11 Best Restaurants in Chinatown Ottawa You Shouldn’t Miss
If you frequently crave Asian food like me, we thankfully don’t need to book the first flight we can find to Japan, Korea, or China to taste authentic Asian cooking. Here in Ottawa, we have our own little Chinatown that’s home to all the resto’s we need.
From authentic Vietnamese beef pho at Pho Thu Do, Maht’s sizzling Korean barbecue, to Sushi 88’s freshest sushi, I’ve tried them all here and so many more. There’s also a special place in my heart for Jadeland’s Kung Pao Chicken and General Tso’s Chicken.
Whether you’re familiar with Ottawa’s own Chinatown or not, here are the best restaurants you just can’t miss if you’re in the area!
Best Restaurants Chinatown
Sushi 88
ADDRESS: 690 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6P4, Canada
CONTACT: 613 233-3288
WEBSITE: http://sushi88.ca/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Veggie Delight (18pcs. – $20), Smoked Salmon (3pcs. – $7.5), Mega Combo (22pcs. – $36), Sushi Omakase (15pcs. – $32), Nigiri Omakase (10pcs. – $30)
PRICING: $$
Have you checked out Sushi 88 in Chinatown yet? It’s one of the first places you’ll see as soon as you walk into Chinatown, so you really can’t miss it.
Not only does it have some of the best sushi in town, but it also serves up some killer Japanese and Asian dishes. And for all you veggie lovers out there, it’s got plenty of vegetarian-friendly options too.
So, don’t hesitate to bring your vegan pal along, because God knows our friends really appreciated being able to eat with us and not worry about limited options. The vibe at Sushi 88 is super cozy and zen, which made the overall dining experience even better.
And let’s talk about the service and food – both are absolutely top-notch, the Smoked Salmon and Philly Rolls were honest-to-goodness to die for! And don’t even get me started on the Mega Combo, I’d willingly take home that much sushi for myself if I could!
Anyways, based on our last visit, we’re definitely not the only ones who really enjoyed the food here, so if you want to skip the wait, just give the restaurant a call to make a reservation.
Promise, you’ll be grateful to not have to wait to dive into your food like we had to!
New Pho Bo Ga La
ADDRESS: 763 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R1, Canada
CONTACT: 613 233-2222
WEBSITE: https://newphobogala.ca/pages/home
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Pork Spring Rolls ($7), Vermicelli ($19), Iced Coffee ($5), BBQ Beef Rice Wrap ($7), Pho ($15.50)
PRICING: $
Whenever it’s cold outside, slurping some hot and fresh noodle soup is just the right way to warm you down to your bones, and New Pho Bo Ga La hits the right spot. I’ve lost count of how many times I ordered from here during the winter or cold, rainy days.
And it’s really not enough to visit only once because there are just so many varieties of noodle soups you can try. Our favorites that we just can’t recommend enough are Pho, Beef Spring Rolls, and Vermicelli noodles!
Despite how simple the menu items are, it’s all so satisfying, but here’s the best part – the food portions are pretty generous, and the prices are totally reasonable.
Which is honestly a lifesaver during times when I’m running a little bit low on funds and payday is still a few days away. Hot filling soup, carbs from the noodles, and protein from the beef make Beef Pho my go-to meal whenever I’m strapped for cash.
And who doesn’t love a good deal, right? Being able to indulge in some hot and tasty Pho without breaking the bank is just heaven, especially during the freezing months.
But even if it isn’t the chilly season, there’s no good reason why you shouldn’t order some steaming hot Pho and other Vietnamese treats.
It’s also awesome how friendly the staff is, always making you feel right at home, regardless of the season when you have the time to drop by the restaurant in person.
So, what are you waiting for? Make your way over to New Pho Bo Ga La and get ready to chow down on some seriously delicious Vietnamese grub!
