Review: Antica Dining

restaurant reviewreviewho chi minh cityvietnam
Written By Jovel Chan

Photo credit: Antica Dining

Antica Dining, the new kid on the Thao Dien block, has taken over the beloved space of Vintage Emporium. Same familiar vibes, the same convenient motorbike parking, and even that private pool in the back, but now with a fresh, lighter look that says, "I'm grown-up but still ready to have fun."

Walking in feels like strolling into someone’s ultra-cool beach house: turquoise and pink pillows, relaxed rattan furniture, and white sofas, with cute clay pink tiles adorning the walls—honestly, it's a whole new level of polish that’s ideal for a romantic date night or quiet family dinner.

Inside the restaurant (Photo courtesy of Antica Dining)

Cocktails That Won’t Break the Bank

The first thing that caught my eye was Antica’s more-than-generous drinks that don’t burn a hole in your wallet, especially these days when restaurant and bar prices seem to be moving only in one direction - northwards. Espresso Martinis for 130k? Yes, please. Negronis for 150k? Don’t mind if I do.

Add in a generous wine list, and you’re all set for a solid night of sipping. Whether you’re in the mood for sparkling wine, rosé, or something a bit more decadent like dessert wine, they've got the bases covered. Prosecco and Bellinis, anyone?

A very pretty Lychee Bellini from its more-than-generous selection of wines and sparkling wines!

Now, onto the food—Antica is serving up modern Italian with a twist. The menu offers a little something for everyone, from the health-conscious vegans to the indulgent carnivores, and they even have a dedicated kids' menu if you're dining with little ones.

Though they’ve got both lunch and dinner options, it’s more of a dinner destination, with classics like Linguine Vongole (240k) offering classic Italian comfort and the Pig Lasagne with jowl ragu and crackling (280k) taking things in a more creative direction. And sure, I’m a sucker for anything with njuda, but more on that later.

Chargrilled Octopus with Peperonata salsa (210k)

We kicked things off with the house selection of Premium cheeses, duck pastrami, sardines, figs, and prosciutto (600k). Don’t get me wrong—it was tasty, but for that price? I was expecting more than a couple of thin slices of cheese spread across the board. It’s enough to share between two or three people, but if you're a hungry bunch, you might want to order a few more plates.

Another appetizer we sampled was the Chargrilled Octopus with Peperonata salsa (210k). While the portion was generous, the texture leaned a bit too rubbery and chewy for my taste—it could've used a little more time on the grill.

Short Rib Ragu Alla Bolognese (235k)

Chargrilled Chicken with guanciale crust and salsa verde (335k)

Next up were the mains. The Short Rib Ragu Alla Bolognese (235k) had solid flavors, but the pasta was a bit too soft for my liking. I’m an al dente kinda person, and this fresh homemade pasta just didn’t quite hit that mark. That said, the Chargrilled Chicken with guanciale crust and salsa verde (335k) was an absolute showstopper—smoky, spicy, savory, and tender. We got the half portion, and trust me, it was more than enough. If you go, this dish is a must.

Final Thoughts: Drinks and Deals Win

But here’s the deal: the food? It’s decent but not jaw-dropping. I left feeling a little underwhelmed—especially with a bill that came out to around 4 million VND (about 800k per person), and that’s before I factored in my post-dinner snack because yes, I was still hungry..

So, would I recommend Antica Dining? For the drinks and atmosphere—definitely. But if you’re coming for the food, make sure you time it with those discount days, or you might leave feeling a little unsatisfied. Wednesdays are a steal with 50% off pasta, and Fridays? Half-priced steaks.

Plus, their Cicchetti Hours (from 3 to 7 pm) are pretty irresistible. Picture yourself lounging by the pool, cocktail in hand, with a free Cicchetti Platter when you order your first cocktail and 25% off beers, wines, and spirits afterwards.

Insider Tip

Go for the chargrilled chicken, take advantage of the generous promotions, and book ahead to snag a prime poolside spot. Trust me, it's worth it.

Jovel Chan
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