
The Refinery Restaurant
Experience classic French cuisine and romantic ambiance in a former opium refinery, blending history with culinary excellence.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Refinery Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience classic French cuisine and romantic ambiance in a former opium refinery, blending history with culinary excellence.
"An excellent French restaurant, like the Parisian brasserie of the 1930s, located in the former opium factory."
Make Reservations
Secure your table, especially for peak hours after 8 PM.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during happy hour for discounts on drinks to enhance your dining experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
French
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+84 28 3823 0509
Address
74 Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Website
therefinerysaigon.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Duck Confit "Shepherd's Pie"
A signature French dish featuring slow-cooked duck leg with rich, savory, and subtly sweet notes.

Historic Opium Refinery Ambiance
Dine in a charming, romantic atmosphere set within a former colonial opium refinery.

Exquisite French Cuisine
Experience classic French dishes with subtle Vietnamese twists, featuring fresh ingredients and careful preparation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Secure your table, especially for peak hours after 8 PM.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during happy hour for discounts on drinks to enhance your dining experience.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss standout flavors like the confit of duck or lentil avocado salad.
Embrace the Ambiance
Enjoy the dim, cozy, and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Secure your table, especially for peak hours after 8 PM.
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during happy hour for discounts on drinks to enhance your dining experience.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss standout flavors like the confit of duck or lentil avocado salad.
Embrace the Ambiance
Enjoy the dim, cozy, and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Consider Early Lunch
Visit earlier during lunchtime to avoid crowds if you prefer quieter dining.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Refinery is highly praised for its classic French cuisine, particularly the duck confit, and its charming ambiance set in a historic colonial building. Diners appreciate the quality set lunches and the romantic, relaxed atmosphere. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, one diner noted a slightly fishy taste in the swordfish, but overall, the food and service are consistently lauded.
"Absolutely love this place! We’ve been here five times already, and every visit has been amazing. The French cuisine is top-notch — perfect for a casual yet dressy dining experience. The duck magret is always cooked to perfection, juicy and full of flavor. I’m absolutely in love with the anchovy chicken salad — it’s perfectly balanced and so well made.
We also tried the cauliflower soup, which was divine, and both the salmon and swordfish. The swordfish had a slightly fishy taste, but the flavors were still incredibly well balanced. And the ratatouille? Genuinely better than what we’ve had in France — no exaggeration!
Another thing we love is that they serve a simple hot lemon and honey drink — so hard to find elsewhere! And the juices are always fresh and delicious, made without any added sugar or syrup, which we really appreciate.
The staff speaks excellent English and always gets the orders spot on. Manager Mathew has been there every time we visited, keeping everything running smoothly and making sure the service is top-notch. Highly recommend"
Rob
"Living in D1 sure has its perks, and one of them is walking distance access to classic establishment such as The Refinery. Its as French as you can get with the menu here and the service is impeccable. Really fond of the toasted potatoes, slightly crispy on the cover and well cooked on the inside, the pasta can use some improvements but an Italian dish at a French restaurant is never a right choice to make, but still pretty decent. Always love the outdoor seating, especially when its a cloudy day, the vibe is just mellow and relaxing for both lunch and dinner. I don't think I need to recommend this place since its a star on a map for almost every local or visitors coming to Saigon with a culinary mission."
CD Le
"Really enjoyed lunch here. Had the lasagne 🍝 which was rich and proper comforting and the fish was fresh and cooked spot on. Both dishes hit the spot 👌 also profiteroles for dessert were so delicious. 🤤
The place has a laid back charm to it. Tucked away off an alley in a quiet little courtyard under cover in the rain is cool and feels like you’re miles away from the chaos of the city. Cold beer, warm fresh bread and butter when you sit down 🍞🍺 Simple things done right.
Juices were good too especially liked the super orange one.
Service was friendly and chill and the whole vibe just felt easy and relaxed.
They also have indoor dining but outside wasn’t hot. I like how dark it is when blind is covered but some might not.
Will 100% come back ✅."
Benjamin P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is located in a former opium refinery, adding a unique historical charm and ambiance to your dining experience.
Yes, the romantic ambiance, dim lighting, and intimate atmosphere make it perfect for couples and special occasions.
Diners highly recommend the confit of duck, duck magret, and salads. The duck confit is frequently highlighted as a standout dish.
Yes, they offer quality set lunches with two or three courses at good prices, making it a value-for-money option.
Reservations are recommended, especially for evenings. Consider visiting earlier for lunch to avoid crowds.
