Ho Chi Minh is the largest and most populous city in the country, and it is also the economic capital of Vietnam.
Because of the large number and wide diversity of people living in the city, there are several different cultures and traditions on display.
That is perfect for someone like me who loves to taste different kinds of food, and Ho Chi Minh does not disappoint, with the number of great restaurants available.
It can be difficult though, navigating through the huge city for the best eating spots. Well, that’s what I’m here for, to give you a full and comprehensive list of the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
This guide covers the best traditional Vietnamese cuisine, continental dishes, seafood, desserts, vegan, and street food. It has something for you no matter your budget plan or food preference.
Before you dive into this list, there’s much more to Ho Chi Minh than just food, and you should definitely go check out what to see in Vietnam.
Best Affordable Western Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
The Hungry Pig – The Best Bacon Bun in Town
Wanna get your pork on? Then where else is there to go than to the Hungry Pig. Everyone loves bacon and there’s tons of bacon in this restaurant.
You could try one of their sandwiches like the Notorious P.I.G., or you could even try to create your own meat-stacked sandwich.
Any way you go, you’ll be living here stuffed with porky goodness. And after such a huge stuffing, you will need some relaxation, so why not go for a Vietnamese massage.
Location: 144 Cong Quynh Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam
The Olive Steakhouse – For Steak Lovers
The Olive Steakhouse provides food made from the freshest ingredients in a cozy and comfortable environment. They have only 32 seats in the whole restaurant so you can be sure of some good service as well as a great atmosphere.
They sell steaks, pasta, fillet mignon, and many other dishes and sides at a cheap price. Great food and excellent service are what make this steakhouse so good.
Location: 102/7 Cong Quynh Street Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam
Lush Burger – As Big a Burger You Could Find in Vietnam
Craving a wholesome burger in Saigon? Then look no further than Lush Burger. Located in one of the shophouses that overlook the night market, they serve some of the biggest burgers you will find in the whole of Vietnam.
Their burgers are juicy, delicious, and filling while also coming with a choice of either onion rings, salad, or fries.
The burgers are very affordable and, coupled with the phenomenal service and great views from the restaurant, it is an amazing dining experience.
Location: 194 Le Thanh Ton Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam
Best Luxury Western Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
Ciao Bella – Italian flavors in Saigon
If you are a big fan of Italian food, then Ciao Bella is a place you must eat in Ho Chi Minh City. They are not only known for their delicious and well-priced Italian cuisine but also their great hospitality and customer service.
You will experience this from the moment you walk into the restaurant when you are welcomed with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, and this is added to the delightful ambiance.
Their menu is full of popular Italian dishes, but the one that comes most recommended is their “Posh Carbonara”, which they prepare in a wheel of cheese right before your own eyes. It is truly a great spot for good food in Ho Chi Minh City.
Location: 11 Dong Du Street District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Vietnam
NOIR. Dining in the Dark
This is one of the most unique dining experience that I have ever had. As the name suggests, the NOIR – Ho Chi Minch City, is a restaurant is shrouded in darkness and you are served by blind service staff.
It is believed that our taste functions differently when the other senses are shut off, so it would be quite fun to dine in a place where you can’t see anything.
You need to make a reservation before you go, and you can select whether to have a Western, Eastern, or Vegetarian-inspired menu.
They also cater to specific allergy requests. If you are ready to embark on this culinary adventure, my bet is you would enjoy every moment of it.
Because of the experience itself, I will add this place to eat the top 5 restaurants in Vietnam.
Location: 178-180D Hai Ba Trung Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam
Shri Restaurant and Lounge – Home Like Food along with stunning views of the Ho Chi Minh City
Looking for some beautiful home-cooked European food? Then look no further than the Shri Restaurant and Lounge. This restaurant offers way more than just fine dining.
It also provides phenomenal scenery. Located at the top of the Centec Tower on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, it is the highest open-air fine dining restaurant in Saigon.
That does not make it the best restaurant in Ho Chi Mihn, but the view of the beautiful skyline is certainly something very special.
Speaking about the view so much almost makes it sound like they don’t make good food. On the contrary, their food is nothing short of excellent. They serve a range of dishes from the Mediterranean and local cuisine to fresh seafood and delicious drinks.
Location: 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3 23rd Floor Centec Tower, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam
See also: The Absolute 10 BEST Places to Visit in Southeast Asia
Top Affordable Vietnamese Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
Cuc Gach Quan – Popular amongst Hollywood Celebrities
If this is not the first article you’re reading about places to eat in Ho Chi Minh, then chances are you have heard of Cuc Gach Quan. But what makes it one of the top restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City?
