Secret Garden Restaurant

while i do agree it’s a tourist trap, the spring rolls platter was fabulous. centrally located, and yes there’s that stair climb. we had lunch so we reckon it’s nicer at night but the spring rolls was such a great welcome to saigon

We had been recommend this restaurant by several travellers and had to visit. We saw straight away why -the view is epic and its such a cool spot. At night would be best time to visit. We came our first night in Saigon without a booking and they accommodated us no problem service was great and the food was excellent. We decided to return on our final night and made a booking. Service this time very different, we felt very rushed we had barely opened our menu and someone was asking if we were ready to order. Then in the space of less than 5 minutes 4 waitstaff came up to try to take our order, the menu is very extensive it’s not something you can decide in such a short time frame. Then when we were half way through our meal they were taking plates off our table, at one stage my son had just put down his chopsticks from a plate and they swiped it from underneath him, then I just put my glass down and again swiped it -it wasn’t even finished! This made us feel they just wanted us gone for the next customers. Really tainted it, if this had been our first visit I would not have scored it at a 4.

A beautiful restaurant with some service issues. Inside an alley and Up 5 flights of stairs and you’ll be in the restaurant. We had lunch here and it was a hot day outside, but lots of fans in the restaurant helped with the temperature. The food was well presented and most of it was tasty, but I had a feeling that some had been prepped well in advance. The Goi Cuon had dried up a bit and the rice paper was like rubber. The beef was very tender and nice, and the squid seemed fresh. The service was a bit lacking though, with the exception of one server, the others seemed pretty angry about having to work and having customers. We almost felt like we’d entered someone’s house and started emptying their fridge. It could be that we lucked out being lunch time during mid week, but in restaurants consistency is key. You might only get one chance. I liked the food and the atmosphere, and the quietness in the middle of the city, but I’ll probably skip any returns due to the service.

Fantastic restaurant, you're able to try five kinds of rolls from all across Vietnam. The service is very good the prices are reasonable, there is even a nice bathroom. Be advised the restaurant is on the very top floor inside of a courtyard section of a building.

The Secret Garden. A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Saigon The Secret Garden was one of the last places we visited in Saigon, and it turned out to be a truly unforgettable experience. True to its name, the restaurant is well hidden. When you enter the address into Google Maps, it brings you to an unassuming courtyard; casual, a bit chaotic, and of course, lined with motorcycles (as most places in Saigon are). At first glance, there's nothing that even remotely resembles a restaurant. Then you spot a small arrow pointing the way, but blink and you’ll miss it. We passed through an unimpressive gate and were greeted by a little old lady cleaning the floor, looking more like someone’s grandmother than a staff member. Still, nothing about the scene hinted at a dining experience. We followed the path upstairs, winding through what looked like private residences, no signs, no reassurance, just blind faith. But then, the reward: a doorway opens into a charming, rustic rooftop oasis. A true secret garden. The space is filled with greenery, flowers and plants spilling from every corner, hanging from beams and climbing up walls. It feels like stumbling upon a magical hideaway. The decor is a mix of charming and weathered, cozy and elegant. The vibe is relaxed, the setting picturesque. Now, about the food. The menus might be a little sticky, honestly, they’ve seen some love, but inside are photos of beautifully presented traditional Vietnamese dishes. And when the food arrives, it doesn’t disappoint. Each bite bursts with layers of flavor, perfectly balanced and memorable. It might’ve been the emotions of our last dinner in Saigon talking, but the entire experience left a lasting impression on all of us. If you're ever in Saigon, I sincerely recommend hunting down the Secret Garden. Just follow the arrow, trust the stairs, and prepare to be surprised.

Honestly, the food was not exactly great. More like a 3.5/5 for food. Nice vibes and service was pretty decent. One major pain point would be to WALK up the many flights of stairs to the 8th Floor. Not sure if I would make my way there again given that I have already been there.

we had no reservations but got a seat within 5-10mins with a time limit of 1 hour. food was served very quickly after ordering! the pork sausage skewers were the highlight of our meal! it was delicious and a must try! the braised pork with black pepper was very yummy too :) we ordered 4 dishes, 2 bowls of rice, 2 drinks and were stuffed. advisable to order only 2-3 dishes for 2pax! overall, a pretty nice place with good atmosphere and wonderful service!

We were recommended this place. It’s a little hard to find the entrance…. and then climb fours flight of stairs… but it was worth it. The food was top class, well presented and the service was great.