Saigon Secret — Restaurant in Melbourne

Saigon Secret in Carlton transforms your typical dinner into a vibrant, flavor-infused escapade! The ambiance? Absolutely fabulous - it strikes that perfect balance between casual and elegant, making it the ideal spot for a memorable evening out. And let's not forget the service – exceptional at every turn.

Did I mention it's BYO? And with a delightful bonus, cheap corkage per bottle! We came prepared with a lovely champagne.

We kicked off with the Peking duck wraps. Talk about starting with a bang! These wraps were not only fresh but packed with layers of flavor. Next came the prawn dumplings that were delightful morsels that packed an umami punch that had us nodding in approval with every bite, and yes, they were delish!

Then it was time for the papaya salad with king prawns and squid. This dish didn’t just say ‘yum,’ it screamed it! Generous portion, loaded with seafood, all balanced beautifully with a hint of spice. A clear winner!

To round things off, we dove into the beef stir-fry accompanied by a side of steamed rice. Each piece of beef tender, each bite sigh-worthy, with just enough spice to keep you on your toes.

Our only gripe was the spice level, should have been spicier for the dishes as described on their menu. Other than that very enjoyable.

Saigon Secret doesn’t just stick to the script of Vietnamese cuisine; it's a bold blend of Pan-Asian influences. Some dishes embraced traditional cues, but tonight we reveled in the diverse tapestry of flavors, and we weren’t disappointed.

So, if you’re in Carlton and looking for your next foodie adventure, bring your favorite bottle and dive into the delightful world of Saigon Secret, your taste buds...

If you're looking for a dining/lunch experience that will touch your heart and soul, this incredible Vietnamese restaurant is a must-visit. From the moment you step inside, you'll feel a warm and welcoming embrace that will make you feel like you're a part of their family.

The food here is absolutely divine. Each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, using the freshest ingredients to create bold and complex flavors that will leave you speechless, every bite is a journey into the heart of Vietnam's culinary tradition.

But it's not just the food that will leave you feeling emotional. The service is exceptional, with staff members who truly care about your experience and go above and beyond to make sure you're comfortable and happy. They'll share stories with you, recommend dishes, and make you feel like you're a part of their community.

And the ambiance of the restaurant is simply breathtaking. The decor is a beautiful blend of modern and traditional Vietnamese elements, with soft lighting and comfortable seating that make you feel like you're in a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

In short, this Vietnamese restaurant is more than just a place to eat – it's an experience that will touch your heart and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner with your partner or a fun night out with friends, this restaurant is the perfect choice for an emotional and unforgettable evening.

Recommended...

Saigon Secret bills itself as the best Vietnamese in North Carlton - and that could well be true. I believe it is the only Vietnamese in North Carlton. The Facebook advertising was very clever, and we booked to go there on that basis. The food was very good, if somewhat bland. We had Peking duck wraps, which were tasty and the house speciality of dumplings, which were meant to be complimentary for booking, but we were charged for them, and pork spring rolls which were fine. For mains the twice-cooked pork belly was good, as were the garden prawns and the fried rice. All three were just somewhat bland with a lot of just right vegetables and a nice but bland sauce. The bottle of mineral water wasn't cheap at $8.12 (discounted from $9.00) and the Saigon Beers were a discounted $10.83 each, which was also just a little steep. The shared dessert of banana fritter was simply one whole deep-fried banana, which was tasty in a sweet (honey?) sauce, with coconut ice-cream, but unimaginative. I don't know why the restaurant provides prices and then "discounts" them, then adding a weekend surcharge. The venue - the old Paragon Cafe in Rathdowne Street - is lovely and we might go back, because it is a very nice restaurant with a positive ambience, but you can buy tastier Vietnamese in Richmond and Footscray for about...