BOCAO Basque Izakaya Ho Chi Minh Review 2026: Riverside Dining

Ho Chi Minh City Restaurant Recommendation

Thao Dien, District 2, with Incredible Night Views

BOCAO Basque Izakaya

Hey there, explorers! Today, I'm excited to share a fantastic Ho Chi Minh City restaurant recommendation with you.

The reason I especially recommend this spot isn't just for its delicious food, but because its outdoor seating offers the perfect vantage point for enjoying Ho Chi Minh City's breathtaking night views.

Of course, even during the day, as you can see in the photo above, you'll get an expansive, unobstructed view of Landmark 81 and the Saigon River.

1. Exterior and Interior Ambiance

When we first entered from the opposite side, I honestly wondered where the famous view was hiding! It was charming and cozy inside, and I even thought the bar seating looked quite appealing.

But as you walk through the long corridor, past the kitchen and bar area, the outdoor seating magically appears on the other side!

One side of the outdoor area is adorned with lush greenery, which creates a lovely atmosphere. Ho Chi Minh City is known for its intermittent rain showers, so I initially wondered if outdoor seating would be practical.

However, they have clear plastic barriers to block the wind and a roof overhead, making it perfectly comfortable even if a sudden shower rolls in!

And these two spots? They are definitely the best seats in the house!

We visited on a Sunday, and we discovered that outdoor seating couldn't be reserved after 7 PM. So, we asked about available times and were able to book a two-hour slot starting at 5 PM, which turned out to be perfect!

If you're looking for a full night view, 7 PM is ideal. But if you want to experience the transition from sunset to glittering city lights, the 5 PM slot is fantastic. I highly recommend making reservations in advance!

2. The Unique Menu Concept

Here's a fun fact: I had been searching on Google Maps for a Spanish restaurant I really wanted to try, but it was temporarily closed for some reason. I was disappointed, but then my sister found BOCAO, and it turned out to be owned by the same chef! Talk about destiny!

The full name of the restaurant is BOCAO Basque Izakaya.

It seems they've combined the gastronomic traditions of Spain's Basque Country with the casual vibe of an Izakaya, hence the name 'Basque Izakaya'. It's interesting to note that even the popular Basque cheesecake, a dessert loved in cafes worldwide, originates from Spain's Basque region!

3. Our BOCAO Menu Experience

My sister and I were eager to try everything, so we ordered a variety of dishes!

My sister, a huge oyster fan, ordered an oyster dish, and I was curious about the lamb tsukune.

The oyster dish requires a minimum order of 3 pieces, so we went with that. It was wonderfully fresh and tangy – the perfect starter!

I ordered a draft beer, and my sister started with sparkling water.

The staff were incredibly attentive, constantly coming by to refill her sparkling water whenever it looked a bit low. Excellent service!

Next up were the Iberico pork and paella. The Iberico was wonderfully tender and delicious.

The paella was also great, offering a reasonable portion at a fair price!

To round off our meal, we ordered the Basque cheesecake for dessert. It was incredibly moist and rich!

4. Location Details

As you can see, the restaurant is located right on the Saigon Riverfront.

If you're looking for a Ho Chi Minh City restaurant with fantastic night views and ambiance, I highly recommend visiting BOCAO Basque Izakaya in Thao Dien, District 2!

I'm already planning my next visit for around 5 PM, perhaps with my mom or friends, to enjoy that magical sunset-to-night view again!