Yes, The Refinery has a happy hour from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM with discounts on food and drinks from the bar menu.
The restaurant is suitable for a casual yet dressy dining experience. It maintains a relaxed charm.
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10 Must-Try Brunches In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The Refinery takes its name from the original use of its premises as an opium refinery during the colonial period. Over the years, it has become one of the most popular brunch spots in town, with three brunch menus: the Mini Brunch Menu, the Full Brunch, and the Kids’ Brunch Menu. Customers can choose from a good selection of dishes, including Uova Mollette con Scarpette (soft boiled eggs with toasted Parmesan “bread shoes” and red pepper olive sauce), panzanella (char-grilled bread, tomato, and basil salad with goat’s cheese clives), and The Refinery’s eggs Benedict.
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The Refinery (74 Hai Ba Trung, District 1) is tucked away in the famous downtown courtyard that used to be the old opium factory. In a nod to its historic past, at The Refinery, there are black and white photographs of old Saigon lining the walls, alongside a blackboard listing out this week’s specials. Lunch at this French brasserie and wine bar is almost always busy (the pull of a very decently priced set menu) – with some of the best salads in the city like their Nicoise Salad with Grilled Swordfish & Quail Eggs (VND 225K) – and you’ll find a sufficiently French crowd in attendance (VND 340K for their 3-course lunch with a glass of wine).
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A popular French brasserie and wine bar situated in a quiet courtyard setting off Hai Ba Trung. The Refinery has all the charm and nostalgia of a classic French bistro reminiscent of the French-Chinese Opium era with the right amount of buzz. With both an indoor and outdoor seating area, here you can choose from a selection of cheese and cold cut platters, sixty different types of wine and classic French favourites such as Traditional “Steak Frites” and Parmentier de Canard – Duck Confit “Shepherd’s Pie”.
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The Refinery Bar and Restaurant brings a touch of French charm to downtown Ho Chi Minh with a menu of French bistro favourites such as steak frites and creative salads. As a former opium factory, The Refinery is replete with genuine colonial fixtures and has a charming garden terrace that offers the perfect spot for soaking up the cosmopolitan ambiance over a couple of wines. This is popular restaurant is enclosed in a fashionable courtyard next to the Park Hyatt Hotel on Hai Ba Trung Street.
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With a menu of French bistro favorites like steak frites and inventive salads, The Refinery Bar and Restaurant adds a bit of French elegance to downtown Ho Chi Minh. The Refinery, a former opium factory, features authentic colonial fittings and a gorgeous garden terrace that is ideal for soaking up the cosmopolitan environment while sipping a few wines. This popular restaurant is located on Hai Ba Trung Street, opposite to the Park Hyatt Hotel, in a stylish courtyard.
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The Refinery Bar and Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City thanks to its great location, colonial design, an amazing menu of French-style dishes. But clients claim that the main reason for coming here is because of the comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant is located inside a secluded courtyard also named The Refinery and the chilled out vibe here is perfect for a dinner with a few drinks.
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Picture this, enjoy your late morning in a sunlit courtyard adorned with lush greenery, rustic brick walls, and the unmistakable aroma of delectable delights. In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where history and modernity coalesce, The Refinery Saigon emerges as a culinary sanctuary, blending French charm with Vietnamese vibrancy. The Refinery beckons discerning diners to an unparalleled brunch experience.
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Among French restaurants in district 1, The Refinery boasts the most distinct style in space decoration and taste of dishes. The restaurant, from the inside out, is designed simply and luxuriously in the Western style, which makes it exude the splendor of a truly European restaurant. On the outside, it is airy and overlooks the whole stunning district, while inside, the atmosphere is quiet and romantic.
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📍Address: 74/7D Hai Ba Trung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City ( Google map) 🕒Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, daily 🍹Happy hours: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM (30% off on all food and drinks from the bar menu). Where classic meets contemporary. Tucked away in a charming courtyard that once housed an opium refinery, The Refinery brings a touch of Parisian flair to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
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French restaurant The Refinery is located on 74 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1 with a very distinct French style. Just entering the French restaurant The Refinery you will feel a completely quiet space, designed simply but lovely, luxurious. Especially with the careful investment in the design of equipment layout, utensils make the restaurant exudes the splendor of a true European restaurant.
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Among French restaurants in District 1, The Refinery boasts the most distinct style in space decoration and taste of dishes. From the inside out, the restaurant is designed luxuriously in the Western style, making it exude the splendor of a genuinely European restaurant. On the outside, it is airy and overlooks the whole stunning district, while inside, the atmosphere is quiet and romantic.
