Top 15 Italian Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City You Must Try

Italian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City offer a delectable journey from the bustling streets of District 1 to the serene lanes of Thao Dien. If you're craving authentic Neapolitan pizza, handmade pasta, or a romantic fine-dining experience, this GTrip guide is your ultimate resource. We have meticulously curated a list of the top 15 spots, ensuring you find the perfect match for your taste and budget. This article provides everything you need to know, including signature dishes, price ranges, and exact locations to help you navigate Saigon's vibrant culinary landscape.

1. Pizza 4P's Restaurant

• Address: There are many branches in Ho Chi Minh City, one of which is famous as the branch in 8/15, Le Thanh Ton Street, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Price range: 130,000 - 1,300,000 VND (~$5 - 50)

Pizza 4P's is an undeniable icon in Ho Chi Minh City's food scene, famous for its Japanese-Italian fusion and farm-to-table concept. The restaurant's philosophy, "Delivering Wow, Sharing Happiness", is evident in every dish, particularly with its exceptional house-made cheeses. The star of the menu is the house-made burrata and mozzarella, which are incredibly fresh and creamy. Pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a perfect crust. Popular choices include the Burrata Prosciutto Pizza and the more adventurous Salmon Sashimi Pizza. The modern and lively atmosphere makes it ideal for gatherings with friends or family. With multiple locations, it's a convenient and consistently delicious choice.

Pizza 4P’s is a Ho Chi Minh City favorite, known for its Japanese-Italian fusion, fresh house-made cheeses, and wood-fired pizzas in a lively, modern setting

2. Pendolasco Restaurant

• Address: No. 30 Tong Huu Dinh Street, An Khanh Ward (formerly Thao Dien Ward, District 2), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: 100,000 - 650,000 VND (~$4 - 25)

Pendolasco offers a truly authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of the expat-heavy Thao Dien area. This restaurant has built a loyal following over the years by focusing on traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. The ambiance is warm and rustic, featuring exposed brick walls and a charming garden seating area, which creates a perfect setting for both romantic dinners and family meals. Pendolasco specializes in classic Italian fare, including a wide array of wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas. Standout dishes include their classic Margherita pizza, rich lasagna, and perfectly cooked gnocchi. It’s a reliable destination for anyone seeking a taste of traditional Italy in a cozy setting.

3. Ciao Bella Restaurant

• Address: No. 11 Dong Du, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Price range: 180,000 - 630,000 VND (~$7 - 24)

Ciao Bella captures the essence of a classic Italian trattoria with its intimate, bustling, and incredibly welcoming atmosphere. Located in a prime spot in District 1, it's a favorite for both locals and tourists. The moment you enter, a warm welcome from the staff makes you feel like a familiar guest. The menu is a celebration of homestyle Italian cooking, packed with robust flavors and generous portions. The star dish that keeps diners coming back is the black truffle tagliatelle, an indulgent and aromatic pasta creation. Other must-try menu items include hearty Osso Buco and delicate homemade ravioli. Ciao Bella is the ideal choice for a lively dinner where fantastic food and a vibrant ambiance are guaranteed.

Ciao Bella is a lively Italian trattoria in District 1, renowned for its warm atmosphere, homestyle dishes, and standout black truffle tagliatelle

4. NAMO Italian Restaurant

• Address: 74/6 Hai Ba Trung, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: 130,000 - 1,820,000 VND (~$5 - 70)

NAMO Italian Restaurant brings a touch of modern sophistication to authentic Italian dining in Ho Chi Minh City. Positioned as a contemporary Tuscan grill, NAMO focuses on premium ingredients and expert preparation. This spot is renowned for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, cooked to perfection in a custom-built wood-fired oven, which gives them a distinctive charred, chewy crust. Beyond pizza, the menu showcases a variety of artisanal pastas and high-quality grilled meats and seafood. Popular pasta dishes include the squid ink linguine and lobster fettuccine. The restaurant's sleek and stylish decor provides an upscale yet comfortable dining environment, making it perfect for a special occasion or an impressive business lunch right in the city center.

5. The Long @ Time Square Restaurant

• Address: 22 - 36 Nguyen Hue, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 0:00 PM
• Price range: 500,000 - 600,000 VND (~$19 - 23)

The Long @ Times Square offers a chic and vibrant al fresco dining experience on one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous boulevards. As its name suggests, the restaurant features an impressive 48-meter-long bar counter, creating a dynamic and social atmosphere. While it serves a variety of international dishes, its Italian offerings are a major highlight. The menu features an excellent selection of pizzas, pastas, and traditional gelato. The wood-fired pizzas are a must-try, known for their crispy thin crusts and fresh toppings. It is an ideal spot for people-watching while enjoying classic Italian flavors, from a simple yet delicious pizza to refreshing cocktails. The upscale setting and lively ambiance make it a go-to for a stylish evening out.

