YOUR INSIDER'S MID-Range Restaurants Guide
IN Ho Chi Minh City 🇻🇳 Since 2008
SAIGON INSPIRATION RESTAURANTS MID-SCALE THAO DIEN FINE RESTAURANTS IN THU DUC CITY
The best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City can match those found anywhere else in Asia
When people first visit or move to Saigon, they are often surprised by the incredible range of culinary options at their disposal. Vietnam has for a long time offered a heady variety of delicious dishes of its own, and that is still the case.
But additionally, over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the quality and quantity of international cuisine in Vietnam. The best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City can match those found anywhere else in Asia, and there are a dizzying number of options offering fantastic food for all tastes and budget levels.
To zoom in further, as a foreigner living in Vietnam’s largest city, you are likely at some point to at least consider the option of residing in Thao Dien – the most expat-heavy area of Saigon’s rapidly developing Thu Duc City. With plenty of western amenities and familiar languages to be found there, it is easy to forget where you are when exploring this part of the city.
As well as being perhaps the least chaotic place to live in Saigon, the best restaurants in Thao Dien also make the area very attractive to foreign residents (and plenty of upwardly mobile Vietnamese locals).
Perhaps you already live in Thao Dien, or maybe you are curiously exploring the possibility of doing so. You may simply be looking to find great food in Thu Duc City while staying elsewhere in Ho Chi Minh City. No matter which applies to you, enjoy our guide to the best restaurants in Saigon’s Thao Dien in Thu Duc City, and please put it to good use to fill your bellies!
Pendolasco
36 Tong Huu Dinh, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City / Facebook / +84 28 6253 2828
Open Monday-Sunday 11:00am – 10:00pm
Pendolasco is well known as one of the best Italian restaurants in Thao Dien and all of Saigon. Established in 1998, we’re always confident about receiving a superb family-style Italian experience at Pendolasco. If you prefer to stay at home, then they offer their excellent PendoGo service for quick and quality delivery of delicious Italian pizza and more to Districts 1-4 and Binh Thanh. Dining in, we love the choice of enjoying the lovely ambience of their garden area or a little more intimacy and cosiness inside.
Established in 1998, Pendolasco has perfected their menu over time to offer mouthwatering classic Italian food to the citizens of Saigon. Whether it’s a wide range of quality pizzas, homemade pasta, juicy steaks, or teasing desserts, Pendolasco does everything in style. Since it is one of the most welcoming family friendly restaurants in Thao Dien, there are also suitably portioned and priced options for kids, with hilarious dish names such as “I Don’t Care” and “I Don’t Want That” – we love it!
If you need your fix of quality Italian food in Thao Dien, you can’t go wrong with Pendolasco.
The Snap Cafe
32 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City / Facebook / +84 3519 4532
Open Every Day 7:30am – 10:30pm
We at City Pass Guide have always been a big fan of this casual yet quality Thao Dien restaurant. The Snap Cafe is great in groups and also for solo meals, as it’s quiet enough to get some work or reading done, and the atmosphere is comfortable and spacious. As for the food, we have to say that the vegetarian burger is homemade to perfection. The vegetarian chili is also very tasty, although quite small, so it’s probably not for the ravenous eater.
last time we checked, The Snap Cafe was running a burger special every Wednesday, which includes two free drinks of choice if you order any gourmet burger. Go early if you’re with a larger group, though, as it does tend to get a bit packed. It’s worth noting this is one of only a few places we can find HP Brown Sauce in Saigon, which is a classic and favourite condiment from the U.K.
Check out their Facebook page for other drink and food specials, and also look out for live bands often playing on Saturday nights. This restaurant has a sand pit and a play area for kids, it is definitely family-friendly, making it an ideal staple for all in Thao Dien.
Bep Vo Kitchen
74/1 Nguyen Cu, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City / Facebook / +84 90 872 6683
Open Every Day
Although this Thao Dien restaurant is tiny and a bit away from the main roads, it is consistently packed on weeknights. Known as a popular hangout among expats due to its delicious and affordable fare, Bep Vo is also a perfect place for digital nomads or freelancers to enjoy a meal while doing a bit of work.
The Bep Vo menu is a range of local Vietnamese dishes at prices just above street vendor options. We’re a big fan of the vegetarian noodle bowl and summer rolls (you can consider swapping the noodles for rice), although we personally don’t go for the sandwich when hungry, as it’s just a bit too small. The menu options here are not particularly ideal for vegetarians (only two choices), so bare that in mind when choosing your options from the best restaurants in Thao Dien.
Mekong Merchant
23 Thao Dien, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City / Facebook / +84 28 3744 7000
Open Every Day 6:30am – 11:00pm
Those of you seeking a classy, but not too fancy, venue for dining out in Thao Dien will likely love the Mekong Merchant. Its excellent location in the centre of town certainly makes it one of the most popular Thao Dien restaurants around. The menu offers some incredible western food (we highly recommend the brunch) and also contains an extensive wine list, making it a great location for intimate date nights or social meals with friends.
The cobblestoned outdoor seating area is beautifully decorated with fairy lights and wicker lamps, which certainly complement the overall vibe of this District 2 restaurant in Saigon. Pet lovers note: Mekong Merchant is definitely one of a number of dog friendly restaurants in Thao Dien!
BoatHouse Restaurant: Vietnam
40 Lily Road, APSC Luxury Villa Compound, 36 Thao Dien, Thu Duc City/ Facebook / +84 28 3744 6790
Open Every Day 7:30am – 10:00pm
The BoatHouse has steadily risen to become one of the fine restaurants in Thao Dien since the establishment came under new management, who have carried out delightful refurbishments and excitingly revamped its menu options. Although some of the classic BoatHouse menu items remain, there is now a brand new wine and craft beer menu, stunning tandoor oven options and a glorious range of fusion goodness.
The BoatHouse runs a happy hour every night of the week from 3pm to 7pm, offers daily specials, and hosts great live music every Friday and Sunday. This place is super dog friendly, located right on the river, and is a great spot to wind down with friends after a busy week. We are definitely fans. Please be aware that you may need to obtain a security pass for the entrance of the villa compound in which BoatHouse is located. Contact the friendly restaurant staff directly for details.
Saigon Bagel Thao Dien
38 Nguyen Cu, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City / Facebook / +84 90 896 4654
Open Every Day 7:00am – 6:00pm
Saigon Bagel is a fantastic addition to the foodie scene in Saigon’s Thu Duc City. Not only is it one of the fine restaurants in Thao Dien, it’s also one of our favourite restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City (with another branch in District 1). Before discovering Saigon Bagel, it had been a long, long time since this City Pass Guide writer had experienced a proper bagel!
