Best Pho in Ottawa
Most of Ottawa's best pho lives on Somerset Street in Chinatown. From a 30-year veteran to a modern spot doing banh mi on the side, here are 4 places that get the broth right.
Ottawa's pho scene is anchored on Somerset Street in Chinatown, where Vietnamese restaurants have been serving the city for decades. The broth-to-restaurant ratio here is unmatched — you can walk a few blocks and hit several solid pho spots.
Here are the 4 that locals keep coming back to.
1. Pho By Night — The ByWard Market Legend
Pho By Night has been on Dalhousie Street for over 25 years. It's the pho spot that people outside of Chinatown know about, and for good reason. The beef bone broth simmers for hours and the result is a deeply flavoured bowl that rewards patience.
What to order: Beef pho. The broth is the star. Keep it classic.
Good to know: The only one on this list outside of Chinatown. Located in the ByWard Market. Open until 10pm on weekends.
Price: $
2. Pho Thu Do — The 30-Year Veteran
Pho Thu Do on Somerset Street has been serving Chinatown for over 30 years. The broth here is rich and deeply flavoured, with tender meats and generous portions. A true institution.
What to order: The special combination pho with multiple cuts of beef. Or try the Bun Bo Hue if you want something spicy.
Good to know: Open late on weeknights. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Price: $
3. Saigon Boy Noodle House — The Big Bowl
Saigon Boy is where you go when you're really hungry. The portions are almost comically large, the service is fast, and the prices are low. It's a no-frills noodle house on Somerset Street that delivers on volume and flavour.
What to order: The large pho. You've been warned about the size. Pad thai is also well-made.
Good to know: Quick service. Good for a fast lunch.
Price: $
4. Co Cham — The Modern One
Co Cham is the newer face of Vietnamese food on Somerset Street. While the veterans focus on tradition, Co Cham adds a modern touch — vibrant plating, creative combinations, and one of the better banh mi in Ottawa. The pho stays authentic.
What to order: The banh mi is a must. Follow it with a bowl of pho if you're hungry.
Good to know: Closed Mondays. Closes by 8pm other days.
Price: $
The Quick Comparison
| Spot | Style | Best For | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pho By Night | Classic | ByWard Market convenience | Dalhousie St |
| Pho Thu Do | Traditional | Late-night pho | Somerset St |
| Saigon Boy | Noodle house | Biggest portions | Somerset St |
| Co Cham | Modern | Banh mi + pho combo | Somerset St |
About Chinatown's Pho Strip
Ottawa's Chinatown runs along Somerset Street West between Bay and Preston. It's home to the highest concentration of Vietnamese restaurants in the city. Most of the spots on this list are within a 5-minute walk of each other. If you're serious about pho, spend a Saturday afternoon here and try more than one.
Tips
- All 4 spots are affordable. You're looking at $12-18 for a large pho
- Chinatown parking can be tight. There's a city lot on Somerset near Arthur, and some spots have parking behind
- Co Cham is closed Mondays and closes by 8pm. Don't show up late expecting a bowl
- Pho By Night is the easiest to get to if you're already downtown or in the Market
FAQ
What is the best pho in Ottawa?
Top pho spots include Pho By Night (ByWard Market legend for 25+ years), Pho Thu Do (30-year veteran on Somerset Street), Saigon Boy Noodle House (biggest portions), and Co Cham (modern Vietnamese with excellent banh mi). Most are located on Somerset Street in Chinatown.
Where is Ottawa's Chinatown for pho?
Ottawa's Chinatown runs along Somerset Street West between Bay and Preston. It has the highest concentration of Vietnamese restaurants in the city. Pho Thu Do, Saigon Boy, and Co Cham are all within a 5-minute walk of each other on this strip.
Where can I find pho outside of Chinatown in Ottawa?
Pho By Night on Dalhousie Street in ByWard Market is the go-to pho spot outside of Chinatown. It's been serving beef bone broth simmered for hours for over 25 years. Open until 10pm on weekends.
What is the oldest pho restaurant in Ottawa?
Pho Thu Do on Somerset Street in Chinatown has been serving Ottawa for over 30 years. Known for rich, deeply flavoured broth with tender meats and generous portions. They're also open late on weeknights.
How much does pho cost in Ottawa?
A large bowl of pho in Ottawa typically costs $12-18. All four top spots (Pho By Night, Pho Thu Do, Saigon Boy, Co Cham) are affordable at the $ price range.
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