Smiley Apartment District 2

This attractive house with a pleasant courtyard, patio and quaint furnishings nestles on a quiet street in a residential area outside the city centre. The Vietnamese-inspired vegetarian cuisine, rich in modern twists, uses fresh, mostly organic ingredients sourced directly from local farms. The deep-fried mushroom rolls are out of this world. A bowl of longan and lotus seed sweet soup, chilled and refreshing is the perfect sweet finale.

A landmark of HCMC’s dining scene for 10+ years, Mặn Mòi is renowned for its nature inspired interior and theme – ask for a table in the lush courtyard for an al fresco experience. The extensive menu spans regional specialities from all over Vietnam, including salads, soups, mains, grilled dishes, desserts, as well as claypots and hot pots. Finish your meal with a Vietnamese coffee and browse the gift shop for keepsakes.

Set above a wine bar, this intimate spot has just four tables in its calm interior of curved lines and a palette of soft pinks and beige tones. Chef Hiep Truong's modern Vietnamese tasting menu, rooted in Central traditions, puts an elegant spin on classics such as gỏi bò cà, in which Wagyu tartare meets aubergine purée and egg yolk in a crisp shell. The wine list features boutique wineries, with a selection by the glass recommended by a savvy sommelier.

(The restaurant is temporarily closed.) Opened in 2025, this restaurant boasts an inviting outdoor garden terrace. Inside, shelves of house-made ferments – chilli sauces, garlic vinegars – reflect the dedication of the chef, who melds Western technique and local soul. Phở is the highlight: with a choice of three full-bodied broths, it is made with fresh bones and simmered for 24 hours. Grilled bagrid catfish with crispy rice crackers and umami shrimp paste brings balance, complexity and smoky, textured depth.

The al fresco wine bar, whose tables are set in a courtyard surrounded by lush greenery, is perfect for a drink and nibbles. There are about 100 wine references to choose from with a substantial by-the-glass selection. The wine list changes every month, but the home-brewed sake, a firm fixture, is worth trying. The menu, which features only organic produce from small local farms, combines European dishes with a twist of Japanese elements as both the manager and head chef hail from Japan.

Opened in 2022, this inviting ground-floor spot features large windows that let in ample natural light, fostering a relaxed mood. The open kitchen turns out unpretentious Italian fare, with lunch kept simple and more choice at dinnertime. Pasta is a highlight – try the rich and creamy carbonara with crispy bacon and parmesan. Save room for the house-made tiramisu, which is not overly sweet. Piano performances on Thu and Sun make this a great place to meet.

The distinctly Gallic menu whisks diners from Ho Chi Minh City to Paris in an instant, with foie gras, meat-filled puff pastry pies, American lobster with champagne and Grand Marnier crème brûlée among the highlights. Decorated with artwork, velvet curtains and a stunning chandelier, La Villa also offers al fresco dining in the garden. Attentive, suitably formal service, a fine wine list and cheese selection. The starched classical vibe of this restaurant will appeal to those who appreciate vintage charm and nostalgia.