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.

Nestled in a quiet alley off bustling Pasteur Street in District 1, House of Merlin (HoM) is a hidden gem in Ho Chi Minh City's nightlife. This spot offers more than drinks; it’s a steampunk adventure brought to life through cocktails crafted by Head Bartender Thanh and Co-Founder Nguyen

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.

There is a new king of steaks in town. Nestled in the centre of District 1, this is the place to go for the finest in steak, service and downright sexy ambience.

An Umeshu-focused Japanese tapas bar with over 100 varieties of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic plum wine opens in Saigon’s “Little Japan”.

Sono Grill & Bar, another recent addition to Saigon’s increasingly crowded District 2 restaurant scene, self-identifies as a lifestyle concept where “flavour meets sound.”

Since its opening in August 2022, Elgin has fast become a favourite of mine (and many others around me). In a city no short of new restaurant openings on the regular - what keeps me coming back to Elgin? I can’t quite put my finger on it but it’s the vibe, food, atmosphere - a certain je ne sais quoi.

TRE Dining, recently opened in Saigon’s famous Thao Dien neighbourhood and named after the ubiquitous bamboo trees of Vietnam, is quietly making its presence felt in the local dining scene. Although, I don’t expect this to be the case for much longer.

Your next date night sorted. Say hello to Okra Foodbar, a dimly-lit, sleek and sexy 15-seater hotspot with an open kitchen and chef counter helmed by Chef Jamie Celaya (ex-Chef de Cuisine at Park Hyatt Saigon and ex-Head Chef at Quan Ut Ut).

Tucked away in a quiet street is one of the most talked-about restaurants at the moment, LỬA. While it aims to be an unassuming casual establishment, its food and wine output are anything but.