Romantic Japanese Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh for Couples

Looking for the best Japanese restaurant Ho Chi Minh to enjoy a romantic evening? Saigon offers everything from intimate omakase counters and lively izakayas to dessert cafés with matcha specialties. Each venue highlights unique attributes—chef storytelling, seasonal menu rotations, or authentic interiors—giving couples more than a meal but a cultural journey. With insights from Vietpower Travel, a trusted Vietnam tour operator, you’ll discover where romance and Japanese dining meet in the heart of the city.

1. Best Romantic Japanese Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

You can find more posts related to this topic in our Vietnam food & cuisine category. Explore traditional dishes, street food highlights, and insider recommendations for your next culinary journey.

Sorae Restaurant & Lounge 

• Address: Level 51, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Price range: 1,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND per person (≈ 40 – 120 USD)

Sorae is one of the most romantic Japanese dining spots in Saigon. Perched on the 51st floor of Bitexco, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city lights at night. The venue is divided into elegant private rooms, a stylish lounge, and a lively sushi bar. It also stands out with its use of Imported Construction Materials, such as Japanese hinoki wood and granite stone, creating a refined and authentic atmosphere. The menu highlights premium sushi, sashimi, and curated sake, making it a top choice for anniversaries and special occasions. A small cultural etiquette tip: at fine sushi counters, avoid mixing wasabi into soy sauce; instead, place a little wasabi directly on the fish and dip gently to preserve the chef’s intended flavor.

Tenku

• Address: 67th Floor, Landmark 81, 720A Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Price range: 2,500,000 – 5,000,000 VND per person (≈ 100 – 200 USD)

Tenku offers an elevated Kaiseki experience where every dish reflects precision, seasonality, and artistry. The restaurant is known for its Ingredient Traceability Transparency, sourcing seafood directly from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, and Seasonal Menu Rotation Frequency, with the menu changing every 4–6 weeks to keep each visit fresh and unique. With a luxurious setting on the 67th floor of Landmark 81, the atmosphere is perfect for romantic fine dining. Couples can also choose traditional tatami-style rooms for a more authentic touch. If seated in a tatami room, remember to remove your shoes and wear clean socks—an etiquette that shows respect in Japanese dining culture.

Towa Japanese Cuisine & Lounge

• Address: 28th Floor, Sedona Suites, 94 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Price range: 1,500,000 – 3,500,000 VND per person (≈ 60 – 140 USD)

Towa blends modern elegance with Japanese refinement, making it ideal for a romantic evening. The floor-to-ceiling windows on the 28th floor of Sedona Suites create a stunning city backdrop for couples to enjoy. A highlight here is Rice Variety Specialization, where chefs select different sushi rice types to perfectly complement each kind of seafood, enhancing both flavor and texture. Alongside omakase and sashimi, Towa is also praised for its robata grill and creative cocktails, ensuring a diverse dining experience. For proper etiquette, when changing bowls, always place your chopsticks down before picking up another—this small gesture reflects respect for Japanese dining traditions.
Sushi Rei 

• Address: 10E1 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Price range: 2,500,000 – 4,000,000 VND per person (≈ 100 – 160 USD)

Sushi Rei is designed for couples who want a deeply personal dining experience. Seating is arranged counter-style, allowing diners to interact directly with the chef. Here, the Omakase Personalization Level is exceptional—dishes can be adjusted to reflect a guest’s taste preferences or dietary needs. The evening is also enriched by the Chef Storytelling Experience, where each course is introduced with anecdotes about seasonal ingredients and culinary inspiration. This makes dinner feel like a journey through Japanese tradition. To show respect, it’s polite to greet the chef with a bow and a few words such as “konbanwa” or “arigatou gozaimasu.” Couples can also ask the chef to suggest seasonal highlights for a more authentic experience.

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NORI Modern Izakaya 

• Address: 114–114A Ly Tu Trong, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Price range: 500,000 – 1,500,000 VND per person (≈ 20 – 60 USD)

NORI offers a vibrant twist on the traditional izakaya, making it perfect for couples who enjoy a casual yet stylish date. The interior is contemporary, enhanced by lighting and music that set an energetic mood. One of its standout touches is the Japanese Jazz Vinyl Collection, where classic records are played to create a uniquely nostalgic ambiance. This detail makes NORI ideal for a fun, youthful evening with cocktails, sushi rolls, and yakitori. While the vibe is lively, it’s good etiquette to keep conversations and laughter at a comfortable level—enjoying the energy of the space while still respecting other diners.

