A taste of Europe's rich culinary legacy is sought after by astute expats in the bustling gastronomic environment of Ho Chi Minh City, where the aroma of classic Vietnamese dishes comes together with the flavours of foreign cuisine. We at Expat Choice are aware of the appeal of European food, including its elegance, diversity, and capacity to take customers to bustling Barcelona markets, sun-kissed Tuscan vineyards, or Paris' cobbled alleyways.
We've set out on a mission to discover the best European epicurean hidden gems this city has to offer as dining enthusiasts. Come along as we present our Ho Chi Minh City's Top 6 European Restaurants. These establishments curate experiences that capture the spirit of Europe's many food traditions, rather than just serving food. These eateries provide a delectable voyage across the flavours of the continent, from the robust flavours of French bistro fare to the subtle refinement of Italian trattoria cuisine.
They offer a sense of Europe that goes beyond its borders, making them popular travel destinations for both locals and expats due to their dedication to authenticity and excellence. Prepare to indulge in the finest of European food, from schnitzel to soufflé, from tapas to tiramisu, right here in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Main Image Credit: Quince Saigon Facebook Page
Carpaccio
As a proud representation of Italian cuisine in Vietnam, Carpaccio has been an anchor of Ho Chi Minh City's dining scene since the early 2000s. Carpaccio offers its selective guests the essence of Italy through more than 20 years of culinary excellence.
The name of the restaurant is a tribute to the well-known Italian dish of thinly sliced beef topped with a creamy sauce. The menu at Carpaccio is genuinely Italian, with each dish delicately prepared using the freshest ingredients to maintain its inherent flavours.
Every dish on the menu, from handmade pasta and pizzas to classic Italian cocktails, offers a memorable culinary adventure. In addition to the delicious food, guests are shown great hospitality, which creates a homely and welcoming ambiance.
Carpaccio's atmosphere is reminiscent of a small, underground wine cellar and is enhanced by old photographs of Italy that greet guests as they enter. Image Credit: Carpaccio Facebook Page
a. 79 Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
SENS - Dine & Wine
SENS - Dine & Wine is a location for the senses that appeals to taste, smell, touch, and sight through a multisensorial experience. SENS, which is derived from the French term "sensation," sets itself apart from its sister brand Sorae by highlighting its non-Asian heritage.
SENS is more than simply an opulent restaurant; it's a fusion of carefully prepared European food, top-notch products, classic architecture, and elegant experiences that transport you back to the grandeur of the 1920s. The restaurant places a premium on high-quality, fresh, and sustainable products, catering to both the palate and the planet.
SENS skillfully combines French cooking techniques with regional flavours, from locally obtained Vietnamese vegetables to seasonal regional foods like Ca Mau crab, to provide a gourmet experience unlike any other. Genuine ingredients, careful preparation, and deliberate presentation combine to create the finest culinary experience at SENS, guaranteeing a dining experience that is outstanding. Image Credit: SENS - Dine & Wine Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. Đ. Hồ Tùng Mậu/36 ward, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Okra FoodBar
Presenting Okra Foodbar, a chic and small 20-seat restaurant in Thao Dien with a dimly lit open kitchen and chef counter headed by Chef Jamie Celaya. This sharing idea fits perfectly with the growing trend in Ho Chi Minh City and is situated within the category of European fine-casual eating.
By emphasising sustainability, accessibility, and local sourcing, Okra FoodBar hopes to establish a setting that is in line with mindful eating habits. The culinary crew takes great pride in sharing their dishes with the community, favouring foreign techniques above tradition and embracing robust flavours.
This unique approach to hospitality ensures that every guest has a wonderful dining experience, reflecting the diversity of the population. A couple of the restaurant's best offerings include the Brown Bourbon Butter Street Corn and the Burnt Cabbage with Romesco Sauce, which have a delicious blend of savoury and smoky flavours. Image Credit: Okra Food Bar Facebook Page
a. 2 Đ. Lê Văn Miến, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
w. okra.asia
Pendolasco
As one of the oldest Italian restaurants in the city, Pendolasco is an iconic part of Ho Chi Minh City's Italian culinary scene with an exceptional history. With an Italian owner, an Italian management team, and trained Italian chefs on staff, Pendolasco promises the highest calibre of authenticity in its food offerings.
The staff's impeccable hospitality and fluency in English provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for patrons. The menu is a celebration of Italian cuisine, with a wide selection of freshly made appetisers, pizzas that are beautifully crafted and loaded with a variety of toppings, and delectable pasta and risotto dishes that are made using traditional methods.
A wide range of wines from across the world to go with the delectable appetisers and drinks provide a full and fulfilling dining experience for those looking for authentic Italian flavours and hospitality. Image Credit: Pendolasco Facebook Page
a. 30 Tống Hữu Định, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
w. pendogo.vn
Olivia Dining
Under the culinary leadership of Chef David Green, who is excited to open his first restaurant named after his daughter, Olivia promises a fresh and personal fine dining experience. Guests can enjoy a tasting menu in the dining room, which highlights the freshness of ingredients taken from Vietnam's tropical woods, seas, and rural farms, all complemented with fine wines.
Olivia, a calm haven in the middle of the disarray, is located in the Thao Dien ward. European-style furniture, light wood, and a white colour palette all contribute to the sophisticated atmosphere. Visible through a glass wall, the open kitchen lets visitors watch the cooks at work.
Asian ingredients are the main attraction in terms of food; they are expertly cooked with enticing flavours and supported by contemporary European techniques. Olivia extends an invitation to customers to embark on a culinary adventure that combines creativity, precision, and a celebration of regional produce to provide an unforgettable dining experience. Image Credit: Olivia Dining Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 31A Le Van Mien st, Thao Dien, Dist.2, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City
Quince Saigon
Enter Quince, a haven of Mediterranean and produce-focused delights, where Julien Perraudin and Charlie Jones, the chefs, operate two wood-fired ovens that are the main attraction. Leading chef Julien Perraudin's new kitchen and fire-grill oven, Quince, offers a new take on Vietnamese cuisine as it makes its debut in Saigon.
Quince promises a sophisticated eating experience in a relaxed atmosphere, with the aromas of expertly prepared meals taking centre stage and the cosy charm of home cooking. Every dining experience is guaranteed to be lively and savoury thanks to the food, which is always changing with the seasons and based on sustainable sources.
Quince, which is located in a renovated colonial-style home, has a cheerful interior with bistro-style furnishings and gentle lighting to create a welcoming ambiance. With six chairs and a direct view of the open kitchen, the copper counter is the focal point of the experience. A wide variety of oven-baked, wood-fired, and charcoal-grilled delicacies are available for guests to choose from. Image Credit: Quince Saigon Facebook Page
a. 37bis Đ. Ký Con, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
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