Best Bars, Cafes, And Restaurants In Saigon For First Time Visitor

The magnificent metropolis of Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh city (also known as Saigon) is one of the biggest tourist hotspots of Vietnam, thanks to the increasing development of the F&B industry, which encourages bars, pubs, coffee shops, and restaurants to sprout like mushrooms around the city. From morning coffee by the pavement to delicate ambiance for afternoon meetups to night-outs in the most luxurious settings, the city has it all. Diverse as the options are, they can be overwhelming for first-timers. Understanding your concern, Exotic Voyages' experts have compiled a list of the best bars, cafes and restaurants in Saigon to make your trip easier. Go through our list and mark your trip with beautiful experiences!

I - BARS

PK Maltroom

Location: 8A Đặng Tất Street, Tân Định Ward, District 1.

PK Maltroom bears a comfortable, nostalgic atmosphere, making it the perfect place for people seeking a little peace and quiet in their lives. The two founders, Phuong and Khanh, are usually on-site and greet visitors with amusing anecdotes about the distillery, history, and each bottle of wine on the shelf. The menu here includes a variety of wines such as Japanese whiskey, American whiskey, single malt, etc..The luxurious interior and melodious music add more sophistication to the experience.

(Photo by PK Maltroom)

CLIMB - Hidden Cocktail Bar

Location: 15 Phan Văn Đạt Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1.

This secret pub is located in the heart of Saigon, and its name accurately explains how you reach there: you must climb four floors, threading through dark corners of the complex. The route in may be puzzling for some But once you get to the door, you will be embraced with an intimate, yet energetic mood. The bar is a familiar spot for groups of youngsters, but it's also a great place to hang out alone since the bartenders are always there to accompany lone drinkers.

(Photo by CLIMB Hidden Cocktail Bar)

STIR  

Location: 1st Floor, 136 Lê Thánh Tôn Street, Bến Thành Ward, District 1.

STIR is located on an ancient, rusted flat in an alley near Ben Thanh Market, a famous landmark of Saigon. With its Indochine influence and a touch of modernity, STIR's interior transports you to Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s. The cocktails here are inspired by local Vietnamese street beverages such as nuoc sam (local herbal tea), nuoc mia (fresh-pressed sugarcane juice) and tau hu da (iced tofu sweet soup). Let aside the limited space, STIR provides a wide variety of wines with a comprehensive and excellent cuisine, more than enough for you to fancy the evening.

(Photo by STIR)

Du Bar

Location: 36Bis Huỳnh Khương Ninh Street, Đa Kao Ward, District 1.

Du Bar totally deserves a place in the best bars, cafes, and restaurants in Saigon due to its one-of-a-kind service. The bar offers a comprehensive taste and scent experience, including a niche perfume boutique upstairs and a cocktail bar on the lower floor, featuring an impressive collection of alcohol. Each drink is carefully prepared and selected to match a specific perfume. Tasting exotic cocktails and enjoying the passionate aromas can stimulate the senses of every customer.

(Photo by Du Bar)

Indika Saigon

Location: 43 Nguyễn Văn Giai Street, Đa Kao Ward, District 1

Indika is one of Saigon's hippest hangouts. The off-the-radar bar bills itself as the "House of Curiosity" and is hidden away in a little alley. The bar, which is located on the first floor of a colonial-era structure, features a variety of events weekly, including reggae evenings, open mic sessions, and flea markets. The space has a lovely garden terrace, and a vintage interior, and don’t forget to try their famous craft beer.

(Photo by Indika Saigon)

Carmen Bar

Location: 8 Lý Tự Trọng Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1. 

Among the best bars, cafes, and restaurants in Saigon, Carmen Bar is the ideal meet-up hub for artsy souls and foodies. Live bands perform from 7 pm till midnight to maintain the lively atmosphere seven days a week. The menu, which fuses Mediterranean cuisine with Vietnameses', is very rich in ingredients and tastes. Have your eyes, ears, and taste buds energized throughout the night with melodies, dance performances, and good food.

(Photo by Carmen Bar)

Chill Skybar

Location: AB Tower, Level 26, 76A Lê Lai Street, Bến Thành Ward, District 1.

