a fresh new look and just enough attitude to remind Saigon why it fell in love in the first place. After 8 years of serving up cult-status burgers and breezy brunches, the brand has been picked up by Vietnam-based investment group OpenAsia, with Paola Michaud stepping in as General Manager to lead its next chapter.

A go-to for expats and locals alike, Marcel was once the name on everyone’s lips—but as Saigon’s café and brunch scene exploded, the buzz faded. This isn’t a comeback from failure, though. Like any iconic name, Marcel just needed the right partners to help it evolve.

Now, with a summer-inspired revamp and a menu that blends old favourites (hello again, Croque Monsieur) with cheeky newcomers like a phở burger and the bite-sized Bambino, Marcel is ready to charm a whole new crowd—without forgetting its roots. Oh, and head there before the 15th April to enjoy a burger and dessert for just 189,000 VND.

Address: 19A Ngô Quang Huy, Thao Dien, District 2
Opening hours: 9am to 10 pm, daily
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/marcelburgersaigon/

BÀ BAR

Every now and then, a place opens that makes you do a double take from your motorbike—and BÀ BAR is exactly that kind of spot. Equal parts all-day café and evening cocktail den, this new Thao Dien hangout is as stylish as it is soulful.

The project is powered by the TC Group, whose founders are as plugged into Saigon’s creative scene as it gets. We’re talking Trang from The Lab, actress and Indigo Saigon founder Bang Di, nightlife veteran Justin Chiem, stage director Le Nghia, and art designer Tony Ong. In short: it’s a dream team.

Named after the humble yet iconic áo bà ba, the name hints at a reverence for tradition—while the experience itself is anything but old-school. BÀ BAR brings together East Asian and Western European influences, serving as a café by day and a low-lit cocktail bar by night.

The menu takes its cues from Vietnamese street staples—think banh mi xiu mai and thousand-layer pâté chaud—but elevates them in presentation and flavor. Cocktails are where things get really creative: the ‘Canh Chua’ turns Vietnam’s beloved sweet-sour soup into a shockingly drinkable bestseller.

Address: 15 Nguyen Cu, Thao Dien, District 2
Opening hours: 8am to 4pm, 4pm to late, closed on Mondays
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babar.thaodien

Amavi Kom & Vegan

If you’re on the hunt for fresh, tasty, and seriously good vegan eats, Amavi Kom is your new go-to. The space is sleek, with high ceilings and plenty of room to chill, making it the perfect spot to kick back with some next-level plant-based dishes.

The bánh mì here? Total game-changer. Crunchy, flavorful, and packed with all the right stuff. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more filling, the bun rieu, bun mang, and pesto pasta will hit the spot. Plus, the spring rolls are crispy perfection, and the fried oyster mushrooms taste like they’ve come straight from the sea (but without the fish).

And the kombucha? Don’t sleep on it—it’s a must-try. Refreshing and perfectly balanced, it’s a crowd favorite, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. Pro tip: pair it with their salted coffee or a passionfruit Kom to wrap things up.

Whether you’re a die-hard vegan or just looking for something fresh and delicious, Amavi Kom has you covered. PS, grab that bánh mì, and thank us later.

Address: 61-63 Quốc Hương, Thao Dien, District 2
Opening hours: 6am to 9pm, daily
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/AmaviKomVegan/

SUSHI’O

Sushi’O in Thảo Điền is making waves with its all-you-can-eat Japanese-Korean buffet that covers all the cravings—think fresh sushi on a conveyor belt, hot pot, grilled meats, and a dessert spread that goes way beyond basic. And the best part? It’s unlimited for 90 minutes; yes, you can eat your heart out for just 299,000 VND on weekdays, making it one of the best-value buffets in the city.

The variety is solid: sushi, hot plate dishes, shabu-shabu with quality meats, salads, and even a strong drinks lineup. Add 80K for free-flow draft Sapporo, or stick to soft drinks. The dessert bar surprises with tiramisu, macarons (homemade might we add), panna cotta, donuts, and more. It’s also got the vibe to match—spacious, clean, group-friendly, and staffed by a super welcoming team.

Students, take note: from now till April 30, 2025, you get 30% off the regular 299K buffet—just 209K—on weekdays between 11am and 5pm. Bring your student ID, maybe a few friends (there are surprise group discounts too), and jump into their mini games for a shot at prizes worth up to 1,000,000VND.

Address: 115 Quốc Hương, Thao Dien, Thủ Đức City
Openings Hours: 11am to 10pm, daily
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573452266706

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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.