Pullman Saigon Centre — Food Connexion
Signature: King crab, imported beef steak, premium sashimi.
Pros: Elegant atmosphere; live kitchen stations; excellent service.
Cons: Premium price; busy on weekends.
HCM
Review Dinner: Ho Chi Minh City (2025)
A comprehensive, up-to-date dining guide — luxury restaurants, river cruises, seafood buffets and local mid-range favorites. Each entry includes address, price range, opening hours, signature dish, pros/cons, booking tip and an overall rating.
1 — Luxury Restaurants
Novotel Saigon Centre — The Square
Signature: Oysters, sashimi, international desserts.
Pros: Warm ambiance; reliable quality; good for groups.
Cons: Less experimental menu; smaller footprint.
New World Saigon Hotel — Parkview
Signature: Roasted lamb leg, premium seafood, elegant desserts.
Pros: Central location; premium ingredients; polished service.
Cons: Can be crowded; higher price.
Hotel Nikko Saigon — La Brasserie
Signature: Oysters, sashimi, premium Japanese-style seafood.
Pros: High-end seafood; Japanese finesse; quiet atmosphere.
Cons: Pricey; reservation required for weekends.
Kingscross Bar & Grill
Signature: Australian steak, curated wine list.
Pros: Cozy Western grill; excellent steaks; intimate vibe.
Cons: Limited veggie choices; small dining room.
La Vela Saigon Hotel — MerPerle
Signature: King crab, lobster, foie gras and premium buffet stations.
Pros: Lavish buffet; premium seafood selection; elegant setting.
Cons: High price; very popular on holidays.
2 — Dinner Cruises
Indochina Queen Cruise
Signature: Grilled prawns, Vietnamese set menu, live band.
Pros: Scenic river views; cultural programs on board.
Cons: Interiors slightly dated; booking recommended.
Hòn Ngọc Viễn Đông Cruise
Signature: Hotpot and traditional Vietnamese seafood.
Pros: Local flavor; friendly price point.
Cons: Older vessel; fewer international options.
Nữ Hoàng Đông Dương Cruise
Signature: Premium seafood set menus, grilled squid.
Pros: Intimate spaces; classy presentation.
Cons: Smaller capacity; book early.
Saigon Princess & Ben Thanh Princess
Signature: Lobster bisque, wagyu steak, multi-course fine dining.
Pros: Luxurious vessels; skyline views; premium service.
Cons: Higher price point.
Elite Saigon (upcoming)
Signature: International fusion, rooftop lounge, premium wines.
Pros: Newest design; modern amenities.
Cons: Launch pending; check availability.
3 — Seafood Buffets
D’Maris – Phu My Hung
Signature: Korean-style grilled seafood, sushi, ~200 dishes.
Pros: Huge selection; family-friendly.
Cons: Very busy on weekends.
Blue Bay (multiple branches)
Signature: Fresh crab, oysters, seafood hotpots.
Pros: Good value; convenient branches.
Cons: Quality varies by branch; central parking limited.
iSushi (District 1 & District 7)
Signature: Sushi & sashimi, tempura stations.
Pros: Authentic Japanese-style buffet; good value.
Cons: Smaller selection than premium buffets.
4 — Mid-range & Local Favorites
Secret Garden
Signature: Claypot fish, fried spring rolls.
Pros: Rooftop vibe; traditional flavors.
Cons: Hidden entrance.
Cục Gạch Quán
Signature: Braised pork, caramelized fish, veg platters.
Pros: Nostalgic interior; authentic home-style cooking.
Cons: Frequently fully booked.
Quán Bụi
Signature: Grilled pork skewers, caramelized fish.
Pros: Modern take on Vietnamese classics.
Cons: Slightly pricier than street options.
Bếp Mẹ Ỉn
Signature: Home-style rice plates, caramelized pork, sour soup.
Pros: Cozy, family-style dishes; friendly pricing.
Cons: Small space; fills up quickly.
Sông — Vietnamese Cuisine
Signature: Phở bò Wagyu, crab spring rolls, lotus salad.
Pros: Elevated Vietnamese in a modern setting.
Cons: Slightly pricier than typical mid-range places.
The Gang — Korean BBQ
Signature: Marinated beef ribs, pork belly, kimchi bar.
Pros: Great for groups; lively atmosphere.
Cons: Busy at peak times; service may slow down.