Once seen as a sign of loneliness, dining alone is being reimagined as an opportunity to slow down and savor.
Michelin inspectors, who dine alone by profession, carry that same sensibility, identifying places in the Vietnamese southern metropolis where single guests can feel comfortable.
The dining area at CieL features ambient lighting and minimalist furniture. Photo courtesy of CieL |
CieL (one MICHELIN Star)
Address: 50 6/3 Street, Thao Dien Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
At CieL, a restaurant tucked inside a villa, dining feels less like a formal occasion and more like a gathering at a friend’s home. Solo guests are encouraged to sit at the ground-floor counter, where they can watch the open kitchen in action while looking out onto the garden. The second floor features a Nordic-inspired design.
CieL’s menu blends French techniques with a Vietnamese spirit, expressed through a changing tasting menu. The restaurant also offers a range of wine options. Among the standout dishes is fish maw, an expression of east – west culinary dialogue.
Pho Le (Bib Gourmand)
Address: 413 – 415 Nguyen Trai Street, An Dong Ward
For a more casual experience, Pho Le has been serving Southern-style pho for over 70 years and remains busy. Locals come for its rich flavors and a generous amounts of meat. A bowl of mixed beef pho is recommended. It features different cuts of meat such as brisket and tendon.
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Beef pho at Pho Le is served with lots of herbs and bean sprouts. Photo courtesy of Michelin Guide |
Anan Saigon (one MICHELIN Star)
Address: 89 Ton That Dam Street, Saigon Ward
Anan Saigon reimagines Vietnamese street food through a contemporary lens. Chef-owner Peter Cuong Franklin returned from kitchens in Hong Kong, Chicago and Bangkok to create a restaurant that feels both local and global.
Here, Vietnamese flavors are transformed into inventive dishes. The menu features dishes such as foie gras spring rolls and miniature Wagyu banh mi. Despite its popularity with international diners, the atmosphere remains welcoming for those dining solo.
The Monkey Gallery Dining (MICHELIN-selected)
Address: 3F, 91 Mac Thi Buoi Street, Saigon Ward
The Monkey Gallery Dining, a restaurant influenced by Japanese architecture, was created by three founders born in the Year of the Monkey. The counter facing the open kitchen is an ideal spot for solo diners to watch the team at work. The menu is served in four courses, and can be complemented with cocktails or mocktails.
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The dining space at The Monkey Gallery Dining is modern, complemented by artwork. Photo courtesy of Michelin Guide |
An’s Saigon – (MICHELIN-selected)
Address: 5A Tong Huu Dinh Street, An Khanh Ward
Located in a 20th-century villa outside the city center, An’s Saigon requires a bit of travel. The restaurant is divided into three spaces: a garden, lounge and the Chef’s Table.
The garden and lounge serve breakfast, lunch and a dinner tasting menu. The Chef’s Table, with eight seats arranged in an L-shape, offers a menu inspired by Vietnamese culture and nature.
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