Customers have extensive options of bagel sandwiches and toppings, sides such as chips and salsa or guacamole, and also massive cannolis. In addition to incredible bagel sandwiches and sides, Saigon Bagel’s Thao Dien location also has several board games available to keep you occupied, including our personal favourite, Catan. Get the best bagels we know in Saigon right here.
Simple Place
35, Tong Huu Dinh, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City / Facebook / +84 90 442 10 89
Simple Place is a popular Thao Dien restaurant for a number of reasons. First off, it’s conveniently located, serves great Mexican food (Tex Mex style) and it’s super affordable. It’s a perfect option for a post-work meal if you’re not trying to do anything too fancy. It’s also an excellent choice for those living in Thu Duc City and needing to nurse a weekend hangover.
The service in Simple Place is super quick – almost unbelievably quick – and the staff is friendly and kind, which makes a huge difference to the experience. It might not be the most authentic Mexican food in Saigon, but it’s reliable and great value. Stop by, but we suggest that you don’t go on Sundays when it’s closed!
Jaspas Thao Dien
15 Tong Huu Dinh, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City / Facebook / +84 28 36368822
A popular hangout among seasoned expats, Jaspas is as typical a modern-day Thao Dien restaurant as you can get. Jaspas serves plenty of options on its menu, ranging from western classics such as Eggs Benedict and pancakes, to Asian dishes like Nasi Goreng and a Korean-style beef dish.
Like many great restaurants in Saigon’s Thu Duc City, and Thao Dien in particular, the prices on this menu are a bit more than what you would pay elsewhere in town. However, the contemporary and breezy atmosphere, children’s playground, and quality of food all help to make up for it. Jaspas is also a popular choice for anyone looking to book a venue for a party or event in Thao Dien, as they are very experienced in this area.
Pizza Reale
27-29 Nguyen Dang Giai, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City / Facebook / +84 362 118 204
While there are several new pizza joints that have been popping up within Thao Dien, Pizza Reale has done an exceptional job of making itself well known. While dining in is a great experience, we’ve also ordered delivery plenty of times and have been seriously impressed with the speedy service and quality of the pies.
The menu has a bit of something for everyone: quality pasta dishes, Italian sandwiches, and plenty of pizza options, including several vegan selections. Also look out for the exceptional set lunch deals they offer. Owner Manuel Reale even runs a kids’ cooking class if you want to provide some culinary inspiration for your young ones. Overall, Pizza Reale deserves your attention as one of the best pizza restaurants in Thao Dien and Saigon.
SAIGON INSPIRATION RESTAURANTS MID-SCALE BEST RESTAURANTS IN DISTRICT 7
District 7 is one of the best districts for international cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City
This area is, after all, the most Westernised in the city, with streets and architecture that more closely resemble southern Europe than southern Vietnam, and the restaurants and bars follow suit. Here are some of the finest restaurants in District 7.
Kingscross
103 Ton Dat Tien, Phu My Hung, D7, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 5415 6060 / Facebook
Kingscross is a Harry Potter-themed restaurant in the heart of Phu My Hung at Crescent Mall. They’ve designed the interior to feel like you’re having a fine dining experience at Platform 9¾! Here you’ll find a wide variety of what they call “Western cuisine with a twist.” Chef Linh Tran brings his experience working in restaurants around Europe and Asia for the past 20 years to this fun and quirky dining experience. Come for brunch, lunch, or dinner. They even have “black pizza” on the menu! Visit to see it for yourself!
My friends and I went for breakfast to Kingscross. Very nice food, everybody enjoyed and the staff was very friendly too. I totally recommend this restaurant to everybody.” - Travelwithevie, TripAdvisor
Boomerang Bistro
107 Ton Dat Tien, Phu My Hung, D7. HCMC, Vietnam / +84 901 868 000 / Facebook
Boomerang Bistro is an Australian sports bar that stands out as a high-quality restaurant. The location, in the Crescent, presents lovely views of the lake, especially at night. It advertises itself as a bistro, but this is the place where local Aussies gather to watch their favorite sports. It’s not cheap, but the quality is good and the atmosphere is energetic and lively. The restaurant gets a really busy day and night, especially during weekends.
“Nice restaurant next to the lake. Good cuisine and is comfortable. The price is a little bit higher than other normal restaurants in VN. I will revisit with family.” - Raehyun Kim, Google Reviews
Red Tomato
SB11-2 Sky Garden, Phu My Hung, D7, HCMC, Vietnam / redtomato.vn / +84 28 5410 2472
A plain and simple pizza and pasta restaurant in the midst of a mainly Korean area, Red Tomato has picked up a strong local following. With seating for only about 30 people, it is one of the few places in District 7 that opens until midnight, and for this reason, has become a go-to place for hungry ex-pats. A few specialties like their Seafood Gratin with Rice and the Barbecue Ribs deserve a special mention.
“By far my favorite place to go! Almost every day I spent in District 7, I went there. Either for a coffee, smoothie, breakfast, dinner or to work on their wifi. Great music and ambiance. The staff is very nice. Love it!!” - Kieu Duong, Google Reviews
Ganesh
54 Duong So 6, Tan Phong, D7, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 5410 1627 / +84 08 5410 1628
The Ganesh group has now opened several establishments throughout Vietnam and is known for its high-quality restaurants serving authentic Indian food. Ganesh Restaurant in District 7 was refurbished recently and is a wonderful place to experience the delights of Indian cookery. They also have a location in D1, in case you find yourself craving Indian food but don’t want to make the trek all the way out to D7.
“Delicious Indian Food, Good Service, Reasonable Prices - one of the best Indian Restaurants in Saigon. I have been a regular customer of their District 7 outlet, Kudos to the D7 Manager (Mr. Heera) for good service always!” - Sachin Gupta, Google Reviews
El Gaucho
Unit CR1-12, The Crescent, Phu My Hung, D7, HCMC / +84 28 5413 6909
The El Gaucho chain is growing fast, however, they manage to seamlessly maintain quality control of the food that they are serving. They have restaurants in Bangkok and Hanoi as well as four in Ho Chi Minh City. They proudly serve some of the finest steaks that you will get in Ho Chi Minh City. Top-quality steaks are their signature and the D7 venue has the added attraction of outdoor seating, affording lovely views of the lake. This is an expensive, but welcome addition to the culinary delights of Saigon for meat lovers.
“Great selection of steaks. But one of the more expensive restaurants in Vietnam compared to other Steakhouses in the area.” - Brandon Ly, Google Reviews
The Tavern
R2-24 Hung Gia, 3 Bui Bang Doan, D7, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 5410 3900
This is a well-known and much-loved bar and restaurant in a very good location in Phu My Hung. They serve good friendly western food at reasonable prices. Whilst it has more of a pub feel than that of a high-class restaurant, the menu is extensive and the staff serves you with warm smiles and efficiency. The Sunday lunch here is hugely popular as is their famous all-day breakfast. It is a popular place among the large English-speaking ex-pat community in this part of the city.
