Restaurant

Saigon Allee

30 Armstrong St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia

Recommended by 77 people

Updated

Find Saigon Allee

30 Armstrong St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia

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HoursMonday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Saigon Allee

Lantern-lit murals set the mood for modern Vietnamese plates and sharp cocktails in central Ballarat. Regulars drop in for fragrant bowls of beef pho—the broth simmered rich and aromatic—alongside crispy spring rolls, wok-seared prawns, and salt-and-pepper tofu made for sharing across the table. Cocktails weave in Southeast Asian twists, while dessert takes an unexpected detour with warm sticky date pudding and Basque cheesecake.

  • Aromatic Pho Bowls: Steaming bowls of beef, chicken, or vegetarian noodle soup simmered with fragrant, spice-rich broth.
  • Vietnamese-Inspired Sips: Cocktails balance sweet and sour profiles with regional ingredients alongside local wines.
  • Unexpected Desserts: A surprise Western baking program featuring sticky date pudding and purple sweet potato cheesecake.

What's On at Saigon Allee

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Dine at Saigon Allee

Why diners choose Saigon Allee for casual date nights, celebrations, and comforting Vietnamese meals in Ballarat.

  • Fresh, Modern Takes on Vietnamese Classics

    Dishes are prepared with fresh, punchy herbs and regional touches, offering vibrant shareable plates alongside comfort classics.

    The food was full of fresh, authentic flavours with a nice modern twist.

    Jehan Jayasekara
  • Signature In-House Fusion Desserts

    Unlike conventional Vietnamese menus, Saigon Allee crafts specialty desserts like sticky date pudding and purple sweet potato cheesecake.

    You have to try the purple sweet potato cheescake and sticky date pudding.

    Mary Knights
  • Warming Bowls of Fragrant Pho

    Rich, aromatic broths simmered to perfection offer the ultimate comforting meal on cold regional days.

    We got the chicken pho, which was just perfect for a chilly winter day.

    Mario Laus
  • House Cocktails with a Vietnamese Twist

    The beverage program elevates regional dining with creative cocktail craft featuring Southeast Asian elements and balanced flavour profiles.

    three superb cocktails - each with a Vietnamese twist. The food was fresh, well presented and wonderfully seasoned and balanced.

    Ann Ferry
  • Stylish Ambience Without Pretense

    The venue balances warm ambient lighting, murals, and lantern decor to create an inviting backdrop suited for special dinners and casual evenings alike.

    It didn’t feel cheap, but wasn’t somewhere where you’d feel underdressed going for a casual meal.

    Roan Bird
  • Thoughtful, Welcoming Hospitality

    Attentive floor staff welcome guests warmly and proactively adjust portions and offerings to accommodate dietary choices and sharing.

    The staff from the moment we walked in were courteous, helpful and inviting and appeared legitimately happy.

    Irene Giannelli

Other favorites

Complementary desserts and house-crafted beverages

  • Sticky Date Pudding

    I just had the best stick date pudding of my entire life!!!!! I know, is a Vietnamese restaurant! But trust me, give this dessert a chance

    fernanda oliveira
  • Purple Sweet Potato Cheesecake

    You have to try the purple sweet potato cheescake and sticky date pudding.

    Mary Knights
  • Cocktails with a Vietnamese Twist

    three superb cocktails - each with a Vietnamese twist. The food was fresh, well presented and wonderfully seasoned and balanced. The cocktails had the right balance of sweet to sour and were neither lacking or over-done with alcohol.

    Ann Ferry
  • Housemade Lemon Iced Tea

    The wok seared prawns and the housemade lemon iced tea were a stand out .

    Tracey

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality and culinary surprises that elevate your dining experience

  • Thoughtful Portion Adjustments for Sharing

    When diners order dishes intended for two, attentive waitstaff proactively offer to size up starters like salt and pepper tofu into even portions for easy sharing.

  • Fresh Cutlery and Plate Service Between Courses

    Between courses, table staff deliberately refresh plates and cutlery before mains arrive, maintaining an unhurried, polished dining pace.

  • Vietnamese-Inspired Cocktail Accents

    The bar crafts original drinks incorporating regional twists, featuring balanced sweet-to-sour profiles and unexpected touches like chili pearls in margaritas.

  • Unexpected Western-Style Comfort Desserts

    The kitchen pairs savory Vietnamese fare with an unconventional house dessert menu highlighting sticky date pudding and Basque or purple sweet potato cheesecake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I make a reservation in advance?

Yes, booking online is convenient and recommended, especially as the dining room fills up quickly during peak dinner services, though walk-ins may be seated if tables are available.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options on the menu?

Yes, the kitchen offers a strong selection of vegetarian and vegan options, including vegetarian pho, salt and pepper tofu, cauliflower popcorn, and vegetarian dumplings.

Are the meals suitable for sharing?

Portions are generous and the staff frequently recommends ordering dishes to share across the table, from starters and tasting platters to noodle soups and curries.

What are the standout dishes and drinks to order?

Alongside classic Vietnamese fare, standout items include the beef and chicken pho, crispy pork banh mi, craft cocktails with Vietnamese accents, and house desserts like the sticky date pudding and cheesecakes.

Is outdoor seating available?

Saigon Allee features an outdoor seating section equipped with heat lamps, making it a comfortable option on nice evenings and cooler days.

What is the parking situation around the restaurant?

Street parking on and around Armstrong Street North can be competitive during peak dining hours, though paid lots and street parking options are available in the surrounding central Ballarat area.

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