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Saigon is a city of contrasts, and we recorded this episode in one of its iconic French restaurants, The Refinery. Amidst laughs and our Aussie kinship, Matt shares what casual visitors often miss: the charm of historical cafes, the character of local bars, and the richness of local districts. Beyond the motorbikes and bustling streets lies a city with a unique rhythm and soul.
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The Refinery stands out among French restaurants in Saigon as it is located in a unique venue - an old opium factory called La Manufacture d’Opium. Upon entering, you will be greeted with an elegantly designed space that exudes French sophistication and refinement. The restaurant's decor is characterized by traditional Bistro style, tucked away in a serene courtyard.
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The Refinery, a luxurious Indochinese-style restaurant along a repurposed colonial lane, offers a good selection of top-tier crepes alongside its superb menu of wine, cheese platters, and scrumptious Western dishes. For a simple midday pick-me-up, check out the crepe with home-made mulberry jam and whipped cream(VND100,000, ~USD4.40). Image adapted from: The Refinery
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Among all the French restaurants in Saigon, The Refinery holds a unique position. Located in a former opium factory known as La Manufacture d’Opium, it embodies a traditional Bistro style. Nestled in a peaceful courtyard, The Refinery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with dark wooden tables, small flowers, and candles on each table, adding to its cozy ambiance.
All About French Colonial Architecture in Saigon
If you live in Saigon, you probably already know the restaurant ” The Refinery”. However, what you may not know is that the name of this restaurant is steeped in history, since the building was originally intended for the treatment of opium!. Like the English, the French of the colonial administration drew an extremely important income from the sale of opium.
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The Refinery stands out among French restaurants in Saigon as it is located in an old opium factory. Upon entering, you will be greeted with an elegantly designed space that exudes French sophistication and refinement. The menu offers a diverse range of dishes, including beef fillet mignon with red wine jus and potato galette roll, Niçoise salad, and more.
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The Refinery, located in the heart of Saigon, is one of the best Italian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh city. With a warm and cozy atmosphere, this restaurant offers a menu that combines classic Italian dishes with modern twists. The menu features a variety of options, including wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta dishes, and seafood specialties.
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The Refinery stands out among French restaurants in District 1 with its distinct style in both space decoration and taste of dishes. Luxuriously designed in Western style, it exudes the splendor of a truly European restaurant. Whether enjoying the airy outdoor seating or the quiet, romantic interior, it's perfect for couples' dinner nights.
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This classy french bistro is tucked away in a hem off of Hai Ba Trung, which once housed Saigon’s opium refinery. It’s designed to make you feel like you are in a cafe in Paris. Included with wicker chairs, glass top tables of course at least one group of French businessmen smoking a marlboro with their coffee.
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The Refinery is a charming French bistro in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, offering a cozy, Parisian-inspired ambiance perfect for casual dining. Known for its delicious selection of French classics, their signature dishes include steak frites and ratatouille, complemented by a well-curated wine list.
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Located in the Heart of D1, just across from the Opera House, The Refinery is one of the oldest French restaurants in the city. It sits in the courtyard that housed the Indochina Opium Manufacture. Much of the architecture, including the restaurant, is still intact to this day.
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The Refinery differs from other French restaurants in Saigon because it is set in an old opium factory called La Manufacture d’Opium. The restaurant has a beautifully designed space that reflects French elegance. Hidden in a quiet courtyard, it has a traditional bistro feel.
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Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, The Refinery is a fine-dining restaurant that offers a taste of French cuisine. The restaurant is helmed by chef Jean-Pierre, who is known for his expertise in French cooking and his passion for using the finest ingredients.
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The Refinery: As an upscale establishment, The Refinery offers a refined dining experience with a focus on European and Asian fusion cuisine. They have a pet-friendly outdoor seating area where you can enjoy their delicious menu with your canine companion.
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Built in a lesser-known historical location, Saigon’s former opium manufacturing workshop from the French colonial era (1884-1945), The Refinery prides itself on Continental gourmet food, mainly French delicacies, and an extensive wine list.
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The Refinery – Classier establishment in the tourist area, but still really dog friendly. Outdoor seating only for your pup, but the service is great, and the location itself is very interesting. Highly recommend for brunch.
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Among the best French restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, The Refinery, aptly named after its historic role as an opium refinery, has transformed into a captivating French brasserie and wine bar in the heart of Saigon.
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Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Refinery, a sophisticated restaurant housed in a historic building. In the afternoon, take a romantic
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