Lupin Bistrot et Vins
C’est Nous!
‘Joie de Vivre’—the simple art of enjoying great food, wine, and company; the French motto of life that Lupin Bistrot et Vins brings to Saigon’s vibrant Thao Dien Quarter. Created by the renowned El Willy Hospitality Group and French Marchand du Vin Gilles Faëlens, our vibrant Parisian bistro captures the essence of this philosophy.
"Sip, Savor, and Smile. Experience Joie de Vivre!”
Restaurant
Nestled behind our wine boutique, Lupin Bistrot et Vins awaits—a space elegantly designed to blend sophistication with a playful atmosphere, offering a delightful backdrop for your dining experience. We draw culinary inspiration from timeless French dishes, such as Pâté Grand-mère, Cuisses de Grenouille, Bavette à l’échalote, Gougères au Comté and Baba au Rhum and elevate them with modern techniques to create bold, thrilling flavors. A standout highlight is our succulent Poulet rôti au jus Lupin, delivering a truly juicy taste of this classic French specialty. Whether you're in the mood for a light bite, a gathering for an aperitif, or a full chef’s menu paired with exquisite wines, Lupin Bistrot et Vins provides an upbeat ambiance where you can experience a touch of Parisian vibe in Saigon’s dynamic food and beverage scene.
Wine Boutique
Upon arrival at Lupin, you’ll encounter our Wine Boutique, a showcase of Gilles' wine expertise. Here, you can explore the rich tapestry of Southern French wines and deepen your appreciation for their unique qualities. Gilles is dedicated to offering exceptional value through tasting courses and personalized guidance, having personally vetted each winemaker to ensure high standards of sustainable practices. Guests are invited to sip, taste, talk, meet, and mingle—discovering (or rediscovering) simple yet surprising wines curated just for you. Enjoy our selection of 48 wines by the glass in our restaurant, or bring a piece of France home with you.
“I want wines with the personality of their birthplace and the soul of those who made them.” — Gilles Faëlens
Vins de Gilles
Gilles Faëlens, founder of Vins de Gilles, brings over 30 years of expertise as a sommelier and French wine importer. Specializing in wines from his home region in the South of France, Gilles curates a collection of bottles exclusively imported for Lupin—wines found nowhere else in Vietnam. Rather than focusing on famous names or grand crus, he emphasizes the genuine pleasure and craftsmanship each bottle offers. His wines are carefully chosen through personal relationships with winemakers, many of whom practice organic, biodynamic, or natural methods, ensuring that each selection reflects the true essence of French terroir.
Table des Chefs
For a unique culinary adventure, discover Lupin’s Table des Chefs tucked away in a semi-secret dining space at the back of our kitchen on the second floor. Our culinary team will craft a bespoke chef’s menu in advance of your reservation, highlighting the finest seasonal ingredients. Gilles will personally guide you through our wine list, offering expertly matched food pairings that enhance each course. This exclusive experience is perfect for both lunch and dinner, ensuring an unforgettable dining affair.
Cuisine
French products inspire us profoundly. We are dedicated to delivering an authentic, rustic experience of the French terroir, working with small suppliers in France and embracing traditional, time-honored recipes. We also take pride in using the finest fresh Vietnamese ingredients, blending local produce with our French roots. Our cuisine is reassuringly simple, designed to showcase the seasonal qualities of our ingredients.
This philosophy extends to our wine selection, which celebrates the unique spirit of Southern France. The distinctive character of these wines perfectly complements the flavors of our dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The Full Experience
In Lupin Bistrot et Vins the bustle of morning preparations unfolds like a sensory symphony: stoves lit, ovens roaring, chefs crafting elaborate dishes, coffee brewing, waiters twirling, phones ringing, meat searing and grilling, the Rôtissoire turning, fresh produce arriving, wine pouring, and customers arriving from all directions. It’s a vibrant theatre of the senses, blending a modern approach with a respectful nod to the past.
The Interior Design
The interior of Lupin Bistrot et Vins, crafted by Max Trullàs Moreno of MTM Design, harmonizes modern French elegance with a playful, artistic flair. Unmistakably inspired by the authentic Parisian bistro, Lupin radiates a proudly French style with a hint of fun.
Begin on our charming Parisian terrace, the perfect spot for casual wine-sipping and people-watching. Enter, and you’re welcomed by our Wine Boutique, home to 48 exclusive wines selected just for Lupin. Here, sommelier Gilles is often available to guide you through these rare selections.
The main dining room unfolds with an iconic vintage-style bar and cold-cut station, bathed in daylight or softly lit in the evening to evoke a cozy bistro ambiance. Walls feature bespoke artwork by artist Harry van Dierendonck and unique vintage pieces, bringing character to the space.
Upstairs, our intimate Table des Chefs sits at the kitchen's heart, ideal for those seeking a close connection with our culinary artistry.
And finally, the alfresco patio offers an inviting escape—a little piece of France to savor in the open air.
The People Behind
Lupin Bistrot et Vins is the result of a passionate collaboration between a group of seasoned F&B professionals who share a deep love for food, wine, and culture. At the heart of this collaboration is El Willy Fun F&B Group, founded in 2008 by Spanish Chef Willy Trullàs Moreno, whose career includes working in top restaurants in Paris. Known for creating fun and inventive culinary concepts across Asia, the group has developed experiences ranging from modern Spanish "Sexy Tapas" to Mexican tacos and Japanese-inspired cocktail bars. In Saigon, they are behind the well-known restaurants Tomatito and Bandido, renowned for their vibrant interiors, high-level service, and exciting cuisine.
For Lupin, Willy teams up with his brother Max Trullàs Moreno, who designed the restaurant’s stylish modern interior, and Gilles Faëlens, a French wine expert curating the exclusive wine selection. Together, this talented team brings a fresh, modern take on French dining to Saigon, blending their global expertise with a love for French gastronomy and wine culture to create a truly exceptional experience.