“Great recommendation by an Aussie mate. Great pub food, ice-cold beer, and terrific service. Owner is not a bad bloke either! If you're staying in the area (or not) def worth a look in. Yum.” - Kathy Nousbein, Google Reviews
Matchandeul Korean BBQ
49 Cao Trieu Phat, Tan Phong, D7 , HCMC, Vietnam /+84 028 5412 6464
In a district known for its large Korean population, it would be wrong of us not to include the hugely popular Matchandeul Korean BBQ, which comes highly recommended by Korean ex-pats residing in Saigon. The restaurant gets crowded from early afternoon and well into midnight and waiting for a table can be a little lengthy, but is definitely worth the effort. Their menu specializes in Korean-bred pork, carefully aged and matured by the establishment’s own secret methods, but we also love their Naengmyeon – Korean Cold Noodles.
“My favorite in Q7. Always busy and full of Korean folks which is a good indicator. The meat is aged and tasty. Service is attentive, polite and well-trained.” - Peter Hodge, Google reviews.
SAIGON INSPIRATION RESTAURANTS MID-SCALE WHY IS FOOD SO CHEAP IN VIETNAM ?
How much do you need to eat well in Vietnam?
A bánh mì for VND15,000? A coffee for VND15,000? If you’re on a budget, look no further than Vietnam! Prices for food and drinks, as well as the general cost of living, are so unbeatably cheap that Vietnam was recently named the world’s most affordable country for foreigners.
And the best part is: you’ll eat well! Accommodation, transport, sightseeing, food, and drinks… budget tourism site Price of Travel has recently estimated a backpacker’s daily expenses in Saigon at VND600,000. That’s less than the entrance fee to visit the Tower of London—in pounds!
Online institution Numbeo estimates that the cost of living in Vietnam is 45.71 percent lower than in the US. Food makes up a good part of this. The usual Saigonese office lunch, for instance, offers a range of local specialties from cơm tấm to hủ tiếu at VND35,000, often including a soup as a starter and a small dessert.
While portions are not US-sized, this three-course meal does fill you up; and it is delicious! If you think these bargains are limited to street food, think again. Even more sophisticated eateries up to Vietnam’s dining temples are highly affordable compared to international prices. For local fare, you’ll rarely pay more than VND170,000 per dish.
Why Is Food in Vietnam So Cheap?
Vietnamese Food Is Inexpensive by Nature
Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and light in character. Following a deeply rooted food philosophy that aims at harmonising yin and yang through nutrition, nearly all Vietnamese dishes perfectly balance out greens and vegetables, proteins and carbohydrates. Portions are not humongous like in other parts of the world, but stomach-filling.
The recipes, on the other hand, have often been passed down from previous generations who lived a simple life, relying heavily on locally sourced ingredients you’ll find on pretty much any street market at prices that truly amaze.
A 10-pack of eggs merely puts you back VND30,000. You could easily buy a whole bagful of vegetables like carrots or local greens, or fruits like bananas or passion fruits and not spend more than VND80,000. And a country with a coastline of 3,440 kilometers is never short of the freshest but often relatively costly seafood. Nature is so kind to abundantly provide Vietnamese gastronomy with everything it needs. A trip to the Mekong Delta is enough to understand just how rich and fertile the Vietnamese soil is. This country is quite simply a food paradise on earth!
Cheap Work = Cheap Food
Another reason for the cheap food prices is the same as for the affordability of life in Vietnam in general: wages are rising, but still low on an international scale. Consequently, the labour cost that goes into your lunch is considerably lower than in other countries, which beats down the prices and also creates a demand for reasonably priced food. If you earn VND5 millions per month, you won’t spend more than two or three dollars on your daily eating. So there are also vendors who cater to that demand.
A Lack of Food Safety?
Lastly, there’s also a downside to the spectacular prices: food safety is not Vietnam’s strong suit. Paying less attention to hygiene ultimately means a lower cost. The main problems are the use of pesticides, lack of refrigeration and insufficient storage systems, as well as hygiene violations during food processing and cooking.
While any consumer in Vietnam should keep this in mind, it would be wrong to distrust the whole industry—and even more wrong to refrain from indulging in all the goodness offered on the street side! Just use your common sense. If a place looks dirty or obviously lacks proper hygiene standards, don’t go. Well-frequented street vendors and restaurants are usually safe.
Eating Well
The good news is: Vietnam—and especially its urban centres Hanoi and Saigon—gives you all the options. If you want to have lunch for VND25,000, you’ll find that. If you’re willing to pay top prices for top-quality international fare, you’ll also find that, cheaper than in many other countries. However, the best choice is, as so often, the happy medium.
Vietnam has plenty of mid-range street restaurants that are fixed in a house or on a street corner. Prices hover around VND35,000-80,000 per dish, food quality is good and the taste is to drop to your knees for. And after all, three dollars for a full-blown, savoury meal is not too bad, is it? So do look out for those charming little bún chả or cơm tấm, cao lầu or bún bò Huế, mì quảng or bánh xèo places that get crowded at lunch– and dinnertime. This is where you’ll truly experience the culinary genius of Vietnam’s multifaceted, healthy and flavour-bursting cuisine.
SAIGON INSPIRATION RESTAURANTS MID-SCALE FINE SET LUNCHES IN SAIGON
These propositions were last checked in July 2022. If you notice something to be improved, please send us your details. Thanks.
Where is the best set lunch in Ho Chi Minh City?
Time is a valuable commodity during the precious workday lunch hour. By the time noon rolls around it is often difficult for most of us to think about much more than how to fill our stomachs. But don’t fall into the trap of eating at the same street stall day after day or spending way too much at a mediocre restaurant.
Check out our list of the best lunch deals from Asian and Western foods to Fine Dining options Ho Chi Minh City instead.
City Pass Guide has done the groundwork by surveying each eaterie for food quality and quantity, coffee and drinks, parking opportunities, and how suitable the location is for business meetings classified by price.
INDIAN RESTAURANTS IN SAIGON
Baba’s Kitchen | Indian Restaurant
274 Bùi Viện, Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1, HCMC / 232 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền, Thu Duc City, HCMC, Vietnam / Facebook
Monday to Friday. Price starts at VND110,000 net for vegetarians on specific days and up to VND160,000 net on weekend specials.
At Baba’s Kitchen, you can choose a Northern or Southern thali meal, which includes different styles of curries, vegetables, rice, bread, and your choice of dessert.
Parking: free parking for motorbikes, but there is no car parking available.
Business lunch meeting: No
INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS IN SAIGON
Pendolasco | Italian Restaurant
36 Tống Hữu Định, Thảo Điền Ward, Thu Duc City, Vietnam / Facebook
Monday to Friday. Price: VND250,000 (+5% service charge) for a starter, main, and dessert.
