Find your next favorite hearty bowl at these top 13 spots for delicious pho in Ottawa
You know how it goes – one minute you’re innocently scrolling through food photos on social media, and the next, the green-eyed monster has you craving a mouth-watering dish for yourself.
I was trying to resist ordering out because I had plenty of food at home, but then I saw it. After spotting a tantalizing bowl of phở chin hoành thánh tôm, I accepted defeat and set out on a quest to find the best pho spots in the city.
I’m still fumbling with the pronunciation of that dish – I just know it’s delicious!
And now, here I am, on a first-name basis with half the city’s pho joints. If you’re ready to join me on this noodle-filled adventure, I’ve rounded up the top spots where you can savor the best pho Ottawa has to offer – tried, tested, and thoroughly devoured.
1. Authentic Vietnamese Pho House
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Website: https://www.vietnamesephohouse.com/
Address: 250 Greenbank Rd Unit 2A
Contact details: +1 613-695-8388
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Authentic Vietnamese Pho House delivers the genuine flavors of Vietnam, offering steaming bowls of pho that are rich and aromatic.
Boasting three different locations in neighborhoods such as Barrhaven, Kanata, and Nepean, it’s easy to get your pho fix no matter where you are in the city.
Wherever you plan on dining, make sure to try the phở tái nạm gàu or rare beef, beef flank, and beef brisket noodle soup.
This comforting dish comes with tender cuts of beef swimming in a flavorful beef broth that warms you from the inside out, making it the ultimate pick-me-up on any day.
2. Pho Bo Ga La
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Website: https://newphobogala.ca/
Address: 763 Somerset St W
Contact details: +1 613-233-2222
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Pho Bo Ga La is one of the most popular pho spots in Ottawa. In fact, when you ask the local foodies where they get their pho fix, I’m willing to bet they’ll answer with a knowing nod and a resounding “Pho Bo Ga La,” almost every single time.
The ultimate must-try? It’s definitely the phở chín nạm gầu – a flavorful bowl filled with well-done brisket, fatty brisket, swimming in a savory broth that’s so rich and decadent.
3. Co Cham
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7gG53nDdHHjn64Mt5
Address: 780 Somerset St W
Contact details: 1 613-567-6050
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 7:30 PM
Modest and unassuming, Co Cham serves up ridiculously delicious pho that exceeds expectations.
That’s why it’s so surprising to me how Co Cham continues to fly under the radar, especially among hardcore foodies who are always on the lookout for hidden gems.
The Tái immediately captivated me during my first visit for its melt-in-your-mouth slices of rare beef that are cooked to perfection in the steaming, fragrant broth.
4. Crazy Pho You
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Website: https://www.crazyphoyou.ca/
Address: 696 Bronson Ave
Contact details: +1 613-695-0865
Operating hours:
- Monday – 2 PM to 10:30 PM
- Tuesday – 3 PM to 10:30 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Crazy Pho You is a charming laid-back spot that serves Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese meals, blending the best of all three cuisines into a menu that’s as diverse as it is delicious.
But of course, what we’re here for today is their iconic pho, known for its tantalizing broth that will have you sipping until the last drop.
For the best experience, I recommend trying out the seasonal vegetables and golden tofu – a tasty treat with a nourishing blend of fresh veggies and perfectly cooked tofu that soaks up the flavorful broth like a sponge.
Oh, and did you know they also made it to our list of best banh mi in Ottawa? Make sure to save some room and try it yourself!
5. Pho Tuan
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/photuanottawa/
Address: 300 Booth St
Contact details: +1 613-680-5230
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Pho Tuan is a Chinatown delight that has colored the neighborhood with its vibrant flavors and warm, welcoming atmosphere. It even has a striking mural painting beside its doors, so you definitely won’t miss it!
It’s one of my best-underrated finds on this list, and I can’t help but wonder why they’re not as popular as the other spots!
The pho chin is the obvious choice, especially if you’re craving something comforting and hearty, with tender slices of well-done beef that soak up the delicious broth perfectly.
However, if you’re looking for something that’s hard to find in Ottawa, you might want to go for the bun bo hue. It’s not exactly pho, but it’s like a spicy, saltier cousin with a rich pork broth that packs a flavorful punch.
6. Parle by Viet Fresh
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1kn4xNnT5ASmpMLM8
Address: 313 Dalhousie St
Contact details: +1 613-422-8099
Operating hours:
- Monday – 4 PM to 10:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10:30 PM
Parle by Viet Fresh is a popular ByWard Market hotspot people are crazy about because of the affordable pricing and generous portions. Trust me, make sure to bring a big appetite before you visit!
The big stone bowl short rib pho is the one to look out for, with its tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs served in a steaming, aromatic broth that stays hot till the last slurp.
