Ottawa’s Chinatown is the city’s most delicious few blocks — a stretch of Somerset Street West where the smell of simmering pho broth, sizzling garlic and fresh banh mi drifts out onto the sidewalk. If you’re hunting for the best Asian restaurants in Ottawa, or specifically the best restaurants in Chinatown Ottawa, this is your guide. We’ll walk you through the neighbourhood, what to order, and where the classics live — including Vietnam Palace, a Chinatown institution serving authentic Vietnamese food since 1989.
Where Is Ottawa’s Chinatown?
Ottawa’s Chinatown runs along Somerset Street West, roughly between Bay Street and Rochester Street, just west of downtown. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the Royal Arch (the Chinatown Gateway) — the towering, brightly painted paifang that arches over Somerset near Bronson Avenue. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in the city and the symbolic heart of the district.
Despite the name, Chinatown Ottawa is genuinely pan-Asian. Within a short walk you’ll find Vietnamese pho houses, Chinese dim sum halls, Thai kitchens, Vietnamese banh mi counters, hot pot spots, bubble tea shops and Asian grocers. It’s compact, walkable, and packed with more good food per block than anywhere else in Ottawa.
Why Chinatown Is the Best Place for Asian Food in Ottawa
When people search for the best Asian food in Ottawa, they’re often really looking for Chinatown without knowing it. Here’s why the neighbourhood consistently delivers:
- Authenticity. Many kitchens here are family-run, often by second- and third-generation owners cooking recipes brought over decades ago.
- Variety. Vietnamese, Cantonese, Szechuan, Thai, and more — all within a few blocks.
- Value. A steaming bowl of pho or a plate of dim sum feeds you well without emptying your wallet.
- Atmosphere. Bustling, unpretentious, and welcoming — exactly what a great neighbourhood food scene should feel like.
What to Eat in Chinatown Ottawa (By Craving)
Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Use this quick overview to match your craving to the right dish — then find it somewhere along Somerset.
| Craving | What to Order | Cuisine | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm & comforting | Pho (beef noodle soup) | Vietnamese | Casual, cozy |
| Bold & spicy | Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle) | Vietnamese | Casual |
| Quick lunch on the go | Banh Mi (Vietnamese sub) | Vietnamese | Grab-and-go |
| Crispy & shareable | Spring Rolls / Cha Gio | Vietnamese | Appetizer |
| Sizzling & savoury | Banh Xeo (crispy crepe) | Vietnamese | Sit-down |
| Weekend brunch feast | Dim Sum | Chinese (Cantonese) | Lively, family-style |
| Interactive & social | Hot Pot | Chinese | Group dining |
| Fragrant & fresh | Pad Thai / Green Curry | Thai | Casual |
| Sweet finish | Bubble Tea | Pan-Asian | Dessert / drink |
The Anchor of the Guide: Vietnam Palace
No guide to the best Vietnamese restaurants in Ottawa would be complete without Vietnam Palace. Located right in the heart of Chinatown on Somerset Street West, Vietnam Palace has been serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine since 1989 — making it one of the longest-standing Vietnamese kitchens in the city.
What keeps regulars coming back after three decades? Consistency, generous portions, and recipes that taste like home. This is the kind of place where the broth is simmered for hours, the herbs are fresh, and the staff remember your usual order.
Signature Dishes at Vietnam Palace
- Pho — Rich, aromatic beef broth with tender slices of beef and rice noodles. The benchmark bowl. See our best pho near me in Ottawa guide.
- Bun Bo Hue — A bolder, spicier lemongrass-forward noodle soup from central Vietnam. Explore our Bun Bo Hue in Ottawa page.
- Spring Rolls (Cha Gio) — Golden, crispy, and impossible to stop at one. More on our spring rolls in Ottawa feature.
- Banh Xeo — A sizzling, crispy Vietnamese crepe filled with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts, wrapped in fresh herbs and lettuce.
- Vermicelli Bowls & Rice Plates — Grilled meats over rice noodles or rice, with nuoc cham on the side.
Want the full picture? Browse the complete Vietnam Palace menu.
A Closer Look at Chinatown’s Asian Cuisines
Part of what makes Chinatown Ottawa such a rewarding place to eat is the sheer range of Asian culinary traditions packed into a few blocks. Here’s a quick primer so you know what you’re tasting.
Vietnamese
The backbone of Chinatown’s food scene. Vietnamese cooking is all about balance — fresh herbs, bright acidity, savoury broths and delicate textures. Beyond the famous pho, look for bun bo hue (a spicy, lemongrass-scented noodle soup from Hue), banh mi (crusty baguette sandwiches layered with pate, pickled vegetables and grilled meats), and banh xeo (turmeric-tinted crispy crepes). Vietnam Palace has been perfecting these classics since 1989.
Chinese
From Cantonese dim sum — those little steamer baskets of dumplings, buns and rolls — to fiery Szechuan stir-fries and communal hot pot, Chinese cuisine anchors much of Chinatown. Weekend dim sum here is a cherished Ottawa tradition, best enjoyed with a big group and endless pots of tea.
