Juliet’s Garden
97/5 Le Quang Dinh
Ward 14
Binh Thanh District
UPDATE – February, 2023: CLOSED AND GONE 🙁
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Things are changing quickly here’ in Saigon. Leave the country for a short while to explore another part of the world … and when you return, streets may be turned into pedestrian walkways, subway stations may be partially constructed, several more high rises may have appeared on the skyline, and sadly, some Saigon Street Food Ladies may have disappeared from their decades-long locations. And, of course, scores of Starbucks, KFCs, and Pizza Huts will have appeared.
But, this morning change is far less disappointing – actually even a pleasant surprise. After shopping for dép (street sandals) at Chợ Bà Chiểu – my favorite Saigon market – I walked down to enjoy a morning cà phê sữa đá at a long time favorite cafe of mine, Lado Cafe. WAIT! The sign has changed! Juliet’s Garden! Oh please! Well, it’s searing hot, I need my morning ice coffee, and mostly, I owe it to Eating Saigon! readers to report on this change in one of my regular cafe stops where so many of my previous blog posts were crafted. Oh, wow … NICE!
The lovely garden is still here. But the 10-meter high trees in the center of the patio area are now shaded with a billowing white canvas canopy. Nice cooling in touch.
The koi pond remains, but now with a glass island supporting a piano just above the water! Several sofas have been added around the patio (enjoying one of those as we speak). And, oh yes, the original purpose for being here – the cà phê sữa đá is excellent. The menu has expanded dramatically, as well. Every kind of coffee or fruit drink. Vietnamese dishes, pizza, cocktails!
Conclusion: Sometimes change is good. So, farewell Lado Cafe. Welcome Juliet’s Garden. I’ll be back for sure … perhaps tomorrow. I can highly recommend a visit here, enjoy a coffee, relax after a hectic exploration of Chợ Bà Chiểu, or pen your comments about YOUR favorite coffee shop to Eating Saigon!
[TIME LAPSE] … I’m back! It’s Sunday morning and apparently peak “brunch” time here at Juliet’s Garden. Nice live and gentle music being played by a young man sitting at the piano “floating” above the pond. HOWEVER, it’s jammed-packed crowded. I got the last table to enjoy my cà phê sữa đá. So, about my earlier recommendation. You should probably stop by mid-week or at least avoid the Sunday brunch crowd if you’re looking for that serene garden setting I mentioned earlier.
UPDATE – March, 2017: Re-confirmed as a great place to relax and enjoy coffee.
UPDATE – February, 2018: Still a great place to relax and enjoy a really good cà phê sữa đá!
UPDATE – February, 2019: Once again, it’s still a great place to relax and enjoy your cà phê sữa đá!
UPDATE – February, 2023: CLOSED AND GONE 🙁
OPEN 6:30am- 10:30 pm
Juliet’s Garden
97/5 Le Quang Dinh, Ward 14
Binh Thanh District
It is a perfect setting when the have their French Jazz nights. I have attended several last year and my partner held he 52nd birthday there in January.
I have taken several Australian guests there and they have all loved the food.