A lot of regulars will also recommend the pad Thai – a classic that never ceases to amaze foodies.
7. Pho Thu Do Restaurant
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Website: https://www.phothudo.ca/
Address: 781 Somerset St W
Contact details: +1 613-235-7116
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Pho Thu Do Restaurant has been in Ottawa for decades, making it a beloved spot that locals and visitors alike have come to cherish.
Their approach to pho is classic and authentic, delivering rich, savory flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Vietnam.
Consider trying out the phở dặc biệt – a comforting and filling dish jam-packed with a variety of meats like medium rare and well-done beef, beef tripe, beef tendon, and beef balls.
And as if that isn’t extraordinary enough, it also comes with a special rice noodle soup that’s rich and flavorful, offering a perfect balance to the hearty meat selection.
8. Phở Bắc Oriental Cuisine
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CKLE36p9SPbKWyMc9
Address: 873 Somerset St W
Contact details: +1 613-563-0788
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday – closed
Phở Bắc Oriental Cuisine is an off-the-beaten-path find, and you won’t expect to find such a secret spot along bustling Somerset. But it’s true – only a few have discovered this gem, so bring your A-game because you’re in for a treat!
The rare beef and shrimp pho takes the coveted number one spot for its delicate balance of flavors and tender, perfectly cooked ingredients.
Oh, and their spring rolls are to die for, so don’t miss out on these crispy, delicious bites!
9. Saigon Boy Noodle House
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/634sJQntfhsZnAAZ9
Address: 648 Somerset Street West
Contact details: +1 613-230-8080
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
- Tuesday – closed
Saigon Boy Noodle House is a modest-sized eatery with a charming bright and airy interior that makes you feel instantly at home.
The pho Saigon Boy special is a popular dish for its strikingly rich and aromatic flavors that deeply satisfy every spoonful. It’s sure to impress even the most discerning pho aficionados.
That said, whether you’re a pho enthusiast or a first-timer, this dish is a must-try experience.
10. New Mee Fung Restaurant
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Website: https://newmeefung.com/
Address: 350 Booth St
Contact details: +1 613-567-8228
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 8:30 PM
- Tuesday – closed
New Mee Fung Restaurant is a classic spot that’s been serving up delicious, no-frills Vietnamese fare for years. This long-running gem is all about tradition, offering comforting noodle soups and hearty rice plates.
The vibe here is relaxed and unpretentious, which means you can focus on what really matters – savoring every bite of their rich, flavorful dishes.
It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need flashy decor because the food speaks for itself.
If you’re looking for a standout dish at New Mee Fung Restaurant, look no further than the phở chin hoành thánh tôm. This gem features tender slices of well-done beef, perfectly cooked shrimp, and delicate wontons nestled in a bowl of richly flavored broth.
11. Pho Van Van
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Website: https://www.phovanvan.com/
Address: 127 Holland Ave
Contact details: +1 613-722-1663
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Pho Van Van is a recent discovery that’s quickly become one of my top picks for Vietnamese cuisine.
This spot shines with its extensive menu of Vietnamese classics, from aromatic pho to flavorful noodle dishes, all served in a bright, modern space that makes dining a pleasure.
What really sets Pho Van Van apart is its superior flavor profiles; each dish tastes fresher and more vibrant than your typical Vietnamese fare. Moreover, generous portions ensure you are satisfied.
And don’t get me started on my favorite dish at Pho Van Van: the rice noodle soup with rare beef and tendon. It’s a masterpiece of flavor that really shines, thanks to its fragrant, steaming broth.
12. The Noodle House
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Website: https://thenoodlehouseottawa.wordpress.com/
Address: 775 Gladstone Ave
Contact details: +1 613-233-7711
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
The Noodle House is an exciting hotspot where flavors from different Asian countries come together in a vibrant fusion of tastes. Of course, the pho dishes really stand out with their exceptional depth of flavor and aromatic broth.
The beef saté rice noodle soup is a Best in Ottawa favorite for its perfectly spiced, rich broth and tender beef. If you’re a fan of hearty, spicy dishes, this bowl is sure to satisfy your cravings!
13. Pho By Night
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Website: https://www.phobynight.com/
Address: 309 Dalhousie St
Contact details: +1 613-789-8885
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Pho By Night is a gem that specializes in crafting perfect bowls of pho that are as soothing as they are flavorful, making every meal feel like a cozy night.
Unlike many other spots, this one boasts with a vibrant atmosphere, given it’s located in the heart of ByWard Market, where rows of bars come alive at night.
Consider getting the rare beef pho – a crowd favorite that features tender, thinly sliced beef cooked to perfection in a rich, aromatic broth.
If that’s not your cup of tea – or bowl of pho – the spicy beef pho offers a fiery kick that guarantees a memorable dining experience.