The Curious Nest

Red Bistro randomly made it onto my “What’s for lunch?” list on a beautiful sunny day. The bistro is a charming little two-story house tucked away in an alley off Võ Thị Sáu Street – pleasantly distanced from the hustle and bustle.

First impressions

The standout right away is the tasteful combination of red tones, cement, and wood – a modern yet cozy vibe. The space is airy and has a sense of depth, with thoughtful decorative touches: flower vases, handcrafted ceramic cups, and natural light filtering through the windows. Each table is neatly arranged, though most offer views of nearby rooftops – except for a few with a more poetic view of bougainvillea vines.

Food 

The first dish I tried was the Red Cream Goose Breast Spaghetti. Visually, it was appealing: perfectly cooked al dente noodles, evenly seared goose breast slices, all presented neatly. The cream sauce was rich but not overwhelming, with a light aroma. Personally, I found it a bit under-seasoned and lacking the boldness to become a true “signature” dish. That said, the goose breast itself was excellent – tender, not too fatty, and skillfully cooked to retain moisture without any gaminess.

The Tom Yum Spaghetti, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise – a fusion of Asian flair and familiar Western form. The tom yum sauce had its heat and sourness toned down to suit Vietnamese palates, leaving a gentle spicy kick and a hint of creaminess. The shrimp was fresh and sweet, prepared with care. A highlight was the grilled vegetable side – carrots and zucchini cooked just right, preserving their natural sweetness and avoiding any toughness.

As for the drinks, both the iced milk coffee and the cold brew were solid – well-balanced, nothing groundbreaking, but definitely up to standard for a bistro serving both food and drinks.

Overall impressions

In terms of portion size, each pasta dish was filling enough for a full lunch. With prices around 200,000 VND per person (including a drink), it’s reasonably priced. Quality-wise, Red Bistro shows thoughtful investment in ingredients and seasoning – subtle, refined, and not overly bold in flavor.

Red Bistro may not blow you away on the first visit, but it’s the kind of place worth returning to – especially when you’re in the mood for a quiet lunch, comforting food, and an aesthetic space that feels just a bit indulgent in the middle of the day. It’s worth trying again in the evening to explore more of the main menu, or simply using it as a go-to spot between work and rest.

📍 Red Bistro – 146/6E Võ Thị Sáu, District 3
💸 Price range: ~200,000 VND/person
⏰ Best time to go: Evening, for the full signature menu experience.