What made it so attractive that even Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had to visit it when they came to Vietnam!
It has a very vintage and antique look which some may say makes it look cheap, but I believe it gives it an intimate feel.
Apart from that, they also make awesome food, and tasting some of it will show you why they are so highly recommended.
From my point of view, Cuc Gach Quan is not only the best restaurant in District 1, Saigon but could be very easily the best place to eat Vietnamese food in Ho Chi Minh.
Location: 10 Dang Tat Ward Tan Dinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam
Mountain Retreat – Dine in the Nature
When I first heard the name, I thought anyone that named their restaurant “Mountain Retreat” must be quite crazy. But seeing it with my own eyes, I believe it was perfectly named.
The earthen decor and atmosphere make it feel like you’re having a meal outdoors, while still providing the warm comfort of the indoors. Everything is covered with bamboo and vines, apart from the food.
The food is excellent, whether you go for the traditional clay pot dishes, barbecue, or seafood.
Whether you decide to go for the regular or try something you have never tried, you are guaranteed a great experience in the Mountain Retreat, one of Ho Chi Mihn’s best restaurants.
Location: 36 Le Loi St., Ben Nghe Ward, Dist.1 Rooftop Alley, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam
Cyclo Resto – Simple Vietnamese Food
The Vietnamese cuisine that is served at Cyclo Resto is nothing short of amazing. The restaurant has a very simple appearance, but there is nothing simple about how delicious the dishes are.
You can get some great spring rolls, chicken, soup, vegetables, and rice for a very low price. The atmosphere and service are excellent as you are welcomed into the restaurant by a dozen smiling faces and even more warm greetings.
Location: Unit 28 No 6 Cach Mang Thang Tam Street Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam
Best Luxury Vietnamese Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
Secret Garden
With food so good that you have to do a scavenger hunt to find the restaurant, the Secret Garden is, without doubt, one of the best restaurants in HCMC.
Delicious, authentic, and home-cooked, the Secret Garden has a great menu stacked with a wide variety of traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisine. The fact that the restaurant is also so beautifully furnished and decorated makes it even more appealing to eat.
Location: 158 Pasteur District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam
Xu Restaurant Lounge Ho Chi Minh City
If you want to see a smooth blend of modern and traditional Vietnamese culture, then you would very much enjoy Xu Restaurant Lounge. In a very elegant setting, you can experience the rich culture of Vietnam through amazing food in the Xu Restaurant.
They have great music, delicious food, and outstanding service. The atmosphere is always enthralling, but I recommend you visit in the evening because that’s when it’s most enjoyable.
Location: 71-75 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1 Near Hyatt, Caravelle, Sheraton & Intercontinental Hotels, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Secret House
From the creators of Secret Garden, we bring you the Secret House. Probably even more hidden than the garden, it also has its fair share of great food on the menu. You won’t find many restaurants that offer better food in Ho Chi Minh than Secret House.
It also has a very inviting decor that is designed to resemble a cozy family house. You can even choose to sit outside in the herb garden while eating, which is a great experience especially since the weather in Ho Chi Minh is so pleasant most of the time.
Location: 55/2 Le Thi Hong Gam Street, Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam
Anan Saigon – Multi Award Winner
Run by world-renowned chef Peter Cuong Franklin, the Anan Saigon is also one of the best restaurants in Saigon. Anan means “eat eat”, which is something you won’t be able to stop doing when you’re there.
Anan, Ho Chi Minh city is a multi award winning restaurant was included in the prestigious Asia’s best 50 restaurants of 2022 list.
They basically create masterpieces with their food, blending fresh ingredients to create sparks of vibrant flavor. They try to mix the history of Vietnamese cuisine with modern dishes, and it is something they have so far been exceptionally successful at.
The restaurant is located right in the middle of a wet market, along Ton That Dam Street. The blending of cultures and culinary techniques has led to some of the most flavorsome dishes you will ever taste.
Location: 89 Ton That Dam Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Best Indian Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City
Dalcheeni – Authentic Indian Dining
What do I say about Dalcheeni? You have to try it to know that this is one of the best Indian restaurant that you could come across outside of India.
At the onset, the ambience sets the stage for a great dinner experience as you enter though a tall arch gate and enter a royal hall setting.
All tables are neatly setup with warm colored and elegant table cloth and embroidered napkins. The menu itself is a work of art!
A nicely curated menu presents itself with a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options.
The food is top class and prepared by Chefs that have worked in some of the best 5 star hotels back in India.
I had to ask the manager to give me this background as I was blown away by the flavor and the authentic Indian taste that you only get in India!