Chill Skybar is a modern and vibrant club/lounge bar that opened in 2011 and was Vietnam's first high-end sky bar. They are still prospering after more than a decade of operation, offering both entertainment nightlife and thrilling social gathering experiences. Chill Skybar features an interior VIP lounge space, a private rooftop eating area, and a high-class restaurant with stunning views of the Saigon skyline. It is one of the popular gathering spots for night owls that love to party.

(Photo by Chill Skybar)

View Rooftop Bar

Location: Level 9, Đức Vương Hotel, 195 Bùi Viện Street, Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1.

On the top of the Duc Vuong Hotel, nine floors above the frenzy of Bui Vien, the View Rooftop Bar is a terrific spot to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Beers and beverages are cheaper here than at other Saigon rooftop bars, and the staffs are very friendly and quick at service.

(Photo by View Rooftop Bar)

II - CAFES

Okkio Caffe

Location:

151 Đồng Khởi Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1.

122 Lê Lợi Street, Bến Thành Ward, District 1. 110 Xuân Thủy Street, Thảo Điền Ward, District 2.

1 Phạm Ngọc Thạch Street, Ward 6, District 3.

Okkio Caffe is a specialty coffee shop, hidden in half of an old French colonial villa that is tucked away in a small alley. With a style that mixes between classic and modern architecture, Okkio definitely carries a different vibe, which can appear opposite in trait, yet blend in together effortlessly: it can be romantic and gentle, yet is also busy and lively. Only by visiting the place can the visitors truly feel the distinct vibe that the cafe delivers. Drop by Okkio for an afternoon work-date and treat yourself a cup of Cold Brew Coffee with Milk Foam. 

(Photo by Okkio Caffe)

Cong Ca Phe

Location: All across Saigon

A famous, widely-known theme cafe in not just Saigon, but in Vietnam overall is Cong Ca Phe. The atmosphere in Cong Ca Phe is reminiscent of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, with the baristas and waitresses wearing green army-style uniforms, and a tiny gift shop featuring militaria-like souvenirs. Coffee shops are typically located in older buildings with antique tables and a large selection of vintage decorations. It's a popular hangout location for customers of all ages, as the menu is diverse in type, and has a drink for everyone.

(Photo by coffee.saigon)

The Workshop 

Location: 27 Ngô Đức Kế Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1.

The Workshop gives off a sense of precision, neatness and functionality. The décor has an industrial vibe to it, yet it's still entertaining and alive. It's the type of environment where you might easily spend an entire day being productive, which is why many professionals return. With mouth-watering meals and an outstanding assortment of specialty coffees, they've achieved a nice balance between business and pleasure.

(Photo by The Workshop)

S'mores Saigon Caffè

Location: House 2, Lane 12, Cao Thắng Street, Ward 5, District 3

Inspired by the idea of ​​​​"a new coffee shop of old things", S'mores Saigon Caffè is constructed with materials like glass bricks, grindstones, cement, and wood - the materials associated with old architectures in the Subsidy Period of Vietnam. Thorny and rough as it may seem, the inside of S'mores is a botanic garden with all kinds of tropical plants. The best time to visit is in the afternoon when the cafe is flooded with natural sunlight from the skylight.

(Photo by S'mores Saigon Caffè)

Nhỏ cafe

Location: House 115, Lane 30, Lê Văn Sỹ Street, Ward 13, Phú Nhuận District

“Nhỏ” means small in Vietnamese, but you will be surprised by the giant collection of antiques. From ceramics, film cameras, radios, watches, scooters, etc. to unique and artistic items, each item has a different story to tell. Sipping a cup of hot tea, admiring the antiques, and drifting along with 1975 love songs is definitely an exclusive experience at Nhỏ cafe, giving it a spot in one of the best bars, cafes, and restaurants in Saigon. 

(Photo by Nhỏ cafe)

III - RESTAURANTS

L’Usine

19 Lê Thánh Tôn Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1.

House 151, Lane 5, Đồng Khởi Street, District 1.