Thai and Beyond
Rounding out the neighbourhood you’ll find Thai kitchens serving fragrant curries, pad thai and tom yum, plus bubble tea shops, Asian bakeries and grocers. The variety means you can eat somewhere different every day of the week and never repeat a cuisine.
Chinatown’s History and Character
Ottawa’s Chinatown grew from a small cluster of Chinese-owned businesses in the early 20th century into the vibrant, multicultural district it is today. The Royal Arch, unveiled in 2010, was a gift symbolizing the friendship between Ottawa and Beijing, and it stands as a proud marker of the community’s roots. Over the decades, waves of Vietnamese, Chinese and other Asian families settled here, opening restaurants and shops that gave the neighbourhood its enduring flavour. Longtime establishments like Vietnam Palace are living pieces of that history — places where recipes and hospitality have been handed down across generations.
How to Explore Chinatown Ottawa Like a Local
Here’s a simple game plan for a great day of eating in Chinatown:
- Start under the Royal Arch. Snap a photo at the gateway on Somerset near Bronson — it’s the classic Chinatown Ottawa landmark.
- Warm up with pho. A bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup is the perfect entry point. Sit down at Vietnam Palace and settle in.
- Graze as you walk. Grab a banh mi, some spring rolls, or a bubble tea between stops.
- Pick up groceries. Asian supermarkets and bakeries line the street — great for taking a taste of Chinatown home.
- Come hungry, leave happy. Portions here are generous. Pace yourself.
For a deeper dive into the city’s Vietnamese scene, see our roundup of the top 10 Vietnamese restaurants in Ottawa.
What Makes a Great Chinatown Restaurant?
With so many choices, how do you pick a winner? After years of eating our way through the neighbourhood, here’s what we look for — and what you should too:
- Broth that’s simmered, not shortcut. Great pho starts with bones simmered for hours. You can taste the difference in the depth and clarity of the broth.
- Fresh herbs and garnishes. A plate of crisp bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime and chili on the side is the sign of a kitchen that cares.
- Consistency over hype. The best spots are the ones that taste just as good on a quiet Tuesday as they do on a busy weekend.
- Warm, familiar service. Chinatown’s finest restaurants feel like family. Vietnam Palace’s regulars have been coming back for decades for exactly that reason.
Best Time to Visit
Chinatown is open and busy most of the week, but a few tips help:
- Weekends are ideal for dim sum brunch and a lively atmosphere — arrive early to beat the crowds.
- Weeknights are perfect for a relaxed pho dinner. Booking a table is smart if you’re coming with a group.
- Lunch is prime time for banh mi and quick noodle bowls.
Planning a group dinner or date night? Book a table at Vietnam Palace in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best restaurant in Ottawa’s Chinatown?
Chinatown Ottawa is full of excellent options, but for authentic Vietnamese food, Vietnam Palace stands out as a neighbourhood institution — serving pho, bun bo hue and classic Vietnamese dishes on Somerset Street since 1989. It’s a reliable, beloved anchor of the district.
Where is Ottawa’s Chinatown?
Ottawa’s Chinatown is along Somerset Street West, west of downtown, marked by the Royal Arch (Chinatown Gateway) near Bronson Avenue. It’s compact, walkable, and packed with Asian restaurants and shops.
What’s the best Vietnamese restaurant in Ottawa?
For authentic, long-standing Vietnamese cuisine, Vietnam Palace in Chinatown is a top pick. It has served the community since 1989 and is known for its pho, bun bo hue, spring rolls and banh xeo.
Where can I find the best Asian food near me in Ottawa?
If you’re in Ottawa, head to Chinatown on Somerset Street West. Within a few blocks you’ll find Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and other Asian cuisines — the highest concentration of authentic Asian food in the city.
What should I order in Chinatown Ottawa?
Start with pho (Vietnamese beef noodle soup), then branch out to banh mi, spring rolls, dim sum, hot pot or Thai curries depending on your craving. For a first visit, pho at Vietnam Palace is a classic, can’t-miss choice.
Is Chinatown Ottawa good for groups and families?
Absolutely. Many restaurants, including Vietnam Palace, offer generous, shareable portions and family-style dining. Dim sum and hot pot are especially fun for groups. Booking ahead is recommended for larger parties.
How do I get to Vietnam Palace in Chinatown?
Vietnam Palace is located on Somerset Street West in the heart of Ottawa’s Chinatown, easily reached by car or transit. Reserve a table or view the menu before you go.
Come Taste the Best of Chinatown at Vietnam Palace
Whether you’re a lifelong pho lover or exploring Ottawa’s Chinatown for the first time, Vietnam Palace is the perfect place to start. Authentic Vietnamese cooking, generous portions, and over three decades of neighbourhood history — all on Somerset Street West.
📍 Location: Somerset Street West, Chinatown, Ottawa
📞 Reservations & enquiries: Call ahead or book a table online.
🍽️ Menu: View the full Vietnam Palace menu.
➡️ Reserve your table at Vietnam Palace today and taste why it’s been a Chinatown favourite since 1989.