MRSIMPLE STEAKHOUSE — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

It was supposed to be a relaxing dinner with sumptuous food, BUT the manager ruined the vibe!!!

Story time:

Upon arrival, there's a guy in front smoking...I thought he's the security assigned to parking (it's understandable if he smokes), but I was really surprised that he's the manager!

When we arrived, the staff gave us the only available table at the corner, which I didn't like at the beginning but left no choice since we didn't book a table ahead. It was fine then.

Later, a couple from the other table left, so we've asked the staff if it's okay if we can move and use their table. It was great enough that the staff said yes! Made me feel comfortable.

While enjoying our delicious steak, the man (yes, the manager, Mr. Nguyen) came to our table and told us that we had to move because the restaurant was full and only had one vacant seat. The approach was not really nice. If he returned after that and insisted we move, I would definitely leave the place!!

It was unreasonable since the couple had already left. For sure, they have booked the table, as I've confirmed to the staff, Ms. Ngan, and she said there is no time limit for every booking. And since the couple has already left, that leaves the table available. Why on earth would the manager let us move somewhere? Doesn't he know that he should make sure of the comfort of his guests instead??

I want to give 1 star, but since 2 staff members attended us nicely, Ms. Ngan and Mr. Phat, I'll make that slide, but not for the manager. I gave them a 10% tip too.

Smoking should be prohibited within or around the premises, especially among the working staff!!! No exceptions!!! Or assign a specific place for guests who really want to smoke but not for staff on duty!

Have a better and more professional manager! Sorry won't be enough when you ruin...

They tried too hard to be smart and couldn't execute it. It feels bad because their basics are good.

Short version: Sauces are overused, I ordered 3 dishes and all are passion fruit sauce, too sweet, lack acidity, no umami. Repetitive, lack diversity, underwhelming sauces/sides resulted main ingredients (whilst mostly well cooked) got shadowed.

Long version: (I tried quite a few dishes with my family) Scallops: nice cook on the scallop. passion sauce was sweet not the worse pairing. Chicken: good sear, golden, cripsy skin, soft chicken. But again with the passion fruit sauce. It could have been good and simple with a white wine pan sauce with a knob of butter. Salads: Salmon was okay, apple salad - passion fruit sauce. Nothing special, lack dimensions and coherent. Either sauces bring the salad together. Soups: clams bad aftertaste; river prawn tasted burnt; tomato is pizza sauce diluted with cream. Steak: Medium rare, good temp, seasoned well but bad BBQ sauce, no smokiness, no umami and overwhelmingly sweet. Monk fish/Sea bass: Bad cook on both. Monk fish is again with the passion fruit. Seabass overdone. Duck confit: Good execution on the cook. But American orange sauce with Chinese five spice and French cook on the duck created a confusion rather than a fusion.

I had to go back, edit and dock another star because I tried the ice cream and I scream. Depite the joke, it...

To enjoy the ultimate French dining experience in Saigon, look no further than @mrsimple.steakhouse. Even though I have been to HCMC several times, but this is the 1st time we patronized a fine-dining. Located away from tourist areas and near popular pink façade Tân Định Catholic Church, it gives out a calm and relaxing vibe.

With crystal chandeliers hanging over high ceiling and French paintings and décor, it make a posh fine dining restaurant, to celebrate special occasions. We go for their most expensive set for 2, which consists of starters, salad, soups, main course and desserts.

Using quality ingredients and fine to attention details, every dishes was presented exquisitely, with nice blend of flavour and savoury, fresh and sweet in taste. Steak was cooked using sous vide technique, ensuring that it was tender and juicy, best to pair with a glass of red wine to elevate the flavour.

Price was surprisingly reasonable, given the ambience and quality of food served. We were definitely be back when we visit...