AKUNA Restaurant

Conclusion: well deserved Michelins one star and more + Disclaimer: may leak some surprises from chef/ restaurant yet I guess the menu may change from time to time. We tried the chef menu, one add on dish and wine pairing. To begin with, we tried two glasses of champagne and sparkling sake, well prepared us for the delicious menu. The first appetiser comes in 4 , in general some acidity to start the journey. The add on confit egg yolk with caviar was great. The seafood dish was stunning, in particularly, the sea cucumber dish, which was inspired by the Chinese Buddha jump over wall. The beef dish was visually excellent and tasted as good as its look. The wine pairing choices were exceptional. So far the best restaurant I have visited in Vietnam.

A creative blend of Vietnamese and Australian cuisine, this Michelin-starred spot delivers the full fine dining experience—polished service, thoughtful design, and beautifully executed dishes, all within a hotel setting. Everything feels meticulously planned, but what makes this place stand out is its playful touch. There’s a sense of humor woven into the details, from quirky decor (the bathroom area has dive bar vibes) to the first dish, Sammy Boy—a fun nod to the classic Sunny Boy (if I caught the reference right). It brought genuine joy and set a lighthearted tone for the meal. Food-wise, the execution was top-notch, though I found the Vietnamese influence a bit underwhelming compared to the stronger Australian and Japanese notes. That’s more of a personal expectation as a traveler wanting a deeper dive into local flavors. The open kitchen was a great touch, and the staff handled the attention gracefully—major compliments to the team for staying composed under constant watch. Overall, a memorable experience with personality and precision.

The food was excellent, and we shared a wine pairing that day. Two of the wines were particularly well-matched and also enjoyable on their own. However, the service left much to be desired. Our server spoke very softly and had limited English proficiency, which is surprising and disappointing for a Michelin one-star establishment. More concerningly, both my partner and I experienced severe food poisoning—vomiting and diarrhea—after the meal. It appeared that we were the only ones affected, and the restaurant made no effort to follow up or respond to the incident. Overall, we feel that there are better fine dining options available in Ho Chi Minh City

What a wonderful experience, the staff was friendly and accommodating, I truly appreciated the consideration and care to accommodate my shellfish allergy. It’s a beautiful view from the top, but sitting at the chef’s table was so much fun. Chef Sam and the maître ´d were delightful conversationists. This restaurant is very unique and fun and the food is fresh, flavorful, and playfully diverse. We also had the opportunity to try their house ginseng wine which was a cool but terrifying experience.

We had a wonderful experience at Akuna, a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant in Saigon. The food was beautifully plated and meticulously prepared, with each dish showing thoughtful detail and balance. The staff were attentive and professional, making us feel well taken care of throughout the meal. The restaurant has a romantic view overlooking the Saigon River and Ba Son Bridge, making it a perfect spot for a date night or special occasion. The atmosphere is elegant yet comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy the dining experience without feeling rushed. One downside was the upselling approach, which felt a bit out of place in comparison to the refined experience of the dishes. Overall, Akuna is a lovely choice if you are looking for a fine dining experience in Saigon with beautiful presentations, excellent service, and a romantic riverside view.

A dinner that dazzles from the very first bite — where fine dining meets satire, and storytelling is plated with precision. The evening begins with a playful parade of canapés that blur the line between elegance and mischief. From delicate florals to irreverent snack-pack tributes, each bite surprises without trying too hard. It’s inventive, cheeky, and sets the tone for a night that doesn’t take itself too seriously — yet knows exactly what it’s doing. The first course arrives like a Fabergé fantasy — a halved eggshell brimming with luscious Kaluga caviar and savoury custard, paired with a slender poppyseed crisp. Indulgent yet restrained. Then comes a briny, bright composition of Hokkaido scallop, gooseneck barnacles, lotus seed, and pickled durian — a sea breeze in edible form. Hand-shelled spanner crab follows, crowned with a jewel-like banana heart jelly and a saline pop of horseshoe crab caviar, both delicate and bold. The bread course delights in its subversion — soft, fragrant rolls with an aromatic core, paired with a playful lineup of “butters,” from ikura cream to a cheeky Vegemite dollop. A butter-poached slipper lobster then arrives cloaked in velvet, its richness balanced by mountain pepper and golden pearls — pillowy and luxurious. Smoked pork jowl brings primal depth, wrapped in black moss and paired with firefly squid and caramelised fish sauce. Then: a showstopping brush-tailed porcupine, perfectly roasted and crowned with Australian truffle, accompanied by the most exquisite, fresh herb salad of the evening — bright, floral, unforgettable. Desserts sing of tropical memory. One captures pandan, mango, passionfruit, and creamy coconut with nostalgic familiarity, while a coconut wafer offers crisp, herb-kissed elegance. The crown jewel: a spiral of frozen Vietnamese crown melon hidden within layers of verbena cream and cocoa caramel — refreshing, cold, and brilliantly textured. The final act arrives on a balancing scale — petit fours infused with Southeast Asian spirit, from coffee to palm sugar to floral notes, capped by a celebratory mango tart that was as heartfelt as it was refined. To top it all off, handwritten birthday wishes and a porcupine spike souvenir — a personal, whimsical close to an extraordinary journey. A meal that lingers — not just on the palate, but in memory.

All the hype is worth it. An extremely professional and warm team, world class food and creativity, a fantastic location and a very kind seating right in the corner for the Reunification Day fireworks! Thanks so much for having us, and for the great music playlist.

Exquisite and inventive cuisine featuring rare ingredients like truffle, guinea fowl, and Bafun uni. Service was a bit slow, but the stunning view of Thu Thiem 2 Bridge made it worthwhile. Join Marriott Bonvoy beforehand for a 10% discount, about $40 off for two.