The Old Compass Cafe and Bar — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

Nestled within the intricate alleyways of the city, The Old Compass is a delightful secret waiting to be discovered by those who dare to venture off the beaten path. My discovery of this hidden gem was purely serendipitous, guided by a brief mention in a Lonely Planet guide. Without it, the likelihood of stumbling upon this culinary treasure would have been akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

The approach to The Old Compass is nothing short of an adventure. Tucked away in a narrow alley, the unassuming entrance belies the wonders that await within. The ascent to the restaurant is an experience in itself, with a three-floor climb that intriguingly passes through what appears to be a residential kitchen. This unexpected pathway adds to the charm and mystery of the venue.

Upon reaching the destination, the ambiance of The Old Compass is immediately welcoming. The interior exudes a warm, homely feel, making you forget the urban chaos left behind. The staff play a significant role in elevating the experience. Their friendliness and eagerness to assist are not just commendable but infectious, setting the tone for an enjoyable dining experience.

The menu, though not extensive, is a thoughtful curation of dishes that promise a gastronomic journey. Each item is prepared with a level of care and expertise that reflects a deep respect for the ingredients and the culinary process. The flavors are both familiar and innovative, ensuring a delightful surprise with each bite.

In conclusion, The Old Compass is more than just a restaurant; it’s a journey and a discovery. Its hidden location, unique entryway, warm ambiance, friendly staff, and exceptional cuisine make it a must-visit for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path dining experience. This is not just a meal; it’s an adventure that tantalizes the senses and leaves you...

We had a great time at the Old Compass. I've been hearing good things about this place for a long time but never managed to check it out. We have been entirely happy about our experience. The meals are "house cooked", means that they're going to feel super authentic. It's not street food price but it's also super good quality food and great cooking. We are extremely picky (wife is Vietnamese) and we were extremely happy with our food. I had the vegetarian set which was great and delicious and she had bun thit nuong which was super fresh, really tasty and enjoyable! Quality food. The wine was a French shiraz wine, we had the luck to get happy hour prices until 7pm and then got by the glass. I'm a bit wine person - and that's actually how we arrived at the old compass - and the wine selection is really nice! Good value for money, great picks, you can hardly go wrong with any wine!! Will definitely be back during daytime to drink coffee and maybe work, and evenings to enjoy the amazing music playlist, food and wine! An instant...

I have left five stars because the food was great. But the service was amateur and I am leaving this review to encourage improvement. My main was served while I was half way through eating my starter. Then while the starter and main were not finished, the dessert was served. I don't expect that to happen anywhere, let alone at a restaurant charging 290,000 dong for a meal. The kitchen should not be sending out dishes until existing courses are finished. The staff kept coming to my table to clear dishes when I was still eating. This is a no no anywhere. FYI the place was less than half full, so I doubt they were trying to rush me out for any logical reason. They should wait until a course is finished. I was painfully aware that the waitress was staring at me as I ate. It's very uncomfortable to be watched in this way while eating alone. Please give the staff some basic training. The service ruined what would otherwise have been a great meal. Now it's memorable for all the...