Pendolasco is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, serving authentic Italian food since 1998. The copious set lunch gives you a wide choice of Italian classics such as bruschetta al Pomodoro, various kinds of pasta, pizza, and Italian ice cream to finish the feast.
Parking: Parking your motorbike and car is free of charge
La Fiesta | Mexican Restaurant
33 Đặng Thị Nhu, Nguyễn Thái Bình Ward, District 1, HCMC / Hung, 1-1A Hà Huy Tập, Phú Mỹ, District 7, HCMC, Vietnam / Facebook
Monday to Friday. Price: VND155,000+ to VND169,000+.
The set lunch includes La Fiesta’s usual free tortilla chips and homemade salsa as well as your choice of salad, one main plate served with rice and refried black beans (tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, or burritos), and a brownie dessert to cap it off. It is a great venue to have a tasty meal with your family, but the room is quite noisy, so it’s not an ideal location for business meetings.
Parking: Motorbikes and car parking are free, but space is limited.
Business lunch meeting: No
Belgo | Belgian Restaurant and Pub
Multiple locations in the city / Facebook
Monday to Friday. Price (TBC): VND165,000+ without drink, and VND195,000+ with drink. The menu includes soup, a main course and a dessert that all vary weekly.
Among Belgo’s options for your main course you can find salads, flammekueche, burgers and skewers. For dessert, don’t miss their traditional Belgian waffles! If you order fries, don’t forget to ask for their homemade mayonnaise. For those who don’t need to be productive after lunch, check out their great selection of craft beers.
Parking: free parking for motorbike, car parking is available streetside.
Business lunch meeting: Yes
Relish & Sons | Western Restaurant
2 Đ. Đặng Hữu Phổ, Thảo Điền, Thu Duc City, Vietnam / Facebook
Monday to Friday. Price (TBC): VND180,000 net including a burger with fries and a drink.
Relish & Sons specializes in traditional American hamburgers that fill you up without overloading the stomach. The fries are thick and tasty, the service is friendly, and the decoration and setup of the burger joint come with a very special kind of humor. The open kitchen is a bit noisy however and not optimal for business meetings. But if you’re into hamburgers, definitely check it out! The lunch combo includes a soft drink or a delicious draft “Platinum” to go with your burger, chips, onion rings, or hash browns.
Parking: Parking for motorbikes is free, and car parking is available streetside.
Business lunch meeting: No
May Restaurant | International Restaurant
56-58 Bùi Thị Xuân, Bến Thành Ward, District 1, HCMC
Monday to Friday. Price vary: From VND100,000 ++ to VND190,000.
The set lunch menu at May Restaurant changes every week. The food itself is French influenced with a touch of Vietnamese. The food quantity is just right, the service is great and the dishes are delicious. Water, coffee or tea are included in the price. May Restaurant offers a warm, welcoming lounge feeling that makes the venue perfect for leisure as well as business meetings, however, the drinks are a bit on the expensive side.
Parking: There is free parking for your motorbike but not for cars.
Business lunch meeting: Yes
Jaspas | International and Vietnamese Restaurant
15 Tống Hữu Định, Thảo Điền, Thu Duc City / Facebook
Monday to Friday. Price: Choose your set lunch for VND230,000+ for 2 courses, and VND299,000+ for 3 courses and your dining partner will get the same set lunch for only VND99,000+.
Centrally located in Thao Dien area Jaspas is well-known for consistent quality, which makes the restaurant a safe bet for business meetings. Though Jaspas is generally a bit pricey, the delicious international cuisine and the great English of its staff make the occasional visit worthwhile. The set meal includes complimentary water, as well as Lavazza coffee with your meal.
Parking: There is free parking for your motorbike but not for cars.
Business lunch meeting: Yes
VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN SAIGON
Co Noi | Vietnamese Restaurant
7th floor, Bong Sen Hotel Saigon, 117-123 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, District 1. HCMC, Vietnam / Facebook
Available every day of the week. Price (TBC): VND200,000 net without a drink.
Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or just need your green fix, Co Noi has you covered. The set lunch at this bright plant-filled restaurant will fill you up despite the lack of meat. The set lunch includes fresh spring rolls, fried spring rolls, mushroom pho, and a delicious matcha custard for dessert.
Parking: No parking is available, you can park in the Sheraton Hotel parking.
Business lunch meeting: Yes
FINE DINING IN SAIGON
Le Corto | French Restaurant
5D Nguyễn Siêu Street, Bến Nghé Ward, D1, HCMC / Facebook
Monday to Friday. Price: VND250,000 net for starter + main and VND290,000 net for starter + main + dessert.
Le Corto is a top choice for a reasonably priced quiet business lunch. The menu changes daily but the restaurant’s attention to quality fine dining remains consistent. To luncheon like a true Frenchie take your time and order that bottle of wine with your meal.
Parking: Motorbikes park for free but space is limited.
Business lunch meeting: Yes
Hoi An Sense | Vietnamese Restaurant
Rooftop, 12 Phan Kế Bính, Đa Kao Ward, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / Facebook
Available every day of the week. Price (TBC): Three different set menus for a minimum of two people. The menus range in price from VND340,000++
For an occasion where you would like to impress your dining partner or if you just love excellent food in a beautiful atmosphere, try Hoi An Sense. While this is one of the more expensive set menu options on our list it is also the most generous in terms of quantity and quality. Each menu consists of six to seven different plates including starters, mains, and a dessert. The traditional Central Vietnamese menu is sure to delight both local and international fans of Vietnamese cuisine.
Parking: Motorbikes park for free but space is limited.
Business lunch meeting: Yes
La Villa French Restaurant | French Restaurant
14 Ngô Quang Huy St, Thảo Điền Ward, Thu Duc City / Facebook
Thursday to Saturday. Price: VND890.000 net for l’entrecote or VND990.000 net fo Homard followed with cheese buffet or a decadent dessert. Including an amuse bouche and excluding drinks.
La Villa French Restaurant is known for being one of the most luxurious restaurants in Saigon. Dishes using the finest ingredients prepared by world-class chefs means that a set-lunch at La Villa will be something to rave about. If you want to try out the cuisine at the most established French restaurant in the city at a petite price head for the set-lunch. Each diner will be treated to an Amuse Bouche (a miniature hors d’oeuvre to tempt the appetite) followed by a starter, a main and a dessert (choice of two options for each course). While wine does not come with the menu, your server can guide your choices for wine pairings with each course. Sit in the garden for a little.
Parking: Street parking easy and free.
Business lunch meeting: Yes
If you are interested in a greater variety and a list of restaurants in different price categories, pick one of the many venues that are listed in “Where to Eat in Ho Chi MInh City”.