Royal Treasure Restaurant
ADDRESS: 774 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R1, Canada
CONTACT: 613 237-8827
WEBSITE: http://royaltreasure.ca
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Hot & Sour Soup ($11.95), General Tso Chicken ($16.95), Sizzling Stuffed Eggplant ($17.95), Chicken Sweet Corn Soup ($11.95), Spring Rolls ($2.95)
PRICING: $
If you’re looking for a place that cooks a mean General Tso’s Chicken, you can grab one of the best from Royal Treasure Restaurant. And let me tell you, this restaurant’s take on one of my favorite Asian dishes is simply divine.
This isn’t surprising since this classic spot’s been serving up mouthwatering Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine for the local community for decades now.
Aside from the great eats, the warm and friendly atmosphere makes you feel at home while you eat. Perfect to bring a friend to for a casual lunch, even if they have any dietary restrictions like being on a vegan diet.
My friend gave their order of Blackbean Eggplant a thumbs up, and they really loved the savory black bean sauce with a hint of spice drizzled on top of their rice.
Maht Korean Restaurant
ADDRESS: 726 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6P8, Canada
CONTACT: 613 680-7268
WEBSITE: http://mahtottawa.com
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Tteokbokki ($16.99), Fried Chicken (Original – $20.99) Fried Chicken (Spicy – $22.99), Kimchi Pancakes ($9.99), Tofu Bibimbap ($17.99)
PRICING: $
Every visit to Maht is a culinary adventure that you can’t soon forget, especially with dishes like the Japchae Bundle and the Tteokbokki — which were absolutely delicious.
These particular dishes are perfect for sharing, but if you’re like me, you can easily down them by yourself, no joke!
The Japchae Bundle is a must-have, with its delicate glass noodles and perfectly cooked veggies and meat. It’s a very satisfying dish that left my taste buds begging for more of its savory goodness.
The Tteokbokki, in particular, was the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors and chewiness that we couldn’t get enough of.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, particularly vegetarian, the Tofu Bibimbap is a great choice. I may not be vegan myself, but I had to try it and the tofu was just cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with the veggies and rice.
Jadeland
ADDRESS: 625 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K3, Canada
CONTACT: 613 233-0204
WEBSITE: http://www.jadeland.com/index.html
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Chicken & Diced Salty Fish Fried Rice ($16.50), Salt & Pepper Shrimp ($21.50), Black Pepper Steak ($19.95), Kung Pao Chicken ($19.50), Yangchow Fried Rice ($15.95)
PRICING: $$
Have you ever had a meal so good that you couldn’t stop thinking about it for days after you’ve been there? Well, that’s how I felt after trying out Jadeland’s incredible menu of Chinese dishes, my favorites being the Kung Pao Chicken and Yangchow Fried Rice.
Not only does it offer a fantastic selection of traditional Szechuan and Cantonese dishes, but the dim sum menu is also top-notch. If I could order a pack of frozen Pork Shiu My or Shrimp Har Kow, my freezer would be filled with them.
The Chicken & Diced Salty Fish Fried Rice is a delicious medley of fluffy fried rice, succulent chicken pieces, and salty diced fish that’s cooked to perfection. It’s the perfect blend of savory flavors, a definite must-order-again for us.
I’ve always loved seafood and if you’re the same, then you simply can’t miss out on the Salt & Pepper Shrimp. This dish is a feast for the senses with its crispy coating, succulent shrimp, and bold flavors that had all of us fighting for the last piece!
The black pepper beef is another standout dish we went gaga over that you simply can’t ignore with its tender and juicy meat that packs a punch with its rich flavors.
Phuket Royal
ADDRESS: 713 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6P7, Canada
CONTACT: 613 235-3134
WEBSITE: https://www.phuketroyal.com/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Pad Thai ($11.95), Satay Chicken ($8.95), Mango Salad ($14.95), Papaya Salad ($19.95), Beef Pho ($13.95)
PRICING: $
Phuket Royal is another must-visit Thai restaurant in Ottawa’s Chinatown for its awesome Pad Thai after another long day at the office. This cozy little eatery made a name for itself by offering authentic Thai flavors that are hard to come by elsewhere.
Let’s start with our usual order, the classic Pad Thai, a staple dish that’s beloved by Thai food enthusiasts everywhere. At Phuket Royal, it’s cooked to perfection with stir-fried rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, fresh bean sprouts, and a zesty lime wedge on the side.
