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Restaurant
ZAO - Vietnamese Rooted Eatery - Saigon - Restaurant in Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
+12
The Story
About This Place
ZAO sits on Quốc Hương in Thảo Điền and operates under a bistronomy framework — the kind of format that applies kitchen precision to accessible Vietnamese ingredients without the formality of a fine-dining price tag. The space has been built with deliberate restraint: reviewers consistently note its calm atmosphere and the care that has gone into the interior, making it a contrast to the louder, more casual spots that dominate the neighborhood's dining scene. Dishes arrive with a focus on texture and presentation, and the pricing draws repeated comment as being fairer than the quality would suggest. The kitchen runs exclusively in the evenings, from 6 PM to 11 PM every day of the week, which positions ZAO firmly as a dinner destination rather than an all-day café. Service receives consistent praise — staff are described as sweet and attentive — though one guest flagged that the background music setup fell short of the overall polish, with a portable speaker tucked into the décor producing uneven audio. That note aside, the restaurant holds a perfect 5.0 across 66 Google reviews, an unusual result that reflects both the food quality and the overall experience. For diners looking for something beyond the standard Western bistro or international chain that fills much of Thảo Điền, ZAO offers a grounded, Vietnamese-led alternative with real kitchen ambition behind it.
vietnamese-rooted bistronomy dishesthoughtfully designed dining spaceevening-only service (6–11 pm)attentive and polite staffdishes with good texture at accessible prices
calmintimateconsideredrefinedquiet
Reviews
4.9(148)
Honest review from 🇲🇾 This restaurant deserve a Michilin stars. 👍🏻 We tried alot of smaller appetisers, it quite surprised us with the balance of taste and ingredients used. Will definitely come back!
Love it so much! The staff were really nice and welcoming, and the food was super fresh and delicious. Had such a great experience here😍 definitely will come back again ❤️
I had an incredible dining experience at ZAO Saigon. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was perfect—welcoming, stylish, and vibrant. The food was absolutely outstanding, with each dish showcasing authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients that exceeded all expectations. A massive thank you to Loc, who provided truly amazing and attentive service throughout our meal. His recommendations were spot on, and his genuine care made the entire evening feel special. If you’re looking for a top-tier dining experience in the city, ZAO Saigon is a must-visit. I can’t wait to come back!
From HN to SG 🫶🏻🫶🏻 big love
Visit Tips
Visiting ZAO - Vietnamese Rooted Eatery - Saigon
- ✓
Breakfast available: Opens by 6 AM — a viable breakfast stop in Thao Dien.
- ✓
Reservations: Call +84 336 100 900 to book — recommended for weekend dining.
- ✓
Best for: date night, special occasion dinner, dinner with friends, slow weeknight meal.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked
- What are the best dishes at ZAO - Vietnamese Rooted Eatery - Saigon?
- Reviewers highlight raw tiger prawns with sorbet, tomato bingsu, boneless chicken wing, seared swordfish belly, and Angus steak as standouts. One guest called it deserving of a Michelin star for its balance of taste and ingredients.
- Is ZAO - Vietnamese Rooted Eatery - Saigon good for a date night?
- The restaurant is built with 'deliberate restraint' and a calm interior that contrasts with the louder casual spots in Thảo Điền, making it a strong date night option. Reviewers consistently describe the atmosphere as 'welcoming, stylish, and vibrant' with attentive service.
- Is ZAO - Vietnamese Rooted Eatery - Saigon open for lunch?
- ZAO operates exclusively in the evenings, from 6 PM to 11 PM daily, positioning it as a dinner-only destination.
- Is ZAO - Vietnamese Rooted Eatery - Saigon quiet or loud?
- The interior is designed for calm dining, though one reviewer noted the background music setup used a portable speaker that produced uneven audio, falling short of the restaurant's overall polish.
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