SAIGON INSPIRATION RESTAURANTS MID-SCALE FINE PIZZA IN SAIGON
These propositions were last checked in July 2022. If you notice something to be improved, please send us your details. Thanks.
What’s the best pizza in Ho Chi Minh City?
This is a contentious question with many ex-pats and locals divided on their favorites. Fortunately, Saigon is Vietnam’s biggest and most rapidly-developing cosmopolitan culinary paradise, so the options are increasing not only in substance but in quality as well!
Don’t know where to start? Luckily for you, we’ve narrowed it down to our top five. We’ve also included a handy list at the bottom of this article with these restaurants and more for you to try in Saigon.
Buon appetito!
Pendolasco
30 Tong Huu Dinh, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City, Vietnam / 1800 969663 / Facebook
Pendolasco’s Thao Dien restaurant is one of Saigon’s finest Italian eateries, and their pizza is no exception. Specializing in “pizza alla pala”, a soft-crust pizza with delectable toppings, Pendolasco is a great place to go for more of a fine dining experience. Their pizza is oval-shaped and includes some deluxe toppings like salmon and truffle oil. You’ll have to hurry though, as they only make a limited quantity of this special dough every night! It’s the perfect size pizza for sharing, with a melt-in-your-mouth taste that sets it apart from any other offerings in the city.
Pizza 4Ps
Multiple locations in the city / Facebook
Pizza 4Ps is perhaps Saigon’s most well-known gourmet pizza restaurant. Now operating at several locations, they’ve established a reputation for having not only some of Ho Chi Minh City’s tastiest pizzas but using the freshest ingredients as well.
Pizza 4Ps is truly “from farm to table”, and all the ingredients are sourced as locally as possible. Perhaps what sets them apart the most is that, rather than import their cheese, they actually own a dairy farm in Da Lat, where they make their own delicious cheeses like burrata, mozzarella, and camembert from fresh milk.
Perhaps the most popular item at 4Ps is their Burrata Pizza. Burrata is a ball of fresh, creamy mozzarella cheese that you can spread over the entire pizza after cutting it open (you can cut it open yourself or ask your server to do it for you).
Be sure to call ahead to reserve a table, as all of their locations tend to get booked up quickly.Pizza and Bia
193 Dien Bien Phu, D3, HCMC / Facebook / +84 28 3823 9398
Pizza and Bia is a popular little pizza joint at the edge of D3 near Da Kao ward in D1. It’s a great choice for delivery as the restaurant itself is a bit cramped. However, for beer lovers, it’s well worth going as they’ve got a great selection of local craft beers on tap (a few bottled varieties are available as well).
Their pizzas range from classic Margherita to more interesting flavour combinations like Saigon Heat (Italian Pepperoni, jalapeños, red chilli flakes, red capsicum, mozzarella, tomato sauce) and the Quiet American (Ground beef, Italian pepperoni, ham, pancetta, mozzarella, tomato sauce).
The pizzas here are thin-crust and a reasonable size, though they are fairly pricey. Still, the quality of the ingredients and toppings as well as the hand-tossed dough make this a great, fresh choice for people who love craft beer and want some more interesting topping combinations.
Italiani’s Homemade Pizza
290 Ly Tu Trong, D1, HCMC / +84 931 912 750 / Facebook
Featuring delicious, fresh-baked pizzas from a wood stove, Italiani’s is a longtime local and expat favorite in the heart of D1—definitely worth trying if you’re already in the area for shopping or sightseeing. Don’t be fooled by the plain-looking exterior! The inside of the restaurant has a warm and welcoming rustic feel. The crust is just barely blackened and crispy on the outside with that perfect fluffy softness on the inside. In addition to classic Italian-style pizzas, they’ve got an extensive menu with many other highlights, including delicious fall-off-the-bone ribs.
OTHER PIZZA IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Are you hungry yet? Check out the above and other delicious pizza choices in Ho Chi Minh City:
– Casa Italia
– Basilico (InterContinental)
– Buzza Pizza
– The Long (Times Square)
– Vittorio
– Ciao Bella
SAIGON INSPIRATION RESTAURANTS MID-SCALE BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN SAIGON
These propositions were last checked in July 2022. If you notice something to be improved, please send us your details. Thanks.
Foreigners come to Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh, its most international city, with curious palettes for the local cuisine. But, no matter how delicious Vietnamese food is, eventually everyone craves grub from their place of origin!
Luckily, Saigon is a metropolitan playground for foodies. It seems that most of the businesses open in Saigon are offering something or other to eat but what you may not know is that with the influx of ex-pats that have entered the city over the last few decades an impressive number of restaurants have emerged offering all manner of international cuisines, including Italian.
Italian food is loved and valued worldwide but is undoubtedly the most appreciated by the people who call the boot-shaped European country their own. Italians need their comfort foods. Luckily for them, and all lovers of Italian food, there are a handful of exceptional options in Saigon to choose from.
So whether you’re looking for a low-budget lunch or a night-time fine dining experience, City Pass Guide has tested and tasted Italian dishes across the city to bring you what we think is our list of the best Italian restaurants in Saigon.
FAMOUS FOR PIZZA AND PASTA
Pendolasco
30 Tong Huu Dinh, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City / 1800 969663 / Facebook
Opening Hours: 10:30AM – 10PM. Price: VND160,000 to VND450,000 for a main course.
If you’re looking for a bona fide Italian dining experience in a serene environment, you have to check out Pendolasco, situated in its own French villa in the heart of Thao Dien. Pendolasco, a favourite amongst foodies in Thu Duc City, is notable for its famous “pizza alla palla” for which its ex Pizza Master chef Manuel Reale won the Prestigious World Pizza Championship in Parma in 2017.
Pendolasco is one of the longest-running and finest Italian restaurants in Saigon. The lovely garden atmosphere combined with the selection of traditional foods cooked up by world-class chefs from the old country, it provides one of the all around best Italian food experiences you’ll find in Saigon. Boasting a selection of nine fresh pastas and four dry, the chefs are veritable scientists who have mastered the art of cooking pasta that is both pleasing to the taste as well as the stomach.
The Carbonara pasta with pork cheek is a crowd favourite. This homegrown culinary mainstay from Rome is traditionally made with a sticky egg-based sauce and bacon, but Pendolasco’s chefs have added delectable chunks of pork cheek, which make each bite explode in your mouth like a juicy bacon-flavored bomb. Along with pizza and pasta, Pendolasco has a revolving door of main dishes made by chefs who understand that, as owner Carlo Anzon said, “Cuisine is not static, it is a dynamic art.”
Our favourite dish: The pasta “mare e monti”, a Central Italian pasta dish made with seafood and clams with a porcini mushroom base. The flavour is warm, subtle and earthy.
