ABC Restaurant
Address: 172H Ð Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3
Phone: 3823 0388
A trendy joint for tasty late-night chow, ABC has indoor and outdoor seating and an extensive menu - from noodle soup and fresh seafood to juicy steaks.

Akatonbo
Address: 36-38 ÐL Hai Ba Trung, Dong Khoi Area
Excellent Japanese food and a picture menu.

Akbar Ali
Address: 240 Ð Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Area
Phone: 3836 4205
Popular with the Indian expat community, Akbar Ali serves up authentic Indian cuisine to the backdrop of a Bollywood video playing discreetly overhead. You'll also find colourful artwork on the walls and friendly service.

Ashoka
Address: 17A/10 Ð Le Thanh Ton, Dong Khoi Area
Phone: 3823 1372
Moderately priced Indian place, with a lunch buffet and halal food.

Asian Kitchen
185/22 Ð Pham Ngu Lao, Pham Ngu Lao Area
Phone: 3836 7397
This small, bamboo-walled eatery serves tasty dishes of Indian, Japanese and vegetarian provenance. A few al fresco tables on the mosaic patio in front.

Au Lac do Brasil
Address: 238 Ð Pasteur, District 3
Phone: 3820 7157
For a taste of Brazil head to Au Lac do Brasil. Decked out with photos of Brazilian cities and colourful Carnaval-themed paintings, this churrascaria (barbecue restaurant) serves all-you-can-eat steak (and 11 other cuts of meat), just like you'll find in Rio.

Au Manoir de Khai
Address: 251 Ð Dien Bien Phu, District 3
Phone: 3930 3394
This five-star French restaurant is set in picturesque villa with a lush courtyard and a lavish interior. It was opened by the Vietnamese fashion guru Khai (the brains behind Khai Silk and a string of other superb restaurants and hotels in Vietnam).

Augustin
Address: 10 Ð Nguyen Thiep, Dong Khoi Area
Phone: 3829 2941
Ho Chi Minh City has an astounding range of great French eateries, but many consider this Saigon's best French restaurant in the cheaper bracket. It serves great bistro-style food to a mixed crowd of travellers and locals.

Banh Xeo 46A
Address: 46A Ð Dinh Cong Trang, District 3
Phone: 3824 1110
Banh xeo, the Vietnamese rice-flour crêpe stuffed with bean sprouts, prawns and pork (there's also a vegetarian version), has been known to induce swoons of gastronomic delight among certain visitors. Come here to try some of the best banh xeo in HCMC.

Bi Bi
Address:8A/8D2 Ð Thai Van Lung, Dong Khoi Area
Phone: 3829 5783
The bright Mediterranean décor at Bi Bi creates a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying casual French bistro fare.

Bia Tuoi Pacific
Address: 15 Ð Le Than Ton, Dong Khoi Area
Phone: 3825 6802
Tucked down an alley, this spacious traditional eatery overlooks several other similar restaurants. Snag a table on the terrace and enjoy fresh crab - one of many seafood specialities.

Bobby Brewers
Address: 45 Ð Bui Vien, Phan Ngu Lao Area
Phone: 3610 2220
This multilevel café shows free movies throughout the week. The menu features coffees, fresh juices, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Free delivery in district 1 ( US$3 minimum).

Brodard Café
Address: 131 Ð Dong Khoi, Dong Khoi Area
Phone: 3822 3966
This Parisian-style oldie but goodie is known for good café food at OK prices.

Café Zoom
Address: 169A Ð De Tham, Pham Ngu Lao Area
This buzzy little place has lots of Vespa style and serves Vietnamese and foreign fare to an equally eclectic crowd.

Camargue
Address: 191 Hai Ba Trung, District 3
Phone: 3520 4888
The menu at this Saigon favourite includes a variety of gourmet dishes complemented by a well-appointed wine list. Great for a romantic dinner

Chez Guido
Phone: 3898 3747
Website: www.chezguido.com
The city's markets and street stalls are a great place to assemble a fresh meal. If you don't feel like going anywhere, Chez Guido delivers, fast (even wines and desserts)! The menu offers a mind-boggling cornucopia of international cuisine but specialises in Italian food. Download a menu online.

Ciao Café
Address: 74 Ð Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi Area
Phone: 3823 1130
Set with some lovely tile floors and a lavish wood interior, this is a choice place to sip dark, rich coffee and while away the day with a good book.

Com Ga Dong Nguyen
Address: 87-91 Ð Chau Van Liem
Phone: 3 855 7662
Specialises in tasty roast chicken with rice ( com ga ).

DEsignED Café
Address: 180A Ð Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 3
Phone: 3930 2600
Lunching here on gourmet European and Vietnamese dishes is like dining in a museum café. In fact, upstairs it's an interior design gallery; if you're into Pop Art and sleek Lucite furniture, this is the place for you.

Dinh Y
Address: 171B Ð Cong Quynh, Pham Ngu Lao Area
Phone: 3836 7715
Across the road from Thai Binh Market, Dinh Y is run by a friendly Cao Dai family. It serves inexpensive and delicious veggie fare, and has an English menu. The noodle soups are savoury and satisfying.

Eden
Address: 185/22 Ð Tham, Pham Ngu Lao Area
Phone: 836 8154
This multilevel spot has red lanterns over the bar, a cosy, inviting vibe and waiting staff dressed in shimmery red ao dai (silk tunic and trousers). Huge menu with all the Asian accents, with tastier fare than neighbouring joints can offer.