Landmark 81 — Attraction in Ho Chi Minh City

An Absolute Failure on Every Level: View Cannot Save This

Restaurant Name: [Insert Restaurant Name Here] Location: Floor 79, Landmark 81, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Let's be perfectly clear: you come here for one thing, and one thing only—the view. Dining on the 79th floor of Landmark 81 is an undeniably spectacular visual experience. The panoramic vista of Ho Chi Minh City is breathtaking, the ambiance is sleek, and the service is polished.

However, for anyone who believes a fine-dining experience should involve satisfying, high-quality food that is prepared correctly, this restaurant is a profound and expensive letdown. Our experience was a cascade of failures, from ingredient quality to portion size to basic execution.

Failure #1: The Exclusive Reliance on Farmed Seafood

The most shocking discovery for a restaurant of this supposed caliber is its exclusive use of farmed seafood. At this price point, one rightly expects the best: wild-caught fish with superior texture and flavor, oysters from pristine waters, and lobster that hasn't been mass-produced.

Instead, every seafood dish suffered from the same flaws:

· Muted Flavors: A complete lack of the deep, oceanic "umami" that defines premium seafood. The natural taste was often masked by heavy sauces. · Poor Texture: The fish was soft and lacked the firm, flaky texture of wild counterparts—a classic sign of intensive farming.

This decision feels cynical, prioritizing cost-control and supply chain convenience over genuine culinary excellence.

Failure #2: Absurdly Small Portions - Left Genuinely Hungry

The second insult is the portion size. We opted for the tasting menu, expecting a curated and satisfying journey. We were wrong. Even after consuming every course—each one a minimalist arrangement of a few bites—I left the restaurant no more than 50% full. The experience feels less like fine-dining and more like a prolonged, overpriced snack with a spectacular backdrop.

Failure #3: The Final Insult - Incorrectly Cooked Wagyu

The last straw was the main course. I ordered a Wagyu beef, specifying medium-rare. What arrived was unambiguously medium-well. There is no confusion here; the grayish-pink center and lack of juice were unmistakable.

For a restaurant that charges a premium for a premium ingredient, this is an unforgivable error. It demonstrates a staggering lack of care, whether from the chef who cooked it or the server who delivered it without question. It tells me one of two things: either they do not trust their guests to know how to order a fine cut of meat, or they simply do not care enough to get it right. Ruining a piece of Wagyu by overcooking it is a culinary sin. Serving it without apology is an insult.

The Final Calculation: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely not.

You are paying a monumental premium for the elevator ride. The food is a triple failure: it's made from inferior ingredients, served in meager portions, and prepared incorrectly. The value proposition is not just low; it is negative.

The Verdict:

This is, at best, a place for a single, overpriced cocktail. Go up, have a drink, take your photos, and leave. But as a dining establishment, it is an arrogant failure that disrespects both its ingredients and its customers.

They have leveraged an unparalleled location to justify an experience that is mediocre in quality, unsatisfying in quantity, and incompetent in execution. It is the worst kind of fine-dining experience: one that relies entirely on its view because everything else on the plate is an afterthought, done poorly.

Recommendation: Under no circumstances should you dine here. The risk of...

Terrible service by the staff member (P.N.C) at the ticket desk. We went there on Tuesday night 24/9/2024 when it was quiet. My friend who lives in Vietnam took us there and the staff showed attitude to her when she asked questions if there’s a cafe up there, almost like he discriminated her by the way her and we looked. He said to her that she had to tell him what we wanted to do so he could assist further, showing that he was annoyed. Had we known what was up there, we wouldn’t have asked. Despite the fact, we stepped aside to check out the ticket prices that come with different inclusions. The price display was in an A4 stand, so we pulled it aside to check. We were a group of friends speaking different languages so we were discussing and translating the information simultaneously. That all happened in just a minute until a pair of caucasian men arrived at the counter to our right. The staff asked to take back the price display which we slid back to the middle of the counter so we could continue to see the price. The staff abruptly pulled the price display to the very right end, indicating that the price displayed is preserved to ‘foreigner looking’ guests, where we can no longer see the price. I had to tell him that we haven’t finished, mind due, first in first serve, the later gentlemen was also asking for the price so we all could share. At this point, we were very annoyed at the service but we were only there for that, and we came all the way so we decided to purchase the tickets regardless. I asked the staff member for his manager because we were not happy with his service and the way he expressed his attitude. He handled the situation so poorly, blaming us for approaching him from the side and not following procedure to check the price display at the entrance stanchion before approaching him. It’s literally an open info desk, in the middle of the shopping centre, the line was empty and we wouldn’t have known and why would it matter if we asked questions before checking the price!?. He said his manager wasn’t available at the time. Extremely disappointed, annoyed and disgusted with the way they filter customers. Such an unwelcoming experience seeing my friend being discriminated in her own country. I haven’t been back in Vietnam for awhile but this was first and the last time at this shopping mall. I do not recommend the Landmark81 just by the way the company trains their staff and by the way they discriminate people from their...

Landmark 81 is a magnificent architectural marvel that truly stands out as a symbol of modernity and innovation. My visit to this iconic skyscraper was nothing short of spectacular, leaving me in awe of its grandeur and elegance.

From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the sleek and contemporary design of the building. The exterior, with its glass façade and impressive height, is a testament to cutting-edge engineering and architectural brilliance. As one of the tallest buildings in Southeast Asia, Landmark 81 dominates the Ho Chi Minh City skyline, offering unparalleled views of the city and beyond.

The observation deck, located on the upper floors, provided an unforgettable experience. The panoramic views were absolutely breathtaking, allowing me to see the sprawling urban landscape, the meandering Saigon River, and the distant horizons. The clarity and expansiveness of the view made it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and those simply looking to soak in the beauty of the city from above.

Inside, the amenities and facilities are top-notch. The shopping mall within the building is a haven for shoppers, featuring a wide range of high-end brands and boutiques. The dining options are equally impressive, with a variety of restaurants offering delectable cuisines from around the world. Whether you're in the mood for a fine dining experience or a casual meal, there's something to suit every palate.

The service and hospitality at Landmark 81 were exceptional. The staff were courteous, attentive, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant visit. Their professionalism and warmth added a personal touch to the overall experience.

The building also houses luxury residences and a five-star hotel, making it a versatile destination for both tourists and residents. The combination of luxury living, world-class amenities, and stunning views makes Landmark 81 a prime choice for anyone looking to experience the best of Ho Chi Minh City.

In conclusion, my visit to Landmark 81 was a memorable and enriching experience. It is not just a building; it is a destination that offers a blend of luxury, entertainment, and breathtaking views. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City, as it is undoubtedly one of the city's most...