{"id":4701,"date":"2020-10-09T12:34:06","date_gmt":"2020-10-09T04:34:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=4701"},"modified":"2020-11-17T17:48:13","modified_gmt":"2020-11-17T09:48:13","slug":"saigon-riverside-cafes-restaurants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/saigon-riverside-cafes-restaurants\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Best Riverside Cafes & Restaurants In Saigon With Scenic Views For Chill Weekend Dinners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Riverside cafes & restaurants in Saigon<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

When it comes to chill weekend dinners, al fresco dining in a breezy atmosphere with a stunning view over the river is a natural choice in Saigon.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

From fine dining to casual dining, check out our lowdown on these top-notch<\/span> riverside cafes and restaurants in Saigon<\/b> for a memorable waterfront dining experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

1. C\u00f9 Lao Xanh Culinary Village – accessible via a boat only<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: L\u00e0ng \u1ea8m Th\u1ef1c C\u00f9 Lao Xanh<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

C\u00f9 Lao Xanh Culinary Village<\/b> boasts a unique riverside dining experience – located in the middle of the river, the rustic-looking restaurant offers a panoramic view over the river and the greenery from surrounding parks and lawns. Guests have to embark on a 3-minute boat ride to reach the restaurant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: L\u00e0ng \u1ea8m Th\u1ef1c C\u00f9 Lao Xanh<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

With numerous stand-alone rustic pavilions<\/strong> made from bamboo and straw, C\u00f9 Lao Xanh Culinary Village is a great for people looking for an intimate dining experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alongside the unique visuals is a menu filled with over a hundred Vietnamese countryside delights<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nSeafood salad with bamboo shoots<\/em>
\nImage adapted from: <\/span><\/em>L\u00e0ng \u1ea8m Th\u1ef1c C\u00f9 Lao Xanh<\/span><\/em>
\n<\/span><\/a>
\nStart with a dish of<\/span> seafood salad with bamboo shoots (VND230,000,~USD9.91 for 4 pax)<\/b> topped with peanuts, tasting fresh and sour.\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

For an authentic Western Vietnamese dish, order the salty and chewy <\/span>sun-dried fish<\/b>, which is harmoniously balanced with <\/span>crispy and soft rice balls (VND139,000,~USD5.99).\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Firm and flaky, <\/span>snakehead fish steamed with winter melon (VND310,000,~USD13.36 for 1KG) <\/b>would make a tasty and healthy dish for four people.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: L\u00e0ng \u1ea8m Th\u1ef1c C\u00f9 Lao Xanh<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

C\u00f9 Lao Xanh Culinary Village<\/span> also has a playground for kids<\/b>, where they can have a blast with different rides under the watch of a security guard so you can comfortably enjoy your meals.<\/p>\n

Address: <\/b><\/span>88 Nguyen Duc Canh, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
\nOpening hours: <\/b><\/span>10AM-11PM, Daily
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b><\/span> 088 989 80 00<\/span><\/p>\n

Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

2. \u1ea8m th\u1ef1c S\u00e2n v\u01b0\u1eddn M\u00e1i L\u00e1 – plenty of outdoor dining space<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: \u1ea8m th\u1ef1c S\u00e2n v\u01b0\u1eddn M\u00e1i L\u00e1<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Lush, casual, <\/b>and breezy, \u1ea8m th\u1ef1c S\u00e2n v\u01b0\u1eddn M\u00e1i L\u00e1 <\/b>is an ideal destination for those looking for an intimate dinner date by the river.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: \u1ea8m th\u1ef1c S\u00e2n v\u01b0\u1eddn M\u00e1i L\u00e1<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Aside from an outdoor dining space that can host up to 300 guests, the restaurant also has many private rooms for those who want to dine with a date.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: \u1ea8m th\u1ef1c S\u00e2n v\u01b0\u1eddn M\u00e1i L\u00e1<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The restaurant features a wide range of countryside dishes, from the juicy and savory chicken steamed with fish sauce (VND385,000,~USD16.60) <\/b>to the sweet and lean tilapia with spices (VND195,000,~USD8.41<\/b>).<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nSpiced tilapia<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>\u1ea8m th\u1ef1c S\u00e2n v\u01b0\u1eddn M\u00e1i L\u00e1<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Address: <\/b><\/span>1D Road 36, Ward Tan Quy, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
\n<\/span>Opening hours: <\/b><\/span>9AM-11PM, Daily
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b> <\/span>093 922 00 35<\/span><\/p>\n

Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

3. Elisa Floating Restaurant – floating restaurant on a ship<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: Elisa Floating Restaurant<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Those who want to take your romantic date up a notch can get on board Elisa Floating Restaurant<\/b> that sits on a ship docked in the Saigon River.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: Elisa Floating Restaurant<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Decked out in a lavish setting, the restaurant provides a panoramic view over Saigon River and the glittering skyline of District 2. Guests can choose to dine al fresco in the cooling breeze or inside the restaurant on rainy days.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: Elisa Floating Restaurant<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The ship also has many windows, allowing indoor guests to catch a clear view of the river.<\/p>\n

While this restaurant is an idyllic place for dinner, remember that it requires guests to book in advance<\/b> and accepts at least 2 guests per booking.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

The food here is well worth the trip, featuring a diverse menu that includes both Western and Vietnamese cuisine.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nTiger prawns<\/em>
\nImage credit: Elisa Floating Restaurant<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

For a fancy appetizer, check out the fresh, savory lobster miso soup (VND325,000,~USD14.01).<\/b><\/p>\n

Order the foie gras salad (VND395,000,~USD17.03<\/b>) for a buttery and delicate meal, and chow down the moist and firm flamb\u00e9<\/b> tiger prawns (VND285,000,~USD12.29) <\/b>for a sumptuous dinner.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
\n<\/span>Telephone:<\/b><\/span>\u00a0093 856 81 82
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/span> <\/b>10.30AM-11PM, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

4. Thao Dien Village – unobstructed view of Saigon River<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: Thao Dien Village – L\u00e0ng Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Overlooking the Saigon River <\/b>and surrounded by meticulously trimmed lawns, Thao Dien Village is one of the most scenic spots among the riverside cafes & restaurants in Saigon.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: Thao Dien Village – L\u00e0ng Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

You can sit on the verandah to enjoy the soothing breeze without having to worry about the sun or the rain, because the restaurant has a retractable roof and lots of trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

With ample seating from armchairs to plush sofas, Thao Dien Village is suitable for both intimate dates and group meetings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage adapted from: vivi_vn\/TripAdvisor<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Thao Dien Village dishes out both Vietnamese and Italian cuisine, from the comforting <\/span>pho <\/i><\/b>with beef (VND90,000,~USD3.88)<\/b> to a big <\/span>Italian breakfast<\/b> (VND155,000, ~USD6.68)<\/b> with 2 eggs, spinach, and toast drizzled with Napoli sauce.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage adapted from: Thao Dien Village – L\u00e0ng Th\u1ea3o \u0110i\u1ec1n<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Overlooking the river, Thao Dien Village\u2019s beautiful bar is a spot you can hit up for a tasty drink<\/a> after a full meal.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/b> <\/span>197\/1 Nguyen Van Huong St., Thao Dien Ward, District 2
\nTelephone:<\/b><\/span>\u00a00283 7442 222
\n<\/span>Opening hours: <\/b><\/span>6AM-11.30PM, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

5. Phong Cua – seafood haven<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: Salem Nguyen<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Despite its nondescript appearance, <\/span>Phong Cua <\/b>is the go-to place for those who want to enjoy a leisurely feast of seafood in the cooling river breeze. <\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Consisting of two <\/span>2 seafood restaurants <\/b>near each other, Phong Cua offers spacious parking, ample seating, and unobstructed views of the river.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: VAn ANh<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

What these riverside cafes & restaurants in Saigon lack in chicness needed for a romantic date, they make up for with their abundance of tasty <\/strong>and affordable<\/strong> seafood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From prawns to fish to snails that can be served with congee, rice, and noodles, guests will be spoiled for choice.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nFish hotpot<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>Trang Nguyen<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

You can start your meal with a dish of peppery and meaty <\/span>pila polita braised with pepper (VND100,000,~USD4.31). <\/b>To keep your belly warm and full, order an aromatic<\/span> hot pot of tender and fleshy catfish (VND230,000,~USD9.91).\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Non-seafood eaters won\u2019t feel out of place here, as Phong Cua also has plenty of dishes starring chicken and beef. From healthy chicken thigh stewed with <\/span>medicinal herbs (VND89,000,~USD3.84) <\/b>to the smoky beef steak <\/span>(VND99,000,~USD4.27)<\/b>, you\u2019ll have a lot to choose from.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: Nhung Nguy\u1ec5n<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Phong Cua also has a lush garden boasting unique decorations which guests can create lovely snapshots with, such as a crab-shaped statue and a small waterfall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n