The Long @ Times Square offers vibrant al fresco dining with standout Italian pizzas and pastas, a 48-meter bar, and a lively, stylish atmosphere

6. Basilico Restaurant

• Address: InterContinental Saigon Hotel, 39, Le Duan Street, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM
• Price range: 180,000 - 1,175,000 VND (~$7 - 45)

Located within the prestigious InterContinental Saigon Hotel, Basilico delivers a refined yet casual Italian dining experience. The restaurant operates as a trattoria-style eatery, complete with an open kitchen and a wood-fired pizza oven that fills the air with enticing aromas. Basilico's menu presents authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on simplicity and fresh, seasonal ingredients. It is particularly known for its extensive breakfast buffet and hearty Italian lunch and dinner menus. Signature dishes feature a variety of options, such as antipasti platters perfect for sharing, rich risotto, and tender grilled meats. Its convenient location and consistently high standards of food and service make it a top choice for business meals, family brunches, and relaxed dinners.

7. Carpaccio Italian Restaurant

• Address: 79 Hai Ba Trung, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Price range: 80,000 - 705,000 VND (~$3 - 27)

Carpaccio is a long-standing institution in Saigon's Italian dining scene, cherished for its classic, no-frills approach to cuisine. Named after the famous Italian appetizer, the restaurant excels at delivering traditional flavors in a cozy, unpretentious setting. Diners come here for comforting and familiar Italian dishes prepared with care. The menu is extensive, covering everything from thin-crust pizzas to a wide selection of pastas and meat-based main courses. The restaurant is particularly famous for its namesake dish, offering several variations of carpaccio, including classic beef and salmon. It’s a place where the focus is purely on good, honest food, making it a reliable and affordable choice for a satisfying Italian meal in former District 1.

Carpaccio is a beloved Saigon Italian restaurant known for its classic, unpretentious dishes, including standout carpaccio, pizzas, and pastas in a cozy setting

8. Italiani’s Pizza

• Address: 17 Han Thuyen, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: 210,000 - 495,000 VND (~$8 - 19)

Italiani’s Pizza has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on delivering delicious, high-quality pizzas with a distinctly authentic feel. Located conveniently near the Notre Dame Cathedral, it’s a popular stop for those exploring the heart of former District 1. The restaurant prides itself on its pizza-making process, using carefully selected ingredients to create flavorful and satisfying pies. The menu is centered around pizza, but it also includes other Italian staples like pasta and salads. The four cheese pizza (quattro formaggi) is a standout favorite, celebrated for its perfect blend of rich, savory cheeses on a well-baked crust. With a casual and friendly vibe, Italiani’s Pizza is an excellent choice for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.

9. Al Fresco’s

• Address:
  • 31Bis Mac Dinh Chi, Saigon Ward (formerly Da Kao Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
  • 16 Nguyen Thi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward (formerly Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: 200,000 - 500,000 VND (~$8 - 19)

Al Fresco’s is a household name in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its extensive menu of Western comfort foods and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. While it offers a range of cuisines, including Mexican and barbecue ribs, its Italian dishes are a cornerstone of its popularity. The restaurants serve up a great selection of pizzas and pastas that appeal to a wide audience. Al Fresco's is particularly acclaimed for its generously topped pizzas and hearty portions of pasta, making it a fantastic value. Popular menu items include the classic lasagna, spaghetti bolognese, and a variety of create-your-own pizza options. With multiple locations across the city, it’s an incredibly accessible and dependable choice for a casual meal out with family or friends.

Al Fresco’s is a beloved Ho Chi Minh City eatery offering hearty Italian pizzas and pastas, Western comfort foods, and a fun, family-friendly dining experience

10. The Opera Restaurant Saigon

• Address: No. 2 Lam Son Square, Saigon Ward (formerly Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM
• Price range: 260,000 - 3,130,000 VND (~$10 - 120)

Situated inside the luxurious Park Hyatt Saigon, The Opera offers an elegant and sophisticated Italian dining experience overlooking the iconic Opera House. The restaurant is designed to feel like a classic Italian trattoria but with a five-star touch. The large open kitchen is a central feature, allowing guests to watch chefs skillfully prepare their meals. The Opera is celebrated for its authentic pasta dishes and pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. The lunch menu is particularly popular, featuring a "Tavola Calda" concept with a rotating selection of freshly prepared dishes. For dinner, the a la carte menu offers exquisite options such as Osso Buco and fresh seafood preparations. It is the ultimate destination for a celebratory meal or a luxurious Italian feast.

