Ottawa's pho scene has exploded in recent years, with over 14 restaurants serving authentic Vietnamese noodle soup across the city. From Chinatown classics to suburban gems, here's your complete guide to finding the best bowl.
Category: guide
Ottawa may be known as Canada's capital, but for food lovers, it's quietly become one of the country's best cities for Vietnamese pho. With a vibrant Chinatown centered on Somerset Street West, a growing food scene in neighborhoods like Kanata and Sandy Hill, and a community that deeply values authentic cooking, the city offers an impressive range of pho experiences.
Whether you're craving a classic Pho Tai (rare beef pho) or an adventurous Bun Bo Hue (spicy Hue-style soup), Ottawa has you covered. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best pho restaurants in Ottawa, neighborhood by neighborhood.
Somerset Street West between Bay and Preston is where Ottawa's pho culture truly thrives. This stretch is home to some of the city's most beloved and long-standing pho restaurants.
Pho Bo Ga La at 784 Somerset St W is a Chinatown institution. Known for their rich, aromatic beef broth simmered for hours, they consistently deliver one of the best bowls in the city. Their spring rolls are frequently praised as some of Ottawa's finest.
Saigon Boy Noodle House at 648 Somerset St W is another must-visit. Pho enthusiasts consistently rank it among Ottawa's top spots for its rich, clear broth and authentic beef tendon. Note: cash or debit only.
Pho Tuan on Booth Street is a family-run gem with crystal-clear broth. Their Bun Cha Ha Noi with grilled pork patties is widely considered the best in the city.
Pho By Night on Dalhousie Street has been a ByWard Market staple for over 25 years. Their signature Pho Supreme features rare sirloin, brisket, tendon, and house-made beef balls in a 24-hour bone broth. They're halal-friendly with vegan options and no MSG — a rare combination in the pho world.
One of Ottawa's best pho features is the late-night availability. Pho Bo Ga King on Somerset is open until 4am on weekends, while New Pho Bo Ga La keeps its doors open until 1am most nights. These spots are perfect for post-concert or after-work cravings.
Ottawa's pho scene extends well beyond Somerset Street. iPho Vietnamese Restaurant in Sandy Hill has built a loyal following among University of Ottawa students. Authentic Vietnamese Pho House in Kanata brings quality pho to the west end. And Pho Vietnam in Vanier serves some of the richest, most complex broth in the city from an unassuming storefront on St Laurent Boulevard.
When selecting a pho restaurant in Ottawa, consider what matters most to you:
After extensive tasting and research, our top recommendations for the best pho in Ottawa are:
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