During my summer 2019 trip to Ho Chi Minh City I was recommended to check out a new Italian eatery in District 1 called Into the Kitchen, started by the former Italian chef of a high-end restaurant in town.
The visit
I went to the restaurant for a late dinner.
The restaurant is located inside a courtyard.
It is a casual restaurant including a bar.
They gave me a complimentary basket of flat-bread with a nice tomato sauce dip. My order was handled by a very professional Vietnamese young lady that knew about Italian cuisine and service.
The menu was intriguing. Instead of the classic headings (appetizers, mains, pasta, etc.) they had the dishes mixed in different categories such as hearty food, Mediterranean and veggies, from the sea, from the grill, etc. A lot of meat is available, including an interesting veal skirt and baked pumpkin flowers.
I had their pici (a type of eggless pasta you do not find often in Asia) with duck ragout. I enjoyed very much! This type of pasta has a velvety texture that makes it very distinct.
As I was still unsatisfied by the cockerel that I had at Quince, I ordered their rotisserie baby chicken (a whole one). It was marinated and rubbed with honey and ginger. It came with roasted potatoes and chily gravy. It was excellent (even if my best chicken of the summer was the one in Chiang Mai).
The check
The check was 610,000 VND (or 26 USD). I cannot complain. Everything from the food to the service was to my satisfaction. Definitely a place to visit again.
Where in Ho Chi Minh City:158/5 Nguyễn Công Trứ
Visit their Facebook page to see the menu.
Update 2020: sadly the restaurant is now closed. The chef moved on and took up a position at the Caravelle Hotel.