2026 Ho Chi Minh City Kobe Bistro by Chef David Thai recommendation｜Michelin French bistro, steaks and refined set menus

A Michelin French bistro in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City

If you want a French dinner in Ho Chi Minh City with fine dining standards but without an overly formal atmosphere, consider Kobe Bistro by Chef David Thai in District 1. The restaurant is run by Iron Chef David Thai and is located in a distinctive building on Tôn Đức Thắng street; outside you can see the Kobe Bistro sign and the MICHELIN Guide Selected badge.

This is not Japanese teppanyaki nor an ordinary Western restaurant; “Kobe” is the restaurant name and one of its focuses is high-end beef, while the overall cuisine centers on 法式 bistronomy, bringing the techniques, sauces and plating of traditional French cooking into a more approachable dining environment. The Michelin Guide lists Kobe Bistro as a French restaurant and marks it as a Michelin Guide selected restaurant, but it is not a Michelin-starred restaurant, so you can choose dishes according to your budget when booking.

Restaurant atmosphere: redwood tones, vintage posters and comfortable seating

When you push the door open, you'll first see an interior of reddish-brown wood, vintage posters, leather seats and patterned tile floors. The restaurant does not have the very austere white decor of many high-end places; instead it has the warm feel of a European bistro. The lighting is soft, suitable for dates, birthday celebrations or a somewhat formal dinner with family.

Seating is distributed in different areas, with two-person tables against the wall and larger tables for groups. Servers describe dishes and ingredients in English, which helps first-time French cuisine diners avoid confusion when ordering. There are not many seats during busy weekend and dinner times, so it's recommended to call ahead to reserve.

Main-course focus: steaks and French sauces

The most attractive item is of course steak. In the photo the beef remains a beautiful pink when cut, with a seared aroma on the outside, served with potatoes, sautéed mushrooms and vegetables; the flavors are not overly complex, allowing the beef itself to be the star. When ordering you can ask the server about different cuts, doneness and daily availability; those who prefer a more tender texture can consider medium rare or medium.

Beyond steaks, Kobe Bistro also refines French classics such as Beef Bourguignon, Duck Confit, French Onion Soup and Beef Tartare. The slow-cooked beef is braised for a long time until tender, while the duck leg is slow-cooked then pan-seared to crisp the skin; these dishes convey the traditional depth of a French bistro more than a single steak order.

Appetizers, seafood and set menu options

If you don't want something heavy to start, you can order Beef Tartare or French onion soup; the former features hand-cut beef with a clearer flavor, while the latter carries the sweetness of slowly cooked onions. For seafood, Pan-Seared Scallops are a recommended choice, seared until the surface is slightly caramelized and served with beurre blanc or seasonal vegetables—delicate without being too rich.

On social platforms diners shared that the menu descriptions are clear and starters, mains and drinks are fully listed; some also mentioned that about 200 多元人民幣 per person can get you good service and dishes. Higher-end beef or full set menus can reach about 1,000,000 越南盾／人, roughly HK$300／NT$1,250／RMB 280／US$40. Actual amounts vary by cut, set menu and drinks, so it's recommended to check the day's menu after being seated.

Address, opening hours and reservations

The address is 23C Tôn Đức Thắng, Phường Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, located in District 1 near Ba Son. Google Maps currently shows dinner hours around 17:30–22:00; on Sundays there is an additional lunch service about 11:00–14:30. Opening hours may change for holidays or events, so call +84 28 3622 4999 to confirm before you go.

The most reliable way to make a reservation is to call the restaurant directly, especially on weekends, holidays or if you want a specific table. Kobe Bistro is on the ground floor and Kobe Teppanyaki is upstairs; when using navigation make sure you're heading to Kobe Bistro by Chef David Thai so you don't accidentally enter the teppanyaki restaurant.

After dinner at the French restaurant, go to Win Royal Spa

Kobe Bistro is in the center of District 1; after dinner you can relax at Win Royal Spa. The shop address is 48 Lê Thị Hồng Gấm, open daily 09:00–22:00. If you want to switch from a formal dinner to a more relaxed pace that evening, you can arrange a Vietnamese hair-wash massage or other massage services to end your night in District 1.

Summary

Kobe Bistro by Chef David Thai is suitable for travelers who enjoy 法式料理、牛排、精緻服務及米其林指南精選餐廳. Its atmosphere is more relaxed than traditional fine dining, while the dishes have the depth of French classics; whether ordering steak, duck leg, beef stew, scallops, or choosing a more complete set menu, you can feel Chef David Thai's attention to sauces, doneness and plating. Reserve in advance and confirm menu prices first to better enjoy this French dinner with peace of mind.