Imagine how satisfying it is to sit down to a dinner that you did not have to prepare yourself at the end of a long week. Now picture savoring that sumptuous fare on a tranquil terrace, as the sun bids farewell in the distance. Nothing compares to basking in the mellow glow of the dusky sky, relishing seasonal mojitos and the fresh catch of the day, with the sky gleaming in hues of pink and orange on a sultry summer eve.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best restaurants in Saigon, with cuisine and sunset views worth the trip to Thu Duc City. The culinary creations at these picturesque restaurants are accomplished with local flare and fresh ingredients in a great ambiance; but we all know it’s that picture-perfect sunset shot that will stay with us forever.
Clay Saigon
Making their mark as “Design of the Year” winner at Vietcetera’s Vietnam Restaurant & Bar Awards 2023, CLAY Saigon is a riverbank Mediterranean-inspired cocktail bar located in the heart of Thao Dien. Aesthetically pleasing space design is now a component of creating the ideal dining experience for customers — and CLAY has definitely mastered this art.
CLAY radiates a tropical atmosphere with warm tones, and natural materials like ceramics, wood, rattan, and lush foliage of palm and coconut trees. CLAY Saigon is a cozy spot for a relaxing staycation with delicious food and drinks.
With their stunning patio area, there is nothing more therapeutic than sipping a cocktail while enjoying the breeze and the breathtaking sunset view from the Saigon River.
Address: 18 Street no.6, Thao Dien Ward
15:00-0:00 Tuesday to Friday | 11:00-0:00 Saturday to Sunday
Happy hour: 15:00 to 19:00 & 22:00 til late | Tuesday to Sunday
Coastal
Coastal Saigon, located along the river and set inside one of Saigon’s oldest and most serene enclaves, provides a much-needed reprieve from the city’s hustle and bustle with its lush vegetation, breathtaking vistas, and rustic chic tropical décor inspired by the island of Bali.
One of the highlights here is they host a Sunday brunch buffet every week. So enjoy great international quality meals and ingredients while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Saigon River from its magnificent position.
Address: 53 Vo Truong Toan, Thao Dien Ward
6:00-22:30
Happy hour: 16:00 to 19:00 | Daily
Kitchen by the River
Located in the boutique hotel Mia Saigon, the cozy-chic Kitchen by the River elevates the open kitchen idea by placing the activity in the center of the area. The unadorned experience allows people to dip spoons into sauce pots and inhale the scent of freshly baked bread. The restaurant, which is reminiscent of home kitchens, delivers a range of popular Western and Vietnamese meals with a twist. Guests are encouraged to sit at Kitchen by the River and sample historical foods prepared to perfection while watching the sun-coated Saigon river longingly glide past.
Their experienced chefs make a range of casual cuisine in front of guests using local, sustainable, organic goods and the freshest daily seafood. Whether it’s dry-aged imported meats from our charcuterie area, wood-fired pizzas, or a skillet of noodles, customers may have the opportunity to see, smell, hear, and taste the food being made.
Mia Saigon is currently launching a “Sunset by the River” offer where guests can enjoy the beautiful sunset while sipping beers and wines with good value.
Address: 2-4 Street 10, An Phu
6:30-22:30 (Last food order at 21:45, last beverage order at 22:00)
Happy hour: 16:30 til 18:30 | Daily
Le Café des Stagiaires
Le Café des Stagiaires — or “the cafe of the interns” in French — was founded by a group of European hospitality students when they had an internship in Shanghai. It began as a tiny pub where they could all hang out, with modest cuisine and beverages that reminded them of home. But their little bar quickly became popular among fellow interns, expats, and locals alike.
As their modest hangout evolved, they decided to transform it into a setting that reflected the café culture they knew in Europe, where the café is the hub of social life — from coffee and breakfast in the morning to supper, drinks, and parties at night.
After the success of its locations in Shanghai and Bangkok, the team decided to take the journey to Ho Chi Minh’s lively and vibrant Thao Dien neighborhood. The cafe quickly became one of the go-to spots for food lovers in District 2.
Besides the panoramic rooftop view of the Landmark81 tower and the Saigon River. Le Café des Stagiaires also features delicious European dishes like Pissaladière (French pizza dough), garlic snails, or steak frites. Be sure to check out their happy hour for the beers, wines, and cocktails.
Address: 10 Street no 54, Thao Dien Ward
17:00-0:00 Sunday to Wednesday | 17:00-2:00 Thursday to Saturday
Happy hour: 17:00 til 19:00 | Weekdays
The Deck
Resembling “the deck” on boats, this place is one of the first and best places for sunset views in Saigon. Being featured in The Guardian “one of the best bars in the world”, The Deck amazes guests with not only the spectacular view and stunning outdoor seating but also the high-quality food and drink offerings.
Treat yourself with their seafood freshly imported straight from Phu Quoc and delicious cocktails, as you embrace the glory of the setting sun.
You can also book a private boat tour on the way to the restaurant to elevate the experience.
Address: 38 Nguyen U Di, Thao Dien Ward
8:00 til midnight
Happy hour: 16:00 til 19:00 & 22:00 til late | Daily