The 5 Absolute Best Tapas in Ho Chi Minh City Right Now
Craving a plate of sizzling gambas al ajillo or a perfectly caramelized slice of tortilla española? Hunting for the best tapas in Ho Chi Minh City can feel like navigating a maze of bustling streets and tucked-away alleys, but the culinary rewards are well worth the journey.
Spanish cuisine is all about sharing vibrant, punchy flavors over lively conversation, not heavy, sleep-inducing dinners. Ho Chi Minh’s tapas scene captures that spirit beautifully.
To make your search easier, we’ve spent time exploring the city’s tapas hotspots. We tasted countless small plates, and spoke with chefs and locals who know the scene inside and out.
The result is a carefully curated list you can trust to deliver authentic flavors, standout dishes, and unforgettable dining experiences.
How much does tapas cost in Ho Chi Minh City?
The cost of tapas in Ho Chi Minh City generally ranges from 20,000 VND to well over 200,000 VND per plate.
| Tapas Category | Estimated Price Per Plate |
| Local-Style Small Bites | Under 20,000 VND |
| Authentic Spanish Spots | 100,000 VND to 200,000+ VND |
1. Tomatito Saigon – Tapas Bar
Website: http://www.tomatito.vn/
Address: 1st floor, 171 Calmette, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 0869 388 864 / [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30 AM – 03:00 PM, 05:30 – 11:00 PM
Stepping into Tomatito Saigon – Tapas Bar feels like being transported to a lively 1980s bar in Barcelona. The funky red-hued dining room, paired with loud, energetic music and the constant clinking of sangria jugs, sets the stage for a truly high-energy night out.
Chef Willy Trullàs Moreno completely shatters the stuffy fine-dining mold with his playful and contemporary dining concept that’s hard not to love.
We tried a few dishes, and the salmon starters were explosive. The traditional paellas, on the other hand, were packed with a deep, comforting flavor. We can say that the kitchen really shines with bold, inventive bites.
The only downsides are the noise and the crowd. If you’re hoping for a quiet conversation, peak hours can feel overwhelming.
Plant-based diners might also find the menu a bit limiting, as most dishes focus on meat and seafood.
Customer Reviews
After 6 days in Ho Chi Minh City, we were ready for a change of cuisine and decided to go for Spanish food. We chose Tamatito because near to where our hotel is and it turned out to be a good pick. Not so kids friendly.
We really enjoyed the all the dishes everything was flavorful and satisfying. The paella wasn’t the best we’ve had, but we still enjoyed it overall.
A nice spot when you’re craving something different in Saigon!
- Morientez Pablo Google Review
I had the pleasure of celebrating the restaurant’s 8th anniversary, and it was a fantastic experience! The atmosphere was warm and festive, the food was exceptional as always, and the service was top-notch. Highly recommend!
- Nguyễn Ngô Anh Thư Google Review
2. CASA MARIA
Website: https://www.casamariasaigon.com/
Address: 15d Ngo Quang Huy, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 077 377 5169 / [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 9:30 AM–10 PM; Friday 9:30 AM–10:30 PM; Saturday 10 AM–10:30 PM; Sunday 10 AM–10 PM
If you’re craving a deeply personal, artful meal, CASA MARIA in Thao Dien is a standout. We found the experience here to be a true break from typical Italian restaurants.
Head Chef Ignacio de Grado, who is also a talented visual artist, and co-founder Nhu Grado treat every dish like a carefully crafted canvas.
The kitchen focuses on honest, high-quality cooking and uses premium ingredients like Jamón Ibérico de Bellota and fresh natural spices.
We tried their additive-free, house-made chorizo last month. The depth of flavor completely blew us away. It’s the kind of dish you remember long after the meal.
That said, you should definitely factor in the extra service charge added to the final bill. This increases the already premium cost of these shareable bites.
Additionally, navigating the heavy evening traffic to reach this specific neighborhood can test anyone’s patience.
Customer Reviews
Amazing food, chef was really helpfull due to my allergies. He proposed a variety so that I could enjoy every piece of it. We will come back definitely, the cheese cake is a must try, the beef was extremely tender and the paella very tasteful!
- Philipp Haack Google Review
Lovely experience at Casa Maria! Authentic spanish flavors and friendly service. Enjoyed some of their tapas, like the mussels, grilled prawn, and the squid ink croquettes. And for the tradiotional paella, this is the right place!
- Christopher Comploj Google Review
3. BARRIO Wine & Dine
Website: https://jp.gurutto-vietnam.com/detail/6665/index.html
Address: 20 Me Linh Street, Ward 19, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 0765 671 122
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
If you’re ready to trade the casual energy of a bubbling hot pot for an elegant fusion dinner, BARRIO Wine & Dine hits the mark. We found the balance between European culinary innovation and Japanese tradition impressive.
