Ottawa has been eating well in and around Chinatown for generations, and the strip along Somerset Street West is still the anchor for it, even as newer spots spread out to Merivale Road, Bank Street, and beyond. This list was put together from Google, Tripadvisor, Yelp, and Restaurant Guru reviews, along with local coverage, to find ten places that keep showing up as reader and reviewer favourites. One well-known name, Yangtze, is missing here on purpose: it closed its Somerset Street location in November 2024 after more than 40 years and has not reopened at the time of writing.
1. Golden Palace
Area: Carlingwood and Carlington · Rating: mixed across platforms, strong loyal following
Golden Palace has operated from the same spot on Carling Avenue since 1962, making it one of the oldest Chinese restaurants still running in the city, now in its third generation of family ownership. Regulars come back for the hand-rolled egg rolls, which have built a reputation well beyond the restaurant itself and are sold frozen for takeaway. Reviews split between longtime fans who say the food has stayed consistent and others who feel it has changed over the years, but the egg rolls remain the reason most people walk in the door.
2. Yang Sheng Restaurant
Area: Chinatown, Somerset Street West · Since: 1972
Running since 1972 out of an old red brick building in Chinatown, Yang Sheng is one of the neighbourhood's longest-serving family-run spots, covering Cantonese and Szechuan dishes plus dim sum. Reviewers consistently point to the fair prices, hot and fresh food, and the wonton and rice pot dishes as standouts. It suits diners looking for a classic, no-frills Chinatown sit-down meal rather than a polished dining room.
3. Royal Treasure Restaurant
Area: Chinatown, Somerset Street West · Rating: 4.1 on Tripadvisor (59 reviews) · Since: 1993
Royal Treasure has been serving Cantonese and Szechuan dishes from its Somerset Street location since 1993, and several reviewers single it out as among the best in Chinatown. The draw is the combination of authentic home-style cooking, fast service, and portions reviewers describe as huge for the price. It is a better fit for a casual, food-first meal than a date night, since the room itself is described as plain and often busy.
4. Ben Ben Restaurant
Area: Chinatown, Somerset Street West · Rating: 4.0 on Tripadvisor (52 reviews), 4.1 on Google
Tucked near Chinatown's Royal Arch, Ben Ben has been running for over twenty years with a menu that covers both Sichuan and Cantonese cooking. Reviewers frequently mention the lemon chicken and General Tao chicken, generous portions that can serve two people, and friendly service from the owner. Opinions vary on consistency from visit to visit, but the value and range of the menu keep people coming back.
5. Jadeland Restaurant
Area: Chinatown, Somerset Street West · Rating: 4.0 on Tripadvisor, 4.3 on Google
Jadeland is a long-running, no-frills Chinatown spot known for its BBQ duck, hot and sour soup, and crispy beef, with a sprawling menu built for sharing. Reviewers describe the decor as dated but the service as attentive, and note the dim sum is more hit or miss than the restaurant's cooked dinner dishes. It suits groups looking for large portions and classic Cantonese comfort food over atmosphere.
6. Yimin Dim Sum House
Area: Chinatown, Somerset Street West · Rating: 4.0 on Tripadvisor, 4.2 on Google
Yimin focuses on dim sum alongside broader Cantonese, Sichuan, and northern Chinese dishes, with reviewers praising the authentic flavours, generous portions, and range of spice levels on offer. It also comes up frequently in local vegetarian-friendly recommendations. This is a solid pick for a dim sum crawl through Chinatown without needing a reservation for a formal cart service.
7. Shanghai One Fine Dining
Area: Merivale Road, Nepean · Rating: 3.6 on Restaurant Guru (561 reviews)
Shanghai One bills itself as a fine-dining option outside the core Chinatown strip, on Merivale Road, and shows up on multiple lists of the city's best dim sum. Reviewers single out the shrimp dumplings as some of the best in Ottawa and describe the dim sum overall as fresh and authentic, though service has been called slow at busy times. It is a good choice for diners who want a sit-down dim sum experience with a slightly more polished setting than Chinatown's older spots.
8. Liuyishou Hotpot
Area: Merivale Road, Nepean · Rating: 4.6 stars from customer reviews, 3.6 on Tripadvisor
Part of the Liuyishou hot pot chain, this Merivale Road location lets diners build their own meal from a range of broths, including a well-reviewed spicy Chongqing-style base, along with proteins, vegetables, and noodles cooked tableside. Reviews consistently praise the broth options and attentive service, with the main complaint being thin meat slices in some orders. It is best suited to groups who want an interactive, DIY dinner rather than a plated meal.
9. Mr. Maocai
Area: Downtown, Bank Street · Rating: 4.4 stars (199 reviews on Birdeye)
Mr. Maocai brought the first international location of a Chinese maocai chain to Bank Street downtown, serving what is sometimes called instant hot pot: diners pick their ingredients and broth, and the kitchen cooks it into one bowl rather than simmering it tableside. Reviewers who have eaten maocai in China say the flavours hold up, and the portions and value are frequently praised. Some note dishes can arrive lukewarm, so it suits diners more interested in the format and flavour than a piping-hot presentation every time.
10. Wok Hey! Chinese Food
Area: McCarthy Road, south Ottawa · Rating: 4.3 on Google (265 reviews), 4.5 on Restaurant Guru (300 reviews)
Wok Hey is a takeout-focused Cantonese spot on McCarthy Road that consistently scores well across review platforms for its egg rolls, garlic chicken, and overall value. Several reviewers call it a hidden gem for takeout Chinese food away from the downtown core. It is best suited to those looking for a reliable neighbourhood order-in rather than a sit-down dinner.
How We Built This List
This list was compiled from public sources: Google reviews, Tripadvisor, Yelp, Restaurant Guru, and local Ottawa restaurant coverage, read and cross-checked in August 2026. It is not a paid placement, and ottown has not tested or visited any of the businesses named here. Ratings, review counts, and history noted for each business reflect what was visible in the sources checked at that time and may have since changed. Last reviewed: August 2026.
Sources: CBC News on Yangtze's closure, Ottawa Chinatown business directory, and individual Tripadvisor, Yelp, and Google review pages for each business listed above.
