Staffs are kind and expert I had an americano coffee and chocolate cake. It was good, tasted like herbal and little sweetness, good baked nut flavor, soft and strong body. Chocolate cake was awesome. Good deco and excellent tasting. I like modern style music in this cafe. It is on 3rd floor, no lift

Go into a dark alleyway and up 3 flights of stairs in a residential building to find this spacious European style interior cafe and bar. Various types of seats from sofa to communal table. Was here for a light lunch. Menu has the usual Western and Vietnamese favourites. Taste and quality of the food was good, serving size European. Staff very friendly and service was fast. Is mentioned in a few guidebooks, when we visited there were more foreigners than local. Safe bet place with nice interior.

Great little coffee shop. Perfect place to have a drink and relax. To get to it, you have to walk into a small alleyway, walk into what seems like a small apartment block and up about three flights of stairs. It's a small place with great atmosphere and the staff is really friendly and helpful. The menu is also quite extensive. We had already eaten, so we only got some and a small fruit salad. But there were other food items on the menu.

Lovely meal at The Old Compass. We booked a table on their website the day before and they had a nice table reserved when we arrived. Delicious Vietnamese food from their set menu and refreshing cold coconuts. We didn’t drink the full bottle of wine we ordered so they kindly put it in a wine bag for us. Definitely off the beaten path (Down a little alley and up a few sets of stairs) but worth finding!

We only had some beverages after lunch. Unfortunately, the drinks were not satisfactory. Pomelo was kind of diluted with water. The carrot, pineapple, and orange combination was also not up to the mark but the red velvet cookie was delectable. The atmosphere was cosy and the staff was friendly and attentive.

Came here for dinner and ordered the home cooked meal. It consisted of fried spring rolls, pomelo salad, king oyster mushroom soup, watercress with garlic, rice, fish entree, and dessert. Portions weren't big but the flavors was amazing. It was one of the best meal we had so far in Ho chi minh because it reminded us of a home cooked meal. The owner was there and we had a lovely conversation with her. I think that made our meal extra special. The interior space is beautiful and lovely ambiancen It was retro and retained the architecture of the building. The restaurant entrance is located near the front of an alley and on the 3rd floor. What a hidden gem. I can't wait to go back.

Came here looking for all-day breakfast (think scrambled eggs and sausages) but the staff recommended the set lunches instead - vegetarian and non-vege Vietnamese. Turns out to be very tasty. The whole place is set in a local residential block, occupying the top floor. It’s a quaint little place, like your neighbours home kitchen. Polite staff and clean place. They even serve drinks without the plastic straws! (Using steel straws instead ). Will definitely be back again ... for their local food ... ironically 🤪

I have left five stars because the food was great. But the service was amateur and I am leaving this review to encourage improvement. 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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 wrong reasons.

ucked away in a small alley, the cafe serve Vietnamese specialty food which changes every 2 weeks. So have to ask what's on the day menu if you dine here. This week pork noodles was really good.

hidden in an alleyway, this is a quiet, homely but chic cafe perfect for a coffee and meal, and also to hang out. lovely vibe inside, friendly staff and a cute book corner. they also run history tours! definitely a nice experience if you’re in the area.

A very lovely gem of a cafe that offers good decent meals and drinks in an oasis of tranquility and calm with a bohemian retro vibe. Good service. Lovely owner who engages in very pleasant conversation. The little alley leading to the entrance is located immediately after the liberty central hotel entrance.

The vibe of this place are amazing. Lost in a small dark street in the third floor of an old building. If you’re not in love at first sight for the decor, you will be for the food.

Nice and atmosphere place! It's hided, but you nicely surprised when you found it ☺️ my healthy breakfast was yummy! And co-founder who was sitting by the next table friendly advised me a few galleries to buy souvenirs! Thank you!🥰

Old Compass Cafe was a highlight in Saigon for me. They do a set menu of local dishes which allows you to try a few dishes in an authentic way. The room is beautiful and calm. They offer tours of the city too. We couldn’t fit it in but we really wanted to. It looks great.

The place has nice ambience when you actually reach there. But the entrance is not so promising. The food is average and the place has been given that old coffee house feel. I would say bit overrated, given the fact that it was a bit hard to find ( inside lanes).

All around amazing. Tucked away on the third floor of an alleyway but so homely when you walk in. Went there for a late lunch and was so blown away when the food arrived. We ordered the daily set meal which was still the best meal of our whole trip. It tasted and presented like home cooking which truly is rare anywhere that you eat out. Whatever the daily meal is I recommend it. Service was really nice and the place had really nice vibes both during the day and at night.

Ate here after the tale of Saigon tour by old compass (great tour). The atmosphere is lovely and relaxing in a beautiful old room, and the food was delicious - homemade and home style. Appreciated that they had craft beers from Saigon breweries on the menu. Old Compass seems like a really cool business - we learned from our guide that the cafe also hosts talks from visiting scientists, writers, artists etc. The meal was included in our tour so I wasn’t sure what to expect but the restaurant definitely stands alone. It’s on the 3rd floor of a building and tucked away.

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 yearning for more.

It is a café with a story, thoughtfully designed interior, and excellent food and coffee.

So lucky to have found this gem! Serenity in the big city. Just a little tricky to find, but well worth it. Wonderful owners! Loved the conversation, food, atmosphere, music… And they offer high quality tours. We did the tour to Cu Chi tunnels and loved it — expensive but worth it. Wish we would have been in town another day so we could have done the Saigon history tour. If/when we get back to Saigon, we’re coming back here.

