Any plans yet on how to best celebrate the number-one woman in your life today? International Women's Day is not only an opportunity to honor them, but it's also a good time for bonding and sharing.
A good heart-to-heart wouldn't be completed without good food. Here are six restaurants from Vietnam Restaurant Week curated for you to have a well-rounded dinner date for the 8th of March, whether your preference is a tranquil dinner or a lively party with wine and music.
Octo Tapas Restaurant
The restaurant's Spanish chef and their Midas hands will take you straight to Spain to enjoy their flavorful cuisine and especially seafood. The live open kitchen at OCTO allows you to witness your dish coming together in real-time.
When you're here, make sure to try the perfectly slow-grilled octopus OCTO is famous for, paired with distinguishing Sangrias such as red wine, white wine, champagne, or rosé.
How, when and where to find them:
Address: 75 Hồ Tùng Mậu (2nd floor), District 1
Contact: 093 300 2895.
Opening hours:
- Mon-Fri: 11:30 - 14:00 lunch, 17:00 - 22:00 dinner.
- Sat & Sun: 17:00 - 22:00.
The Brix
Come to The Brix for a special pass to silent your worries for a while, and sink yourself into this open space sanctuary completed with a pool, lots of greens, and exciting activities with the DJ.
The Brix will take you to the tropical beaches, not only through their decor, but also thanks to their versatile seafood menu. You can find here dishes with fresh oysters from Ha Long Bay, Japanese scallops, sea bass, and salmon. Don't forget to also check out their extensive cocktail, beer and spirits menu.
How, when and where to find them:
Address: 26 Trần Ngọc Diện, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức City
Contact: 090 785 1010.
Opening hours:
- Mon: 16:00 - 00:00.
- Tue-Thu: 09:00 - 00:00.
- Sat & Sun: 09:00 - 00:00.
The Refinery
Stepping into The Refinery is like entering an authentic bistro in France. The restaurant sits modestly in a quiet garden with lots of greenery and low armchairs underneath, perfect for family get-togethers. The Refinery serves a diverse selection of French dishes from juicy steaks to fresh salads.
They have 17 types of wine from classics to newcomers, guaranteed to satisfy no matter what your choice is.
How, when and where to find them:
Address: 74/7C Hai Bà Trưng, District 1
Contact: 028 3823 0509.
Opening hours: 11:00 - 23:00.
Au Parc
Au Parc is perfect for days when you just need some Italian vibes in your life. They have the perfect view of a park, and the dreamy interior is completed with white tiles and green vines. Their inherent tranquility will sure take your mind off the busy outer world.
Au Parc serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine constructed by a team with 18 years of foodservice experience in Saigon, surely satisfying to both your eyes and your appetite. They also have wine, Italian coffee, and "homemade" juices and smoothies. You also wouldn't want to miss out on their bread made fresh in-house every day.
Ladies, treat yourself to some good wine at Au Parc to celebrate yourself on International Women's Day. You deserve it.
How, when and where to find them:
Address: 23 Hàn Thuyên, District 1.
Contact: 028 382 927 72.
Opening hours: 07:30 - 23:00.
Noir. Dining in the Dark
To visit Noir is to embark on a culinary journey with your senses. Dinner at Noir will be served completely in the dark, where your senses are most heightened and focused.
Upon arriving, a staff member will lead you to your table, eyes completely covered. Diners will also be asked to refrain from using devices that light up such as cellphones or laptops, in order to best enjoy the meal.
Noir serves set menus consisting of a variety of dishes (11-14 dishes) with two choices of Asian-Western fusion or vegan.
How, when and where to find them:
Address: 180D Hai Bà Trưng, Đa Kao ward, District 1.
Contact: 028 62623 2525 - 098 663 2525.
Opening hours:
- Mon: closed.
- Lunch: 11:30 - 14:30.
- Dinner: 17:30 - 23:30, last order 21:30.
Blanc. Restaurant Saigon
Blanc's body of staff is hearing-impaired. You will be dining in a space where the primary mean of communication is sign language. You are welcome to try it out with the help of the menu and a cheat sheet.
Blanc focuses on Western cuisine with various types of steak and wine for you to enjoy with your special one.
How, when and where to find them:
Address: 180D Hai Bà Trưng, Đa Kao ward, District 1.
Contact: 098 663 25 25.
Opening hours: 17:30 - 22:30.
Vietnam Restaurant Week 2022 runs from 5 to 13 March 2022 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, presented by Vietcetera and Mastercard. With a special restaurant map, you can explore over 50 venues, earn program stickers, and get access to exclusive menus for a week-long dining experience showcasing Vietnam’s best of the best.
Special thanks to all sponsors of Vietnam Restaurant Week 2022: Mastercard, Diageo (owner of Johnnie Walker and Tanqueray), Lighthouse Group Indochina (exclusive distributor of Peroni and Super Bock), Good Food, Nestlé (exclusive distributor of San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna), Kamereo and Lacàph.
During the course of Vietnam Restaurant Week 2022, Mastercard cardholders enjoy the privilege of an exclusive 15% discount for all menus.