Because of the lingering culinary influence of the French colonial era, when Ho Chi Minh City was known as Saigon, Vietnam’s most populous city is home to a large number of French restaurants. In fact, there are nearly 250 French restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, ranging from modest street-side cafes to fine-dining restaurants housed in renovated garden villas. In this carefully curated list, you will find 10 of the best. But first, a walk down Memory Lane!
In This Post
The French Colonial Influence on Vietnamese Cuisine
The culinary bond between France and Vietnam can be traced back to the 17th century, when French Catholic missionaries first arrived in the region.
While their presence laid the groundwork for cultural exchange, there’s little evidence of any significant French culinary influence during this early period, as Vietnamese cuisine remained largely shaped by traditional indigenous and Chinese gastronomic practices.
It wasn’t until the late 19th century, when France began its formal colonization of the region, that French cultural—and especially gastronomic—influence began to take root in Vietnam, shaping everything from ingredients and cooking techniques to dining customs and urban food infrastructure.
In 1887, the French established French Indochina, uniting Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos under colonial rule. This period of governance lasted nearly seven decades, ending in 1954, when France withdrew following its defeat at Dien Bien Phu and the signing of the Geneva Accords.
During those nearly 70 years, French culture left a deep imprint on Vietnamese society—especially in the kitchen.
French colonists introduced ingredients like asparagus (măng tây), potatoes (khoai tây), and onions (hành tây), which were previously unknown in the region. They also brought culinary techniques such as baking, stewing, and the use of butter and dairy, which were adapted to local tastes and ingredients.
This period saw the introduction of French culinary staples—baguettes, pâté, coffee, dairy, and stews—into Vietnamese kitchens, laying the foundation for fusion dishes that remain central to Vietnamese cuisine today.
Some of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes emerged from this fusion:
- Bánh mì: A Vietnamese twist on the French baguette, filled with local meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs.
- Phở: While its origins are debated, many believe it was inspired by the French dish pot-au-feu, blending beef bones with spices to create a rich broth.
- Bò kho: A hearty beef stew that marries French slow-cooking with Vietnamese spices and aromatics.
In addition to food, coffee was introduced in 1857, when a French missionary planted the first Arabica trees in northern provinces such as Ha Nam and Ninh Bình. Initially cultivated in church gardens, coffee quickly gained traction as a colonial crop.
Today, the French influence lingers on, not only in fusion dishes, ingredients, and coffee, but also in the enduring popularity of French-style bakeries, cafés, and fine dining establishments across Vietnam.
From buttery croissants to bold phin-brewed cà phê sữa đá, the culinary exchange between these two cultures has shaped a uniquely Vietnamese cuisine—one that balances tradition with adaptation, and East with West.
Blogger’s Note: phin rhymes with bean; the ph is pronounced like an f.
French Dining in Ho Chi Minh City: A Curated Guide
From cozy bistros tucked into leafy Thảo Điền to elegant rooftop brasseries in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City offers a surprisingly rich tapestry of French cuisine.
Whether you’re craving rustic comfort food like beef bourguignon and tartiflette, or refined classics such as foie gras terrine and lobster medallions, this guide to French restaurants in Saigon showcases the city’s most popular French restaurants—each with its own personality and culinary focus.
A typical lunch might include a hearty starter (think croque monsieur or escargots), followed by a main course like duck confit or steak-frites, and finished with a decadent dessert such as tarte Tatin or chocolate fondant. Dinner service often leans more indulgent, with multi-course menus, wine pairings, and elevated plating.
The 10 Best French Restaurants in Saigon
While there are three restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City with Michelin stars, none of them are French. However, some of the restaurants on this list are Michelin Selected—a designation awarded by Michelin inspectors for exceptional quality, just below the level of a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand (both of which are featured in Vietnam’s guide, though none currently apply to French cuisine).
