Pho Near University of Ottawa — Vietnam Palace Restaurant

University of Ottawa students, professors, and staff know the struggle: long days between Tabaret Hall and the social sciences buildings, tight schedules, and the constant search for real food that doesn’t break the bank. Vietnam Palace Restaurant — just a short ride from uOttawa’s main campus, the Sandy Hill neighbourhood, and King Edward Avenue — has been the answer since 1989.

uOttawa’s Closest Authentic Vietnamese Restaurant

The University of Ottawa occupies a sprawling campus anchored by the historic Tabaret Hall and stretching through the Sandy Hill neighbourhood toward the Rideau River. Vietnam Palace is located at 819 Somerset St W in Ottawa’s Chinatown — accessible via King Edward Avenue south to Somerset Street West, making it one of the most convenient off-campus dining destinations for the entire uOttawa community.

Whether you’re finishing up at the Desmarais building, wrapping a seminar in Simard Hall, or heading out from the law faculty, a bowl of steaming pho awaits. With over 100 Vietnamese dishes, there’s something on our menu for every diet, schedule, and craving.

What uOttawa Students Order at Vietnam Palace

Sandy Hill and the surrounding uOttawa area have a famously diverse food culture, but when it comes to Vietnamese, Vietnam Palace consistently tops the list. Here’s what keeps students and faculty coming back:

• Phở Bò Tái Chín — Rare and well-done beef pho, the perfect post-lecture comfort meal
• Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls) — Light and refreshing for a midday bite between classes
• Bún Thịt Nướng — Grilled pork vermicelli bowl with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs
• Chè Ba Màu — Three-colour Vietnamese dessert drink, a sweet way to end your visit

Our kitchen is open for lunch starting at 11AM (10AM Saturdays), giving you plenty of time to fit us into your university schedule. For the bilingual uOttawa community, our staff speaks both English and French — and of course Vietnamese!

From Sandy Hill to Chinatown in Minutes

The King Edward Avenue corridor connects uOttawa’s Sandy Hill campus directly to Ottawa’s Chinatown. From the main university entrance near Laurier Avenue East, head west on Laurier to Bank Street, then south to Somerset Street West — we’re at number 819. The trip takes roughly 10 minutes by car, or you can take OC Transpo Route 5 along Rideau and transfer to Somerset-bound service.

Cyclists from Sandy Hill can follow the Colonel By pathway or ride down King Edward to the Centretown cycling network and reach our door in 15 minutes. Our neighbourhood has paid street parking and nearby lots along Somerset and Booth Street.

A Restaurant That’s Part of Ottawa’s Heritage

Vietnam Palace has operated continuously in Ottawa’s Chinatown since 1989 — long before many of uOttawa’s newest buildings were even designed. We’re family-run, community-rooted, and proud to serve one of Canada’s most culturally diverse urban universities. Our 671 Google reviews averaging 4.3 stars reflect decades of trust built one bowl at a time.

For group dinners after student events, birthday celebrations, or departmental lunches, we can accommodate larger parties. Contact us at (613) 238-6758 or book online to arrange your group visit.

Find Us

• 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

More to explore: Best Pho Ottawa | Cheap Pho Ottawa | Chinatown Ottawa | About Vietnam Palace | Contact