From Michelin-starred restaurants to fire-driven tasting menus, these five fine dining destinations promise to reshape expectations and elevate the dining experience.
Nephele – A fine dining sanctuary in Saigon
Nestled in an Indochina Art Nouveau villa, Nephele is a private dining haven where nature’s finest harvest meets culinary artistry. Designed by a visionary trio, Chef Francis Thuan, Sommelier Paul Vo, and Bartender Hung Lee, the restaurant delivers an intimate and immersive gastronomic journey.
(Photo: Nephele Restaurant)
At the core is Chef Francis Thuan, whose mastery of wood-fired cooking and reverence for Vietnam’s diverse terroirs inspire a dynamic 10-course tasting menu. Each dish is a meticulous balance of bold flavours and refined techniques, celebrating seasonality while offering sensory exploration.
(Photo: Nephele Restaurant)
Sommelier Paul Vo’s curated wine pairings and Bartender Hung Lee’s inventive cocktails further enhance the experience. Whether you are a seasoned diner or a curious epicurean, Nephele stands out as one of Ho Chi Minh City’s premier fine dining establishments, where fire, flavour, and finesse converge.
Location: 125/12 Nguyen Cuu Van Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Akuna – A bold and contemporary culinary journey
Located on the ninth floor of Le Méridien Saigon, Akuna is the brainchild of Michelin-starred Chef Sam Aisbett. Known for his work at acclaimed venues like Quay and Whitegrass, Chef Sam offers a daring reimagining of Vietnamese ingredients, infused with Japanese precision and Australian creativity.
From delicate seafood to flame-kissed meats, Akuna’s menu is adventurous and refined. Natural wines and artisanal beverages complement the dishes, making Akuna an essential stop for fine dining connoisseurs in Ho Chi Minh City.
Location: 9th Floor, 3C Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
AnAn Saigon – Michelin-recognised Vietnamese street food
AnAn Saigon elevates beloved street food into an innovative tasting menu that has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide. Helmed by Chef Peter Cuong Franklin, the restaurant redefines Vietnamese culinary traditions with a contemporary lens.
Signature dishes such as Foie Gras Pho turn everyday comfort foods into luxurious fine dining offerings. With a chic yet intimate setting, AnAn bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, making it a must-visit for gastronomic explorers.
Location: 89 Ton That Dam Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
La Villa French Restaurant – A taste of France in Saigon
A benchmark of authentic French gastronomy in Vietnam, La Villa French Restaurant transports guests to an elegant colonial-style villa where classic refinement meets warm hospitality. Under the direction of Chef Thierry Mounon, the restaurant offers a menu filled with traditional French delicacies.
(Photo: La Villa French)
From foie gras to Brittany lobster, each dish is prepared with premium ingredients and impeccable technique. Combined with a lush garden setting and a curated wine list, La Villa offers a quintessential French fine dining experience in the heart of Saigon.
Location: 14 Ngo Quang Huy Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
Ciel Restaurant – Where French elegance meets Vietnamese soul
True to its name, meaning “sky” in French, Ciel Restaurant aspires to elevate dining through precision, creativity, and cultural harmony. Located in the quiet Thao Dien neighbourhood, Ciel presents a minimalist and elegant atmosphere.
(Photo: Ciel)
Chef Viet Hong, who has trained in top international kitchens, blends French culinary techniques with the rich flavours of Vietnamese ingredients. Seasonal, locally sourced produce drives the menu, resulting in a dining experience that is both rooted and refined.
Location: 6/3 50 Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
These five restaurants highlight the diversity and depth of fine dining in Ho Chi Minh City, from modernised street food to French sophistication and fire-driven innovation. Whether you are seeking Michelin-starred artistry or immersive culinary storytelling, Saigon’s high-end dining scene promises something extraordinary for every discerning palate.
