If you're looking for an elegant, fine dining experience coupled with multi-course Vietnamese (+Chinese influenced) cuisine, Mandarin (also spelled Mandarine) would be a great choice. Are there more authentic Vietnamese restaurants? Yes. Are there less pricey establishments? Of course. Nevertheless, Mandarin is a bit like your "nice and cheesy" Vietnamese experience.
"I could actually take my mom here!" - as my friend light-heartedly pointed out.
Seemed about right - the ambiance included live music with piano/violin/cello trio playing a rendition of Lionel Ritchie's "Hello" and other similar hits, pink-candle lit tables, and vintage modern art of golden hues on the walls.
We were a bit confused to discover there were a few different menus - one full of set menus (Menus for 2 people started around 700,000+ VND / person), and one ala carte menu. For me, the simplicity and breadth of the set menu was too tempting to pass up.
The food was presented nicely, but in all honesty... do my grilled fish springs rolls REALLY need to be covered by a shell of orange fruit peels (in the shape of a fish)? [As if I forgot what fish looked like?]
Overall, enjoyable food, tip top service, and wild entertainment of banana flambé catching flames while being cooked beside your table (should you decide not to order, I'm sure your neighbors will...). That is, if you don't mind eating ice cream that has a "happy" face on it.
Mandarine Restaurant
11A Ngo Van Nam Street (near Ton Duc Thang Street)
District 1, HCMC