HCM CITY — Café Central Villa Pasteur is bringing a new dining experience to one of the city’s most iconic streets in District 3. An exclusive collaboration between internationally celebrated Australian-Vietnamese chef Luke Nguyễn and The Reverie Saigon’s Italian Chef de cuisine Enrico de Martino will usher in a new era of casual dining for the city.

The combination of classic Vietnamese and Italian dishes results in a menu that has something for everyone, which is the philosophy that has made the Café Central name one of the most trusted in the local restaurant industry over the last 16 years.

Located at 202 Pasteur Street in a beautifully restored colonial-era villa, the stylish venue has a seating capacity of 220 with 40 seats outdoors and three private VIP dining rooms.

The restaurant, which officially opened about two months ago, is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and boasts an extensive drink list with everything from espresso coffee, specialty teas and fresh fruit smoothies to wines and cocktails.

The creative, modern menu is another counterpoint to the refined surrounds of a traditional colonial-era villa, resulting in a truly unique dining experience.

Luke Nguyễn, who helms the flagship Vietnam House Restaurant, said: “So much of what is great about Vietnamese food is that it is everyday comfort food and is very fresh and healthy.”

Enrico de Martino also sees the parallels between Vietnamese and Italian cuisine. “In Italy, food is always about family, friends and a sense of home, and that is what we are offering at Café Central Villa Pasteur.”

Some of the Vietnamese classics on the menu include beef or chicken phở; sweet and sour tamarind soup with seafood; braised beef brisket in aromatic spices with Vietnamese baguette; and wok-tossed crab and glass noodles with X.O. sauce.

On the Italian side, diners can try such traditional dishes as zuppa di pesce (seafood soup, garlic, chili, cherry tomato, extra virgin olive oil); ossobuco (Australian veal ossobuco, pan-seared saffron rice, gremolata); cartoccio (linguine pasta, squid, prawns, clams, fish, cherry tomato, garlic and chili); fettuccine (bolognese sauce, parmesan cheese); or a panna cotta dessert.

Café Central Villa Pasteur,  located at 202 Pasteur Street in HCM City’s District 3, is offering “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” for all drinks (except wines and spirits) valid until May 2. — VNS