Whether you’re seeking adventurous, contemporary flavors or a refined take on Vietnamese cuisine, these five restaurants promise unforgettable culinary experiences.

End

Rooted in culinary mastery and the art of hospitality, Endnamed after the Greek nymph of clouds, is a new private dining destination in Saigon. It blends bold cooking techniques with the finest seasonal ingredients to deliver a multi-sensory gastronomic journey, crafted by a visionary trio.

At the heart of Nephele is Chef Francis Thuan, whose wood-fired cooking and deep respect for nature shape each dish into a bold, intricate expression of flavor.

His 10-course tasting menu is a story told through the seasons, elevated by the primal force of fire and his boundless creativity. From start to finish, diners are taken on a journey of discovery, where even the smallest details reveal something extraordinary.

Complementing the experience are Paul Vo, Head Sommelier, who curates wine pairings to highlight Francis’s dishes, and Bartender Hung Lee, whose innovative cocktails bring layered, nuanced flavors to the table. Together, the trio redefines fine dining in HCMC with a fresh, artistic vision.

Nephele is located at 125/12 Nguyen Cuu Van, Binh Thanh District.

Sky Restaurant

A refined fusion of French techniques and Vietnamese flavors, Ciel Restaurant offers an elegant and thoughtfully curated dining experience. The name “Ciel,” meaning “sky” in French, symbolizes its ambition to elevate fine dining to new heights. Tucked away in Thao Dien, the space radiates understated elegance, with soft lighting, neutral tones, and a calm atmosphere that lets the cuisine shine.

Chef Viet Hong, after years in prestigious international kitchens, brings a passion for local ingredients to center stage. His seasonal menu harmoniously blends classic French preparation with Vietnamese influences, making Ciel a distinctive and welcome addition to HCMC’s fine dining scene.

Ciel is located at 6/3 50 Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City.

Upstairs

From the Michelin-selected Little Bear team comes Upstairs Tasting Room, an intimate dining space led by Chef Hiep. With roots in Hue and a deep understanding of modern culinary technique, he transforms Vietnamese flavors into a refined tasting menu that bridges heritage and innovation.

Nam of the dish??? Photo courtesy of Upstairs

The ambiance is warm and inviting, with minimalist decor, soft lighting, and an open kitchen that lets guests observe the meticulous preparation of each course. The menu evolves regularly, guided by the rhythms of the seasons and a commitment to local ingredients.

A carefully curated selection of wines and cocktails complements the dining experience, making Upstairs a must-visit for anyone seeking a personal, modern take on fine dining in HCMC.

Upstairs is located on the 1st floor, 36 Nguyen Ba Huan, Thao Dien Ward.

Oryz Saigon

Led by chef-owner Chris Fong, Oryz Saigon offers a sophisticated reinterpretation of Chinese cuisine that blends heritage with cutting-edge technique. Oryz takes diners on a culinary journey across East Asia.

The menu is rooted in the philosophy of “Taste of Time,” spotlighting slow-cooked methods, fermentation, and delicate flavor balance. With 90% of ingredients sourced locally, the menu changes every five weeks, drawing inspiration from culinary traditions across the Red River Delta, Sichuan, and Hong Kong. The result is an ever-evolving dining experience that stays true to its roots while embracing bold innovation.

Oryz is located at 51 Tran Nhat Duat, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1.

Dishes served at Oryz. Photo courtesy of Oryz

No

Located on the 9th floor of Le Méridien Saigon at 3C Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Akuna is the creation of Michelin-starred Chef Sam Aisbett.

Drawing inspiration from Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage, Akuna weaves together local ingredients with refined Japanese influences.

The tasting menu reflects the city’s “beautiful chaos,” interpreted through Chef Sam’s signature style honed at acclaimed restaurants like Quay and Whitegrass. Each dish boldly reimagines Vietnamese produce, offering surprising flavor combinations and artistic presentation. Paired with a wine list focused on natural and organic selections, Akuna is a celebration of modern culinary craftsmanship, and a must-visit for lovers of daring, boundary-pushing cuisine.