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Giang Nam
A hole-in-the-wall diner that's famous for its noodle soups. There's no menu and only one or two dishes a day.
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Givral
A comfortable, central place to take in views of the Municipal Theatre over pastry and coffee.
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Grill 69
Sizzling barbecued meat is the name of the game at this trim and stylish, four-story restaurant. Grilled kangaroo, ostrich and more pedestrian fare (pork, squid, beef) go nicely with the wine selections. Roof terrace.
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Highlands Coffee
Part of the large chain, this pleasant outdoor café lies behind the Municipal Theatre and serves strong coffee and refreshing smoothies to the backdrop of electronic music and the surrounding traffic.
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Hoa Vien
Though Hoa Vien is notable for being HCMC's only Czech restaurant, the big drawcard is the draught Czech lager. This is actually a brewery, with shiny copper tanks looming behind the busy bar.
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Hoi An
Just down the street from Mandarine - and run by the same people - is this lovely, Chinese-style place decorated in a classical, antique motif. Hoi An specialises in central Vietnamese and imperial Hué-style dishes, and has the heaviest wooden chairs in Vietnam!
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Indian Canteen
For really cheap Indian food, seek out this atmospheric, cult-like place behind the Saigon Central Mosque. The fish curry is lovely. Meals come with free iced tea and bananas.
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Java Coffee Bar
When you're spring-rolled out, head to Java for some excellent cafe fare in a chic but relaxed atmosphere. There's an espresso bar, roasted veggie sandwiches and even smoothies made with silken tofu. As an added bonus, this place has the comfiest chairs ever.
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Kim Cafe
A long-running hang-out for budget travellers, Kim Cafe is a good place to meet people, arrange trips and get travel information at the tour office next door.
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L'Etoile
This restaurant serves terrific French food and its all-day 'fast food' menu is good value. A set meal could be roast chicken with a choice of five sauces, a mini-salad and baguette.
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La Fourchette
An excellent choice, right in the city centre, La Fourchette serves authentic French food.
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La Niçoise
This tiny French bistro has just a handful of (mosaic-covered) tables, spilling onto the sidewalk. But it's worth squeezing in for the nicely turned out dishes and changing daily specials (like ravioli with smoked salmon).
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Le Bordeaux
For a decadent meal with a five-star price tag, Le Bordeaux is the place to go. The city's best French restaurant serves delicate scallops, mouth-watering sea bass and other perfectly prepared dishes. It's a few kilometres north of the centre, so reserve before you taxi out.
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Le Jardin
The charming little bistro has a shaded terrace café in the front garden - it's a popular hang-out for local French expats.
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Lemon Grass
Lemon Grass is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the city centre. You'd be hard-pressed to find anything bad on the menu, so if you can't decide what to order just pick something at random. The authentic Vietnamese experience is enhanced by two women in traditional costume who play musical instruments while you eat.
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Mandarine
A fine selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes draws from southern, central and northern cooking styles at Mandarine. The food is superb, and the pleasant decor and music performances make it an all-round good bet. A house specialty worth trying is the Hanoi-style cha ca (noodles with fish).
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Mi Nhat So 1
This traditional ramen shop serves tasty bowls of the Japanese noodles. Seating around the small wooden counter.
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Mogambo
Noted for its Polynesian décor and juicy burgers, Mogambo is a restaurant, pub and hotel.
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My Huong
This is a highly popular indoor-outdoor restaurant serving up all kinds of good food, including superb noodle soup with duck.
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Nam Giao
Tucked away in an alley of cosmetic shops near Ben Thanh Market, Nam Giao serves superb Hué-style mains and is always packed with locals. There's a simple photo menu.
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Nam Kha
The unique setting here consists of a reflecting pool in the middle of the restaurant flanked by gold-leaf-covered pillars, with tables scattered around the outside. Savoury Vietnamese dishes match the unique setting.
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Nam Phan
A handsomely restored mansion fronted by an idyllic courtyard sets the scene for excellent traditional fare. Service is sometimes hit or miss.
