5 Best Italian Restaurants in Saigon for Pasta and Pizza Lovers

Within Saigon’s restless hum, Italian cooking offers moments of warm ease. The scent of pizza from a brick oven and the creamy pull of melted cheese with a glass of red wine recall la dolce vita.

Here Italian tradition meets local spirit. Restaurants become small sanctuaries where craft and conviviality meet.

We invite you to discover five restaurants in Saigon where pasta and pizza are made with care, and where every plate hints at a life lived well.

Opera, Park Hyatt Saigon

• Address: 2 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:00–22:00
• Price range: 590,000 to 2,050,000 VND per person
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fn2kAzDiMgfXw1qSA

Opera feels like the dining room of Park Hyatt Saigon brought to Italian life. Under Chef Luca Cappellato the kitchen favors classic technique and generous hospitality. Fresh bread, carefully timed service and quietly elegant plates shape an evening that is ceremonial without being formal.

If you are looking for a moment to share, Opera frames it with attentive service and quietly curated flavors.

Must-try dishes:

• Opera Sunday Brunch: A lavish dining experience featuring Canadian lobster, French oysters, charcoal-grilled T-bone beef, and roast suckling pig.
• Ricotta and Basil Cream: Ricotta cheese crème brûlée with basil, an exquisite dessert that brings the culinary journey to a graceful close.

Da Vittorio Saigon

• Address: 69 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: Temporarily closed for service
• Price range: 888,000 to 5,888,000 VND per person
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/o5RMgCRxxjZU1PsH8

Da Vittorio honors the Cerea family tradition from Lombardy with precise, patient technique and a formally composed menu. The dining room is expansive and crafted with imported materials and bespoke finishes, giving each service a sense of occasion.

The experience is formal and considered, best reserved for a meal you intend to remember. Within this sophisticated space, each dining experience becomes a celebration of passion, artistry, and heritage.

Must-try dishes:

• Egg à la Egg: A layered composition of chicken egg, quail egg, salmon roe and Oscietra caviar that balances texture and saline brightness.
• Paccheri Pasta: The restaurant’s iconic pasta, beloved for its simplicity and unmatched refinement.
• Pan-Seared Black Cod: Tender black cod accompanied by pumpkin crème brûlée, capturing the balance between the sea’s freshness and the warmth of autumn.

Pendolasco

• Address: 30 Tong Huu Dinh, Thao Dien, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 11:00–22:00
• Price range: 170,000 to 550,000 VND per person
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d3Ez88cUDDZ3FaGd9

For more than twenty years Pendolasco has been a neighborhood pillar of Italian hospitality in Thao Dien. Tradition and simplicity guide the kitchen, and service feels familiar and warm. It is a place that values honest recipes made with care.

Pendolasco’s enduring charm lies in its devotion to classic flavors and genuine hospitality, inviting guests to savor the simple pleasures of Italian comfort.

Must-try dishes:

• Classic Lasagna: The timeless favorite baked to a golden finish, rich in flavor yet perfectly balanced.
• Spaghetti Carbonara: A classic carbonara with cured pork and a silky egg and cheese emulsion that clings to each strand.
• Pizza Four Cheese or Parma Ham: Two standout pizzas that capture the soul of Italian simplicity, adored by loyal guests for their authentic taste.

NAMO Italian

• Address: 34 Le Loi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 17:30–22:00
• Price: Approximately 1,000,000 VND per person
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ubYz8gNnFKsJBTEp7

NAMO, led by Chef Ivan Barone, pairs Italian technique with Asia Pacific produce to create fresh, sometimes playful combinations. The dining room’s modern design and warm lighting foster an intimate atmosphere, making it ideal for romantic dinners or relaxed business gatherings. Each meal at NAMO goes beyond dining, it is an exploration of creativity and refined taste.

Must-try dishes:

• Lobster Tortelli: Tender tortelli filled with lobster, a refined plate that lets sweet shellfish shine.
• Linguine with Big Prawn: A rich and flavorful spaghetti dish that captures the essence of the sea.
• Duck Special: Seasonal duck prepared with strawberry or pepper sauce, showcasing the chef’s imaginative flair.
• Tiramisu: A beautifully balanced rendition of Italy’s iconic dessert, often praised as one of the best in Saigon.

Basilico, JW Marriott Saigon

• Address: Le Duan and Corner of Hai Ba Trung, Saigon Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 6:30–22:00
• Price: $20 per person for a casual meal
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iXfZQAABsXAysNde8

Basilico at JW Marriott highlights handmade pastas and pizzas crafted with local ingredients. The kitchen combines familiar Italian shapes and sauces with regional produce such as Ca Mau crab, adding a touch of coastal freshness to classic recipes.

The space is warm and sophisticated, featuring large glass windows that overlook the lively city streets. Whether for a relaxed lunch or an intimate wine dinner, Basil offers an inviting setting where Italian elegance meets the rhythm of Saigon.

Must-try dishes:

• Bigoli with Ninh Thuan Flower Crab: Thick bigoli tossed with sweet crab and a restrained seasoning that highlights coastal notes.
• Caramelized Gnocchi: A delightful dish with a crispy base and soft, airy center that surprises the palate.
• Amatriciana Pizza: A refined take on the Italian classic, offering a comforting harmony of flavor and craftsmanship.

Conclusion

Italian cooking in Saigon moves gracefully between tradition and invention. From candlelit dining rooms to the charm of neighborhood trattorie, each restaurant carries its own rhythm and its own idea of pleasure.

Many of these destinations rest just beyond the doors of Hôtel des Arts Saigon, a gentle walk or a brief ride through the city’s lively streets. Guests can wander at their own pace, discovering flavors that blend European refinement with the creativity that defines Saigon’s spirit.

For those who prefer to stay close to home, The Albion at Hôtel des Arts Saigon offers a culinary journey of equal beauty. High above the city lights, this intimate space reimagines modern European cuisine with quiet artistry and emotion. Each course unfolds like a story, accompanied by soft light, warm conversation, and a view that stretches across the skyline.

Whether you seek the composed calm of a tasting menu or the rustic comfort of a wood-fired pizza, Saigon offers countless ways to taste la dolce vita. Let these five tables, along with The Albion, be companions to evenings filled with flavor, beauty, and a touch of poetry.