The new kid on the block, Coucou brings a playful mishmash of modern Asian flavours to Saigon, drawing inspiration from Thai, Japanese, Singaporean and Malaysian cuisines. Taking over the former Extraordinary wine bar, this chef-led concept offers a refreshing departure from the city's modern Vietnamese dining narrative.

But is Saigon ready for something this different?

Muội is quietly redefining the idea of a modern Vietnamese wine bar. Intimate, confident, and refreshingly unfussy, it sits comfortably between fine dining and casual chaos. Read on to see why this low-key newcomer is already finding its footing in Saigon.

Chef Khang, best known for his smoked brisket pho at Roast and Smoke, is back—this time reimagining pho at his newest venture, Chị Mơ. Here, you can mix and match soup bases and even pair your pho with cocktails. Too bold? Only one way to find out.

No, ‘NAMO is not new. From Neapolitan pizzas to Tuscan steaks, now it’s back as ‘NAMO Modern Italian & Grill, mixing Italian flavors with top-notch Vietnamese ingredients. Tucked above L’Usine, it’s sleek, moody, and made for good vibes. After all these reinventions, is this the best one yet?

Tucked away down a small alley in Thao Dien, Pingu is proof that fast food doesn’t have to be junk food. With top-notch ingredients, no seed oils, and burgers that let the beef do the talking, this hidden gem in Thao Dien is worth the hunt.

Upstairs by Long Tran and Chef Truong Hiep is redefining modern Vietnamese cuisine with an intimate 11+1 course tasting menu.

Located above Little Bear, the minimalist and intimate space highlights dishes like wagyu Goi Bo Ca and oyster ice cream with beetroot salad, offering an experience that’s already generating buzz in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mien Saigon’s had a major glow-up, ditching its old Euro-fusion vibe for a fresh mod-Viet approach with a revamped menu, new dishes, and an updated look. But the big question is—will it be better than the last?

With its top-rate quintessential Italian fare, Opera at the Park Hyatt Saigon has earned a spot on Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Restaurants list two years in a row—so yeah, it’s one of the best brunch spots in Saigon, hands down. 

Antica Dining, the new kid in Thao Dien, has moved into Vintage Emporium's old spot.

It keeps the same cosy vibes, motorbike parking, and private pool, but with a fresh, lighter look that says, "I'm grown-up, but still fun."

I'll admit, this isn't my usual Omakase experience.

As a purist, the idea of a flashy, experimental twist had me sceptical. But when the invite to Yuzu Omakase came, I couldn't resist. With gold dust, fire theatrics, foam, and being the third outpost of an award-winning international brand, how could I say no?

If Banana Mama was the fun, flirty rooftop for selfies, Papaya Papa is its sleek, sophisticated older sister. The same team is behind it, but they've elevated everything—from the chic interiors to a menu that makes you forget it's a rooftop bar.

Stepping up its culinary game with a new Head Chef, The Brix is redefining itself beyond its reputation for Sunday Aperol Spritzes by the pool, lively happy hours with DJ beats, and classic Eggs Benedict breakfasts.

Step into FIREWORKS, a modern Vietnamese hotspot in Saigon, where Chef Andy Cao (ex-Zuma, Gordon Ramsey and Eleven Madison Park)’s culinary magic meets buzzing vibes and bar-tertainment

NP Bistro blends Italian and Vietnamese flavors crafted by Chef Nghiem Minh Duc. With an Indochine-inspired ambiance and open kitchen, the restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Newly-opened Yeshi is serving up tasty Taiwanese street food flavours with a modern twist by the acclaimed chef Anais Ca Dao van Manen.