Reviews: Overall, Pendolasco gets a strong rating of 4.5/5 on Facebook, 8/10 on Foody.vn and 4/5 on TripAdvisor. The lowest negative review was centred around a potential client being unable to find the restaurant. However, we here at City Pass Guide find it in bad form to leave a 1-star rating for a restaurant you were unable to eat at because you got lost. The majority of reviewers spoke about the consistently good food and comfortable atmosphere.
Kid Friendly: Absolutely. Pendolasco even offers cooking classes for kids. Check their Facebook page for the schedule.
Business Lunch: Yes
Romantic Dining: Yes, soft lighting and a garden setting make this a great date venue but since this restaurant is very kid-friendly you may find that you and your amante are dining “family style”.
Large Groups: Yes
Pizza 4P’s
Addresses:
8 Thủ Khoa Huân, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam
8/15 Lê Thánh Tôn, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam
MD2 Đại lộ, Nguyễn Văn Linh, District 7, HCMC, Vietnam
151b Hai Bà Trưng, District 3, HCMC, Vietnam
6th Floor, 65 Lê Lợi, Saigon Centre Shopping Mall, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day (Last Order: 10:30 p.m.). Price: VND250,000 – VND500,000
Although Pizza 4P’s is largely known as a fusion restaurant, it also has its fair share of classic Italian offerings, the quality of which grants it a formidable position on this list as one of the best Italian restaurants in Saigon. Pizza 4P’s opened in Vietnam 10 years ago with the realization that local people love bread and might appreciate some decent gourmet pizza with an excellent crust.
The establishment, with five+ locations across Saigon, prides itself on its mission of "Delivering Wow, Sharing Happiness."
Pizza 4p’s also strives to participate with local farmers to bring diners a genuine ‘farm-to-table experience. For example, when the founders had to trouble sourcing ricotta cheese for their pizza and pasta dishes, they decided to cut out the middleman and started making it themselves. They cultivate their cheeses in the central city of Dalat, where they also source vegetables for their dishes.
The use of fresh cheese in their offerings makes each dish outstanding. Pizza 4P’s “Ricotta Cheese Parma Ham Wrap” is a refreshing and popular appetizer. Cool, savory and with a touch of the rocket, it has a unique taste that makes it an excellent starter.
Pizza 4P’s is probably most legendary for its homemade burrata cheese, which can also be individually purchased at each location. By dipping the burrata cheese in salt brine, which hardens the outer layer, a kind of bag of melted cheese is created. Once opened, the burrata spills all over and enhances the flavor of whatever dish it finds itself on.
Pizza 4P’s also partners with Saigon’s own Maison Marou to create seasonal desserts which are unique to each of the restaurant’s locations.
Some Italian purists may be surprised by the fact that Pizza 4P’s began in a backyard pizza oven in Tokyo not Sicily but as the founders write on their website: “[Pizza] has transcended borders, age, and gender, and is now beloved by so many.” This love for Italian-inspired cuisine in Vietnam can be endorsed by the fact that despite having five Pizza 4P locations to choose from across Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll be hard-pressed in the evening to get a table without a reservation.
Our favorite dish: The House-made “smoked cheese Bolognese spaghetti” is a standout. Any fan of Italian food has surely eaten Bolognese spaghetti at some point but an added morsel of smoked burrata melted over the pasta brings out the flavor of the Bolognese beef and takes the dish to another level.
Reviews: Out of 3,312 restaurants in HCMC, Pizza 4P ranks #32 on TripAdvisor. 2,565 people took the time to review one of the five Saigon restaurants and only 17 people left a negative review. Pizza 4P also enjoys a relatively high score of 7.9/10 on Foody.vn and a strong showing of 4.5/5 on Facebook. Most reviewers were blown away by the inspired and unusual flavors. However, this might not be the place to go if you prefer traditional Italian cuisine.
Kid Friendly: Yes. They have special bamboo plates and cutlery for kids and are always happy to accommodate baby chairs or extra cushions for little ones.
Business Lunch: Yes
Romantic Dining: Yes
Large Groups: Yes, but be aware without a reservation you may be out of luck.
The Long @ Time Square
22 – 36 Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard, District 1, HCMC / +84 28 3823 6688 / Facebook
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 0:00 a.m. Price: VND138,000 to VND258,000 for a pizza
The Long @ Time Square restaurant is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, stretching between the two popular streets of Đồng Khởi and Nguyen Hue. The Long is more of a cafe type venue with a simple yet very slick and modern design. The restaurant’s guests can sit either inside or outside.
The menu is presents only the best Italian fusion dishes created by the restaurant’s chef from Napoli, Italy. This might be one of the best places to experience true Italian food because a lot of ingredients are transported directly from Italy. The Long also features an enormous amount of homemade gelato flavours – 32 at last count.
Our favourite dish: The pizza! It is authentic, artisanal and some of the best in town.
Reviews: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, 8.2/10 of Foody.vn, 4.5/5 on Facebook. Most of the reviews are centred around the excellent pizza and cool vibe, however, a very small number of guests noted service problems.
Kid Friendly: Yes
Business Lunch: Yes, but its trattoria ambience can get a bit noisy during rush hours
Romantic Dining: If you’re looking for a romantic and intimate dining experience in the Reverie hotel, we would go for R & J Italian Restaurant & Lounge over The Long. But for a casual date night the Long @ Time Square is fun and delicious.
Large Groups: Yes, but book far in advance.
Reale Italian Restaurant and Bar
27-29 Nguyen Dang Giai, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City / +84 33 855 2402 / Facebook
Opening Hours: 11AM – 10PM Price: VND160,000 to VND290,000 for a main course.
A relatively new addition to Thao Dien, Reale Italian Restaurant and Bar is the product of Pizza Reale’s award winning chef, Manueal Reale. Whilst hispizza delivery service has been building a happy and loyal following over the last couple of years, Manuel is now striving to recreate the authentic Italian trattoria experience for those who wander down Nguyen Dang Giai in Thu Duc city.
Reale Italian Restaurant and Bar offers the comfortable, casual dining experience that springs to mind when you think of traditional Italian meal times. Outside, a couple of street side tables provide an al fresco dining opportunity for a lucky few, whilst the inner restaurant pays homage to the simple but cosy Italian décor that is famous the world over.
For a small venue, the menu is surprisingly varied and features a wide range of pizzas, pastas, risottos and mains course to satisfy every possible craving. A selection of traditional Italian desserts including tiramisu, panna cotta and affogato al caffe, and a broad drinks menu provide customers with a chance to enjoy a sweet treat.
Our favourite dish: Aside from the pizza, which really is delicious, the Salmone Griglato from the Specials menu is highly recommended. Simple but full of flavour, a generous salmon fillet served with creamy potatoes and seasonal veg is a delicious, lighter option.