Yakitori Hachibei 

• Address: 83 Pham Viet Chanh, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Price range: 300,000 – 800,000 VND per person (≈ 12 – 32 USD)

Yakitori Hachibei brings the warmth of Japanese street dining into a cozy, intimate setting. Specializing in grilled skewers, the restaurant uses premium cuts and cooks them over imported binchotan charcoal—a detail that gives the skewers a smoky aroma and perfectly tender texture. The casual atmosphere makes it ideal for couples looking for a relaxed, down-to-earth date night with sake or Japanese beer. At the table, remember one cultural practice: avoid sticking chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice. Instead, rest them neatly on a chopstick holder or across a dish, which conveys good manners and respect.

Maguro Studio

• Address: 19 Dong Du, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Price range: 1,700,000 – 3,000,000 VND per person (≈ 70 – 120 USD)

Maguro Studio is a lively spot for couples who prefer a more energetic date night. Known for its theatrical tuna cutting shows, the restaurant blends entertainment with fine dining, making each visit feel like an event. The vibrant interior, modern art, and upbeat atmosphere create a fun environment that contrasts with traditional omakase settings. Behind the scenes, the restaurant employs a Germicidal Lighting System to preserve the freshness of seafood, reassuring diners of the high quality. When enjoying sushi here, follow a simple etiquette rule: dip only the fish side into soy sauce, keeping the rice intact and the balance of flavors true to the chef’s craft.

Sushi Hokkaido Sachi 

• Address: Multiple branches across District 1 and District 3, including 45 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Price range: 400,000 – 1,500,000 VND per person (≈ 16 – 60 USD)

Sushi Hokkaido Sachi brings the taste of northern Japan to Saigon with seafood dishes that highlight the freshness of Hokkaido. Couples and families alike can enjoy extensive sushi platters, sashimi sets, and hotpot selections. The restaurant keeps its offerings vibrant through Seasonal Menu Rotation Frequency, changing dishes frequently to reflect the best catches of the season. Spacious seating and multiple locations make it a reliable choice for both intimate dates and group gatherings. When sharing a sashimi platter, it’s considered polite to use separate chopsticks for serving, rather than flipping your personal chopsticks to take food from a shared plate.

Morico 

• Address: 30 Le Loi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (with several other outlets across HCMC)
• Price range: 150,000 – 500,000 VND per person (≈ 6 – 20 USD)

Morico is an inviting dessert café where couples can end their evening with something sweet. Known for matcha crepe cakes, parfaits, and seasonal Japanese-inspired desserts, it captures the essence of Kyoto cafés. The space embraces Cultural Artifact Integration, with décor that evokes the serenity of traditional tea houses—warm lighting, wooden accents, and Japanese-inspired art pieces. It’s an ideal place for couples who want to relax after dinner or enjoy an afternoon treat. As a courtesy, once you finish your dessert, fold your napkin neatly and place it beside your dish rather than crumpling it, showing attentiveness to dining etiquette.

2. Tips for Planning Your Romantic Japanese Dinner in Saigon

Planning a romantic Japanese dinner in Saigon is about more than choosing a restaurant—it’s about creating the right atmosphere for you and your partner. A few thoughtful steps will help make the evening seamless and memorable.

• Reservation: Many Japanese restaurants in Saigon, especially omakase spots, have limited seating. Booking a table in advance ensures you won’t be disappointed, particularly on weekends or special occasions.
• Budget: Prices vary widely. Casual izakayas may cost only a few hundred thousand VND per person, while high-end kaiseki dinners in skyscraper venues can reach several million. Setting a budget in advance helps you select the right place without surprises.
• Dress code: While most Japanese restaurants welcome smart casual attire, dressing a bit more elegantly for fine dining venues shows respect for the ambiance and enhances the romantic setting. Couples exploring the best restaurants District 1 will find plenty of choices ranging from stylish lounges to luxurious omakase counters.

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3. Etiquette to Elevate Your Experience

Japanese dining carries cultural traditions that, when observed, make the evening more refined and respectful. Here are a few simple but meaningful tips:

• Don’t mix wasabi with soy sauce: The chef prepares sushi with care, balancing flavors. Instead of stirring wasabi into soy sauce, place a little wasabi on the fish itself and dip lightly to keep the taste intact.
• Mind your chopsticks: Avoid placing chopsticks across bowls or sticking them upright in rice—both are considered poor manners. Always use a chopstick holder or rest them neatly on the edge of a plate.
• Appreciate the artistry: Presentation is highly valued in Japanese cuisine. A simple phrase like “oishii” (delicious) is a warm way to acknowledge the chef’s effort.
• Respect service flow: Staff traditionally serve dishes from the left and clear them from the right. Allowing space for this or offering a small gesture of support shows attentiveness to their work.

4. Conclusion

Exploring the best Japanese restaurant Ho Chi Minh means savoring not only fine flavors but also traditions like omotenashi service and etiquette that elevate every dinner. Whether it’s sushi with skyline views or cozy yakitori evenings, Saigon’s dining scene creates unforgettable experiences for couples. With Vietpower Travel, your journey through Vietnam can include these refined moments, blending culinary highlights with cultural discovery.