L'Usine - Review

L’Usine pioneered the modern bistro concept in Vietnam that has taken off in recent years and led to a wave of enterprising businesses hoping to get a piece of the growing appetite of Vietnamese consumers. Industrial furniture, contemporary design, and Western food and drink highlight L’Usine’s character.

L’Usine, a cafeteria, cafe, and retail shop in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The brand has big plans to expand the L’Usine brand throughout Vietnam. In fact, they are building a new location right now at the corner of Le Thanh Ton and Thai Van Lung slated to open in late 2017.

Why We Like It

The two existing locations on Dong Khoi and Le Loi are centrally located and housed in charming French historical buildings. Being the history geek that I am, it’s always fun to be immersed in a place that values the history of the city. At pretty much all hours, the atmosphere is alive and buzzing with activity. The space is impeccably clean and well-maintained.

L’Usine’s consistency and environment have me coming back whenever friends or family are in town.

Tips for a Great Experience

It’s difficult to spend more than a couple hours here. The chairs are a bit uncomfortable for long periods of time. While not the most functional for that purpose, or perhaps designed with Saigon’s internet cafe goers in mind, the furniture itself is high quality and aesthetically appealing. It’s a fantastic spot to host friends and family, given its touch of history and vibe. L’Usine’s prices are a bit on the higher end, making it more of our destination recommendation than a daily routine.

Need to Know

Locations:

– 70B Le Loi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

– 151 Dong Khoi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (bistro and full dinner options)

Hours: 07:30 – 22:30, daily

Price: $$$

Best sellers: Brekki Burger and Quiche Florentine

X-factor: the design is impeccable and high quality, arguably unrivaled in the city

Online: Website