My top picks in the menu: Kadhai Chicken and Tandoori Bharwa Mushroom
Location: 2A Ngô Văn Năm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Best Restaurants to Have Seafood in Ho Chi Minh City
Five Oysters
If you love seafood, then I’d like to introduce you to Five Oysters. A restaurant that specializes in the creation of seafood for your nourishment. They have a huge menu that is highly centralized on authentic seafood.
The restaurant also has a great rooftop area, from which you can sit and enjoy the view. Their food is pretty cheap, and so is their beer. They are open from 9 am until midnight, so if you want to get some late dinner in Saigon, Five oysters is a great option.
Location: 234 Bui Vien St., Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam
Poke Saigon
Poke is a diced raw fish meal. The Hawaiian dish has taken over because of how naturally delicious it is.
At Poke Saigon, you can get a serving of Poke and then customize your dish with whatever other ingredients you want in it. It’s not just delicious, but it is healthy as well.
Location: 42/25 Nguyen Hue Street 2nd Floor, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Best Street Food and BBQ in Ho Chi Minh City
Bun Cha 145
Right in the heart of District 1, you will find a delightful restaurant where they specialize in making Bun Cha. If you’ve never heard of Bun Cha let me give you a quick lowdown of its components.
Imagine a dish of vermicelli noodles with grilled pork patties, drenched in a delicious vinegar broth and fish sauce, and topped off with carrot, pickled papaya, and a basket of greens.
Now if that does not sound absolutely delicious, then I don’t know what does. If you are looking for where to eat in Ho Chi Minh district 1, this should be number one on your list.
Location: 145 Bui Vien Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam
Quan Ut Ut
I love barbecue, and I know you do as well unless you are vegetarian. The Quan Ut Ut is your one-stop restaurant for all your bbq needs, from slow-smoked pulled pork, to fried chicken, to ribs drenched in house-made sauce and many other options.
They also serve everyone’s favorite, mac, and cheese. The only downside is they don’t cater to vegetarians, but if you’re a meat-lover like me, you would love this place.
Location: 168 Vo Van Kiet Phuong Cau Ong Lanh, Q.1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam
Vegan Banh Mi
Looking for some breakfast in Ho Chi Minh? There is no better breakfast than a nice serving of Banh Mi. You can find some of the best Banh Mi in district 5, which might be a bit far from where you are, but it is certainly worth it.
You can get Banh Mi at a stall here where they will stuff it with all forms of delicious vegetables and greens. They also serve some amazing vegan sticky rice and vegan dough dumplings.
Location: 836 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Best Cafes of Ho Chi Minh City
ID Cafe
There are so much hustle and bustle in the city of Ho Chi Minh that sometimes you just want to relax in a cozy little cafe, sipping on some coffee with some pastry in your hand. That is exactly what ID cafe offers you, along with their very speedy wifi.
The cafe is extremely comfortable, with snug couches, low lighting, and subtle music. You should visit ID cafe if you want to wind down and relax.
The prices are not so cheap, but you know you are getting value for every single penny you spend. They even have a seating area outside if you want to bask in the sun while you drink your coffee.
Location: 61B Tu Xuong Street District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 70000 Vietnam
SaiGon Coffee Roastery – Specialty Vietnamese Coffee
Tucked away in the lanes of District 3, Saigon Coffee serves specialty Vietnamese coffee, that is simply not to be missed for coffee lovers.
It is very easy to walk past this cafe as you have to notice a small signage on the street and then negotiate dimly lit arcade and stairs to eventually reach this hidden gem.
But when you are inside this cozy setting, a world of coffee adventure awaits!
Must Try Coffee: The Signature Expresso
From my point of view, these are the top restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. The city has an amazing range of great restaurants, and you will always have somewhere new to visit and a new type of food to try.
There is an endless array of places you can eat, with barbecue spots, vegan restaurants, bars, street stalls, and cafes. You will find a place that provides exactly what you want, and I hope you enjoy your trip to Saigon to the maximum.
Do not miss the nightlife here, Saigon is one of the best cities when it comes to parties. Also, I have included it in my 10 Best Vacations for Single Guys to Get Laid in Southeast Asia.
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Long Story Short:
Best Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
- The Hungry Pig
- The Olive Steakhouse
- Lush Burger
- Ciao Bella
- NOIR. Dining in the Dark
- Shri Restaurant and Lounge
- Cuc Gach Quan
- Mountain Retreat
- Cyclo Resto
- Secret Garden
- Xu Restaurant Lounge
- Secret House
- Anan Saigon
- Dalcheeni
- Five Oysters
- Poke Saigon
- Bun Cha 145
- Quan Ut Ut
- Best Cafes
- ID Cafe
- Saigon Coffee