11. Bella Italia Authentic Italian Restaurant

• Address: 4 My Phu 2C, Tan My Ward (formerly Phu My Ward, District 7), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
• Price range: 100,000 - 300,000 VND (~$4 - 12)

Tucked away in the Phu My Hung area, Bella Italia lives up to its name by serving genuinely authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting setting. This family-run restaurant is a local favorite, known for its friendly service and consistently delicious food. The menu is a testament to traditional Italian cooking, featuring a wide range of antipasti, pastas, pizzas, and mains. The restaurant is particularly praised for its homemade pastas and classic thin-crust pizzas. Dishes like the Spaghetti Carbonara, prepared the authentic Italian way without cream, showcase the kitchen's commitment to tradition. It’s a wonderful, budget-friendly escape from the city bustle, offering a true taste of Italy in a comfortable neighborhood environment.

Bella Italia is a cozy, family-run Phu My Hung restaurant serving authentic Italian pastas, thin-crust pizzas, and traditional dishes in a warm, inviting setting

12. Terraviva Pizza & Italian Cuisine

• Address: 194 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward (formerly District 1), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: 210,000 - 810,000 VND (~$8 - 31)

Terraviva brings a slice of authentic Italian flavor to the area near Ben Thanh Market. This cozy restaurant focuses on crafting high-quality dishes using both imported and fresh local ingredients. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal after exploring the city. Terraviva’s menu shines with its selection of handmade pastas and pizzas prepared with passion. A must-try dish is their Ravioli with Spinach and Ricotta, which is praised for its delicate flavor and perfect texture. The pizzas are also exceptional, with creative topping combinations and a perfectly baked crust. It's a hidden gem that offers a high-quality Italian dining experience without the fine-dining price tag.

13. Red & Round

• Address: 15 Hung Gia 3, Tan Hung Ward (formerly Tan Phong, District 7), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
• Price range: 500,000 - 800,000 VND (~$19 - 31)

Red & Round, located in the Korean-centric neighborhood of former District 7, is a delightful surprise for lovers of authentic pizza. This small, unassuming pizzeria is dedicated to one thing: making fantastic, Roman-style pizza. The focus here is on the quality of the dough and the simplicity of the toppings, letting the core ingredients shine. Their pizzas are known for being airy, crispy, and incredibly light. The menu is concise, focusing on classic and gourmet pizza creations. A standout is the Parma Ham and Arugula Pizza, which perfectly balances salty, peppery, and fresh flavors. Red & Round proves that you don't need a fancy setting to enjoy world-class pizza, making it a must-visit for any true pizza aficionado.

Red & Round is a small pizzeria in former District 7, renowned for its light, crispy Roman-style pizzas and simple, high-quality toppings

14. Buongiorno - Italian Food

• Address: 23 Le Van Mien, An Khanh Ward (formerly Thao Dien, Thu Duc), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM; 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: 100,000 - 200,000 VND (~$4 - 8)

Buongiorno offers a charming and incredibly budget-friendly taste of Italy in the Thao Dien area. This small, family-style eatery provides a cozy retreat with its simple yet welcoming decor. It's the kind of place you go for a comforting, homestyle meal that feels like it was cooked just for you. The menu is straightforward, featuring a selection of classic pastas, pizzas, and other Italian favorites. Buongiorno is widely praised for its excellent value and delicious, unpretentious pasta dishes, such as the Spaghetti Bolognese and creamy Carbonara. The split opening hours cater perfectly to both the lunch and dinner crowds. For those seeking authentic Italian flavors without breaking the bank, Buongiorno is an unbeatable choice.

15. Pasta Fresca Restaurant

• Address: 28 Thao Dien Street, An Khanh Ward (formerly Thao Dien Ward, District 2), Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Price range: 100,000 - 300,000 VND (~$4 - 12)

Pasta Fresca is a beloved destination in Thao Dien, specialising in fresh, handmade pasta, as its name implies. This cosy restaurant boasts a laid-back, garden-like atmosphere that makes it the perfect spot for a casual yet delicious meal. The concept is simple and brilliant: you choose your type of freshly made pasta and pair it with your favorite homemade sauce. Popular pasta choices include tagliatelle, gnocchi, and ravioli, which can be combined with sauces like classic pesto, rich bolognese, or a creamy four-cheese sauce. Pasta Fresca offers customizable, high-quality pasta at great prices, making it a favorite for pasta lovers.

Pasta Fresca in Thao Dien offers fresh, handmade pasta with customizable sauces in a cozy, garden-like setting, making it a favorite for casual Italian dining

Italian restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City offer everything from casual pizza nights to sophisticated dining experiences, with a diverse range that suits every palate and budget. This guide covers options from the innovative Japanese-Italian fusion at Pizza 4P's to the authentic, homestyle comforts of Pasta Fresca and Bella Italia. Saigon's Italian food scene is vibrant, authentic, and waiting to be explored. Use this GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency guide to navigate the city’s best trattorias, pizzerias, and upscale ristorantes to find your next favorite meal.