Top restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City: best restaurants for the culinary enthusiast

If you’re planning a visit to Vietnam and wondering where you should dine, you’ve come to the right spot. Your introduction to the top restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City starts here – where lively street dining blends with upscale experiences, and classic Vietnamese flavors are reimagined with modern flair. From a night out on the town to that hidden neighborhood gem you’ve heard about, Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) won’t let you down.

This is not a tourist list – it’s about places that locals love, expats keep returning to again and again, and travelers just rave about. Ho Chi Minh City restaurants are one thing that makes this city so wonderful, and if you have half the foodie zeal that the locals have here, you’re in for something very special.

What makes Ho Chi Minh City a foodie destination?

There is magic in eating in Ho Chi Minh City. Maybe it is the energy and the noise, maybe it is the constant scent of something frying on the street. But beneath the traditional phở and bánh mì stalls, there is a quickly evolving scene of local chef-driven and internationally influenced restaurants.

Ho Chi Minh City’s dining scene is both Vietnamese and international in flavor. From fresh spring rolls in the lighted alleys or sushi on the roof looking out at the skyline, each bite tells a tale. And the good news? Good eats are all around. You don’t have to spend much money – though if you want the luxurious kind, Ho Chi Minh City has that too.

Best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City for a memorable meal

So where do you even go? Today let’s talk about the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City – places that bring the flavor, the atmosphere, and that all-important “wow” factor.

Fine dining restaurants that have multi-course menus and wine pairings are found next to street stalls that have one item that they prepare so well that the item itself acquires legendary status. The best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, are located on narrow side streets or busy boulevards, yet all are well worth looking for.

Quince and Anan Saigon have brought Vietnamese food into the global limelight in recent years. While Quince serves up European-style dishes made from locally sourced materials, Anan reinvents street foods in the fashionable ambiance of the rooftop.

Other restaurants that continue to get mentioned in the foodie community? Pizza 4P’s (yup, pizza in Vietnam – believe us, it’s on another level), Propaganda (cheery, vibrant, and perfect for that first bite into new-school Vietnamese), and Cuc Gach Quan (warm, charming, and perfect for relaxed, mellow dining).

Looking for a romantic restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City?

If you’re planning date night – or treating yourself to a special dinner – Ho Chi Minh City boasts many romantic restaurants from which you can choose. Picture fairy lights, warm atmosphere, soft lighting, and menus ideal for lingering.

A favorite among couples is The Deck Saigon. Situated on the riverside in District 2, there’s a laid-back, almost tropical vibe. Having dinner here while watching the sunset, complete with wine and fresh seafood on the side, is special. If you want something even more low-key, try Noir – Dining in the Dark. It’s dinner, and so much more – something you’ll never forget – and perfect if you want something that’s a little out of the ordinary.

Other good options? Secret Garden and the Rooftop Social Club, both with views and atmosphere and the kind of meals that make the evening into a memory.

Ho Chi Minh City’s local gems and hidden favorites

While Ho Chi Minh City does have its high-end side, the charm of the city truly lies in the neighborhood bars. These are the ones that don’t necessarily make the tourist map but have lines around the block and regulars for a good reason.

Check out Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền for broken rice served up with grilled pork so good that locals will drive all the way across town for it, or Bún Thịt Nướng Chị Tuyền for rice noodle dishes topped with grilled meat, herbs, and fish sauce. Quick and simple, yet so satisfying.

And for something sweet afterward, have a seat at Che Khánh Vy for a bowl of chè—a classic Vietnamese dessert soup that includes coconut milk, beans, and jelly. Alternatively, visit Maison Marou for arguably the finest chocolate in the nation.

These restaurants don’t necessarily have the look of being flashy, but they represent the essence of Ho Chi Minh City restaurants where authenticity reigns.

New trends and creative spots

Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary scene evolves all the time. New restaurants keep popping up annually with bold ideas, innovative concepts, or innovative fusions. That’s what keeps things new.

More chefs are blending international styles and Vietnamese ingredients. Korean-Vietnamese BBQs, plant-based noodle restaurants, or restaurants where the menu changes based on what the markets have that morning are just a few examples.

A place you need to visit is Hum Vegetarian. You don’t even have to be plant-based because you will be blown away by the creativity and satisfaction of their dishes. It’s serene, health-focused, and absolutely gorgeous on the inside.

There’s Clay Saigon, the newcomer that dishes up honest seasonal fare in tranquil, upscale surroundings. It’s just one of the numerous new restaurants that are redefining the dining landscape in the city and demonstrating that the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City are constantly reinventing themselves.

What you should know before you go

A few quick tips before you dive into the culinary scene:

Reservations: Ho Chi Minh City’s finest restaurants book up quickly, particularly on the weekends. It’s wise to book in advance.
Cash or card: Restaurants accept cards, but there are also places that are cash-only.
Tipping: Not obligatory, but a welcome gesture—particularly in higher-end establishments.
Opening hours: Ho Chi Minh City restaurants don’t operate on the usual 9–5 beat. Some open late or close between the lunch and dinner hours, so plan ahead.

And most importantly—experiment. You won’t know what all the ingredients are or what all the dishes are called, but half the fun is the discovery.

Conclusion

Whether you’re there for the weekend or for longer stretches, the dining will be among the things that you remember most. There’s something for everyone – simple street food or romantic restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City that have beautiful views. You’ll eat well if you’re in the mood for something upscale or just looking for the best noodle bowl around.

Ho Chi Minh City’s top restaurants are as fast-paced as the city itself: quick, delicious, and full of surprises. And while the list of best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam grows longer by the day, one thing’s for sure – you’ll never go hungry.

So bring your hunger and your curiosity. Ho Chi Minh City awaits to feed you something you will never forget.

Whether you’re flying into Vietnam or going elsewhere in Southeast Asia, don’t forget to visit Fast Onward Tickets and book your onward ticket so you can travel without any worries.