Albion by Kirk Westaway
Michelin-starred Jaan's chef Kirk Westaway in Singapore has just opened his first casual dining restaurant, The Albion by Kirk Westaway, in Ho Chi Minh City. The restaurant, which opened on November 2, has a stunning view of the city skyline.
This 60-seat space features a mix of classic and modern décor, including a historic bar as the centerpiece. Westaway is excited to bring British cuisine to Vietnam, a country he admires for its rich culture and vibrant cuisine. The menu will highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including organic produce from Da Lat and high-end seafood from Japan. For Westaway, "Vietnam offers an exciting opportunity for the casual concept I've been wanting to create for a long time."
Address: 23rd Floor of Hôtel des Arts Saigon, 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3
Opening hours: 5:30PM – 11:30PM (closed on Sundays)
Facebook: https://www.hoteldesartssaigon.com/restaurants-bars/the-albion-restaurant-2/
Photo: Fb The Albion by Kirk Westaway
Late Night Dining
Night Dining, from the team behind CoCo Saigon, is a moody and cinematic hideaway run by Vicky Lam and her all-star team. Walking through a narrow Chinese blue corridor and tea-colored glass doors, you'll see a lush 'theater' where Chinese cuisine is remixed in a bold Western style.
Chef Son Nguyen, best known for The Other Place, is back with dishes with Chinese flavors. The menu is inspired by Cantonese origins and Sichuan flavors.
Combine it all with expertly crafted cocktails from Dat Nguyen, the man behind Yugen and Rabbit Hole, and we've got a winner. From Thursday to Saturday, Bush Lam's curated performances will stir the atmosphere, with panoramic views of the skyline creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night.
Address: 26th Floor, Centec Building, 72 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3
Opening hours: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., closed on Mondays
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dadining.sgn
Photo: Da Dining
Upstairs
From the talented team behind Little Bear (a MICHELIN Selected restaurant led by Chef Nhat Duy, MICHELIN Vietnam's Rising Chef of the Year), to Gia (one star) in Hanoi and Seroja (one star) in Singapore—thanks to its visionary vision of F&B Long Tran—to the Upstairs Tasting Room, located just above Little Bear in Saigon.
With the goal of becoming a prominent highlight in the city's culinary scene, this cozy space has only 10 seats, a one-person kitchen counter, and three private dining rooms for a total of 12 seats. To make it even more complete, there is a wine cellar right in the dining room. Here, Chef Hiep serves modern Vietnamese cuisine through a tasting menu in a sophisticated setting. Expect innovative dishes that combine Vietnamese staples with Chef Hiep's creative style, honed through years of experience in renowned kitchens.
Address: 36 Nguyen Ba Huan, Thao Dien, District 2, Thu Duc City
Photo: Little Bear
Nephele
Nephele, a new location by chef Thuan Tran, an address for lovers of fine dining in Saigon. Francis, formerly the award-winning head chef at Esta Saigon and Vietcetera's Chef of the Year (2023). He started as a dishwasher and food delivery in 2010, gradually working in some of Saigon's best kitchens, from La Villa to MAD House, Quince Saigon and of course the award-winning Esta.
Currently, Francis is bringing his talents to Nephele, a cozy location located in a renovated French-style house in District 3. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable, with a minimalist design in the style of wabi-sabi. Food? Modern French cuisine with a rich Vietnamese flavor. His charcoal pita sauce has become a favorite, and it's safe to say that the rest of the dishes have the potential to win a Michelin Award, but what really stands out is the hospitality—it feels like you're dining at a friend's house (if that friend is an award-winning chef!)
Address: 125/12 Nguyen Cuu Van, Ward 17, Binh Thanh
Opening hours: 6 pm to 11 pm, closed on Sundays
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nephele.sgn
Photo: Nephele
Lupin Bistrot et Vins
Lupin is the new French pub of the team behind Tomatito and Bandido, and they serve all the French charm with a bit of playful Saigon style. The roast chicken is juicy, tastes perfect, and is really amazing. The wines are handpicked by Gilles, who knows a thing or two about how to make the perfect recipe for you.
The atmosphere here is very cheerful, a bit luxurious but completely comfortable. With friendly staff, a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of famous French dishes such as artichoke salad and cream puff pastry. Lupin is a place where you can stop by for a glass of wine and end up staying all evening. This place is just getting started, but believe me—it's done a miracle to become a favorite place in Thao Dien.
Address: 17 Nguyen Cu, Thao Dien, 2, Thu Duc
Opening hours: 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lupinbistrotetvins/
Photo: Lupin Bistrot et Vins
According to jovelchan.com