The crab risotto made with authentic Italian rice and the slow-cooked pork ribs were real highlights of our visit.
The spacious, sophisticated interior pairs perfectly with their curated wine selection. The staff was knowledgeable and attentive, smoothly handling requests in multiple languages. It really felt like a seamless, elevated dining experience
The main things to plan for are their hours. They’re open only in the evenings and closed on Mondays.
The pacing during busy shifts can also be occasionally slow, delaying courses slightly.
Customer Reviews
IF YOU ARE IN HO CHI MINH YOU NEED TO COME HERE
Beautiful food, wonderful decor, one of those fancy Japanese toilets with heated seats, one of the most incredible meals I have had in my life. Prompt polite service. I do not understand how this place isn’t fully booked every single night! COME HERE!!!
- Abi Sallery Google Review
A good fusion restaurant…great place to enjoy a nice dinner with friends. Nice selection of food, wine and beer. Plenty of parking right opposite the restaurant. Obedient small pets are allowed inside or there is out door seating as well. Better to make a reservation for weekends. Great and freindly service by the staff. Very welcoming.
- Aravind Nagarajah Google Review
4. Sabor Restaurant & Bar
Website: https://sabor.vn/
Address: 114/1 Yersin Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 0779.730.112 / [email protected]
Hours: Monday: 03:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Finding a peaceful retreat in the middle of District 1 can feel impossible, but Sabor Restaurant & Bar manages it beautifully.
The space is both versatile and thoughtfully designed. It has three distinct levels that transition from a lively ground-floor bar to a calm, rooftop terrace perfect for unwinding.
Certified by an official government culinary program, the kitchen sticks to traditional Mediterranean techniques. We were especially impressed by the open kitchen where the team expertly seared fresh calamari and crafted bold Iberico pork dishes right before our eyes.
Just note that the base prices climb quickly once taxes and service charges are added.
The paella can also be quite inconsistent. It can sometimes run salty or have unevenly cooked rice.
Customer Reviews
It was such a nice, wholesome experience in Sabor! The tapas was great, especially the Serrano Ham wrapped steak (forgot to take a picture as it was too good). We managed to get the terrace upstairs for my friend’s birthday and it was perfect – the staff decorated it too, the service was attentive, the restaurant also made us a birthday cheesecake, which made it extra special. Really recommend!
- Laura Le Google Review
What a find!!! We need Sabor Restaurant Bar in Australia! Seriously amazing tapas, great selection of wine and beer and exceptional service in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. There’s nowhere else we’d rather go 👍
- Ragnar Scott Google Review
5. Octo Tapas Restobar
Website: https://linktr.ee/octotapas
Address: 75 Ho Tung Mau Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 0933 002 895
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM; 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM; 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM; 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Securing a table at Octo Tapas Restobar immediately raised our expectations, and the experience did not disappoint. Recognized by Michelin for consecutive years, the restaurant thrives under Executive Chef Julien Thabault’s precise guidance.
We found the minimalist approach refreshing. Each dish uses just a few carefully chosen spices, letting the daily-flown Phu Quoc seafood truly take center stage.
The open kitchen and massive bar create a lively, engaging environment. You can watch signature dishes, like the braised octopus, come to life. We loved seeing the attention to detail firsthand.
That said, diners seeking a leisurely feast might feel slightly rushed by the strict table time limits enforced during busy services.
Locating the restaurant also requires a sharp eye, as the hidden second-floor entrance lacks prominent street-level signage.
The premium sourcing translates into an exceptionally high cost per person.
Customer Reviews
Nice cosy atmosphere, with open bar/cuisine where you can see the chef expedite the dishes in a perfect control of his team. Service is excellent always with the smile. Food is well seasoned, full of flavor. Octopus is a must try, overall fresh seafood. My wife loved the paella and the kids loved the crema Catalana and passion cheesecake desserts. Tried all the Spanish restaurants in HCM, this one is easily one of or probably the best overall speaking where you can feel the passion of each plate and the respect of the client.
- chandara duong Google Review
Another good Spanish tapas shop in the heart of district 1! 3 restaurants under one roof, Rice field, Chin Chin & it’s on top floor! Casual set up, long list of wine choices, sangria very nice☺️ We ordered a light lunch 3 dishes to share, clams in sherry sauce, grill octopus “must try”, slow cook chicken…. all exceeded my expectation, a lovely enjoyable lunch🥰🥂🥂
- Andrew OT Hui Google Review