Restaurant BT

The story

Restaurant BT: French-Vietnamese Cuisine in Tampa

Chef BT Nguyen’s Journey

Chef BT Nguyen’s love of cooking began as a child in Vietnam, in her family’s kitchen. After the fall of Saigon, she arrived in the United States as a refugee. She pursued fashion before her passion for food led her to open Exodus, a late-night café in an unfashionable part of North Tampa. She soon left fashion to become a full-time restaurateur, and over 25 years has built a collection of concepts including Café BT, Bistro BT, and the intimate Restaurant BT. Today, Restaurant BT is the showcase of her French-Vietnamese vision.

French-Vietnamese Harmony

Nguyen describes Vietnamese cuisine as “light, subtle and elegant,” built on fresh, clean tastes and a delicate balance of flavors, textures, and aromas. Classic dishes might pair chargrilled beef with tart watercress, or pungent shrimp paste with sweet sugarcane. The French colonial era introduced sautéing, stocks, butter, and cream, and Nguyen preserves this marriage of techniques, creating a distinct French-Vietnamese cuisine. Her cooking honors that colonial-era fusion while adding global influences from her travels and studies with chefs like Roy Yamaguchi, Morimoto, and the Arzak family in San Sebastian.

The Dining Experience

Located on South MacDill Avenue in Tampa, the restaurant offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. Guests can choose the intimate dining room or the garden patio. The menu changes with the seasons, emphasizing organic ingredients, small-farm meats, wild-caught seafood, and local Florida produce. A chef’s tasting menu ($250) is tailored to each guest, with wine pairings at $125 or $200 for the deluxe option. Restaurant BT has earned a place in the Michelin Guide, a recognition that speaks to its consistency and distinctive French-Vietnamese cuisine.

Beyond the Plate

Sustainability is integral to the restaurant’s operation. Nearly everything is reused or recycled; shredded paper goes to the Humane Society, used oil is donated for alternative fuel. It’s a thoughtful approach that mirrors the care in every dish.