There is a wide variety of international cuisine available for our pleasure in the Da Nang/Hoi An area, but none seems to be quite as popular as Italian.  Most people seem to have what is clearly an ongoing love affair with Italian food  - and we have found just the place to indulge that desire, but only on Saturday!

We’re talking about the Green House Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency where on Saturday evening each week, from 6.00pm – 10.00pm, a superb Italian buffet package is offered.  Should your party include members who don’t want to participate in this Italian extravaganza, the regular a la carte menu is also available.

For the price of 750,000 VND net, which includes half a bottle of Italian wine or 2 Peroni beers per person, a vast array of authentic Italian dishes make up the huge buffet selection.  Yes, there are the homemade and perfectly cooked pastas, pizzas and Italian breads, along with the garlic, olive oil and tomatoes that Italian cuisine has always been famous for, but this buffet offers so much more.  The appetisers include parma ham, prosciutto and other cold cuts, seafood, pates, soups, and wonderful mediterranean-style salads with various dressings. 

In addition to pastas and pizzas with a whole variety of toppings and sauces, there were also main course choices of perfectly cooked whole fish, pork cutlets, succulent beef sirloin, and fresh organic vegetables.  If you can find room for a dessert after that, the extensive and beautifully-presented dessert selection is a joy to behold.  Rum babas, tiramisu, meringues, panna cotta, biscotti, profiteroles, and a chocolate fountain are just a few of the choices available.  In addition, the cheese selection is amazing.

The quality and authenticity of this buffet should really be no surprise, since the Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage, Frederik Farina, is an authentic Italian with many years’ culinary experience, and an eye for detail and high quality.  The staff have obviously been trained to an impeccable standard, presumably by Frederik and the very friendly Restaurant Manager, Mr Duc.  Whether members of staff were assisting and advising guests with their buffet selection, or waiting at table, their high standards of professionalism and care were most apparent.

On the 3 occasions in as many weeks that we have been (and there will be many more!), the restaurant was busy without feeling crowded, and there was a relaxed and friendly ambience.  A delightfully talented musical duo played 2 sessions of appropriately chosen popular songs to complete the ‘special Saturday night out’ atmosphere.

Of course, Hyatt’s beautiful beachside location is an added bonus, and offers a delightful setting for either pre or post-dinner cocktails – or both!  We highly recommend this special Italian evening, but don’t just take our word for it.  On our last visit we saw that a long-term Italian ex-pat friend from Hoi An was there having dinner with his family.  We asked for his qualified opinion about the food.  His response, without hesitation, was “This is the best Italian food in Hoi An or Da Nang!”.  There’s nothing more to be said – just call 0511 398 1234 and make a booking!  Ciao! 

(Written by Ian Lister and Carole Kendal)