Discovering the Best Restaurants in Chinatown Ottawa

As one of the most cultural and diverse neighbourhoods in Ottawa, Chinatown is a vibrant hub of food, entertainment and history. When it comes to food, there is no shortage of options, ranging from traditional Chinese cuisine to fusion dishes that blend Eastern and Western flavours. Whether you are a local or just visiting, here are some of the best restaurants in Chinatown Ottawa that you should not miss.

The Best Restaurants in Chinatown Ottawa

1. 🍜 Shanghai Restaurant
2. 🍲 Yangtze Restaurant
3. 🍱 Royal Treasure Restaurant
4. 🍛 Golden Palace Restaurant
5. 🥢 Pho Bo Ga 2
6. 🍣 Sushi 88
7. 🥠 Kowloon Market
8. 🍗 Golden Palace BBQ
9. 🍢 Co Cham
10. 🍴 Golden Palace Dim Sum
11. 🍺 The Royal Oak
12. 🍜 Hung Sum Restaurant
13. 🍵 The Tea Party
14. 🍜 New Pho Bo Ga La
15. 🍝 Ta’Keh Restaurant

Introduction

Chinatown is a fascinating place to visit in Ottawa, with its rich cultural heritage, unique architecture, and diverse array of restaurants. Though you can find all sorts of cuisines here, the star of the show is Chinese food. With a long history of immigration, the Chinese community in Ottawa has brought with them a wealth of culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. From Cantonese dim sum to spicy Sichuan hot pot, Chinatown is a veritable feast for the senses.

But with so many options, how do you know where to start? Whether you’re craving classic dishes or something new, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of the best restaurants in Chinatown Ottawa, highlighting the dishes you absolutely cannot miss. Ready to dig in? Let’s go.

Shanghai Restaurant 🍜

If you’re in the mood for some hearty comfort food, Shanghai Restaurant is a must-visit. This cozy spot serves up traditional Shanghainese cuisine, including some of the best soup dumplings in the city. These delicate pouches of dough filled with savoury broth and pork are a must-try, but don’t stop there. The menu is full of other delicious options, such as stir-fried noodles, crispy scallion pancakes, and tender beef brisket in soy sauce. Wash it all down with a refreshing glass of iced soy milk or chilled plum juice.

Yangtze Restaurant 🍲

Yangtze Restaurant is a beloved institution in Ottawa’s Chinatown, known for its consistently delicious food and friendly service. The menu is extensive, with a mix of classic dishes and new creations to try. Start with some crispy spring rolls or spicy chicken wings, then move on to the mains. Try the General Tso chicken, a sweet and spicy dish that’s a crowd-pleaser, or the spicy eggplant with ground pork for a vegetarian option. Don’t forget to order some fluffy steamed rice to soak up all the sauces.

Royal Treasure Restaurant 🍱

If you’re looking for a fancy night out, Royal Treasure Restaurant is the perfect spot. This upscale eatery serves elegant Cantonese cuisine in a chic and modern setting. The menu includes a range of seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, all beautifully presented. Highlights include the lobster with ginger and green onion, the crispy skin chicken, and the sautéed snow pea leaves. If you’re feeling indulgent, go for the Peking duck, a whole bird that’s carved tableside and served with pancakes and plum sauce.

Golden Palace Restaurant 🍛

Golden Palace Restaurant is a classic dim sum spot that’s been delighting diners for over 30 years. Come here for a weekend brunch and indulge in all your favourites, from pork dumplings to BBQ pork buns to custard tarts. The menu is extensive, so take your time and try a little bit of everything. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, the noodles and congee are also fantastic. Be prepared to wait in line on weekends, but trust us, it’s worth it.

Pho Bo Ga 2 🥢

If you’re in the mood for Vietnamese food, Pho Bo Ga 2 is the spot to go. This cozy restaurant serves up steaming bowls of pho, the classic noodle soup that’s beloved around the world. Choose from a variety of meats, including rare beef, tendon, and tripe, and customize your bowl with herbs, sprouts, and lime. If you’re not in the mood for soup, try the crispy Vietnamese pancakes or the lemongrass chicken with rice.

Sushi 88 🍣

For some of the freshest sushi in town, head to Sushi 88. This small restaurant specializes in Japanese cuisine, with a focus on sushi and sashimi. The fish is flown in daily from Japan and is of the highest quality. Try the omakase, a chef’s choice platter that includes a variety of nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls. If you’re not a sushi fan, there are also plenty of other options, such as teriyaki and udon.

Kowloon Market 🥠

If you’re in the mood for some casual eats, Kowloon Market is the perfect spot. This small food court is located inside a bustling Asian grocery store and serves up a variety of dishes from different vendors. Try the Taiwanese beef noodle soup, the Korean fried chicken, or the Hong Kong-style BBQ pork. Wash it all down with a refreshing bubble tea or an iced coffee. Bonus points for the affordable prices.

Golden Palace BBQ 🍗

Another spot for BBQ lovers, Golden Palace BBQ is a no-frills restaurant that specializes in Cantonese BBQ. The star of the show here is the roast duck, which is crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. Other options include the BBQ pork, the soy sauce chicken, and the crispy pork belly. Pair your meat with some steamed rice and Chinese greens for a satisfying meal.

Co Cham 🍢

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, Co Cham is the spot to go. This small restaurant serves up Cambodian street food, with a focus on skewers. Try the beef skewers with lemongrass, the chicken skewers with peanut sauce, or the tofu skewers with sweet chili sauce. Don’t forget to order some Kampot pepper fries on the side, and wash it all down with a refreshing coconut water.

Golden Palace Dim Sum 🍴

Another dim sum spot to add to your list, Golden Palace Dim Sum is a newer addition to the Chinatown scene but has already gained a loyal following. The menu is extensive, with all your favourite dishes plus some new creations to try. Highlights include the shrimp dumplings, the BBQ pork buns, the crispy taro cakes, and the egg tarts. If you’re in the mood for something different, try the steamed rice noodles with beef and cilantro.

The Royal Oak 🍺

If you’re looking for a pub-style atmosphere with a Chinese twist, The Royal Oak is the perfect spot. This cozy bar serves up classic pub fare, such as burgers and poutine, alongside Chinese dishes like Sichuan chicken and salt and pepper squid. Wash it all down with a pint of local craft beer or a refreshing cocktail. Bonus points for the friendly staff and lively atmosphere.

Hung Sum Restaurant 🍜

Hung Sum Restaurant is a true hidden gem in Chinatown. This small restaurant serves up authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine, with a focus on noodles and congee. Try the wonton noodle soup, the beef brisket noodles, or the seafood congee. The portions are generous, so come hungry. If you’re not in the mood for noodles, there are also plenty of rice and vegetable dishes to choose from.

The Tea Party 🍵

If you’re in the mood for a cozy afternoon tea, The Tea Party is the spot to go. This charming tea room serves up a variety of loose leaf teas alongside sweet and savoury snacks. Try the classic scones with clotted cream and jam, the cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, or the mini quiches. The decor is whimsical and feminine, with mismatched china and floral accents.

New Pho Bo Ga La 🍜

Another spot for Vietnamese cuisine, New Pho Bo Ga La is a casual restaurant that serves up some of the best pho in town. The broth is rich and flavourful, and the portions are generous. Try the rare beef and beef ball pho, the lemongrass chicken vermicelli bowl, or the crispy spring rolls. The prices are also very reasonable, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ta’Keh Restaurant 🍝

If you’re in the mood for some fusion cuisine, Ta’Keh is the spot to go. This stylish