Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City
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Temple Club
This classy establishment is housed on the 2nd floor of a stunning colonial-era villa and has been decked out in spiritual motifs. The menu includes delightful dishes such as fish with tamarind or shrimp in coconut milk. The spirited cocktails are a good way to prepare for the experience.
reviewed
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Au Lac do Brasil
For a taste (and then some) of Brazil, head to Au Lac. Decked out with Carnaval-themed paintings, this churrascaria (barbecue restaurant) serves all-you-can-eat steak (and 11 other cuts of meat), just like back in Rio. Plus a new à la carte menu.
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Zan Z Bar
An ultrahip diner on Dong Du, this place has quickly generated a buzz thanks to its Pacific-Rim fusion cuisine. Try chilli crab noodles or the excellent pita pizzas. Definitely one of the ‘in’ places.
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Sushi Bar
Set on a frenzied intersection; enjoy the show over delicious Japanese bites. Delivery available until 10pm.
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Pho 2000
Near Ben Thanh Market, Pho 2000 is where former US president Bill Clinton stopped by for a bowl.
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Mon Hue
Hue’s cuisine is justly famous beyond the borders of old Annam (the former Chinese name for Vietnam) and was once the preserve of emperors. Mon Hue is an up-and-coming chain of restaurants that offers a good introduction to the cuisine for those who don’t make it to the old capital. Open late.
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Cepage
An impressive addition to the international dining scene, Cepage is a trendy wine bar with a lounge downstairs and a serious foodie place upstairs. Try the ‘black box’ – a mystery three-course set lunch for 130,000d.
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Pomodoro
This small Italian restaurant has an arched ceiling and an all brick interior, a cosy setting for good pizzas, pastas, spinach tart (along with other veggie options) and tiramisu. Delivery available.
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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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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.
reviewed
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Dinh Y
Run by a friendly Cao Dai family, this is in a very ‘local’ part of Pham Ngu Lao near Thai Binh Market. The food is delicious and cheap, plus there’s an English menu.
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La Fourchette
Much loved little French restaurant in a central location. The menu includes tender meats.
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Augustin
Well-established French bistro-restaurant that remains popular with those in the know.
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Huong Lai
Set in the airy loft of an old French-era shop-house, this is dining with a difference. All staff here are from disadvantaged families or are former street children and receive on-the-job training, education and a place to stay. Many have gone on to secure jobs at top hotels and restaurants. A must for beautifully presented traditional Vietnamese food.
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Chez Guido
The city’s markets and street stalls are a great place to assemble a fresh meal. If you don’t feel like going anywhere, Chez Guido is the tour de force of take outs. The menu offers a mind-boggling cornucopia of international cuisine but specialises in Italian food. Download a menu online.
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Sésame
A hospitality training school for disadvantaged children, Sésame was originally set up by the French NGO Triangle Génération Humanitaire. The menu is Franco-Vietnamese, prepared with fresh local ingredients, and dishes are beautifully presented. It is worth the trek out here to experience the attentive service.
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Pacharan
Spread over three floors in one of the most desirable locations in town, Pacharan bites include succulent chorizo, marinated anchovies and chillied gambas, plus some more substantial mains like an authentic paella for two. The rooftop terrace is a great place to sample some Spanish wine.
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Restaurant 31
This popular outdoor eatery in the city centre serves tasty Vietnamese barbecue. The house speciality is tender marinated beef that you grill over charcoal right at your table. It's served with salad. There are also good seafood dishes on the menu and the cheerful staff speak English.
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Banh Xeo 46A
Locals will always hit the restaurants that specialise in a single dish and this renowned spot has some of the best banh xeo in town. These Vietnamese rice-flour crêpes stuffed with bean sprouts, prawns and pork (vegetarian versions available) are the stuff of legend.
reviewed
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Sozo
A classy little cafe in the budget end of town, the attractions here include cultured coffee, doughy cinnamon rolls, home-made cookies and other sweet treats. Best of all, the cafe trains and employs poor, disadvantaged Vietnamese. Use the free wi-fi to spread the word.
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Mandarine
Offering a tempting array of dishes from all regions of the country, and traditional music performances that have a calming effect, even with a crowd. The menu includes mouth-watering Hanoi-style cha ca (filleted fish slices grilled over charcoal).
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Le Toit Gourmand
This is currently the gastronomic retreat in Saigon, like being invited to the private home of a leading chef. The set menus offer tastings like tuna cerviche, langoustine ravioli or foie gras spring rolls. Divine cheeses and desserts to finish. Mmmm.
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Xu
This super stylish restaurant-lounge serves up a menu of Vietnamese-inspired fusion dishes. The name means coin and it is expensive, but well worth the flutter. Top service, a classy wine list and the happening lounge-bar round things off nicely.
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Ngoc Suong
Ask a sample of well-to-do Saigonese where to go for seafood and the chances are they will recommend Ngoc Suong. So successful has it been that there are now three buildings clustered around the junction of Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Le Quy Don.
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