Best Thai Food in Ottawa

Ottawa's Thai food scene has matured over three decades, with restaurants ranging from Royal Thai Government-certified authenticity to neighbourhood gems tucked away on side streets. Whether you're craving a classic Pad Thai or a fragrant green curry, here are 4 spots that deliver the real thing.

1. Khao Thai Restaurant — The Certified One

Khao Thai Restaurant has been serving authentic Thai dishes since 2004. The Chiturai family earned the prestigious Thai Select certification from the Royal Thai Government in 2019 — a designation ensuring that at least 60 percent of dishes are authentic Thai cuisine.

Located on Murray Street in the ByWard Market, it's the go-to for anyone seeking government-certified authenticity. The flavours are balanced, the portions generous, and the experience feels like Thailand.

What to order: Pad Thai, Green Curry, Tom Yum Soup.

Good to know: Lunch Tue-Sun 12pm-3pm, Dinner daily 5pm-10pm (10:30pm Fri-Sat).

Neighbourhood: ByWard Market

2. Siam Bistro — The 30-Year Institution

Siam Bistro has been serving Wellington Village for over 30 years, making it one of the first Thai restaurants in Ottawa. The cozy spot has earned its reputation through generous portions, intense flavours, and quality ingredients.

The owners also run Lotus of Siam at 925 Bank Street in the Glebe — an elevated Thai experience in a modern setting.

What to order: Pad Thai, Red Curry, Satay Skewers.

Good to know: Lunch Tue-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 4:30pm-9:30pm, Sun 4:30pm-9pm.

Neighbourhood: Wellington West

3. Wandee Thai Cuisine — The Hidden Gem

Wandee Thai Cuisine is tucked away on Beech Street in Little Italy. This family-owned restaurant is a hidden gem that reviewers consistently call "the best Thai food in Ottawa."

The pad kee mao and yellow curry are particularly praised. The atmosphere is cozy, the service friendly, and the flavours authentic.

What to order: Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), Yellow Curry, Green Curry.

Good to know: Tue-Fri 11:30am-2pm & 4pm-8pm, Sat 4pm-8pm. Closed Sun-Mon.

Neighbourhood: Little Italy

4. Sukhothai Restaurant — The West End Pick

Sukhothai Restaurant serves Nepean with authentic Thai cuisine and house-made sauces. The chef prepares everything meticulously, and the sauces are good enough to purchase and take home.

Located on Robertson Road, it's the go-to for west-end residents seeking Thai flavours without the downtown drive.

What to order: Pad Thai, Green Curry, Lunch Specials ($19.50-$23.50).

Good to know: Mon-Fri Lunch 11:30am-2pm, Mon-Sat Dinner 5pm-9pm. Closed Sunday.

Neighbourhood: Nepean (West End)

The Quick Comparison

Thai Dishes to Know

• Pad Thai — Stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind, peanuts, and lime. The essential.
• Green Curry — Coconut milk with green chillies, Thai basil, and bamboo shoots.
• Pad Kee Mao — "Drunken Noodles." Wide rice noodles with basil and chillies.
• Tom Yum — Hot and sour soup with lemongrass and galangal.
• Massaman Curry — Rich, mild curry with peanuts and potatoes. Persian-influenced.
• Panang Curry — Thick, creamy curry with kaffir lime leaves.

Tips

• For authenticity — Khao Thai has the Thai Select certification.
• For history — Siam Bistro has been doing it for 30+ years.
• For hidden gem vibes — Wandee Thai in Little Italy.
• For the west end — Sukhothai on Robertson Road.
• For spice — Ask for "Thai spicy" if you want the real heat. Most restaurants tone it down by default.