Pho Near Canadian Tire Centre Ottawa — Pre-Game Dining for Sens Fans

Ottawa Senators fans know the drill: the trek out to Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata makes for an epic hockey night, but finding great food before the puck drops isn’t always easy. Whether you’re driving in from downtown or the west end, Vietnam Palace Restaurant in Ottawa’s Chinatown offers a memorable pre-game dining experience that beats arena food every single time.

Fuel Up Before the Sens Game

Canadian Tire Centre — home of the Ottawa Senators — sits in Kanata, about 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa. That makes Chinatown an ideal pre-game dinner stop: close enough to the action that you won’t be rushing, far enough from the arena that you won’t hit that pre-game traffic surge until after a satisfying meal.

Vietnam Palace at 819 Somerset St W has been serving Ottawa hockey fans since 1989. Our kitchen runs until 10PM nightly (except Tuesdays), giving you plenty of flexibility around puck-drop times. Whether the game starts at 7PM or 7:30PM, a 5:30PM dinner at Vietnam Palace leaves you comfortable and energized for three periods of Sens hockey.

The Ultimate Pre-Game Pho Experience

There’s something deeply satisfying about a hot bowl of pho before a hockey game. The warmth, the broth, the depth of flavour — it’s the kind of meal that settles you in and gets you ready for a big night. Our Sens fan regulars have their go-to orders, and here are the pre-game favourites:

• Pho Dac Biet (House Special) — The full bowl: rare beef, brisket, tendon, tripe, meatballs. Nothing goes to waste, everything delivers.
• Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Lemongrass Beef Noodles) — For Sens fans who like their hockey (and their soup) with some heat
• Crispy Spring Rolls Platter — Shareable, fast, and perfect while the whole table settles in
• Vietnamese Iced Coffee — Sweetened condensed milk + strong drip coffee = game-night energy

Group Dining for Sens Night

Planning a hockey night with a group? Vietnam Palace is the answer. Our dining room accommodates parties of all sizes, and with 100+ dishes on the menu, even the pickiest eaters in your group will find something they love. We’ve hosted countless pre-game dinners for groups heading to Canadian Tire Centre — the energy is always great, the service is quick, and the food is consistently excellent.

For groups of 6 or more heading to a Senators game, we strongly recommend reserving a table in advance. Call (613) 238-6758 or book online at our reservations page to lock in your spot.

From Chinatown to Kanata: A Perfect Ottawa Night

The drive from Vietnam Palace Restaurant on Somerset Street to Canadian Tire Centre via Highway 417 West takes approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic. Leave our restaurant 90 minutes before puck drop for a relaxed experience — time to park, grab your gear from the car, and settle into your seats before warm-ups end.

After the game, we’re also open late! If the Sens win and you want to celebrate, if overtime went long and you need sustenance — our kitchen runs until 10PM on most nights.

Ottawa’s Most Loyal Vietnamese Restaurant

In 35+ years, we’ve served Ottawa through Cup runs, rebuilding years, and everything in between. We’re not just a restaurant — we’re part of the fabric of this city. Our 671 Google reviews (4.3 stars) come from real Ottawa residents who’ve made Vietnam Palace part of their lives. Hockey night, playoff runs, casual Wednesdays — we’re here for all of it.

Location & Hours

• Address: 819 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R4
• Phone: (613) 238-6758
• Hours: Mon 11AM–10PM | Tue CLOSED | Wed–Fri 11AM–10PM | Sat 10AM–10PM | Sun 11AM–10PM
• Email: info@vietnampalacerestaurant.ca

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