24 Thảo Điền Street, Thảo Điền Ward, District 2.

Crescent Mall GF-56, 101 Tôn Dật Tiên Street, District 7 (Nguyen Van Linh and Nguyen Khac Vien intersection)

L'Usine Le Loi is the perfect spot for a delicious breakfast to start the day. Besides the cafe and restaurant area, there is also a small shop for souvenirs and gifts. L'Usine has locations across the city, all of which are noted for their great cuisine and modern design. The cozy and casual environment is ideal for getting some work done or catching up with a buddy over a coffee.

(Photo by L'Usine)

Cuc Gach Restaurant

Location: 10 Đặng Tất Street, Tân Định Ward, District 1.

Cuc Gach is a restaurant that consistently ranks in the top ten restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. Ever since Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt dined here on their tour to Vietnam, its popularity has increased even more. With low doors, beautiful sets of antiques, mismatched and chipped crockery, and a charming little pond in the midst of the place, the unusual design exudes such a unique, yet intimate atmosphere.

(Photo by Cuc Gach Quan)

Secret Garden

Location: 158 Bis/40-41 Pasteur Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1.

This rooftop eatery is the place to go for authentic, home-cooked Vietnamese cuisine. Secret Garden lives up to its name, as it is hidden in the Ho Chi Minh City skyline and vividly decorated with Vietnamese-style lanterns, lots of foliage, and matching wooden furnishings. When you've taken a seat, order family style like the Vietnamese do.

(Photo by Secret Garden)

Nhà Hàng Ngon

Location: 160 Pasteur Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1.

Nhà Hàng Ngon is a very popular restaurant that serves a wide range of Vietnamese foods, with a menu as long as a cookbook. Some may argue that the restaurant lacks authenticity, but it is a perfect choice for big groups looking to enjoy a variety of Vietnamese cuisine. Do not expect a fancy, high-end ambiance, as the costs are very affordable. Feel the coziness in the restaurant's red-brick floor, yellow walls and intimate lighting. 

(Photo by Nha Hang Ngon)

Propaganda Saigon Bistro

Location: 21 Hàn Thuyên Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1.

Serving genuine Vietnamese food from all three regions of the country, Propaganda Saigon is a great choice for budget travelers. Aside from the great, fairly priced meals, the restaurant's interior design and decorating will pique your curiosity. The open atmosphere with colorful murals inspired by 1980s propaganda slogans will transport you to a bygone era of Saigon. The restaurant offers both lunch and dinner and is vegetarian-friendly.

(Photo by Propaganda Bistro)

Cuốn và Chấm

Location:  93Bis Nguyễn Văn Thủ Street, Đa Kao Ward, District 1.

Aside from the world-famous fried spring rolls with fish sauce, Vietnamese cuisine includes a variety of rice paper roll dishes with a variety of fillings and dipping sauces. Cuốn & Chấm (English: Roll & Dip) is the place to go if you like colorful rolls stuffed with fresh vegetables and various types of meats. The restaurant's unique menu features a variety of rolls, ranging from vegan to savory. There are numerous unusual ingredient combinations to try, such as Shrimp and Avocado Roll, Bulgogi Beef Roll, or even Fruit Roll.

(Photo by Cuon & Cham)

Lẩu Mắm Bà Dú

19 Trần Khắc Chân Street, Tân Định Ward, District 1.

4th Floor, Vincom Mega Mall – 159 Xa Lộ Hà Nội Street, Thảo Điền Ward, District 2.

6th Floor, Van Hanh Mall – 11 Sư Vạn Hạnh Street, Ward 12, District 10.

322 – 324 Cao Thắng Street, Ward 12, District 10.

4th Floor, Giga Mall – 240 – 242 Phạm Văn Đồng Street, Hiệp Bình Chánh Ward, Thủ Đức City.

Originating in the Mekong Delta region, Bún mắm is similar to Western Gumbo. However, the dish has a rather complex texture infused with fermented fish, traditional herbs, and special spices. Star of the dish - The broth's bold flavor and distinct aroma will delight your appetite, and don't forget to add on fresh herbs and fish sauce for a full taste. Lẩu mắm Bà Dú is one of the top restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City that serves this dish in a hotpot style.

(Photo by Lẩu Mắm Bà Dú)