The best for the dawn watching. I dont like they use fan because it is too strong to any corner that you sot close to it. Music style need to be more zen so people can talk and just relax.
Restaurant
CLAY - Cocktails & Cuisine - Restaurant in Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
+24
The Story
About This Place
Clay sits on the Saigon River waterfront in Thao Dien, operating as sister restaurant to The Deck, with an open-sided layout that keeps the space comfortable even in warm months. The kitchen is led by a French-Singaporean chef whose influence shows in dishes that balance European technique with local ingredients — the grilled octopus arrives tender rather than rubbery, the pork belly carries a savory-sweet glaze that draws repeat visitors, and duck breast and grilled scallops round out a menu that leans toward proteins finished over direct heat.
What separates Clay from the cluster of riverside spots competing for the same dinner crowd is service that earns as many mentions in reviews as the food itself. Staff here are known to recognize returning guests after months away and recall their previous orders — a level of attention rarely encountered at comparable price points in the neighborhood. The team reads tables well, attentive without hovering.
The setting draws a mixed crowd: expat couples, visiting executives, and tourists who have done their research on Saigon dining. The open terrace is most comfortable during the cooler months; mosquitoes appear at dusk, worth noting for anyone planning to linger, and the perimeter fans keep airflow moving but can feel forceful at certain tables. Clay opens at 3 PM on weekdays and 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, running until midnight — equally suited to an early cocktail or a full dinner sitting.
An English-only menu has drawn occasional criticism from Vietnamese diners, a detail that reflects the venue's positioning as much as anything else. For those comfortable with the format, few spots in Thao Dien combine a proper waterfront setting with cooking that consistently rewards the detour.
grilled pork bellygrilled octopusriver viewgrilled scallopspersonalized service
riversideairyopen-airatmosphericrelaxed
Reviews
4.8(1680)
It’s been 7 years since our last visit. We wanted to experience Clay ( sister restaurant to The Deck, which we enjoyed last time) . Clay offers a fabulous vibe, inviting ambience and thoughtful decor. Excellent service, genuine and friendly. The food simply delicious, tasty and very well crafted by the talented French/Singaporean Chef. Highly recommend.
Food was below average, nothing special for the price range they offer. Service was good, staffs are sweet, but not too attentive. We had to move because the table next to us were smoking cigars, I guess it’s a norm for people to smoke in public in Vietnam. The atmosphere and view was excellent, but I can’t get over the fact that they allowed public smoking for such a “classy” restaurant. 🤷🏻♀️ Another major issues is there is NO Vietnamese menu, which is absolutely ridiculous and disrespectful to Vietnamese locals. I feel like most of their high ratings were because of the nice view and atmosphere.
We had such a lovely evening here. The setting is beautiful and overlooks the river, creating the perfect atmosphere. Every dish was amazing, but the steak and grilled scallops were the real highlights. The staff made us feel so welcome. If you're in Saigon, this is a must-visit!!!
I honestly loved the vibe here. The riverside setting feels airy and chill, and it was really comfortable in January, not too hot at all. The food was decent, not wow, but the service truly made the experience for me. The staff were warm, attentive, and actually cared about our experience, which I don’t always see even in more expensive or famous places. It felt genuine, not forced. 😄 I’d say it’s perfect for dates or small friend groups. Just a small note, there are mosquitoes, so bring spray. I really like Clay for its unique atmosphere and I’ll definitely come back.👍🏻
Visit Tips
Visiting CLAY - Cocktails & Cuisine
- ✓
Open late: Doors stay open past 4 AM on at least one day — handy for after-work dinners.
- ✓
Breakfast available: Opens by 3 AM — a viable breakfast stop in Thao Dien.
- ✓
Reservations: Call +84 907 351 010 to book — recommended for weekend dining.
- ✓
Best for: date night, group dinner, client dinner, sunset drinks.
gallery
31Photos
Drinks
Cocktail with Floral Garnish
Green Tropical Cocktail
Vibe
An indoor dining area with wooden tables and chairs, featuring several tables set with plates, candles, and cushions on the chairs. The ceiling has a
A spacious restaurant interior in Thao Dien, Saigon, featuring wooden dining tables and chairs, hanging woven light fixtures, large windows overlookin
The image depicts the interior of a restaurant located in Thao Dien, Saigon. It features wooden tables and chairs arranged throughout the space, with
Other
A dessert menu from a venue in Thao Dien, Saigon, listing various dessert items with descriptions and prices. Items include 'DUMBO CHOCOLATE' (110), '
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
- Does CLAY - Cocktails & Cuisine have outdoor seating?
- Clay has an open-sided terrace on the Saigon River waterfront. Reviews describe the setting as 'airy and chill,' though perimeter fans can feel forceful at certain tables and mosquitoes appear at dusk.
- What's the best dish at CLAY - Cocktails & Cuisine?
- The grilled pork belly and grilled octopus receive the most praise. Reviewers describe the pork belly as 'incredibly tender, rich, and flavorful' with a 'perfect balance of savory and sweet sauce'; grilled scallops are also frequently highlighted.
- Is CLAY - Cocktails & Cuisine good for a date night?
- Multiple reviewers describe 'a lovely evening' with a river view and service that 'felt genuine, not forced.' Staff are noted for recognizing returning guests after months away and recalling their previous orders.
- Is CLAY - Cocktails & Cuisine open late?
- Clay opens at 3 PM on weekdays and 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, running until midnight, making it suited to both early cocktails and a full dinner sitting.
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