Christmas in Saigon: 5 European dining spots to consider

The five locations are recommended based on reviews from sites like TripAdvisor and actual surveys. These venues offer menus tailored for the festive season, with dishes prepared in European style or incorporating local ingredients.

Ottimo House Trattoria

This restaurant offers a sanctuary away from the busy streets. Specializing in traditional Italian fare, the menu features oven-baked pizzas, spaghetti, salads, soups, and steaks. The chef, hailing from Italy, oversees operations.

The Christmas-themed menu features a variety of seasonal dishes, such as wellington. Photo courtesy of Lotte Hotel Saigon

Seating options include the bar area adjacent to the open kitchen, allowing diners to witness the pizza-making process. Indoors, there are tables for groups, couples, and VIP rooms. The outdoor area, offering privacy with well-spaced tables, overlooks a sizable swimming pool and a garden spanning over 3,000 square meters.

During the main holidays on Dec. 24-25, patrons can experience Christmas choirs and live music. Santa Claus will make an appearance, distributing gifts to the little guests. The Christmas party menu on both days’ ranges from VND1.2 million to VND1.4 million ($49 to $57).

Address: Lobby of Lotte Hotel Saigon, 4A Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1.

Le Corto

This French restaurant, recognized by TripAdvisor in October as one of Vietnam’s top 10 fine dining establishments, is described as a destination for high-quality culinary experiences.

Chef Sakal Pheoung, hailing from Cambodia and raised in Savoie, France, offers a menu showing the influences of his dual heritage. TripAdvisor recommends trying pan-fried foie gras with sauce and mango, tofu topped with salmon eggs, and vegetables from Da Lat.

Tenderloin is one of the dishes featured in the Christmas-themed menu, served with vegetables. Photo courtesy of Le Corto

For those visiting the restaurant during Christmas, there is a special holiday menu set to explore. The set of five dishes includes scallop ceviche with mango emulsion and beetroot puree; crab with lemon espuma, caviar and shellfish foam; lobster with avocado and passion fruit sauce; dessert featuring plum ice cream and winter melon granite; and fermented rice pudding. The set is priced at VND2.5 million ($103) per person.

Address: 5D Nguyen Sieu Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

La Villa French

The restaurant is a French-style villa hidden in the neighborhood of Thao Dien, the expat quarter of Saigon. Quite far from the city center, it offers a quiet space, separate from the Christmas crowds. Surrounding the restaurant are trees, a garden with a swimming pool, and a dining area.

The restaurant’s Christmas tree sparkles with lights and ornaments. Photo courtesy of La Villa French

La Villa French Restaurant has designed its own menu for Christmas Eve on Dec. 24 and 25. Festival-themed dishes include blue lobster, Japanese scallops, and black truffles.

“Pithivier” is a French dish on the menu that is worth noting, featuring a puff pastry crust wrapped around duck breast, baked apples, duck liver, and served with black truffle sauce. In addition to the Christmas menu prepared at the restaurant, they also offer a take-away menu of apple pie and typical festive cakes such as Buche de Noel or Galette des rois.

The Christmas menu is priced at VND4,290,000 ($176) per person.

Address: 14 Ngo Quang Huy Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City

L’Usine

The restaurant operates in various locations. Each branch has its own style, and the restaurant regularly changes decorations based on occasions. Currently, all branches feature a Christmas theme. Daytime sees it serving as a coffee, tea, and cake shop, while in the evening, it transitions into a restaurant.

Cakes adorned with Christmas-themed designs are available at all L’Usine branches. Photo courtesy of L’Usine

For the holiday season, the menu includes log cake, coffee-flavored cappuccino mousse, and peanut butter hot chocolate. Customers dining in the evening can choose from Christmas dishes such as lobster spaghetti, pan-fried duck breast with mashed pumpkin, or pan-fried tuna with wasabi sauce.

Prices range from VND60,000 to VND350,000 ($2.50 to $14.40)

Address:

– 19 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1

– 24 Thao Dien Street, District 2

– GF-56 Crescent Mall, 101 Ton Dat Tien Street, District 7

– GF Thiso Mall, 10 Mai Chi Tho Street, Thu Duc City

– Level 5 – 10 of Saigon Center, 65 Le Loi Street, District 1

Tomatio

This Spanish-style restaurant, characterized by its striking red tones, gives the impression of entering the home of an avid collector of pictures and souvenirs.

The space is intricately decorated with numerous details, yet it maintains a clear and uncluttered ambiance. The clientele primarily consists of tourists and expatriates residing in Ho Chi Minh City.

A Christmas dinner table at Tomatio, featuring the season’s signature red and green colors. Photo courtesy of Tomatio

Specializing in classic Spanish cuisine, the restaurant offers a traditional 8-course menu for Christmas Eve.

Menu highlights include cannelloni crab with sea urchin and fennel espuma, yellowtail with pickled radish and Iberian ham ponzu, Wagyu beef tartar with tarragon aioli, as well as mini roscón with mascarpone and horchata ice cream.

The 8-course Christmas-themed meal is priced at approximately VND1.5 million ($61).

Address: 171 Calmette Street, District 1.