We came here for a post–New Year gathering with friends, but this little hidden spot in Thao Dien honestly knocked us all out — quite a first hit for the Year of the Horse 2026 🥲🐎 We ordered quite a bit: the salmon salad was fresh and light, the maki prawn and maki salmon were tasty but fairly standard, and both the tuna tacos and salmon tacos were enjoyable without being particularly memorable. The Cambodian beef skewer was nicely seasoned, the chicken thigh skewer juicy and reliable, and the shiitake skewer earthy and flavorful. Even the baked camembert was warm and comforting, though nothing truly stood out 🍣🍢🧀 Overall, everything was good, but not in a way that justifies the price. Most of these dishes can easily be found at other izakayas for less, so coming here specifically for the food doesn’t feel very worthwhile 💸 I’d say this place works better as a late-night drinks spot — somewhere to sit with friends, have a few cocktails, and share a small skewer or two 🍶✨ But if you come here hungry expecting a full dinner, it’s probably not the best choice. 📍 Livannah - Sips & Bites: 12 Nguyễn Ư Dĩ 💵 1,337,000 VND/ 4pax #izakayastyle #japanesefusion #nightoutwithfriends #latenightbites#夜飲み


Livannah - Sips & Bites Thảo Điền - Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

About This Place
Livannah opens at 4 PM most evenings and tends to fill quickly, drawing a crowd that comes for a sharing-style menu built around skewers, bite-sized plates, and fusion touches that feel considered rather than trend-chasing. The standout thread running through several dishes is the use of Northwest Vietnamese mountain spices — mắc khén, dổi, chẩm chéo — applied most memorably to the lamb rack, bringing an aromatic depth that separates it from the standard Thao Dien grill. The prawn nori tacos have developed a following, and the BBQ squid is popular enough that repeat orders within the same sitting are common. Jellyfish salad and bone marrow appear regularly in regulars' recommendations alongside a garlic fried rice that earns mentions even on tables already heavy with starters.
Bar seating faces the kitchen, making it a workable choice for solo diners or couples who want to watch the prep rather than stare at a wall. The wine-by-glass selection is reasonable for the format, supporting the kind of long, grazing dinner the menu is designed for. Weekend service extends to a 11 AM–2:30 PM lunch window on Saturdays and Sundays; the kitchen is closed Mondays.
The venue has its detractors — portion size relative to price draws criticism from some, and service consistency comes up in occasional reviews. But at 4.8 stars across 370 reviews, the hits — particularly the herb-forward proteins, the nori taco formats, and the open-kitchen bar energy — land consistently enough to explain why the room fills most nights.
Reviews
Food was outstanding! Nice atmosphere, sat at the bar watching the staff preparing the food. The BBQ squid was spectacular, liked it so much I ordered a second one!
You shouldn’t charge a 5% service fee if you forget someone’s order multiple times. Being said, the caeser salad was bitter, is that supposed to be normal or did we get unlucky? Also the first time in my life I spent $1.1M VND and was starving after. Caesar salad 1.5/10 Phở rolls 3.5/10 Frog legs 4.5/10 Shrimp taco 5.5/10 Sashimi 7/10 Chicken skewers 8.5/10 Pork ribs 9/10 Service 1/10 Cat 10/10 (saved this place from a one star review)
Cozy space, friendly & supportive staffs. Must try: jelly fish salad, bone marrow, Garlic fried rice, lamb rack. Good wine by glass selection.
Very nice ambiance, great service and super tasty food! The portions are generous and pricing are very affordable compared the the outstanding quality. Well done!
Visiting Livannah - Sips & Bites Thảo Điền
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Open late: Doors stay open past 4 AM on at least one day — handy for after-work dinners.
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Breakfast available: Opens by 4 AM — a viable breakfast stop in Saigon.
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Reservations: Call +84 28 3620 2269 to book — recommended for weekend dining.
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Best for: date night, group dinner, after-work drinks and bites, weekend dinner.
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Frequently Asked
- What's the best dish at Livannah - Sips & Bites Thảo Điền?
- The lamb rack seasoned with Northwest Vietnamese mountain herbs (mắc khén, dổi, chẩm chéo) draws consistent praise, as do the prawn nori tacos and BBQ squid — one reviewer ordered the squid twice in a single sitting.
- Is Livannah - Sips & Bites Thảo Điền good for solo dining?
- Bar seating faces the open kitchen, making it a workable choice for solo diners or couples who prefer watching food prep. Multiple reviewers note the cozy atmosphere remains 'speakable' even when full.
- Is Livannah - Sips & Bites Thảo Điền good for groups?
- The menu is built around sharing — skewers, bite-sized plates, and nori tacos. One reviewer describes it as 'perfect for sharing' and the format suits long, grazing dinners.
- What are Livannah - Sips & Bites Thảo Điền's opening hours?
- The kitchen opens at 4 PM most evenings and is closed Mondays. Saturday and Sunday add a lunch window from 11 AM to 2:30 PM.
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