CLAY - Cocktails & Cuisine — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

Our first visit to Clay was highly anticipated, having heard glowing reviews about its reputation as a fine dining destination. Wanting to treat our parents to a memorable dinner during their last weekend in the city, we chose Clay for its promise of exceptional food and ambiance.

The evening started on a high note with superb drinks and cocktails, perfectly crafted to set the mood. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the customer service was nothing short of impeccable—attentive without being overbearing. The sides we ordered for the kids were delightful: the squid ink clam spaghetti was flavorful, the seasonal veggies sautéed in garlic were fresh and tender, the truffle mashed potatoes were superb, and the fries were a hit for all!

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the main courses, which were a significant letdown. While the presentation of the dishes was artful and visually appealing, the flavors did not match the aesthetics. Between the adults, we ordered the duck, chicken, pork, and tuna. The sauces, though beautifully plated, were uninspired and bland. The meats were disappointingly tough—save for the tuna, which was the sole exception—but even then, the overall execution fell far below the high expectations set by Clay’s reputation.

When asked how our food was, we were honest in our feedback. To their credit, Clay was gracious enough to offer a complimentary dessert (which we felt was unnecessary and did not take) and discounted some of our drinks. However, even with these gestures, the bill still came to over 5 million VND—a steep price for a meal where the most critical element, the mains, fell so short.

Sorry, Clay, but something truly needs to be done about the food. It’s unfortunate that everything else—service, ambiance, and drinks—was so on point, yet the heart of the dining experience, the food, was so...

hands down one of the best restaurants I've been to in saigon during my 3rd trip to this amazing city.

tucked away by the river in district 2, this restaurant is an all rounder in terms of food, drink, service and ambience.

food - loved the grilled scallops, tasted fresh and clean with a sauce pairing that was unique! i also had the surf and turf, and the steak was phenomenal. there were lovely sauces that paired really well with the meats. the crab and shrimpy ravioli, however, felt a bit too overpowering and dense with the generous filling but flavour wise was good. everything else was really unique and refreshing and the menu is very well curated.

drinks - had the lemon pie cocktail and it was really well done. not a cocktail connoisseur but definitely could tell this a level higher than your usual drink.

service - very well attentive staff who all spoke fluent English. helpful on all levels and even provided mosquito spray on request given the alfresco dining environment. lovely interaction!!

ambience - we went on a weekday so it was quieter and less bustling, so we really enjoyed the mood! dining alfresco can get a little dark so you may request to sit inside as well!

overall, for the price point, i would say it's extremely well worth the above points and i will definitely be coming...

“A Stunning Culinary & Cocktail Experience in Saigon!”

CLAY - Cocktails & Cuisine is an absolute must-visit if you’re looking for a refined yet relaxed dining experience in Saigon. From the moment you step in, the warm, earthy ambiance sets the perfect mood—elegant yet inviting, with beautiful design elements that make it feel like an escape from the bustling city.

The cocktails are pure artistry—crafted with precision, creativity, and high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re into bold, spirit-forward drinks or refreshing, fruity blends, the bartenders here know how to mix up something truly special.

The food is just as impressive. Every dish is thoughtfully curated, using fresh, premium ingredients that shine through in both flavor and presentation. The seafood is incredibly fresh, the meats are perfectly cooked, and the balance of flavors in each dish is spot on.

The service is top-notch, with attentive staff who are knowledgeable and passionate about what they serve. Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or just a night out with friends, CLAY delivers a memorable experience that blends sophistication with genuine hospitality.

Highly recommended—I’ll...