Architectural marvels, these restaurants are works of art and design. Witness how traditional Vietnamese materials are crafted with modern flair, to create restaurants that are truly unforgettable.
THE BRIX
Taking you away to the beachy vibes of California, The Brix is a tropical oasis sheltered from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, serving immaculately presented modern cuisine. The outdoor restaurant is an architectural wonder, as its clever design flows air from the adjacent swimming pool to create a cool breeze through the restaurant. Clean lines and neutral tones radiate warmth in the sun, in an environment that truly feels like a holiday destination, rather than your local neighbourhood. Not just a pretty venue, The Brix make a very strong impression with their fresh meat and seafood, both sourced locally and imported from overseas. Enticing cold starters include their House Smoked Salmon, with Aoi Nori, salmon roe, horseradish-dill cream, golden berry and umibudo seaweed. Another specialty, their Vung Tau Green Crab, with turmeric, Vietnamese pickles, mango and avocado. From the land, the restaurant also offers a Suckling Pig Rack, slow-cooked with honey and sweet chilli barbeque sauce, mixed cherry tomatoes, baby yellow zucchini, romanesco, green asparagus and baby potatoes. Also appetising, a 2 Way Aged Barbary Char Siu Duck, with a Peking dug leg ballotine, spicy plum sauce and Vietnamese pickles. The menu also features char-grilled steaks, fresh pasta, burgers and desserts, all of which are bound to be delicious.
26 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: +84 907 851 010
TRE DINING
Highly acclaimed, Tre Dining is an eatery and bar shortlisted for having some of the best architecture and interior design in the city. Step into a world of bamboo fixtures and modern aesthetics, and relax in this semi-indoor venue with a terrace in the sun. In an east meets west adventure, chef Luu Dong and his team cook over charcoal grills in their open kitchen, and serve refined, artfully plated dishes that have earned them a spot on this year’s Michelin Guide. Aiming to impress, Tre Dining’s ‘Reborn’ Menu is a gastronomic flight, starting strong with amuse bouches of Smoked Salmon, dill Ice Cream & Sterlet caviar, and Dry-Aged Pork, cassava foam & coconut. The next course, Fresh French Oyster with cured watermelon and a Dalat strawberry gazpacho. Showing off their culinary skill, the following course features a Sea Urchin Jelly, onion foam and a black chicken consommé. Next, delicately folded ST25 Tortellini, with a bacon broccoli purée and lobster foam. The rest of the menu includes a Sweetbread Tempura with Ant Eggs Salt, as well as one more course, followed by two showstopping desserts. Also available, a remarkable 11-course vegetarian menu, flexing their culinary prowess to serve complex, gourmet dishes to their discerning clientele. You can also dine a la carte, and still walk away with a memorable gastronomic experience.
35 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: +84 0949 848 696
IPPUDO
Far removed from the busy chaos of the city centre, Ippudo Vietnam is located in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 7, serving Japanese ramen. The outdoor space is covered with foliage in a soothing green escape, and the restaurant feels distinctively modern. Sleek screens made with wooden chopsticks act as a boundary between the semi-indoor space and the outside world, letting the breeze in. The design is simple, and allows the restaurant to blend into its tropical setting, in a relaxed, open space. Lights keep the venue bright even at dark, shining in on those delicious bowls of ramen.
1-3 MD2, Khu A Do Thi Nam Thanh Pho, Nguyen Van Linh, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: +84 708 880 001
QUE DUA RESTAURANT
Majestic, grandiose and imposing, Que Dua is an architectural marvel in a well-lit breezy setting, bordering the river and a lush green garden. The restaurant is built with organic materials and blends traditional Vietnamese style with a stylish bar aesthetic, in a soothing ambiance. Catch the sunset, and watch the structure glow into the night. Authentic Vietnamese food is served in well-presented baskets, including Grilled Duck, Pig Leg, and Shrimp Paste with Boiled Meat. The menu also features Fried Rice in a Coconut, and Beef Shank with Apple Mangrove Flower Salad. Whether you’re just looking for somewhere to rest, or a romantic place to spend the evening, this is a choice destination to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
6B Xa An Khanh, Huyen Chau Thanh, Ben Tre, Vietnam. Tel: +84 938 999 787
HAY HAY
Serving Vietnamese cuisine, Hay Hay restaurant is a masterpiece of bamboo, featuring traditional bamboo architecture and magnificent interior design to create a breathtaking venue that honours its heritage. Inspired by an ancient Vietnamese house, the structure takes this concept and elevates the atmosphere to one of modern luxury. In a culinary journey through Vietnam, the chef draws inspiration from the kitchens of the Imperial Citadel in Hue, the contemporary tastes of Ho Chi Minh City and the traditional influence of Hanoi, using the best locally sourced produce to create a magical dining experience. Highlights from the menu include a classic Bun Bo Hue, and a Slow-Cooked Pork Leg with Dalat artichoke. Also on offer, a fragrant Goat Curry, and moreish Vietnamese Caramel Clay Pot.
Truong Sa Street, Naman Retreat, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang, Vietnam. Tel: +84 236 3959 888
YAM RESTAURANT
Located in the mountainous region of Dalat, YAM restaurant is the birth child of Sawadeesign Studio. High walls made from burnt pine wood shelter the landscaped garden and enclosed trees, and provide a passageway to the restaurant in a journey through the woods. At the top, a bridge takes visitors to an open terrace with more seating and an indoor dining space. Here, natural wood and light creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, within the urban oasis of the garden. The concept: Chiang Mai in Dalat, as your taste buds are transported to Thailand.
286 Hai Ba Trung, Ward 6, Dalat, Vietnam. Tel: +84 91 149 4945
AKAARI PREMIUM RESTAURANT
In the capital city of Hanoi, Akaari is a proprietor of fine Japanese cuisine, and it's chic modern interior marries traditional Japanese and Indochine aesthetics to build an elegant, inviting space. The second floor ceiling is a drop cloud system that partially covers the device and creates the effect of floating clouds in space. Rattan walls divide the spaces into private intimate settings, and natural light fills each room, with views of the garden and the city. The menu showcases the freshest fish available as well as vegetarian offerings. Meticulously prepared dishes such as sashimi, tempura, and grilled fish are served just to your liking.
5 Van Mieu Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel: +84 971 483 335