Best Pho in Ottawa — Vietnam Palace Restaurant
Ottawa’s #1 Vietnamese Pho Since 1989 · 819 Somerset St W, Chinatown
Ottawa’s Most Authentic Pho for Over 35 Years
When it comes to the best pho in Ottawa, there’s one name that keeps coming back: Vietnam Palace Restaurant. Tucked in the heart of Ottawa’s Chinatown on Somerset Street West, we’ve been serving slow-simmered, soul-warming bowls of phở since 1989 — long before pho became a mainstream obsession.
Our pho isn’t a trend. It’s a tradition. Every morning, our kitchen begins the 12-hour process of simmering beef bones, charred ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves into a broth so rich and fragrant it fills the entire restaurant. That’s the foundation of every bowl we serve — no shortcuts, no concentrates, no compromises.
What Makes Our Pho the Best in Ottawa?
1. The Broth — 12 Hours of Patience
Great pho starts with great broth, and great broth takes time. Our beef bone broth simmers for a minimum of 12 hours. We skim impurities constantly to achieve that crystal-clear, deeply flavored broth that defines authentic Vietnamese pho. This is the same technique used in Saigon’s legendary pho shops — and it’s what sets us apart from quick-service pho spots across Ottawa.
2. Fresh Ingredients, Every Single Day
Our rice noodles are prepared fresh. Our herbs — Thai basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, lime — are sourced daily. We don’t cut corners on freshness because our customers can taste the difference. When you sit down to a bowl of pho in Ottawa at Vietnam Palace, you’re tasting ingredients at their peak.
3. Variety — Not Just One Bowl
We serve over a dozen pho variations, including:
- Phở Tái — Rare beef slices that cook gently in the hot broth
- Phở Tái Nạm — Rare beef with well-done flank
- Phở Đặc Biệt — The special combo with rare beef, flank, tendon, tripe, and brisket
- Phở Gà — Chicken pho with tender poached chicken
- Phở Bò Viên — Beef meatball pho
- Phở Chay — Vegetarian pho with tofu and vegetables
Whether you like your pho classic or adventurous, we’ve got a bowl with your name on it.
4. 35+ Years of Perfecting Our Recipe
Since 1989, Vietnam Palace has served hundreds of thousands of bowls of pho. Our recipe has been refined across three decades — perfected through feedback from generations of Ottawa families who’ve made our restaurant their go-to spot for authentic pho in Ottawa.
Where to Find the Best Pho Near You in Ottawa
Vietnam Palace is located at 819 Somerset St W, right in the center of Ottawa’s Chinatown. We’re steps from the Chinatown Gate — one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Whether you’re a Chinatown local or driving across town for a bowl of pho, we’re easy to find and always worth the trip.
Getting Here
- By car: Free street parking available on Somerset and surrounding streets
- By bus: OC Transpo routes along Somerset Street
- By foot: A short walk from Chinatown Gate at Somerset & Booth
More Than Just Pho
While our pho is legendary, Vietnam Palace serves over 150 authentic Vietnamese dishes. From crispy spring rolls and fresh salad rolls to sizzling rice plates, vermicelli bowls, exotic specialties (including frog legs and quail), and a full vegetarian menu — there’s something for everyone.
Explore our full menu here to see everything we offer.
What Ottawa Says About Our Pho
With 664+ Google reviews and a 4.3-star rating, Vietnam Palace is one of Ottawa’s most-reviewed and most-loved Vietnamese restaurants. Customers praise our generous portions, authentic flavors, and the warm, family atmosphere that’s kept them coming back for decades.
Visit Vietnam Palace Today
Ready to try the best pho in Ottawa? We’re open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
- Address: 819 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON
- Phone: (613) 238-6758
- Hours: Mon, Wed–Fri 11AM–10PM · Sat 10AM–10PM · Sun 11AM–10PM · Tue Closed