Review: Namo, third time a charm?
No, ‘NAMO isn’t new.
It all started with ‘NAMO Artisanal Pizzeria on Hai Ba Trung, Saigon’s first real-deal Neapolitan-style pizza joint. Then came ‘NAMO Tuscan Grill on Pasteur, tucked beneath the Rex Hotel, bringing bold, flame-kissed Tuscan flavors to the city.
Named after andiamo—“let’s go” in Roman dialect—‘NAMO has always had that restless, can’t-sit-still energy. Under Chef Ivan Barone’s leadership from 2015 to 2019, it built a reputation for quality before the pandemic forced it to close. Now, Barone is back as Group General Manager, ready to shake things up again—still Italian but with a sharper, more casual, and contemporary focus on local produce.
Photo credit: Namo
The newest version, ‘NAMO Modern Italian & Grill, is a sleek 50-seater with just the right mix of warmth and elegance, plus a private dining room for those need-to-impress moments. While still rooted in Italian cuisine, its identity has shifted. What started as a purist’s Neapolitan pizzeria morphed into a high-end steakhouse that struggled in an oversaturated market. Now, ‘NAMO is circling back to what it does best—melding Italian tradition with top-notch Vietnamese ingredients, making the simple stuff sing.
Some places fizzle out. ‘NAMO? It just keeps finding new ways to stay in the game.
Tucked away on the second floor of L’Usine, one of Saigon’s most beloved café concepts, this spot feels like a bit of a hidden gem—discreet yet inviting.
You’ll know you’re in the right place when you follow the twinkle of fairy lights up the stairs and step into a moody, maroon-wrapped dining room that seats just 50. High ceilings, flickering tealights, and soft shadows give the space an intimate vibe without being too hard —perfect for date nights or a cosy catch-up over good food and wine.
And if you're after something a little extra, there’s a private dining room that lets you peek straight into the open kitchen, adding a little behind-the-scenes drama to your meal.
The Food
‘NAMO’s Angel Hair Pasta (490k)
‘NAMO’s Angel Hair Pasta with Hokkaido Scallops, Sea Urchin and Truffle Oil is all about indulgence. Silky, chilled angel hair pasta meets sweet, plump Hokkaido scallops and creamy sea urchin, all brought together with the rich aroma of truffle oil. Light, fresh, and packed with umami—this dish is pure luxury in every bite.
Wagyu Manzo Tonnato (390k)
Next up was a refined take on a classic Northern Italian dish - Manzo Tonnato. Instead of veal, ‘NAMO uses thinly sliced, tender wagyu beef, draped in a silky, umami-packed tuna sauce, creating a bold yet balanced contrast of flavours. The richness of the beef meets the creamy, briny depth of the sauce, making each bite smooth, savoury, and unexpectedly addictive.
For mains, there’s Wagyu steak and seafood platters, but we go straight for the pasta—and for good reason. They’re handmade, Chef Ivan’s pride and joy (his words, not ours!), and by the end of dinner, I get it.
Carbonara
‘NAMO’s Carbonara stays true to tradition—creamy, smoky, and packed with flavor, thanks to rich egg yolk, crispy guanciale, and perfectly al dente pasta. But if you’re craving something from the sea, the Jumbo Prawn Seafood Pasta is the real star.
A generous mix of fresh prawns, mussels, squid and clams is tossed with handmade pasta in a light yet flavorful seafood-rice tomato sauce that lets the natural sweetness of the seafood shine (we heard the secret is the bisque that’s added to it). Don’t be put off by the Seafood Pasta’s price - it can easily be shared between two people and a must for those who love bold, ocean-fresh flavours.
Photo credit: ‘NAMO
For dessert, expect classics with a twist—Pandan Crème Brûlée, molten Chocolate Half-Baked Cake, and a well-balanced Tiramisu. But truth be told, it’s the bold, shareable appetizers and well-crafted mains that steal the show.
In a nutshell: a solid spot for modern Italian with standout appetisers and pastas
Price-wise, expect to spend around 1 million VND per person (before tax) if you're skipping alcohol. Given the hearty portions, premium ingredients, and prime central location, it’s pretty reasonable for what you get.
If you're after a solid spot for modern Italian in Saigon, ‘NAMO’s worth a visit—especially for the appetisers and handmade pasta. The Cold Angel Hair Pasta, Manzo, and Foccacina are clear standouts, while the Miyagi Black Cod and Burrata Salad with Shiitake mushrooms come highly recommended.
Plus, it’s got service hits that sweet spot—attentive but never in-your-face. The staff knows their stuff and won’t steer you wrong with recommendations. And, if you’re lucky, Chef Ivan might swing by for a chat—warm, professional, and passionate- and make your dinner at ‘NAMO even better.
Address: Upstairs, 34 Le Loi Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Price: Approx. 1 mil ++ per pax (no alcohol)
Opening hours: 530 to 10 pm; 1030pm on Friday and Saturday; closed on Mondays,
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/namoitalian
