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.
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.
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.
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 these selections 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 experience as a sommelier and French wine importer. Specializing in wines from his home region in the South of France, Gilles focuses not on famous names or grand crus, but on the genuine pleasure and craftsmanship each bottle offers. His wines are carefully selected through personal relationships with winemakers, many of whom practice organic, biodynamic, or natural methods of winemaking. Gilles’ expertise ensures that every wine he selects carries the essence of authentic 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.
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.
The Interior
The interior of Lupin Bistrot et Vins, designed by Max Trullàs Moreno of MTM Design, brings together modern French elegance with a playful, artsy touch. Inspired by the authentic Parisian bistro, Lupin is unapologetically French yet with a fun twist.
Start your journey on our charming Parisian terrace, ideal for people-watching over a casual glass of wine. Step inside, and you’re greeted by our Wine Boutique, showcasing all 48 wines exclusively imported for Lupin. Here, you’ll likely meet Gilles, our sommelier, ready to guide you through the selection of rare bottles only found here.
Our dining room unfolds next, featuring an iconic vintage-inspired bar and cold-cut station. Bathed in natural light during the day and glowing under dimmed lights in the evening, this cozy space channels the ambiance of a true Parisian bistro. The walls are adorned with unique vintage décor and custom artwork by artist Harry van Dierendonck, adding vibrancy and character.
For those who seek an intimate, immersive dining experience, we invite you upstairs to our Table des Chefs, set within the heart of the kitchen—perfect for adventurous diners.
And finally, don't miss our alfresco patio, a little escape to France itself.