Best Indian Restaurants in Ottawa

Ottawa's Indian food scene is deeper than you might expect. The city has award-winning chefs doing serious South Indian cuisine, neighbourhood spots that have been serving for decades, and modern restaurants that balance tradition with refinement. Here are 4 that stand out.

1. Coconut Lagoon — The Award Winner

Coconut Lagoon is the restaurant that put Ottawa's Indian food scene on the map. Chef Joe Thottungal has won multiple culinary awards for his Kerala cuisine — the coastal South Indian tradition built on coconut, curry leaves, and fresh seafood.

The fish curry is the signature dish. The dosas are crispy and authentic. The lunch buffet at $30 is one of the best ways to experience the range of what the kitchen can do.

What to order: Kerala fish curry, dosa, appam. Try the buffet for variety.

Good to know: Wed-Mon 11:30am-2pm & 4:30pm-9:30pm. Closed Tuesdays. Reservations recommended.

Neighbourhood: St. Laurent Boulevard

2. Thali — The Traditional Experience

Thali is named after the traditional Indian way of eating — a circular tray with multiple small dishes that gives you a complete meal. It's the best way to taste the range of Indian flavours without committing to just one dish.

The menu is Kerala-inspired with plenty of vegetarian options. Downtown location makes it convenient for lunch.

What to order: The thali platter. That's literally what they're named for.

Good to know: Daily 11am-3pm & 4:30pm-9:30pm. Walk-ins welcome for lunch.

Neighbourhood: Downtown (O'Connor Street)

3. East India Company — The Institution

East India Company has been feeding Ottawa for over 40 years. The family-run restaurant is best known for its lunch buffet — a spread of butter chicken, lamb curry, vegetable dishes, tandoori items, fresh naan, and more. It's the gold standard of Indian buffets in the city.

Two locations: the original on Somerset Street downtown and a second in the west end.

What to order: The lunch buffet. That's what everyone comes for.

Good to know: Mon-Sat 11am-3:30pm & 4:30pm-10pm, Sun until 9pm. No reservations needed for lunch.

Neighbourhood: Centretown (Somerset Street)

4. Sona The Indian Kitchen — The Modern One

Sona The Indian Kitchen brings modern Indian dining to Ottawa's south end. The atmosphere is trendy — wicker lampshades, bright lighting, dark leather booths. The menu is extensive, covering both North and South Indian classics.

The Hunt Club location offers free parking and delivery, making it convenient for the south Ottawa crowd.

What to order: Butter chicken, biryani, tandoori platter.

Good to know: Tue-Thu 11am-2:30pm & 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm, Sun 12pm-9:30pm. Delivery available.

Neighbourhood: Hunt Club (South Ottawa)

The Quick Comparison

What Makes Ottawa's Indian Food Scene Unique

• Strong South Indian presence — Coconut Lagoon and Thali bring Kerala cuisine that's harder to find in other Canadian cities
• 40+ years of history — East India Company has been here since the early '80s
• Chef-driven restaurants — Joe Thottungal at Coconut Lagoon has national recognition
• Geographic spread — Good options downtown and in the suburbs

Tips

• For the best butter chicken — East India Company does the classic.
• For vegetarians — Thali has the most extensive vegetarian menu. Coconut Lagoon's South Indian dishes are also largely vegetarian.
• For lunch — East India Company buffet is hard to beat. Thali is good for a quick downtown meal.
• For a special occasion — Coconut Lagoon. Book ahead.
• For delivery — Sona The Indian Kitchen is set up for it. East India Company also delivers from their Somerset location.