Saigon’s culinary reputation was built on the sidewalk — fast, furious, and undeniably delicious. However, if you look past the rows of plastic stools, you’ll discover a city inviting you to slow down and savor something more than just food- a story. From the razor-sharp precision of hidden Japanese counters, to bold fusion experiments, to the nostalgic warmth of elevated Vietnamese home-style meals, the tasting menu scene here is thriving. These set menus are stories told through technique, texture, and tact.
These locations are recommendations from people who live in Ho Chi Minh City that we've recently profiled.
Omakase Tiger: Creative sushi with stunning city views in Bình Thạnh & Thảo Điền.
Recommended by Tomoki, co-owner of Commune Bar.
About Omakase Tiger: Omakase Tiger specializes in a more creative style of sushi, where chefs aren't afraid to break the rules by pairing fresh catch with punchy ingredients like truffle cream, garlic sauce, and dill. The Bình Thạnh location is perched in a "penthouse" with floor-to-ceiling views of Landmark 81, providing a dramatic backdrop to the meal. It’s an affordable, but impressive omakase experience that balances high-quality seafood with an entertaining, unpretentious atmosphere. Seats are very limited, so book here.
Price Range: Sets start from 780,000 VND for a basic course, Sake pairing + 480,000 VND
Address: Level 8, 85/9 Phạm Viết Chánh, Phường 19, Bình Thạnh, 48A Trần Ngọc Diện, Thảo Điền, District 2
Hear more from Tomoki here.
CieL Dining: Where street art meets Michelin mastery in Thảo Điền.
Recommended by Đức, Minh Tâm, and Ivy.
About CieL Dining: CieL offers a dining experience defined by contrast. While the entrance features vibrant graffiti— a nod to the founders' memories of Copenhagen— the kitchen is a temple of discipline and refinement. Chef Việt Hồng orchestrates a menu that is deeply rooted in Vietnamese heritage but executed with rigorous French technique. This "East-meets-West" approach transforms local ingredients into creative masterpieces, bridging cultural gaps with dishes that are as visually stunning as they are complex in flavor. Make sure to reserve well in advance, and keep note a 50% deposit is required.
Price: Dinner tasting menu is 3,600,000 VND per person, wine pairing + 1,800,000 VND
Address: 6/3 Đường số 50, Thảo Điền, District 2
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The Albion by Kirk Westaway: Reinventing British heritage with panoramic District 3 views.
Recommended by Vanny, founder and GM of An’s Saigon.
About The Albion: Perched on the 23rd floor of Hôtel des Arts Saigon, this restaurant shatters the stereotype of heavy British pub food. Chef Kirk Westaway, famous for his 2-Michelin star restaurant JAAN in Singapore, brings his "Reinventing British" philosophy to Saigon- focusing on light, seasonal ingredients and precise technique. The space evokes a 1930s "London Gentlemen's Club" vibe with rich wood paneling and a marble bar, all framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that offer one of the best skyline views in the city. Book here.
Price Range: Dinner tasting menu is 2,200,000 VND per person, wine pairing + 1,200,000 VND.
Address: 23rd Floor, Hôtel des Arts Saigon, 76-78 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, District 3
Hear more from Vanny here.
Fume: A smoke-infused take on modern Japanese fine dining in District 1.
Recommended by Tomoki, co-owner of Commune Bar.
About Fume: Hidden down a quiet alley off Hai Bà Trưng, Fume is a moody, atmospheric restaurant dedicated to modern Japanese cuisine. It is not your typical traditional sushi spot; instead, it offers a creative "fusion" omakase where Japanese precision meets global luxury ingredients like truffle, caviar, and foie gras, along with Vietnamese and Japanese seafood. Their Omakase menu changes every six weeks to follow the seasons of Japan. It is recommended to book a table before coming.
Price Range: The full course menu is priced at 2,000,000 - 2,680,000 VND per person (depending on season), a curated sake or wine pairing is available for + 980,000 VND.
Address: 74/7L Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, District 1
Hear more from Tomoki here.
Sushi Kiyota: Authentic, high-quality, and reasonably priced Omakase in Bình Thạnh.
Recommended by Kim, co-founder of Loi Choi kitchen.
About Sushi Kiyota: Tucked away in the neighborhood of Phạm Viết Chánh, Sushi Kiyota offers a more traditional and intimate counter-dining experience without the large price tag often associated with Omakase. The vibe is cozy and unpretentious, focusing squarely on the quality of the ingredients and the chef's knife skills. It is the perfect spot for those who want a straightforward, high-quality Japanese meal where the chef dictates a flow of fresh sashimi, grilled delicacies, and nigiri. The place is very well known for its authenticity and affordability, so please book your seats well in advance.
