Upstairs Tasting Room sits on a quiet stretch of Nguyễn Bá Huân in Thảo Điền, running dinner service six nights a week plus a Sunday lunch sitting — Tuesday is the only dark night. The format is fixed: a 13-course menu built around the chef's central Vietnamese roots, each dish a precise reinterpretation of something familiar. A bowl of hến xúc bánh đa becomes a composed plate; the ambition is always to preserve the flavor memory while tightening every element around it. One optional add-on course extends the meal for those who want it.
The kitchen's involvement doesn't stop at the pass. Chefs carry the courses to the table themselves and explain the thinking behind each dish, so the meal moves at a conversational pace rather than a transactional one. The sommelier manages wine pairings, but the non-alcoholic option is a genuine alternative — purpose-built juice compositions that shift with each course rather than a single beverage stretched across the evening.
The room is small and intentionally quiet, with sightlines into an open kitchen. Guests tend to arrive with a reason: a birthday, an anniversary, a deliberate decision to spend several hours at the table. The 13 courses are designed to fill that time; reviewers consistently note that fullness arrives around course eight, and the desserts still hold attention. Sunday's noon-to-3 PM sitting is rare for a restaurant at this level in the neighborhood, offering a daylight alternative to the standard dinner format.
Within Thảo Điền's dining scene — dominated by casual bistros, weekend brunch spots, and international comfort food — this is the outlier operating at the formal end of the spectrum. There is no à la carte option, no drop-in flexibility, and the kitchen expects the full duration.
Probably one of the most amazing Michelin star restaurant I’ve experienced. It only has 1 star when I’m writing this review but I’m confident that they are getting a second one soon , with that level of service, food experience and immersive mix in the Vietnamese cuisine ! Would book it if you like raw fish and Vietnamese cuisine. Otherwise it may not be for you. Congrats to the Chef and his team cause this is a Gem !
One of the best dining experiences! The ingredients were meticulously thought out and crafted into delicious courses. The wait staff were knowledgeable and explained everything in detail. The head chef also came out himself and served us a main dish which was extra special. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a fine dining experience with modern Vietnamese cuisine.
This is without a doubt the best meal we had in Vietnam. The space is beautiful and the atmosphere is perfect. Chef Truong and his team are incredible to watch, so much discipline in the kitchen, the food is a delicate journey through Vietnamese cuisine. The front of house staff are top tier, incredibly attentive but not intrusive at all, they know what you need before you do without a word uttered. The wine list is so so well curated, I can easily say it’s one of the best wine pairing I have had, the Som’s have put so much thought into the pairing, and where/what producers they are sourcing from. This was a far better experience than some of the best 2 Michelin starred restaurants I have eaten at around the world. If you are in HCMC, this is a must try, you will not regret it. We will definitely be going back.
A quietly confident and well-composed experience. There is a clear ingredient-led approach, but unlike more restrained interpretations, the flavors here are expressive and vibrant. As with Huế cuisine, the dishes carry depth and intensity—yet remain well balanced. Bold, but never overwhelming; everything feels considered and cohesive. The Huế influences are a particularly thoughtful touch, lending the menu a distinct sense of identity without feeling forced. Presentation is clean and deliberate, complementing the food without distraction. The progression of the menu flows naturally, with each course building on the last. The wine selection stands out—particularly the range of natural and skin-contact wines. Well curated, and paired with confidence by a knowledgeable and attentive sommelier. A considered and distinctive expression of modern Vietnamese dining, where nuance and identity are handled with care.
I had a wonderful dining experience at this restaurant. The atmosphere was elegant, clean, and very comfortable, making it a perfect place for both family gatherings and casual meals with friends. The food was of excellent quality, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. Every dish was well-prepared and tasted absolutely delicious. What impressed me the most was the service. The staff were polite, attentive, and very professional. They responded quickly to our requests and made sure everything was perfect throughout the meal. Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant. It truly deserves a 5-star rating for both its service and food quality.
Breakfast available: Opens by 6 AM — a viable breakfast stop in Thao Dien.
Reservations: Call +84 859 800 586 to book — recommended for weekend dining.
Best for: birthday dinner, date night, anniversary dinner, special occasion.
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