Reviews: Reale Italian Restaurant and Bar is such a recent addition to the review sites, it has yet to gain enough reviews to gain an average score. However, with the Pizza Reale delivery service scoring 4.9/5 on Facebook, 9.2/ 10 on Foody and 4/ 5 on Trip Advisor, we suspect it won’t be long until the trattoria is also scoring well among Saigon’s foodies.
Kid Friendly: Yes
Business Lunch: Yes, but remember, that while everyone is welcome, this is an informal restaurant
Romantic Dining: A perfect spot for a casual date.
Large Group: Yes. 15% discount available for those who book in advance.
Basilico
InterContinental Residences Saigon, Corner Lê Văn Hưu Street &, Nguyễn Du, District 1, HCMC / Facebook
Opening Hours: 06.30 – 22.30 everyday Price: VND 200,000 – VND 2,100,100
Despite being housed in the rather swanky and chic Intercontinental Residences in the heart of District 1, Basilico somehow manages to feel like an intimate eatery, perfect for a casual dinner with friends. Of course, not all casual dinners are made equal, and Basilico certainly deserves its place in the list of top Italian restaurants in the city.
Walking in, guests are welcomed by the aroma of authentic Neapolitan style pizza being cooked to perfection in Basilico’s wood fired oven. However, don’t be fooled into thinking this Basilico is nothing more than a fancy pizza parlour. Once seated, you are presented with an extensive menu of authentic Italian dishes that each sound as delicious as the last, making it difficult, to know what to choose. From pizza to pasta, to risotto to seafood, Basilico excels in providing diners with the finest, Mediterranean ingredients all day long.
It literally is ‘all day long’ too, as Basilico opens in time to serve early rising tourists and busy business people with the option of indulging in their breakfast menu. The menu may be slightly more international in flavour than later in the day, but the coffee is still very much an authentic Italian experience, ready to give early risers that much needed espresso-sized kick to start the day.
In true 5-star hotel fashion, Basilico also offers a Sunday Brunch option which comes highly recommended. From 12pm – 3pm each weekend, guests can indulge in a broad selection of specially chosen dishes, and, if they wish, add a free flow drinks option to sample just some of the excellent wine list that is also available.
Our favourite dish: When in overwhelmed with choices, go for a classic, and in this case you won’t be disappointed. The Risotto Ai Porcini is excellent. Perfectly cooked and full of flavour, it would be a challenge to choose something different on a return visit! However, if you did choose to opt for something different, the selection of item available from The Grill is also highly recommended.
Reviews: Basilico reviews well on Trip Advisor (4/5), Facebook (4.2/5) and Foody (8/10). People generally praise the high quality of the foody and the attentiveness of the staff. However, some negative comments have been made in relation to the price. With this in mind Basilico may not be the best place to go if you are working to a tight budget.
Kid Friendly: Older children yes, toddlers and younger perhaps not.
Business Lunch: Yes
Romantic Dining: Certainly. Romantic but without being cliched.
Large Groups: Yes, but book in advance as the restaurant can get busy.
COSY AND TRADITIONAL ITALIAN FOOD
Carpaccio
79 Hai Bà Trưng, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam / Facebook
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. everyday Price: VND140,000 – VND425,000
You can find Carpaccio Italian Restaurant on a busy section of Hai Ba Trung in District 1 just past the Park Hyatt Saigon. At first glance, it seems quite humble in stature, in fact, if you’re not careful you can easily pass it. However, upon walking into this restaurant that opened more than 18 years ago, the ambiance changes immediately and the depth of the restaurant becomes apparent. Immediately, guests are enveloped in an Italian aesthetic, which is meant to make Italian folks far from home feel embraced by the familiar.
The staff, most of whom have been at the restaurant throughout its different incarnations, also help to give the restaurant a warm, familial environment. The traditional trattoria atmosphere pairs well with the homestyle cooking that makes Carpaccio a favorite for many who can’t go without Italian food in Saigon.
The items on the menu are listed in Italian, untranslated, giving an even stronger air of authenticity. There are nine different kinds of pasta on deck. Although classic dishes like the Bolognese tend to be the most popular, they also have deep culinary cuts like “Pomodoro de Basilico,” a signature dish made with diced fresh tomato sauce and fresh basil, which will smell and taste like home if you’re Italian.
Carpaccio makes our Best Italian Restaurants in Saigon list because of their excellent food but also because of their dedication to quality. Chefs are flown in from Italy periodically to reinvigorate the menu with new dishes, which are rotated regularly. With a more than decent wine selection, delectable meats and cheeses imported from the motherland, and gracious hosts that are more than willing to guide the dining experience for newcomers, Carpaccio is great for an authentic dining experience that won’t break the bank.
Our favorite dish: Anyone visiting should try the dish that has provided the namesake for the restaurant. “Carpaccio di filetto con rucola e grana”, which is slices of raw marinated beef, lemon juice, olive oil, arugula (rocket), and flakes of Parmesan cheese.
Reviews: Reviewers are overall quite happy with what Carpaccio has to offer: 4.4/5 on Google reviews, 4/5 on TripAdvisor, and 9/10 on Foody.vn. Guests enjoy the traditional Italian atmosphere and burrata cheese. A few people commented on the slightly elevated prices for Vietnamese standards but this restaurant is still very reasonable when compared to other European eateries in the area.
Kid Friendly: Yes, if children are well-behaved.
Business Lunch: Definitely
Romantic Dining: Yes
Large Groups: Up to 8 people at a table are possible but it will be tight.
Pasta Fresca
Address: 212 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thu Duc City
Opening Hours: 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m, 6 p.m. to 10.30 p.m, closed Mondays Price: VND64,000 – VND214,000
Tucked down a small alley off the main drag in Thao Dien, Pasta Fresca is one of the most recent additions to the Italian foody scene. This tiny patio restaurant that opened in July 2018 serves up some of the freshest pasta in town. Everything is home-made and hand-rolled and even our die-hard Italian friends rave about the quality.
Federico Pinzi, the head chef, and Valerio Di Veglia, Pasta Fresca’s operations manager, have been friends for a long time. The duo both come from Tuscany in Italy and share a lifelong love of handmade pasta. The casual al fresco atmosphere is great for a simple and delicious lunch or dinner and the head chef is often wandering around to check on clients and make sure everyone is happily satiated.
Eating at Pasta Fresca feels a bit like being invited to dine at a good friend’s house—a friend who happens to want to share some phenomenal Italian food with you. Don’t expect a fine dining atmosphere but do expect to leave with a smile on your face.
Our favourite dish: The pumpkin and rosemary fried gnudi with arrabiata sauce is a stand out. The pumpkin is perfectly combined with rosemary to create the comforting flavours of fall. Pair the dish with a glass of red wine and you’re good to go.
Reviews: Pasta Fresca gets an excellent 8.7 out of 10 for quality and service on Foody.vn. The overall score is only brought down by the 6.9 average score for location.