Some days I prefer to try something new, and the Red Curry with Salmon was the best choice I could’ve made then. The rich and creamy coconut-based sauce was infused with fragrant spices and chili paste, just the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
And for someone who needs more nutrients in their daily diet, the succulent salmon adds a healthy dose of Omega-3s. It’s almost sinful how rich the salmon tasted, which honestly solidified its place in my regular orders.
There’s also the refreshing Mango Salad or Papaya Salad that goes great as a side so you won’t feel too overwhelmed with the umami of the fish. These fresh and fruity salads are bursting with tangy flavors that made us feel as if it was a dessert instead.
So if you’re on the prowl for some authentic Thai cuisine, head over to Phuket Royal and treat yourself to a culinary adventure you won’t forget!
So Good Restaurant
ADDRESS: 717 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6P7, Canada
CONTACT: 613 233-0138
WEBSITE: http://sogoodsomerset.com/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Broccoli with Lemon Grass and Garlic Sauce ($12.95), Szechuan Stir Fried Tofu ($12.95), Malaysian Fried Rice ($12.95), Salt and Pepper Tofu ($12.95), Singapore Style Fried Rice Vermicelli ($14.95)
PRICING: $
When you and your friends just can’t decide or agree on which Asian restaurant you’ll go to, So Good Restaurant is the one that’ll put all your disagreements to rest. From Chinese and Vietnamese to Thai cuisine, this place has it all.
Eating here felt like you were already on the bustling streets of Asia as each dish is carefully crafted with authentic local spices and ingredients. The Chinese-style Salt and Pepper Tofu paired with Malaysian Fried Rice is a medley of spices on your tongue.
The Szechuan Stir Fried Tofu is a dish that packs a punch with its bold flavors and spicy kick. The tofu is perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it the ideal accompaniment to the Szechuan sauce, perfect for those who love a bit of heat!
The Salt and Pepper Tofu is a dish that’s crispy, savory, and oh-so addictive as the tofu is perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection. It’s then tossed with a mix of salt, pepper, and other secret spices that have you reaching for more after just one bite!
Another popular dish that you simply can’t miss is the Vietnamese Spring Rolls.
These little rolls of heaven are stuffed with fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, and your choice of either shrimp or tofu. Dip them in the peanut sauce that comes on the side, and you’re in for a flavor explosion and are the perfect appetizer for sharing.
I guarantee you and your friends will be fighting for the last spring roll via rock-paper-scissors as we did.
Ben-Ben Restaurant
ADDRESS: 697 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6P5, Canada
CONTACT: 613 238-5022
WEBSITE: http://www.benbenrestaurant.com/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Dry Fried Rice Noodle with Beef ($12.50), Minced Chicken Corn Soup ($6.95), Hot and Sour Soup ($6.95), Sizzling Spicy Beef & Eggplant ($17.25), Rice Noodles with Beef in Black Bean Sauce ($12.50)
PRICING: $$
For a culinary adventure that will take your taste buds on a trip to China without leaving Ottawa, look no further than Ben-Ben Restaurant. With a diverse menu featuring an array of Szechuan and Cantonese-style dishes, it has something to satisfy every palate.
My permanent seafood cravings were temporarily satisfied by the Lobster with Green Onion & Ginger dish here. The succulent lobster was paired with fragrant ginger and green onions for a flavorful and savory dish that’s just simply irresistible.
If you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting, we found out ourselves that the Dry Fried Rice Noodle with Beef is a perfect choice. Tender slices of beef are stir-fried with crispy noodles and vegetables in a savory sauce.
And we can’t mention the Minced Chicken Corn Soup enough, which isn’t just perfect for those looking for a lighter option, but it’s really just a comforting and warming soup.
It’s a classic Chinese dish made with fresh corn and minced chicken in a flavorful broth that doesn’t feel too heavy on the stomach. For something hotter, the Hot and Sour Soup is a tangy and spicy soup made with shredded vegetables, tofu, and pork.
If you want to save a bit of money, there are affordable lunch specials offered from 12 noon to 3 PM. This means you can indulge in all these delish Chinese cuisines without breaking the bank.
