Where to Eat Pho in Ottawa — A Local’s Guide

Ottawa’s pho scene has grown dramatically over the past two decades, with Vietnamese noodle soup houses scattered from Barrhaven to Gatineau. But if you’re asking a long-time Ottawa local where to eat pho in Ottawa — not just “somewhere decent” but truly worth-the-trip pho — the answer almost always points back to one address: 819 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R4.

This is a local’s guide to Ottawa’s pho landscape — the neighbourhoods, the spots worth knowing, and why Vietnam Palace Restaurant remains the city’s gold standard after 35+ years.

Ottawa’s Chinatown: The Pho Capital of the Capital

Somerset St W between Bronson Ave and Rochester St is Ottawa’s original Vietnamese food hub. The Chinatown neighbourhood here has been home to Vietnamese restaurants since the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the first wave of Vietnamese immigrants settled in the area. Today, it remains the densest concentration of Vietnamese eateries in the city.

Vietnam Palace Restaurant has anchored this neighbourhood since 1989. While other restaurants have opened and closed around it, Vietnam Palace has endured — not just survived, but thrived — by maintaining the quality and consistency that earned it a loyal following from day one.

Where to Eat Pho in Ottawa: Neighbourhood by Neighbourhood

Downtown / Centretown

For pho in central Ottawa, you can walk to Chinatown from most downtown locations in 15–20 minutes, or take a quick bus ride. Vietnam Palace on Somerset St W is the destination most locals in this area return to regularly for a proper bowl.

Westboro / Hintonburg

Residents of Ottawa’s trendy west end are just 10 minutes from Chinatown — a short drive down Richmond Rd or Scott St brings you straight to Somerset St W and Vietnam Palace’s front door.

Glebe / Old Ottawa South

From the Glebe, a 10–15 minute drive north on Bank St connects you to Chinatown. Many Glebe residents make Vietnam Palace their regular Friday night pho spot.

Gatineau / Hull, QC

Cross the Portage Bridge and you’re in Ottawa’s Chinatown in under 15 minutes. Gatineau residents regularly make the short cross-river trip to Vietnam Palace, and it’s a favourite among the Quebec side’s Vietnamese food enthusiasts.

Barrhaven / Kanata / Nepean

From Ottawa’s outer suburbs, the drive to Chinatown takes 20–30 minutes. Most suburban regulars say the trip is absolutely worth it — you simply can’t get the same quality closer to home.

What to Order at Vietnam Palace

If you’re new to Vietnam Palace, here’s what seasoned regulars recommend:

• Pho Dac Biet — The house special pho with multiple beef cuts: rare beef, brisket, tendon, and meatballs. The most complete bowl on the menu.
• Pho Tai — Classic rare beef pho. Simple, pure, and a great way to taste the broth at its finest.
• Crispy Spring Rolls (Chả Giò) — A must-order appetizer. Golden, crunchy, and served with fresh lettuce wraps and dipping sauce.
• Lemongrass Beef (Bò Xào Sả Ớt) — Fragrant, slightly spicy, and pairs beautifully with broken rice.
• Bún Bò Huế — A spicier, more complex noodle soup from central Vietnam. A great option for those who want something different from standard pho.

Browse the complete menu here →

Tips for Your First Visit

A few insider tips for getting the most out of your Vietnam Palace experience:

• Arrive early on Friday and Saturday evenings — it fills up fast
• Call ahead or book online for groups of 4 or more: Reserve a table →
• Don’t skip the garnish plate — the fresh Thai basil, bean sprouts, and lime elevate every bowl
• The pho broth is rich enough to enjoy without adding anything — taste it plain first before reaching for sriracha

Book a Table →
  
See the Full Menu →

Find Us

Vietnam Palace Restaurant
819 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R4 (Chinatown)
📞 (613) 238-6758
Open Mon & Wed–Fri 11AM–10PM | Sat 10AM–10PM | Sun 11AM–10PM | Closed Tuesdays

Explore more: Vietnamese Food in Ottawa | Best Pho Ottawa | Cheap Pho Ottawa | Authentic Vietnamese Ottawa | Our Story