The place was empty in the morning, but I enjoyed the atmosphere so much

I tried the Vietnamese special of the week and it was amazing!! Hidden in an alley with a beautiful balcony, this place helped me find all the peace I was trying to find that day after a chaotic morning.

As mentioned in previous reviews this is a hidden gem down an alleyway and up 3 flights of stairs. You open the door to a zen space with AIR CON! Nice vibe and chilled out music. We ordered coffees , juices , smoothies and eggs and smashed avocado - all were delicious , good generous servings. A side note is that a history walking tour was being hosted also that afternoon which I would have loved to have joined if I had time. Overall a fantastic brunch venue , I can imagine dinner would be nice too! Would def return!

Clearly a tourist trap with tourist prices. You won't really see any of the locals eating here. Yet it's actually quite decent. Menu is actually very affordable unless you're a backpacker on a tight budget, and the food is actually quite good. I mean you can clearly find better and cheaper out in the city but that's not the point of this place. You get to eat better than decent Vietnamese food in clean air-conditioned comfort. It's great if you're not feeling adventurous on any given day. The set lunch changes daily and is actually quite nice.

Nice coffee, unfortunately no vegan options on the menu for breakfast. The staff was nice though. It was pretty expensive but delicious. Nice quiet restaurant/cafe.

Really top notch all around. This lady knows the score. Happy hour tunes spot on for a relaxing groove, and dinnertime brought a real taste treat! Let's just keep this our secret!

Amazing hidden gem in Saigon. Don't get scared from the street, enter the building walk to the third floor and you'll find a beautiful bohémien coffee place with a selection of tasty dishes, juices and good coffee. Definitely a must go if you want to escape the craziness of the close Ben thanh market !

Love the vibe and deco once I step in. Beer is fresh and good. Home made Vietnam dinner is the highlight of my experience here as the food is so authentic and tasty. Highly recommended.

The cafe entrance is through a small alley besides Liberty Central Saigon, discreet and unassuming. Signs are clearly labelled to guide you along the way up to 3rd level. Once in, you'll be welcome by a very cosy and rustic feel of the cafe. With suitable music and industrial style fitout, it allows you to sit down and have a good chat with your companion. Wifi was also available for you. The menu has a good selection of breakfast to choose from. Food was done with great detail and just right. Service staff were attentive and always responded when we needed their help. Would strongly recommend if you're looking at a place to meet up with friends or have a meal.

Went on a weekday brunch and the cafe was quiet and quaint. Absolutely loved the decor of the cafe, as well as the service provided by the waitor (thank you!) Food wise, the star was the homecooked lunch set which includes braised pork, garlic stir-fried tapoica leaves, pickled vegetables, soup - and it was great! Portions were filling, although pricey by local standards. We also ordered a Banh mi op la but felt that this was average. Would definitely be back again for the homecooked meal!

We had a really delicious meal at the Old Compass Cafe! The dinner menu is a 3-course vietnamese home cooked meal for 290.000D per person. We were served spring rolls with a prawn and fruit side, braised fish with rice and pak choi followed by tomato and egg soup with a little brownie to finish. We really loved the experience and the staff were very attentive and friendly 💕 You access this restaurant through a little side street, climb some stairs and it is on the 3rd floor (2nd floor if you're English). Give it a try!

Definitely worth a visit - the food is fresh, flavorful, and a great mix of local and French flavor. Their lunch special was filling, delicious, and well-priced and they provide yummy vegetarian options. A bit hard to find but don't give up, worth the stair climb! Cute decor, welcoming staff, a great place to grab lunch or just take a quiet break with a cup of ca phe or bia!

A small oasis of calm and great food. Had the lunch time special - excellent fish hot pot. Absolutely recommend this place.

They have 2 daily Vietnamese option: the proposal of the week and the daily on the board. We picked both and they were great, super yummy. Service was great and the expressos as well :) we have had a great experience. Prices are fair for HCM

Charming atmosphere, delicious coffee, fast service, friendly staff. FREE water! And the food menu, that I didn't try, but looked delicious.

Cosy little hidden cafe with a nice peaceful atmosphere. The staff is very friendly, good background music and the menu has a few vegetarian options. Only downside is that it can be a bit expensive if you are used to local prices, but other than that its definitely a place to check out.

This is a hidden away surprise down an alley way and up a few flights of stairs that make you wonder whether you have wandered into the wrong place! The food is saltier than I would like but otherwise very good. Try the Pasteur street IPA. Is it good. Highly recommend this quiet hidden away relaxing hide-away.

Most often than not, the busy street of saigon is just too much to handle and you need places like this to get some peace and quiet. The place is a little bit hard to find, just follow the map and the house number, you'll see an alley with The red colour Old Compass sign inside the alley. Go in and walk up the stairs to the 3rd floor. The stairs can be quite old and dirty but don't worry, the cafe itself is very clean and comfortable. The Old Compass is cozy and homely, you literally walk into someone's house. I think it's more of a cafe when you want food. The coffee is just standard I think, but the food selection is great. I tried their Vietnamese lunch set, and it was awesome; like being invited to someone's house to join them for lunch. The set consisted of braised chicken, bittergourd stir fry with egg & clear broth mushroom soup. Price is reasonable.

Very nice and cosy cafe. A little hidden gem with nice ambiance, good food and nice coffee. Definitely worth the climb up 3 levels. This cafe is located in a little corridor beside Liberty Central Citypoint which could be easily missed. Go check it out.