Vietnam Palace Restaurant Ottawa logo authentic Vietnamese cuisine since 1989

Ottawa Chinatown Restaurant — Vietnam Palace Since 1989

819 Somerset St W · In the Heart of Chinatown · 35+ Years

A Chinatown Institution for Over 35 Years

Ottawa’s Chinatown is one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods — a stretch of Somerset Street West packed with culture, history, and incredible food. And at the center of it all sits Vietnam Palace Restaurant, a family-run Vietnamese restaurant that’s been part of the Chinatown community since 1989.

When you walk through our doors at 819 Somerset St W, you’re not just entering a restaurant — you’re stepping into a piece of Ottawa’s culinary history. We’ve watched Chinatown grow and evolve over three decades, and we’ve been proudly serving the neighborhood through it all.

Why Vietnam Palace is Chinatown’s Best-Kept Secret

While Ottawa’s Chinatown has dozens of restaurants, Vietnam Palace stands apart for several reasons:

  • Longevity: 35+ years in the same location. We’re not going anywhere.
  • Menu depth: Over 100 dishes — from pho and bun to exotic specialties like frog legs and quail
  • Authenticity: Our recipes come from Vietnam, not from a corporate playbook
  • Family spirit: We treat every guest like family. Many of our customers have been coming for decades
  • Value: Generous portions at prices that won’t empty your wallet

Exploring Ottawa’s Chinatown

Chinatown on Somerset Street is a cultural landmark. Here’s what makes the neighborhood special:

The Chinatown Gate

The iconic red and gold gate at Somerset and Booth marks the entrance to one of Ottawa’s most diverse food corridors. Vietnam Palace is just a short walk from the gate — making us one of the first restaurants you’ll encounter on your Chinatown food adventure.

Somerset Street Food Scene

Somerset Street West between Booth and Preston is home to Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, and other Asian cuisines. But for authentic Vietnamese food, Vietnam Palace has been the neighborhood’s top choice since before many of the newer spots even existed.

What to Eat at Vietnam Palace

First time? Here are our most popular dishes:

  1. Phở Đặc Biệt — Our signature special combo pho with rare beef, brisket, flank, tendon, and tripe
  2. Chả Giò — Crispy Vietnamese spring rolls (the best on Somerset Street)
  3. Gỏi Cuốn — Fresh salad rolls with shrimp, pork, herbs, and peanut sauce
  4. Cơm Sườn Nướng — Grilled pork chop over rice with pickled vegetables
  5. Bún Bò Huế — Spicy Hue-style beef vermicelli with lemongrass
  6. Cà Ri Gà — Vietnamese chicken curry with French bread

See our complete menu for all 100+ dishes.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Our spacious dining room accommodates everything from a quick solo lunch to large family celebrations. We regularly host:

  • Family dinners and birthday celebrations
  • Group outings and office lunches
  • Date nights
  • Tourist visits exploring Chinatown
  • Late-night dining (open until 10PM most days)

Visit Us in Chinatown

Book Your Table →

Full Menu · Best Pho · Vietnamese Food · Our Story

Getting Here

Address: 819 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R4 (Chinatown)

By Car: We’re right on Somerset St W — the main strip of Ottawa’s Chinatown. Free street parking available on Somerset and surrounding streets. Metered parking along Somerset during business hours.

By Transit: Bus #2 on Somerset. 10-min walk from Lyon station. The #2 bus along Somerset stops directly in front of the restaurant. The O-Train Confederation Line connects to downtown bus routes.

By Bike: Bike racks available on Somerset Street. Chinatown is cycling-friendly with dedicated lanes nearby.

Plan Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best restaurants in Ottawa Chinatown?

Ottawa Chinatown on Somerset Street is home to many excellent restaurants. Vietnam Palace is a top choice for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, offering everything from pho and spring rolls to curry and vermicelli bowls in a welcoming family-friendly setting.

Where is Chinatown in Ottawa?

Ottawa Chinatown is located along Somerset Street West, roughly between Bay Street and Preston Street. It is easily accessible by OC Transpo bus routes and is a short walk from downtown Ottawa. Vietnam Palace is right in the heart of this vibrant district.

Is there parking near Ottawa Chinatown restaurants?

Yes, there is street parking along Somerset Street and nearby side streets. Several paid parking lots are also available within walking distance. Many customers also take the bus or walk from downtown.

What type of cuisine is popular in Ottawa Chinatown?

Ottawa Chinatown features diverse Asian cuisines including Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Japanese. Vietnamese restaurants like Vietnam Palace are especially popular for pho, banh mi, and other traditional dishes.

Are Chinatown restaurants family-friendly?

Absolutely! Many Chinatown restaurants, including Vietnam Palace, welcome families with children. We offer a diverse menu with options for all ages, and our friendly staff is happy to help with recommendations for younger diners.

Do Chinatown restaurants offer takeout and delivery?

Most Chinatown restaurants offer takeout, and many provide delivery through platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash. Vietnam Palace offers both takeout and delivery so you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese food from the comfort of your home.

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