Kid Friendly: Yes
Business Lunch: No
Romantic Dining: No
Large Groups: Not unless you book out the entire patio in advance. The restaurant is small.
ITALIAN FINE DINING IN SAIGON
R&J Italian Restaurant & Lounge
The Reverie Saigon (level B1), 22-36 Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam
Opening Hours: 5PM – 0AM | 6PM – 10PM
Price: VND288,000 to VND688,000 for a main course.
R&J (short for Romeo and Juliet) provides the finest dining experiences of the restaurants that have made the list. Situated in the luxurious Reverie Hotel, it boasts an absolutely stunning decor that unites both a classic and a contemporary flair. It is also one of the only restaurants in Saigon that can truly boast that all the key players in the kitchen are entirely Italian—passionate Executive Chef Giovanni Parrella runs the show while Chef de Cuisine Enrico Martino crafts each dish. The chefs focus on bringing ingredients directly from Italy so that diners can get the most authentic and luxurious flavors of Italian cuisine.
Patrons will find themselves surrounded by gold tones, Italian mosaics, and magical candelabras. R&J is appropriate for large gatherings but it is ideal for an intimate dinner. Although it’s on the pricey side, those with deep enough pockets will have their taste buds wooed by R&J’s cuisine.
Perhaps the best representation of R&J’s extensive menu lies in its “Romeo and Juliet” offerings. The Romeo and Juliet menus are a pair of five-course dinners, which are individually picked for couples. The meals begin with crisp, subtle flavors and build in potency with each course.
Some standouts on the Romeo side of things are the Napolitano, which is comprised of Paccheri pasta, 12 hours-long slow-cooked Neapolitan meat ragout in what they call a “grandma recipe”. Also, the Polipo is made with a Pan-seared Japanese octopus, lemony potato salad, salmon roe, and tarragon.
Our favorite dish: The coup de grace on the Juliet menu is the Wagyu course, made with slowly baked Wagyu beef brisket, purple potato, and porcini mushroom flavored with spring truffle.
Reviews: Overall, the R&J Italian Lounge & Restaurant has an enviable 8.7 score out of 10 on Foody.vn and a top-notch score of 4.5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. A very small percentage of diners have listed disappointing experiences at R&J on TripAdvisor regarding the price and the fact that children under 12 are not allowed. However, the restaurant strives for the top-notch quality expected of a 6-star hotel and most diners would agree that having kids disrupting the elegant atmosphere would lower the bar.
Kid Friendly: No
Business Lunch: No, they open at 5 p.m. for dinner.
Romantic Dining: Absolutely. R&J has romance in spades.
Large Groups: With plenty of advance notice.
SAIGON INSPIRATION RESTAURANTS MID-SCALE BEST INDIAN RESTAURANTS IN SAIGON
These propositions were last checked in July 2022. If you notice something to be improved, please send us your details. Thanks.
Ho Chi Minh City is jam-packed with Indian restaurants!
Everybody has that comfort food. That cuisine or dish takes you back and transports you to a happy place, where everything is a little bit better as soon as you take your first bite. For me, that’s basically every meal I’ve had at an Indian restaurant.
The basmati rice, the spices, the thick-cut vegetables, the heavily sauteed meats, and the spiciness are all things I crave when I seek out Indian food in every city I visit. What luck, then, that Ho Chi Minh City is jam-packed with Indian restaurants! And since the meals you can get here are infinitely cheaper than a dish you’d get in the West, I’ll admit it—I’ve indulged perhaps more than I should.
If there’s one complaint to be had, it’s that the “spicy” is never that spicy, pretty much anywhere I go. But as far as complaints go, this is a minor one. But as the allure of golden, crispy garlic naan and a heaping mountain of vegetable biryani is sometimes difficult to resist, here are our top choices for Indian cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tandoor
39 Ngo Duc Ke, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / Facebook
Probably the fanciest Indian food restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, this is a good place to go when you want to impress a date, or maybe have an elegant lunch with your friends. You’ll also see a lot of Indian businessmen eating here, which is always a good indication of quality. Understandably, it’s a little bit more pricey than many of the other restaurants you’ll find in the city, but you get what you pay for in terms of service and atmosphere.
Don’t miss out on The Goa Fish Curry. Delightfully spicy, but also rich and creamy. This is a curry you’ll write home about.
Namaste
189 Bui Vien, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / Facebook
Namaste isn’t the most universally popular Indian food restaurant in Saigon, but it is one of my favourites. It’s also not to be confused with Namaste Saigon, a new restaurant that’s nearly as good as this one. The service at the REAL Namaste is professional and friendly, the environment is casual and relaxed, and the food is utterly delicious.
Baba’s Kitchen
274 Bui Vien, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / Facebook
Indian food in Ho Chi Minh City is rarely discussed without a mention of Baba’s Kitchen, the undisputed curry crowd-pleaser in the city. Tucked smack dab in the middle of Bui Vien, the chefs at Baba’s Kitchen have been wow-ing backpackers and locals alike with their flavourful tandooris and samosas.
Occasionally people chide this restaurant for being a bit heavy on the ghee, but as far as I’m concerned, that’s part of the fun. Another point in its favor? Even with its ubiquitous popularity, the prices are still quite reasonable. Another plus point: if you order spicy food, you will actually get spicy food. At one point the waiter said, “Are you sure?” as I requested full spice. I had to assure him I was. Two thumbs up.
Don’t miss out on The Aloo Gobi. It’s less curry-field than in other restaurants I’ve been to, and more spice-heavy. I’ve heard tell it’s the best Aloo Gobi in the city, and I’m inclined to believe it.
Ganesh
54 Đường số 6, Tân Phong, Quận 7, HCMC, Vietnam
Ganesh is a solid choice for a good Indian meal. They’ve essentially become the go-to Indian restaurant across Vietnam (Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Hue, Da Lat, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc all have branches), so it stands to reason that these guys are doing something right.
One thing that really stands out at Ganesh’s is the colorful and lively atmosphere. Throw pillows and comfortable seating abound, which makes this the perfect spot for a family dinner. We’ve also heard they have an amazing set thali for lunch. I haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing this myself, but it’s on my culinary bucket list.
Don’t miss out on The Momo dumplings. You can’t get these in every Indian restaurant around, so I recommend you make the most of it here.Spice India
100/2A1, Đ. Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam
Not the most atmospheric of Indian restaurants, but these guys get the job done. Spice India holds a special place since they have no minimum order amount on Vietnammm is only VND99,000 (for some reason the other Indian restaurants in HCMC have high minimum prices). The food here is consistent and it usually comes early. Just… always remember to have the correct change for the delivery driver. You’ll thank me later.
Don’t miss out on The Daal Palak. And the Daal Fry. And the Daal Makhani. Basically, anything with daal is a good bet.