Price Range: They offer three tiers based on ingredients. Standard: 1,000,000 VND (Includes 4 kinds of sashimi, grilled dish, and 6 pieces of sushi). Upgrade: 1,300,000 VND (Includes 5 kinds of sashimi and upgraded courses). Premium: 1,600,000 VND (Includes 6 kinds of special sashimi and Japanese Wagyu beef).
Address: 53 Phạm Viết Chánh, Phường 19, Bình Thạnh
Hear more from Kim here.
Curious about the best international cuisine restaurants to visit in the city? Here's our list of the best international restaurants in Saigon, recommended by locals.
The Monkey Gallery DINING: Where gastronomy mimics art in District 1.
Recommended by Vanny, founder and GM of An’s Saigon.
About The Monkey Gallery DINING: True to its name, this venue treats cuisine as an art form and the dining room as an exhibition space. The culinary philosophy here is distinctly contemporary, utilizing French techniques to deconstruct and elevate local Vietnamese ingredients. The current "Exhibition 1592" menu is a testament to this approach, featuring creative combinations like Nha Trang sea cucumber with Chilean spirulina and Long An duck paired with seasonal fruits and peppercorn. It is a cerebral, texture-focused dining experience perfect for those who want their palate challenged and delighted. Recommended to make a reservation.
Price Range: The "Exhibition 1592" 5-course menu starts at 1,592,000 VND per person. A larger, seasonal tasting menu is also available for 2,692,000 VND
Address: 3rd Floor, 91 Mạc Thị Bưởi, Bến Nghé, District 1
Hear more from Vanny here.
Miên: A seamless blend of international luxury and Vietnam’s finest ingredients in District 1.
Recommended by Ivy, founder of Ivy+Partners.
About Miên: Miên takes diners on a journey that blurs the lines between Western culinary techniques, Japanese precision, and Vietnamese soul. The kitchen pairs top-tier global ingredients, like Satsuma Wagyu and Imperial Caviar, with the very best Vietnamese ingredients- like Ninh Thuận melons and Long An duck. The result is a tasting menu that feels both worldly and distinctly grounded in Vietnam's rich agricultural landscape, served in a space that balances modern elegance with tranquility. Make sure to check their latest menu before making your reservation.
Price Range: The current tasting menu is priced at 2,950,000 VND+ per person, wine pairing is + 2,150,000 VND per person, and includes 6 different wines.
Address: 50A Đặng Dung, Phường Tân Định, District 1
Hear more from Ivy here.
adau kitchen: A culinary journey in District 1 rewriting Vietnamese flavors through memory.
Recommended by Minh Tâm, head chef at Mita274.
About adau kitchen: Hidden inside an unmarked building and reached only after climbing a few flights of stairs, adau kitchen feels like a secret you are lucky to stumble upon. Beyond the adventurous entrance, it stands out as one of the best value-for-money tasting menus in the city. The experience is led by Head Chef Đức, who famously grew up hating fish and now uses that memory to fuel his creativity. The kitchen specializes in contemporary Vietnamese cuisine, using bold techniques to reimagine traditional ingredients. It’s a place where childhood stories meet culinary science, all within a warm atmosphere reflecting the motto: "Eating is healing". Seating is limited, so make sure to reserve a table if you would like to try the set menu.
Price Range: A set menu is priced at 1,400,000 VND for two people, it comes with a choice of 2 free mocktails or 1 glass of wine.
Address: 70 Hàm Nghi, Bến Nghé, District 1
Here more from Minh Tâm here.
Curious about the best hidden gems in the city? Here's our list of hidden gems in Saigon, recommended by locals.
An's Saigon: Where a restaurant becomes a home in Thảo Điền.
Recommended by Michael, Writer, Editor, and Founder of Metro Writers.
About An's Saigon: The name "An" comes from the Vietnamese word "bình an," meaning peace, and the space reflects this beautifully with lush gardens and soft lighting. The Chef's Table experience, led by Chef Cường, is a culinary journey through memory and emotion, where dishes are designed to evoke the warmth of a family meal while pushing the boundaries of modern Vietnamese cuisine. An’s also features seasonal guest chef menus that are only available for a limited time, so make sure to keep updated with their latest events.
