La Fontaine French Bistrot — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

La Fontaine French Bistrot - Ho Chi Minh City: Where Excellence Meets “Les Plats de Tous les Jours” in HCMC

Tucked away in Thao Dien, La Fontaine Bistrot is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. It captures the true esprit bistrot, that unique French blend of casual warmth, culinary rigor, and an atmosphere where regulars and newcomers alike feel at home. It’s the kind of place where a simple dish, executed with care, becomes something truly enjoyable.

What makes a bistrot special? It’s the way it balances everyday comfort with gastronomic excellence. A menu that speaks to tradition but evolves with creativity. A space where conversations flow as easily as a well-poured glass of wine. La Fontaine embodies all of this, and that’s why it has become one of our favorite places in town.

With a mix of established classics and new temptations, the latest menu update gave us the perfect excuse to stop by - and as always, it did not disappoint. The familiar signatures we love were still there, but so was something new: moules marinières, perfectly cooked mussels bathed in a fragrant white wine and garlic broth, reminding us why French cuisine continues to captivate.

We started with a pâté en croûte, beautifully crafted with its rich, flavorful filling encased in golden pastry - a textbook example of how technique meets indulgence. Alongside, a plate of fresh oysters, briny and perfectly chilled, was the ideal way to awaken our palates and set the stage for what was to come. A fantastic opening act that made sure our stomachs were ready for more.

Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting blanquette de veau, a crispy magret de canard, a pot au feu or something as unpretentious yet deeply satisfying as a well-executed steak frites or beef tartare, La Fontaine delivers with a consistency that’s rare to find. Add to that a welcoming ambiance, and you have a place that’s not just a restaurant, but a ritual.

Saigon has no shortage of great dining spots, but La Fontaine has a way of calling us back - again and again.

PS: Never leave without tasting the homemade ice cream—tonight’s flavors were raspberry and pistachio, the perfect sweet ending to a perfect meal.

Un vrai bistrot, un...

Finally, an authentic French bistrot that emphasises honest, rustic French flavours in a proper bistrot setting. La Fontaine is very diferent from the often over-priced 'fine dining' French restaurants in Saigon that prey on the ignorance about real French cuisine by local diners and tourists alike.

La Fontaine is a quintessentially relaxed bistrot but exceedingly high quality French cooking as you would find in Bordeaux, Poitiers or the side streets of Paris. The French owner/chef makes a personal effort to greet every guest in person and stops by the table to make recommendations ask about the food. The staff also exceptionally trained in French service style and offered to explain the menu, always attentive without being overbearing.

Prices are mid-range but certainly not overpriced like many other French places whilst maintaining really good quality standards (better quality ingredients then some of the 'fine dining' places I have been to. I really felt like i was back in Poitou-Charentes.

I also love the nod to being authentic with a full a la carte menu for lunch/dinner but also a more casual/'all day' menu of simple dishes and a French style 1st floor terrasse outside and a bistrot style bar to sit at during 'apero hour' (French happy hour) which is super super reasonably priced.

The interior look of the place is charming as if it was lifted directly from a French city street and placed in district 2 HCMC. They even have 11e Arrondisement 'Place de la Fontaine' Parisian street sign in the bistrot that adds to the charm.

In over 10 years in Saigon, the best French dining experience and to top it all off. Plenty of French speaking voices to be heard alongside English and Vietnamese speakers. A true sign of authenticity- the French dine there:)))))

Highly recommended! Vive la cuisine...

La Fontaine is a true gem for lovers of classic French cuisine and charming bistro ambiance. From the moment you step in, you’re transported to a quaint Parisian corner café — complete with vintage-style banquettes, delicate tableware, and an atmosphere that radiates warmth and refinement.

The charcuterie board is a masterpiece of textures and flavors — from silky prosciutto, rustic pâté, to a wheel of melted baked Camembert topped with herbs and bacon bits, perfectly complemented by pickles and baby greens. It’s a perfect opener for a leisurely meal.

The grilled prawns with herb rice are bursting with flavor, served alongside a baked tomato Provencal that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying. If seafood isn’t your go-to, the vol-au-vent — a golden puff pastry filled with creamy chicken and mushroom ragout — is indulgent comfort food at its finest.

Another highlight is the quiche Lorraine, rich and savory, served with a crisp garden salad, balancing the richness of the filling. The seared salmon filet comes with velvety sauce and buttery vegetables, cooked to absolute perfection. Don’t miss the stuffed tomatoes, a heartwarming French classic that’s both elegant and filling.

To finish, the chocolate fondant is simply divine — dense, rich, and not overly sweet, ideal with a pot of Dilmah tea to cleanse the palate.

La Fontaine doesn’t just serve food — it delivers an authentic French dining experience with finesse, hospitality, and soul. Highly recommended for anyone seeking quality cuisine in a cozy,...