Top 15 Best Restaurants and Dining Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting culinary destinations. From luxury seafood buffets and authentic Vietnamese cuisine to romantic river cruises and hidden speakeasy bars, the city offers unforgettable dining experiences for every taste and budget.

If you’re wondering where to eat in Saigon, here are 15 of the best restaurants and dining spots you should not miss.

1. La Brasserie at Hotel Nikko Saigon

Address: 235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price Range: From VND 1,850,000

For an elegant dining experience in Ho Chi Minh City, La Brasserie at Hotel Nikko Saigon is a top choice. The restaurant features a sophisticated European-inspired interior with warm lighting and a relaxing atmosphere, making it ideal for romantic dinners and family celebrations.

La Brasserie is renowned for its premium seafood buffet, offering fresh lobster, oysters, sashimi, and a wide selection of international dishes. Exceptional service and refined presentation make every meal memorable.

2. Com 1990 Restaurant

Address: 28 Tran Hung Dao Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price Range: VND 80,000 – 200,000

If you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese food in Saigon, Com 1990 offers a nostalgic dining experience filled with traditional flavors.

The menu includes local favorites such as broken rice, pho, grilled chicken, and Mi Quang noodles. Prepared using family recipes and fresh ingredients, every dish delivers the comforting taste of Vietnamese home cooking at affordable prices.

3. Ottimo House Trattoria at LOTTE Hotel Saigon

Address: 2A–4A Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Price Range: From VND 470,000

Experience authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Saigon at Ottimo House Trattoria. Led by Chef Erick Garcia, the restaurant showcases Mediterranean flavors through expertly crafted dishes.

Signature menu items include Porcini mushroom soup, veal-filled pasta, grilled octopus, fresh salmon, and homemade desserts. The open pizza kitchen and stylish indoor-outdoor setting create a welcoming atmosphere for special occasions.

4. Mermaid Restaurant at La Vela Saigon Hotel

Address: 280 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price Range: VND 490,000 – 1,350,000

Mermaid Restaurant combines panoramic city views with a premium seafood buffet experience. Guests can enjoy freshly grilled lobster, scallops, abalone, and a variety of Asian and Western specialties.

The elegant ambiance, attentive service, and extensive dessert selection make Mermaid one of the best buffet restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.

5. Ben Thanh Princess Dinner Cruise

Address: Saigon Port, 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4
Opening Hours: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Price Range: From VND 700,000

Enjoy a luxury dinner cruise along the Saigon River aboard Ben Thanh Princess. The three-deck vessel offers elegant dining spaces, private VIP rooms, and a spacious rooftop deck with 360-degree city views.

As the cruise passes iconic landmarks such as Nha Rong Wharf and Landmark 81, guests can savor buffet or set-menu dining while admiring Saigon’s sparkling skyline.

6. Saigon Princess Cruise

Address: Saigon Port, 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4
Opening Hours: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Price Range: From VND 712,000

Saigon Princess offers one of the most romantic dining experiences in the city. The vessel blends European elegance with modern luxury, providing spectacular views of the Saigon River.

Its menu features a variety of Asian and Western dishes, seafood specialties, vegetarian options, and family-friendly selections.

7. Indochina Junk Dinner Cruise

Address: Saigon Port, 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Price Range: VND 556,000 – 750,000

For a cultural dining experience, Indochina Junk combines gourmet cuisine with traditional Vietnamese performances. The spacious three-level cruise accommodates up to 600 guests and serves more than 150 dishes from Vietnamese and international cuisines.

Live cultural performances and traditional music enhance the unique atmosphere throughout the journey.

8. Rabbit Hole Saigon

Address: 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1
Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Price Range: From VND 405,000

Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Rabbit Hole Saigon is one of the city’s most popular speakeasy bars. Hidden behind an understated entrance, the venue offers an intimate atmosphere with sophisticated cocktails and live jazz performances.

Signature drinks such as Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and Queen of Hearts showcase the creativity of the bar’s talented mixologists.

9. Angels’ Share Saigon

Address: 178/L1 Pasteur Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Price Range: From VND 360,000

 

Whisky enthusiasts should not miss Angels’ Share. Known for its stunning artistic interior and premium whisky collection, this stylish bar offers expertly crafted cocktails alongside rare spirits from around the world.

The venue also hosts jazz nights and happy-hour promotions, making it a favorite destination for nightlife lovers.

10. Noir. Dining in the Dark

Address: 180D Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1
Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Price Range: From VND 800,000

Noir. Dining in the Dark delivers one of the most unique dining experiences in Ho Chi Minh City. Guests enjoy their meals in complete darkness, relying solely on taste, smell, and touch.

The innovative East-meets-West menu and immersive atmosphere create a memorable culinary adventure unlike any other.

11. Haidilao Hot Pot

Multiple Locations Across Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: Vary by branch
Price Range: VND 400,000 – 700,000

Haidilao is famous worldwide for its exceptional service and delicious hot pot options. Diners can choose from a variety of soup bases, including spicy Sichuan, mushroom, tomato, and Thai-style broths.

Beyond the food, guests can enjoy complimentary services such as snacks, nail care, and entertainment while waiting.

12. Hoang Yen Buffet Premier

Address: Level 5, Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi Street, District 1
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price Range: VND 500,000 – 600,000

Hoang Yen Buffet Premier is a popular destination for those seeking premium buffet dining in Saigon. The menu combines Vietnamese and international cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, grilled specialties, salads, and desserts.

Its modern setting and professional service make it ideal for family gatherings and corporate events.

13. Hokkaido Sushi Sachi

Address: 180 Pasteur Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Price Range: VND 150,000 – 600,000

For authentic Japanese cuisine, Hokkaido Sushi Sachi offers premium ingredients imported directly from Hokkaido, Japan.

Popular dishes include fresh sashimi platters, Wagyu beef specialties, and Ika Soumen. Guests can also enjoy farm-to-table vegetables sourced from the restaurant’s own farm in Da Lat.

14. Manwah Taiwanese Hot Pot

Multiple Locations Across Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price Range: VND 330,000 – 370,000

Manwah brings the authentic flavors of Taiwanese hot pot to Saigon. Its signature broth is slow-cooked with herbs, red dates, and goji berries, creating a rich and comforting taste.

A wide selection of premium meats, seafood, handmade dumplings, and unlimited buffet options make Manwah a favorite among hot pot enthusiasts.

15. Yu Chu Restaurant

Address: InterContinental Saigon, Corner of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan Streets, District 1
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Price Range: From VND 600,000

Located inside InterContinental Saigon, Yu Chu is one of the city’s premier Chinese restaurants. The open kitchen allows guests to watch chefs prepare signature dishes, including authentic dim sum and Peking duck.

Its all-you-can-eat dining experience and elegant atmosphere make it perfect for business dinners and special celebrations.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving authentic Vietnamese cuisine, fresh seafood buffets, Italian fine dining, Japanese specialties, or a romantic dinner cruise on the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City offers endless culinary possibilities. These top restaurants and dining experiences showcase the vibrant food culture that has made Saigon one of Asia’s most exciting gastronomic destinations.