Pho Thu Do
ADDRESS: 781 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R3, Canada
CONTACT: 613 235-7116
WEBSITE: http://www.phothudo.ca/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Vegetarian Pho ($14.95), Spring Rolls ($7.50), Fresh Salad Rolls with Grilled Chicken ($7.50), Medium Rare Beef Rice Noodle Soup ($13.95), Vietnamese Coffee with Condensed Milk Served Hot ($3.95)
PRICING: $
It started as another walk through Chinatown trying to find somewhere new to eat, and it was the aroma of Pho Thu Do’s famous Pho that attracted us inside. This dish is served in large bowls filled with mouthwatering savory broth, fresh herbs, and thin noodles.
But it’s not just about the Pho at Pho Thu Do that made us stay, the fresh salad rolls with grilled chicken packed with veggies and protein were an awesome side dish. There’s also vegetarian pho here, which is just as satisfying as the meat-based dishes.
Once you’ve filled up your tummy with that hot broth and crunchy spring rolls, you can’t leave without an order of traditional Vietnamese coffee served hot with condensed milk. This perfect balance of bitter and sweet will leave you feeling content and satisfied!
Korean House Restaurant
ADDRESS: 785 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R3, Canada
CONTACT: 613 237-0808
WEBSITE: https://koreanhouse.ca/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Kimchi Soup ($16.95), Pork Bone Soup ($16.95), Vegetable Pancakes ($11.95), Short Rib Bibimbap ($18.95), Yook Gaejang ($17.95)
PRICING: $$
Whether you’re a fan of Korean food or just love a good feast, Korean House Restaurant ticks all the right boxes. The restaurant specializes in Korean barbecue, a fun and interactive style of dining where you get to grill meat right at your table.
But don’t let the focus on barbecue fool you because Korean House Restaurant has an extensive menu of other delicious Korean dishes. We tried several hearty soups and crispy, savory pancakes with different flavors to crispy, chewy, flavorful dumplings.
One dish you won’t want to miss is the Kimchi Soup, a savory and spicy broth loaded with tender pork and tangy, fermented kimchi. Another must-try is the Short Rib Bibimbap, a sizzling hot stone bowl filled with rice, vegetables, and tender beef.
And don’t forget about the complimentary banchan, a selection of small side dishes that come with your meal. These crunchy pickled vegetables and savory fried tofu add even more flavor and honestly just pair well with all the umami-filled meals.
Vietnam Palace Inc
ADDRESS: 819 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R4, Canada
CONTACT: 613-238-6758
WEBSITE: https://www.vietnampalacerestaurant.ca/
MUST-ORDER MENU ITEMS: Fried Shrimp Rolls ($23.95), Crispy Quail ($14.95), Pork Chop on Rice ($13.95), Beef Pho ($11.95), Iced Milk Coffee ($4.95)
PRICING: $$
Looking for a Vietnamese restaurant that has it all? Look no further than Vietnam Palace Inc!
We got to try a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes but of course, our favorite classic Vietnamese noodle dish, Beef Pho. The piping hot and rich broth with high-quality beef is just like an umami bomb in your mouth.
After slurping up your soup down to the last drop, we were practically begging for more and ordered a plate of the Fried Shrimp Rolls. These crispy, savory rolls are stuffed with juicy shrimp and had us ordering another additional plate after finishing the first one.
Do try the Crispy Quail here, which is a dish that’s both tender and crispy all at once if you don’t feel like indulging in the Pho.
And if you’re looking for a heartier meal, try the Pork Chop on Rice, a dish that features tender, juicy pork served over a bed of fragrant rice. Or for something lighter, try the Fresh Shrimp Rolls, which are stuffed with fresh, crunchy vegetables and fresh shrimp.
But no matter what you order, make sure to leave room for dessert – Vietnam Palace Inc’s Iced Milk Coffee is a must-try! This sweet, creamy coffee is the perfect way to end your meal on a high note.
*Pricing Guide
$ = Affordable/Budget-friendly
$$ = Mid-range/Slightly more expensive
$$$ = High-end/Expensive