en, savor authentic french dishes in the french colonial building

Time goes slower in the historic space.

Making excellent use of an iconic location, Saigon’s old “Manufacture d’Opium” (1881), The Refinery was built, designed, and decorated locally with custom-made furniture and lighting in the most fantastic Paris bistro tradition.

A French Brasserie and Wine Bar tucked away in a secluded courtyard, The Refinery offers a large covered outdoor terrace with comfy armchairs to relax the day out and a beautiful interior with many original architectural features. While the bistro serves excellent food – do not leave without sampling the various platters – the wine selection is superb, with 17 Old and New World wines on offer by the glass. Events around wine and food pairing are organized regularly.

A charming mix of old and new

Though food always takes the spotlight, I believe factors such as music, lighting, artwork, and spacing that co-create the experience that wins every heart. The Refinery is a charming mix of old and new that evoke interest and a sense of homeliness with a touch of glamour thrown into the mix.

This restaurant hardly feasts a guest a dinner but tells a city’s long story. Step into the restaurant; you can quickly say to the depth of the photography and music choice. The photography hanging on the walls set the mood to portray its historical background. They dim the lights, set tables out nicely, and select good music—all combine to create comfort, intimacy, and romance for their guests.

P/s: If you come early, you can ask the staff to explain the meaning of each photograph and surprise your date.

Little did I believe in the existence of a tranquil spot just a few steps from the most crowded street in Saigon.

That French vibe

Different space atmosphere to serve multiple needs, you can instead enjoy your book in the courtyard. (with a signature ), enjoy a close talk, or talk to the bartender on the bar stool. It’s a cozy dining room windows frame a view of the alley. Outside’s greenery blends in with the interior wooden walls to match the color palette of the landscape.

From the outdoor space atmosphere, the opposite, I feel like it is a perfect spot to catch up with a long-lost friend. The ambiance comes from the guests, our conversations, and the clinking of glasses and cutlery. There is something so luxurious about just being there, at the moment, soaking up the fantastic atmosphere that only belongs to Paris.

Even the Menu itself was unusual and quirky, bound by a wooden rod reminiscent of a wand. Café Plume is a charming mix of old and new that evokes interest and a sense of homeliness with a touch of glamour thrown into the mix.

The culinary delights

Now for the significant bit, the food! It was hard to choose what to order; everything on the Menu looked equally and wonderfully delicious to me. One of the staff told me that the restaurants renovate their Menu with skilled chefs every three months. Some dishes remain, while others are refurbished to meet the season change and please their guest.

That sparked a thought in me; they have been doing this consistently for 17 years and have endured different hardships.

As a pescaterian, I’m quite a sucker for deciding on a dish that fits my appetite. So Noelle did me a favor. She offered me The Refinery’s signature Black Risotto, an unusual yet shimmered Italian dish with a twist on the scallop, delivering a solid taste of the sea. The word is simply light, aromatic, and creamy; every spoon is a sheer delight to be savored. This Risotto is easily digestible and an ideal starter at feasts of many courses.

Black Risotto luckily owns a recognized look.

💡My tips: You’d better enjoy Risotto while it’s still warm, as it begins to lose the creamy texture as the cooked rice absorbs the remaining liquid.

My friend had a heavy breakfast, so she went with Slow Roasted Chicken & Avocado Salad. The flavors were so divine, rich, and sumptuous that even though the serving size was generous, we didn’t want it to end. The interesting twist on authentic French dishes and the fresh, highly selective ingredients guarantee an unforgetful gastronomic experience for us.

💡My note: The serving size was generous; you shall go as a group of 3 or 4 or go with an empty stomach to share and taste a complete course to embrace the whole experience.

We now have a new favorite place to dine in, the city’s most crowded area. I will be a regular here on coming leisure days, happily enjoying the culinary delights the Refinery offers. Do yourself a favor and give it a try; you’ll be glad you did.