Bếp Ốc Sài Gòn — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

Horror story of a restaurant.

Bad service. We arrived at 7pm and were seated at a table flushed against the wall which was so tiny that I couldn't extend my right arm to eat. I asked to switch table and the first server told me this was not possible even though the restaurant was only half full. Fortunately the second (helpful) server gave us a larger table.

Food was sold out. Even though we came at 7pm before the dinner crowd arrived, most of their menu was "sold out". This included things like their blood cockles, oysters, and conch. We were only informed that these were sold out once we tried to order. Unacceptable. The helpful server suggested that we order fish, stir fried instant noodles, and a seafood platter, among other things. Some items in the platter had to be replaced as they were "sold out". As I will share later, the seafood platter is better known as a waste of stomach space. This is a seafood restaurant that does not have seafood.

Food quality was subpar. The seafood platter (which happened to be 60% scallops, because so much stuff was "sold out") was doused in the same sauce. This made everything taste the same - rubbery, half-burnt scallops. Partially because it was, everything being scallops.

This is not an experience I would wish on anyone. Don't waste your dinner or spoil your mood...

Bếp Ốc Sài Gòn offers a genuine taste of traditional Vietnamese seafood cuisine, set in a modern and inviting environment. As a destination primarily focused on seafood, their menu boasts an impressive variety of fish, scallops, shellfish, snails, and more.

During my visit, I ordered the beef with mustard, which proved to be quite good. The standout dish, however, was the stingray curry—tender and bursting with flavor. The scallops were another highlight, perfectly cooked and enhanced by a delicious Vietnamese sauce. The snails, though not to everyone's taste, were true to traditional flavors. Additionally, the passion fruit soda was a refreshing and fruity complement to the meal.

Service at Bếp Ốc Sài Gòn was attentive and efficient, with a manager who speaks intermediate English, making it accessible for non-Vietnamese speakers.

The decor of the restaurant is particularly noteworthy. It's very modern and stylish, with a vibe that captures what might be considered the future of Vietnam—an excellent setting for a culinary adventure.

Overall, Bếp Ốc Sài Gòn provides a delightful dining experience, combining great seafood with modern aesthetics and competent service. It's a recommended spot for anyone looking to explore the richness of Vietnamese seafood cuisine in a...

I’ve never felt so sad after a meal. The most disappointing meal ever.

I had been looking forward to dinner all day because of the good reviews we read.

We were ushered to a small table that could barely fit any food we wanted to order. Our request to change tables was denied despite the restaurant being half empty.

Most of what we wanted to order was sold out - blood cockles, oysters, sea conch. This made it difficult to order and we had no choice but to replan our dinner menu again.

Do not order the seafood platter! Despite the wide variety of seafood, everything was doused in the same tasteless sauce which effectively ruined the taste of fresh seafood. It was so bad we couldn’t even finish it. As the oysters had sold out, most of the platter ended being scallops.

A very sad...