CHOWA HOME ApartHotel in Thao Dien Area

In CieL's intimate dining space, inside a modern villa in Thao Dien, you feel like you're in a friend's home. Dining at the ground-floor counter, you can see into the open kitchen set against the backdrop of a lush tropical garden; the upper floor exudes Nordic elegance. French techniques are fused with Vietnamese soul in the ever-evolving tasting menu. Don't miss the fish maw and custard, a sublime East-meets-West creation. Thoughtful service and wine pairings complete the experience.

(The restaurant is temporarily closed.) Opened in 2025, this restaurant boasts an inviting outdoor garden terrace. Inside, shelves of house-made ferments – chilli sauces, garlic vinegars – reflect the dedication of the chef, who melds Western technique and local soul. Phở is the highlight: with a choice of three full-bodied broths, it is made with fresh bones and simmered for 24 hours. Grilled bagrid catfish with crispy rice crackers and umami shrimp paste brings balance, complexity and smoky, textured depth.

A landmark of HCMC’s dining scene for 10+ years, Mặn Mòi is renowned for its nature inspired interior and theme – ask for a table in the lush courtyard for an al fresco experience. The extensive menu spans regional specialities from all over Vietnam, including salads, soups, mains, grilled dishes, desserts, as well as claypots and hot pots. Finish your meal with a Vietnamese coffee and browse the gift shop for keepsakes.

This attractive house with a pleasant courtyard, patio and quaint furnishings nestles on a quiet street in a residential area outside the city centre. The Vietnamese-inspired vegetarian cuisine, rich in modern twists, uses fresh, mostly organic ingredients sourced directly from local farms. The deep-fried mushroom rolls are out of this world. A bowl of longan and lotus seed sweet soup, chilled and refreshing is the perfect sweet finale.

This newcomer to HCMC’s bistro scene greets diners with a cosy dining room that offers both counter and table seating. The theatrical open kitchen is where the alchemy takes place. The menu consists of modern dishes inspired by the chef’s childhood memories and Vietnamese food culture, including cheese and noodles made from scratch in-house. The wine list features a wide range of wines by the glass, covering organic, biodynamic and natural tipples.

In its new location and managed by a youthful, energetic team, Okra retains its cosy charm. The stylish bar facing an open kitchen is lined with counter seating for an immersive and relaxed dining experience. The chef crafts an unconventional menu from locally sourced ingredients, blending modern and traditional techniques inspired by chargrill and street food. Generous portions and a great selection of wines and cocktails make it a popular spot for relaxing.

The distinctly Gallic menu whisks diners from Ho Chi Minh City to Paris in an instant, with foie gras, meat-filled puff pastry pies, American lobster with champagne and Grand Marnier crème brûlée among the highlights. Decorated with artwork, velvet curtains and a stunning chandelier, La Villa also offers al fresco dining in the garden. Attentive, suitably formal service, a fine wine list and cheese selection. The starched classical vibe of this restaurant will appeal to those who appreciate vintage charm and nostalgia.