Price Range: The current 15 course dinner tasting menu (Chef's Menu 6.0 "Sắc") is 2,945,000 VND per person and wine pairings are available for the dinner menu- non-alcohol (+550k), Vietnamese wine (+750k), or International wine (+1,450k). The lunch set- "Ăn Đôi" (set for two) is 1,885,000 VND.
Address: 5A Tống Hữu Định, Thảo Điền, District 2
Hear more from Michael here.
Hương Lài: Authentic home-style flavors driven by a noble cause in District 1.
Recommended by Tomoki, co-owner of Commune Bar.
About Huong Lai: Stepping into Hương Lài feels like entering a warm, elegant residence, characterized by its French-Vietnamese architecture. The restaurant carries a profound mission: it operates as a social enterprise, providing vocational training and a pathway to a better life for former street children and youth from disadvantaged families. The kitchen focuses on authentic, unpretentious Vietnamese home cooking- the kind that prioritizes deep, nostalgic flavors over flashiness, making you feel right at home. No need for reservations, and an a la carte menu is always available throughout the day.
Price Range: Lunch Set A: 219,000 VND++ per person. Includes choices like Thịt kho trứng (Caramelized pork with eggs) or Gà chiên nước mắm (Fried chicken with fish sauce). Lunch Set B: 259,000 VND++ per person. Features seafood options like Mực xào sả ớt (Stir-fried squid with lemongrass and chili) or Tôm xào bông hẹ (Stir-fried shrimp with chive flowers).
Address: 60 Cách Mạng Tháng Tám, Phường 4, District 3
Hear more from Tomoki here.
Looking for the best Vietnamese food in the city? Here's our list of the best Vietnamese Food in Saigon, recommended by locals.
Kaiseki Hanabi: A seasonal Tempura Kaiseki journey in Thảo Điền.
Recommended by Anh, owner of Bluish Cafe and Mowe Wine Space.
About Kaiseki Hanabi: This small, intimate restaurant is led by Chef Taka, a seasoned chef with experience at the Japanese consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. It feels less like a restaurant and more like a private dining room in Kyoto. The menu changes entirely every month to reflect the seasons, but the star of the show is always the light, crisp, and artfully fried tempura woven into the traditional multi-course progression (kaiseki). Make sure to check their latest menus and reserve a spot before visiting.
Price Range: While the dishes change monthly, the price tiers remain consistent. Ume Course: 700,000 VND++ (7 courses, including 5 kinds of tempura). Sakura Course: 900,000 VND++ (8 courses, including 6 kinds of tempura). Hanabi Course: 1,100,000 VND++ (9 courses, including 7 kinds of tempura and wagyu). Fuji Course: 1,500,000 VND++ (Premium course with special tempura like abalone or sea urchin).
Address: 18 Đường số 41, Thảo Điền, District 2
Hear more from Anh here.
Little Bear: A Michelin-selected bistro reimagining Vietnamese flavors in Thảo Điền.
Recommended by Ivy, founder of Ivy+Partners.
About Little Bear: Led by the dynamic duo of Head Chefs Nhật Duy (MICHELIN Young Chef Award Winner) and Hiệp Trương, the kitchen reimagines childhood memories and traditional Vietnamese flavors with a modern twist. The shelves are stocked with an unique collection of organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, carefully curated to pair with the bold, "funky" flavors on the plate. Make sure to stay up to date with their latest seasonal menus, and book in advance.
Price Range: the seasonal dinner tasting menu is 1,390,000 VND+ per person, a curated wine flight is available for 1,150,000 VND+ (4 glasses).
Address: 36 Nguyễn Bá Huân, Thảo Điền, District 2
Hear more from Ivy here.
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Aiii: Soulful contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in District 1.
Recommended by Ivy and Tim.
About Aiii: While Aiii always offers an excellent a la carte menu, the real draw here is their special seasonal tasting menus which run seasonally or during one of their pop-up events. The restaurant focuses purely on "emotional" cooking that blends refined French techniques with the soul of Southern Vietnam. Chef Alain Pham uses the tasting menu format to tell stories of his childhood, translating nostalgic flavors into innovative dishes- think rustic ingredients like freshwater shrimp and mung bean sticky rice reimagined as a luxurious "risotto," or a crab soup elevated with European cheeses.
Price Range: Seasonal Tasting Menu is 2,692,000 VND per person, an alcohol pairing is available for 860,000 VND+.
Address: 35 Đặng Dung, Phường Tân Định, District 1