1. La Villa French Restaurant by Thierry Mounon – Thảo Điền
Michelin selected French restaurant serving classic haute cuisine in a colonial-style villa, specializing in traditional French gastronomy from southwestern France. Recommended dishes: Lobster medallions with truffle, pigeon breast with foie gras, and Grand Marnier soufflé. $$$$
La Villa French Restaurant by Thierry Mounon – 14 Ngô Quang Huy, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam FACEBOOK
2. Trois Gourmands – Thảo Điền
Elegant Michelin-selected French restaurant with a focus on Burgundy and Alsace cuisine, featuring an in-house cheese cellar. Recommended dishes: Escargots de Bourgogne, duck à l’orange, and artisanal cheese platter. $$$$
Trois Gourmands – 39 Trần Ngọc Diện, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam FACEBOOK
3. Le Corto – District 1
Modern French brasserie known for its stylish interior and refined plating, this Michelon-selected eatery blends classic techniques with Southeast Asian flair. Recommended dishes: Lobster bisque, beef tenderloin Rossini, and truffle mashed potatoes. $$$
Le Corto – 5D Nguyễn Siêu, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam FACEBOOK
4. SENS – Dine & Wine – District 1
Upscale European fine dining with French foundations, offering panoramic city views and a curated wine list. Recommended dishes: Seared scallops with saffron sauce, lamb rack Provençale, and Valrhona chocolate fondant. $$$$
SENS – Dine & Wine – Level 52, Bitexco Financial Tower, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam FACEBOOK
5. P’ti Saigon – Thảo Điền
Contemporary French bistro with Mediterranean influences, offering daytime relaxation and nighttime indulgence in the heart of Thảo Điền. Recommended dishes: Duck confit, bouillabaisse, and the signature foie gras terrine. $$$
P’ti Saigon – 52 Ngô Quang Huy Phường Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam FACEBOOK
6. L’Entrecote – Social Meating – District 1
Parisian-style steakhouse focused on convivial dining and premium cuts, inspired by the classic “steak-frites” tradition. Recommended dishes: Signature entrecôte steak with secret sauce, duck magret, and crème brûlée. $$$
L’Entrecote – Social Meating – 63 Đông Du, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam FACEBOOK
7. Chez Gilbert Saigon – District 1
Casual French bistro with a warm, rustic ambiance, offering homestyle dishes from Provence and the Mediterranean coast. Recommended dishes: Ratatouille, lamb shank with rosemary, and tarte Tatin. $$
Chez Gilbert Saigon – 17 Trần Hưng Đạo, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam FACEBOOK
8. Cocotte – District 1
Rustic French bistro specializing in comfort food from the Auvergne and Lyon regions, served in cast-iron cocottes. Recommended dishes: Tartiflette, beef bourguignon, and chocolate mousse. $$
Cocotte – 136 Lê Thánh Tôn, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam FACEBOOK
9. B3 Steakhouse – District 1
Lively steakhouse with French-American fusion, offering dry-aged meats and a vibrant bar scene. Recommended dishes: Ribeye with Béarnaise sauce, steak tartare, and truffle fries. $$$
B3 Steakhouse – 68 Nguyễn Huệ, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam FACEBOOK
10. 3C Downtown Restaurant Français – District 1
Unpretentious French bistro near Bến Thành Market, offering homestyle classics in a cozy, family-style setting with authentic Parisian warmth. Recommended dishes: Eggs mayonnaise, beef bourguignon, and penne Pierre. $$ – $$$
3C Downtown Restaurant Français – 27 Đặng Thị Nhu, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam FACEBOOK
$ = Budget-friendly (under 400,000 VND)
$$ = Mid-range (400,000–1,000,000 VND)
$$$ = Upscale (1,000,000–2,000,000 VND)
$$$$ = Luxury (2,000,000+ VND)
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned Francophile or simply curious about Saigon’s rich culinary tapestry, these French restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City offer a delicious slice of Paris right here in Vietnam’s most vibrant metropolis.
If you found this guide to French restaurants in Saigon interesting, drop us a comment, share it with fellow foodies, and leave a comment with your favorite spot—we’d love to hear from you! Let’s build community one bite at a time!
I really miss Saigon! I’ve got to go back!
Very inspirational travel writing! What is your favourite destination until now?
Difficult question! I really liked Vietnam! But I also liked Sweden and Bali. What about you?
That’s awesome! I have been in Bali but it was a bit crowded for me. Vietnam was great and Sweden is still on my bucket list. At the moment Peru, Mexico, and Japan are my favourite destinations. We start by the way a new semester of the Master Program of Travel Journalism the 7th of September. Thought could be cool for you to join as well: https://perutours.nl/academy/