The Old Compass Cafe and Bar

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BEST BREAKFAST BAHN MI! I am vegetarian and they went out of their way to make a veggie option and it was super delicious

Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) not as sweet as other places and quite strong, but I don’t mind that.

Great vibes with the music and air con. Love it.

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.

Lovely place. Breakfast, lunch, cafes.
Old taste of Saigon

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.

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.

Make the effort and climb the stairs. You will be rewarded with a wonderful small restaurant with great staff and fantastic food. Music is fab too if you are a certain vintage - Beatles, Stones, Procul Harum etc. Definitely my favourite place in HCMC for breakfast lunch or dinner!

Although it was not easy to find, we eventually found this cafe after walking into a little alley, up 3 flights of stairs and through an unlikely door. We were so glad we found it because we loved the food, music and ambiance of the old compass cafe and bar. Such a lovely calm spot to relax and enjoy a delicious peaceful lunch.

First time in Ho chi Ming city and our hotel recommended this spot and it was incredible. Hidden cafe on the third floor with the cutest vibe and a few tables. We had a Vietnamese dinner and fried rice and it was perfect for 2 of us. Definitely recommend for a well priced date!

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.

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!

This is a beautiful homely space tucked up three flights of stairs, a little oasis from the bustling streets below. We ordered the set lunch and a banh mi, and it was truly one of the most memorable meals in our three weeks in Vietnam. The food was so thoughtfully prepared and served in the most stunning little pots and bowls. Truly a special place.

Wow. A fantastic little cafe situated on the 3rd floor off an alleyway. It's well sign posted. The stairs give you a false sense until you open the door to the cafe and you are transferred into a cool hideaway. The banh mi was delicious.

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 !

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