Residents and expats long for a taste of Italy that whisks them away to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean in the vibrant culinary scene of Ho Chi Minh City, where the aroma of fresh baguettes mingles with the scent of pho. Italian cuisine has an international appeal because of its complexity, simplicity, and capacity to inspire a sense of la dolce vita, even in the middle of Vietnam. At Expat Choice, we recognise this.
Promoting great food culture, we've set out to find some of the best Italian restaurants this city has to offer. Come discover the Top 6 Italian Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City with us. Embracing the spirit of Italian hospitality and culture from the first sip of strong espresso to the last piece of luscious tiramisu, these restaurants are about more than just food.
They provide a cross-border flavour of Italy and have grown to be cherished getaways for both residents and expats due to their dedication to authenticity and quality. So join us as we celebrate the passion, flavour, and undeniable charm of Italian cuisine right here in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City as we take you on a voyage through the flavours of Italy. Buon appetito! Main Image Credit: Carpaccio Facebook Page
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
The Long
The Long located at Times Square is distinguished by its magnificent 48-metre-long bar counter and real Italian pizza, which capture the allure of a traditional sidewalk trattoria in Italy. The Long provides a customary warm welcome and friendly atmosphere, whether you're looking for a relaxed dinner, a cool gelato, or a fun drink with friends.
The Long's lunch menu is a gourmet adventure, with a variety of dishes that combine Eastern and Western flavours with modern flair. Daily specials highlight the freshest seasonal ingredients. Savour delectable ice creams, colourful tropical juices, and nutritious smoothies from the tempting dessert menu.
Aperitifs and tempting pre-dinner cocktails await guests in the evening, while guests can relax with traditional Italian coffee or tea in the afternoon. Savour the delicious food and lively atmosphere of The Long, where each visit guarantees an unforgettable dining experience. Image Credit: The Long Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 36 Đ. Nguyễn Huệ, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Italiani's Pizza
Italiani's Pizza specialises in meals with an Italian influence and beautifully made, handcrafted wood-fired pizzas. The formula for success at Italiani's Pizza is straightforward: great cuisine and excellent service entice patrons to return time and time again.
Their wood-fired pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes are made using the best local tomatoes, cheeses, and other fresh ingredients. To create a thin, crispy crust with a tender centre, the pizza dough is created with a combination of special ingredients that are carefully processed by hand. The freshest ingredients are then added to the dough.
After that, each product is skillfully cooked in their wood-fired oven to seal in flavour and raise the quality of the menu items. Italiani's Pizza guarantees that there is something for everyone to enjoy, thanks to their assortment of delicious pastas, appetisers, salads, gelato, and locally made craft beers, in addition to their distinctive pizzas. Image Credit: Italiani's Pizza Facebook Page
a. 17 Hàn Thuyên, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
w. italianis.vn
Ottimo House Trattoria
Ottimo House Restaurant, tucked away inside the Lotte Hotel Saigon, provides a taste of Italy right in the middle of busy Ho Chi Minh City.
Known for being a sanctuary for lovers of Italian food, Ottimo House Trattoria expertly combines contemporary design with traditional tastes, serving up an array of mouthwatering pizzas, pastas, and gelato. A touch of culinary theatre is added by the restaurant's open kitchen, which lets patrons see the craftsmanship that goes into each dish.
Ottimo House Trattoria has numerous indoor and outdoor dining rooms, a VIP room, and a bar counter. It is the perfect venue for private family get-togethers or business meetings, and it can accommodate up to 105 people.
With its bright energy and authentic Italian cuisine, Ottimo House is the perfect place to celebrate special occasions or have a relaxing supper. Image Credit: Ottimo House Trattoria Facebook Page
a. LOTTE HOTEL SAIGON, 4A Đ. Tôn Đức Thắng, P, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
w. www.trattoriaottimohouse.com
Basilico
Basilico, a well-known Italian restaurant, is situated on the lobby level of the InterContinental Residences Saigon and provides a contemporary, casual dining experience.
Basilico, which specialises in handcrafted desserts and authentic Italian food, is proud of its large wine range and wood-fired pizza oven, which combine to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that goes well with its skillfully prepared food.
Together with its menu, Basilico offers a variety of high-quality Australian steak cuts, including dry-aged and wet-aged options, as well as monthly specialties. Guests can savour a range of authentic Italian cuisine, including over nine pizza varieties and thirteen pasta varieties.
To ensure a genuinely personalised dining experience for every palate, Basilico also provides the option for customers to tailor their pizzas by selecting their preferred protein, cheese, and veggie toppings. Image Credit: Basilico Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
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
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