Review: Opera Brunch, Park Hyatt Saigon

Park Hyatt Saigon's Sunday brunch at Opera is the perfect blend of chill and classy elegance —think ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Running from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (with dessert until 3:30 p.m.), it’s no surprise this brunch is a hit with everyone—tourists, expats, and locals alike, with regulars who keep coming back for more. With its top-rate quintessential Italian fare, Opera has earned a spot on Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Restaurants list two years in a rowso yeah, it’s one of the best brunch spots in Saigon, hands down. 

The spread is all about Italian flavours done right, with every dish showing off top-tier ingredients from Vietnam, and Italy, Canada, France, Australia - you name it. You’ve got fresh seafood like Canadian lobster, French oysters, prawns, mussels, and blue crab, plus heartier bites like Vietnamese duck from Long An, Black Angus Picanha and Black Garuda in lemon butter.

POV: you discover Park Hyatt Saigon’s Parma Ham and Melon trolley - simply love at first slice!

But the real MVPs are Opera’s legendary trolleys

They roll up tableside with goodies like pork Rigatoni served from inside a cheese wheel, and towering homemade gelato creations paired with freshly brewed espresso for a made-to-order Affogato, just how you like it. 

Yet, the real standout for me was the Parma Ham and Melon station that featured 12-month-aged Parma ham from Italy, wrapped around chunky, sweet melon from Vietnam, with a dash of pepper. Mm. And, the best part? The selections change weekly, so there’s always a new surprise—and a reason to keep coming back (of course). 

Pork Rigatoni served tableside inside a cheese trolley

Homemade gelato paired with freshly brewed espresso for a made-to-order Affogato

Another reason to return: flexibility 

Here, packages start at VND 1,850,000++ (74 USD++) for soft drinks, coffee, tea and go up to VND 3,860,000 if you’re in the mood for free-flowing Moet & Chandon Brut Champagne. They even do a half-price deal for kids (6 to 12 years old), so it’s perfect for families looking to treat themselves. And vegetarians? Don’t worry, the kitchen’s happy to whip up something special. So, whether you’re a family, a group of friends, or a vegetarian looking for options, there’s something for everyone with prices that adjust accordingly too. 

Don’t be mistaken —the flexibility of the staff doesn’t mean they skimp on professionalism or quality. Here, you can have it your way, but it’s still polished, elegant, and downright efficient. From the service to the ambience, the Park Hyatt Saigon effortlessly delivers both a cosy and luxurious experience. The guest count is just right, allowing you to kick back and savour your meal without feeling rushed. It’s never chaotic; instead, it feels like the perfect Sunday morning, almost lifted from a movie scene.

Nick enjoying a quaint view of the outdoors from the comforts of the air-conditioned Verandah where we enjoyed our brunch 

Celia, the manager showing us around vicinity! Here’s the private room which can accommodate up to 20 people

Of course, the space helps and it’s gorgeous—you’ve got the indoor dining area with a stunning central kitchen that greets you as you enter. Here, you can see the chefs working their magic, whipping up everything from pasta and pizza to homemade gelato, bread, and even jams and speaking of which, that homemade bread? Delicious

For smaller gatherings, opt for one of the cozy booths or intimate tables. If you’ve got a larger group, the private dining room that seats up to 20 is just the ticket. But the real standout? The Verandah, hands down. With floor-to-ceiling windows, flower-shaped ceiling fans, and views of the lush outdoor area, it offers that breezy, al fresco vibe without the heat. 

Every time I walk into the Park Hyatt Saigon, I’m equally impressed and instantly at ease. It’s light, understated, and quietly luxurious— not because it’s trying to be trendy, but because it’s timeless.

Included inside the Opera Brunch is a Canadian lobster cooked your way. Choose from either poached, grilled or Catalana

As part of the package, there’s a nice mix of options—à la carte dishes, a 'buffet station,’ including an impressive cheese selection, paired with homemade bread - traditional Italian Sardinian bread and crunchy breadsticks - salads, charcuterie, fresh seafood (oysters, crabs and clams) as well as hot dishes like Cauliflower Gratin, Australian Sirloin steak and Vietnamese duck with jus.

The à la carte menu offers Canadian lobster, prepared either poached or grilled with garlic butter or cheese. For a refreshing option, try the Catalana style, served with potatoes, Taggiasca olives, red onion, lemon zest, cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley.

As for carbs, think handmade pizzas and pastas ranging from classic Margaritas and Cacio e Pepe to slightly more adventurous options like Cavatelli Al Gamberi (potato gnocchetti, tiger prawn, cream sauce, lemon and garlic). 

My Cacio e Pepe homemade Tagliolini with bacon that the team very kindly agreed to switch the Risotto out for Taglioni instead

Like I said, they’re flexible so if you feel like swapping out the Risotto with pasta (like I did as seen above) - go ahead, and ask for it and they’ll make it happen with ease.

A stunning French Saint Honoré served at the Opera Brunch

And while there’s a lot, make sure to make space for dessert - quite perhaps my favourite part of the brunch with options like French Saint Honoré, Pescara (pear) cheesecake and mini lemon tarts as well as fresh fruits, homemade ‘gourmet gelato’ with flavours like Pandan and Toasted Croissant paired with toppings like croissant chips, homemade passion fruit preserve and strawberry confit, all made in house - truly outstanding. 

The ‘Gourmet Gelato’ cart serves an everchanging selection of flavours, mine was Pandan with toasted coconut 

In a nutshell: Park Hyatt Saigon’s Opera Sunday Brunch, with its more-than-worthy price, is easily one of (if not the) best Sunday brunch in Ho Chi Minh City. With top-notch ingredients - most of which are made in-house with love - an easy-like Sunday-morning vibe and service that will ‘wow’ you while making you feel at home, I’d return in a heartbeat. 

And, save some room for dessert—you’ll thank me later.

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