Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

Mandarine

A delightful oasis of calm, close to the Saigon River, this elegant, award-winning restaurant serves some of the best Vietnamese food in the city. All come exquisitely presented, as does the interior, which is tastefully decorated in a Vietnamese style. Only the freshest of ingredients are used for the dishes which include spicy sautéed beef served in a bamboo tube. Reservations are recommended.

La Villa

Staff are very attentive at this award-winning restaurant, where you can dine in the sumptuous interior of the delightful villa or eat outside by the pool. The chef uses fresh produce from the local market to create fine, French cuisine for a menu that changes daily. Treat yourself to the lightly-seared tuna cubes with marjoram oil or go all out and have the tasting menu. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. There’s even a very impressive cigar list to round things off.

Au Manoir de Khai

This very stylish French colonial villa, built in the early 1900s, now houses an exquisite restaurant serving arguably the finest French cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City. The intriguing black and white décor is very French and chic, while the service is impeccable. Enjoy a glass of champagne at the sumptuous bar, or sample a bottle of plonk from the extensive wine list, before splurging on the excellent pan-fried lobster, prawns and scallops, which all comes beautifully presented. Au Manoir de Khai is worth every cent.

Cung Dinh Restaurant

There is a particularly good dance show during dinner at the Cung Dinh Restaurant in the Rex Hotel, with folk dancing accompanied by traditional instruments, such as the Trung used by the country's ethnic minorities. The menu features imperial dishes from Hanoi and Huế as well as Ho Chi Minh City, with vegetables intricately carved in the form of birds and animals, and the restaurant is decorated in the style of a royal court. Reservations are advised as it is popular with visiting dignitaries.

The Deck

Arrive in style by boat at this riverside restaurant, which offers a pure escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, just 15 minutes away. This stylish, modern restaurant, where you can dine indoors or on the deck, serves contemporary Asian and international fusion cuisine such as herb crusted tuna with curried papaya. The Deck is perfect for a leisurely breakfast, a long lazy lunch or a relaxed evening meal with friends.

Hoa Tuc

Set in a former opium factory, Hoa Tuc makes the most of this delightful colonial-era building by serving up delicious Vietnamese meals with a contemporary twist. The lovely outdoor space, which includes wrought iron furniture surrounded by greenery, is a bit of a hideaway and a great place to meet up with friends. Try something a little different here, such as soft shell crabs in green rice batter with a passion fruit sauce. Dinner reservations are essential.

Au Lac do Brazil

Serious carnivores with a hearty appetite need to check out Au Lac do Brazil at least once during their trip. This all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue forks out different cuts of meat (including beef, pork, chicken, sausage and shrimp) directly at your table. Keep going until you indicate you can't eat any more by turning your coaster over to red to indicate you are full. If you still have space, try their signature passion fruit mousse.

East West Brewing Co.

The first craft brewery and restaurant concept in HCMC proves that you really can enjoy great beer and fantastic food, the best of both worlds, in a single setting. American chef Matthew Venzke cooks up an extensive menu that draws gastronomic inspiration from across the globe while head brewer Sean Thommen offers a wide variety of classic and seasonal brews that pair well with mouth-watering dishes. Their Far East IPA is fast becoming the must-try beer in the city.

Quan Ngon

Designed to reflect an authentic Vietnamese village, there’s a slew of food stalls serving up a range of traditional Vietnamese dishes at very reasonable prices. Wander around and look at what is being cooked before making your selection. Located in a lovely colonial villa, this place buzzes with activity and is popular with both locals and visitors. Dine indoors or al fresco and let the friendly, helpful staff help you choose what to eat.

Pho 24

Pho 24 serves hearty, delicious traditional beef noodle soup (pho) in a smart, clean location. This is just one of a chain that dishes up the Vietnamese equivalent of fast food across the city and country. It is very popular for visitors who want to try the traditional Vietnamese dish but are reluctant to eat at one of the street stalls. It’s also excellent value for money and popular with the locals. If you really love their grub, they sell instant noodle pot gifts as well.

Al Fresco's

Serving good, old-fashioned American fare (think: burgers, sizzling steaks, Tex-Mex food, pizza, pasta, ice creams, freshly baked cakes and tropical fruits), in relaxed Aussie-style surroundings, Al Fresco’s is best known for its fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs. A family favourite with a casual vibe, this eatery (one of seven branches across the city) is great for those wanting western food that doesn’t break the bank. It is open for hearty breakfasts as well, making it the perfect start to the day.