Best Restaurants for Group Dining in HCMC

HCMC has been a popular destination among tourists from around the world drawn by its unique charm present in everything from local street food stalls, to atmospheric cafes, and swanky bars which serve craft beers on tap. The city is full of restaurants, both local and international. However, most of them will be best suited for dining in small groups. If you’ve been here long enough, you’ll probably be looking for locations which will be able to cater to large groups. Birthdays, company dinners, year end celebrations… a wedding reception? Well here’s a short list of the Best Restaurants for Group Dining in HCMC.

We’ll only be focusing on actual restaurants here, with reasonable dining space for large groups of over 15 people in any one “table”.

Union Jack’s

Union Jack’s is best known for their international pub food, but they’re also a great option for group dinners. They have plenty of seating both inside and on the upstairs outdoor-ish patio area.

As can be expected, the food is pretty good pub grub. Their best dish is the classic fish and chips, but if you’re looking for something more unique I’d recommend chatting with the owner to set up canapes, mimosas, meatballs, and other off menu items.

Pros and Cons

Reasonable pricing. Located in Thao Dien. Flexible menu. Seating wouldn’t be particularly ideal for sit down meals (but quite good for standing and mixing around). Can host about 20 people comfortably.

Location

10 Nguyễn Bá Lân, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Parkhaus

Parkhaus is great for parties who want to try a little bit of different foods and share. Private room, great choices for sharing and imported German beer on tap and bottled. Their best item I’ve personally tried would be the schnitzels, but I’ve seen a number of other tables order the currywurst and other yummy-looking items for sharing.

The upstairs room can be booked out for private functions, and service staff are quite knowledgeable about the German fare. The manager seems to be on site most of the time, so can be helpful too.

Pros and Cons

Reasonable pricing. Good for sharing/socializing. Central D1 location. Did I say that they have good beer? Can comfortably have about 15 people on the ground floor, maybe 20 upstairs – but will feel packed if everyone is sat down. Best to check with the owner on what they recommend for groups, instead of ordering off the menu.

Location

152 Lê Lai, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Distr. 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Brick and Barrel

Brick and Barrel would be the best indoor dining option for large groups. It’s got a massive dining area, with enough room for upwards of 50 people. The best part of Brick and Barrel would be the location: it’s big, and it’s right in District 1 making this a good central location for everyone to meet.

The best dish here is probably the American comfort food (e.g., burgers, sandwiches). They’ve got an extensive beer menu with some great craft options. Have personally tried (and failed) to finish a whole order of chicken strips – like the dining area, their serving sizes are BIG. If you’re a group that doesn’t mind sharing dishes then you can’t go wrong with Brick and Barrel

Pros and Cons

Big TVs and a stage. Sound system. Can get a live band. Reasonable pricing. Outdoor-ish seating available, but they also have a cozy inner room with kitted out bar. Plentiful menu. Good service and the manager is almost always on site. There is however, no parking outside. Unless fully booked out, the main dining area would also be open to other groups, which can get rowdy. But then again, your group would be as well.

Location

171 Calmette, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Johnny Be Good

Located in Thao Dien, Johnny Be Good is best known for their large space and swimming pool. They have a massive outdoor dining area that’s best for sharing with multiple tables – this is best for large parties. Can comfortably sit around 100 people outside, plus they have an indoor section.

This place has an impressive lineup of alcohol, so you’ll have plenty to choose from when it comes to drinks. They’ve got games if you prefer indoor fun (including billiards) and live music. Anybody looking to party hard will love this place as they can stay open til late. Dog friendly restaurant in Thao Dien!

Pros and Cons

Villa type of location with a swimming pool. Large dining area, with a grill. Can do buffets. Can get a live band. Manager is usually onsite, and can arrange all-you-can-drink specials, or all night happy hour pricing. Careful with the pool though. Drunk people tend to get wet, broken glass and all.

Location

147 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Special Mentions

Any of the Nuong places like Warning Zone, or Quan Ut Ut. Those are also good places for group dinners with more local fare. However, I think they deserve their own post (like this).

Conclusion

I’m sure there will be other restaurants that would be good for group dinners in Ho Chi Minh City, but these are best options I’ve personally been to so far. If you know of other places (especially if they come with a menu and some decent prices), please mention them in your comments below!

Editor’s Note: We got listed as one of the Top 30 Blogs in Vietnam!