10 best cafés and restaurants to eat at in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a dream destination for food lovers. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bánh mì from a roadside stall, sipping Vietnamese coffee in a hidden apartment café or treating yourself to a memorable dinner, the city offers something for every budget and craving.

If you’re wondering where to eat during your trip, here’s our guide to 10 cafés and restaurants that are well worth making room for.

Okkio Cafee

If there’s one café that’s constantly recommended by locals and tourists alike, it’s Okkio Cafe. Known for its speciality Vietnamese coffee, the minimalist café is the perfect place to escape the city’s heat for a caffeine fix. Besides classic Vietnamese coffee, Okkio also serves creative coffee-based drinks and pastries, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon stop.

Where: 120 - 122 Lê Lợi, Bến Thành, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Meraki Cafe

Hidden inside the iconic 42 Nguyễn Huệ apartment building, Meraki Cafe combines good coffee with one of the city’s coolest settings. Expect cosy interiors, plenty of natural light and views over the bustling Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street below. It’s the kind of café you’ll want to linger in, whether you’re catching up with friends or taking a break between sightseeing.

Where: Chung Cư 42, Nguyễn Huệ, P, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Pho Viet Nam

No trip to Vietnam is complete without a bowl of pho. Pho Viet Nam has earned a loyal following for its comforting bowls of fragrant beef noodle soup made with a rich, slow-cooked broth. Pair it with fresh herbs, lime and chilli for the full experience.

Where: 14 Phạm Hồng Thái, District 1 and 66 Trần Quốc Toản, District 3

Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa

One of the city’s most popular bánh mì spots, Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa is known for generously stuffed sandwiches packed with cold cuts, pâté, fresh vegetables and herbs. It’s affordable, incredibly satisfying and makes for the perfect grab-and-go meal while exploring District 1.

Where: 62 Nguyễn Văn Tráng, District 1

Bánh Xèo 46A

Crispy, golden and packed with flavour, bánh xèo is another Vietnamese must-try. At Bánh Xèo 46A, the savoury rice pancakes are filled with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts before being wrapped in fresh herbs and dipped into tangy fish sauce. It’s one of the city’s most famous spots for this southern Vietnamese speciality.

Where: 46A Đinh Công Tráng, Tân Định Ward

Bún Thịt Nướng Nguyễn Trung Trực

Simple yet incredibly satisfying, bún thịt nướng features grilled pork served over vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables and fish sauce. This long-running eatery does the dish exceptionally well, making it a favourite among both locals and visitors looking for an authentic Vietnamese lunch.

Where: 1 Nguyễn Trung Trực, Bến Thành

Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền

Slightly further from the city centre but well worth the journey, Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền is famous for its enormous charcoal-grilled pork chops. You can smell the sweet, smoky aroma long before you arrive. For the full experience, order the thập cẩm, a loaded plate featuring the signature pork chop alongside shredded pork skin, steamed meatloaf, fried egg and other accompaniments. It’s hearty, indulgent and one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic local meals.

Where: 84 Đ. Đặng Văn Ngữ, Phường 10, Phú Nhuận, Hồ Chí Minh

Pizza 4P’s

A visit to Pizza 4P’s has become something of a Ho Chi Minh City tradition. The homegrown restaurant has built a cult following thanks to its Japanese-inspired pizzas, house-made cheeses and creative seasonal toppings. Whether you’re ordering the signature burrata pizza or one of its seafood creations, it’s easy to see why diners are often willing to queue for a table.

Where: multiple locations available

Sol Kitchen & Bar

Located just minutes from Bến Thành Market, Sol Kitchen & Bar offers a refreshing change from traditional Vietnamese fare. The stylish first-floor restaurant serves contemporary Latin American cuisine alongside creative cocktails, making it an excellent choice for date night or an evening out. Expect colourful sharing plates, bold flavours and an equally impressive drinks menu.

Where: 110 - 112 Lý Tự Trọng, District 1

Quince Eatery

For a special occasion meal, Quince Eatery consistently ranks among Ho Chi Minh City’s best restaurants. Housed in a beautifully restored French-era mansion, the restaurant centres around custom-built wood-fired ovens that lend a subtle smokiness to many of its dishes.

French chef Julien Perraudin combines refined techniques with comforting flavours, from luxurious wood-roasted bone marrow topped with caviar to expertly grilled meats and seafood. Despite its polished menu, the atmosphere remains warm and relaxed, with friendly service that makes the experience feel welcoming rather than overly formal.

Where: 37bis Ky Con, Ho Chi Minh City

Whether you’re after authentic Vietnamese street food, speciality coffee or a memorable dinner, Ho Chi Minh City delivers on every front. With most of these spots conveniently located around District 1, it’s easy to work your way through the list one meal at a time.

Just remember to arrive hungry as you’ll quickly realise that one trip is never enough to try everything.