Saigon Saigon

Cedric

Top vietnamese 12th September 2009

1 found this helpful

As a French, I am used to vietnamese restaurants. In my country though, we tend to wrongly qualify them as "Chinese" restaurants and they tend to be associated to small, dodgy though convenient restaurants where you may order a take-away but would never expect to discover a culinary jewel.

As a result, I was kind of reluctant when my better half suggested to go out for a Vietnamese restaurant that night. Sorry, but clichés are long-lasting. Anyway, the surprise was total from the moment we stepped in. The colonial decoration and the super-trained staff suddenly raised the bar. Obviously this place had nothing to do with what I knew about Vietnamese cuisine and kind of expected.

The ambiance is kind of romantic despite the proximity of the tables. The candlelight, the darkwood pannels... everything contributes to focus on your opposite number who happened to be as surprised as I was by the extensive menu in front of us. Starters, soups, traditional mains and specials, all witha great diversity and superb advice from the staff who help you make the right choice, depending on your tastes.

Reall enjoyed the food, and the portions were enough to stuff me. All was perfectly tasty, with this little twist that set the cuisine appart from the other South East Asian food.

The restaurant also offers a lounge downstairs which can be privatised, but the upstair dining area is a treat in itself.

A very good destination if you happen to be around Chiswick.

Snowy01

What an amazing restaurant! 6th January 2009

1 found this helpful

Saigon Saigon is so wonderful - very romantic with darkened rooms - the atmosphere was electric and wonderful attentive staff (I prefer them not too attentive as I want lots of time with my meal and my partner). My dish was the glass noodle clay pot one with seafood ...which I will have again soon...it's devine!! Very unusual and such a delicate combination of flavours.

Do not miss this experience at this restaurant, as it is one of the best in the Hammersmith/Chiswick area.

Well recommended *****

P&P