Thai Food in Ottawa: 20+ Restaurants, Dishes & Tips

Last Updated: January 27, 2026

Thai food in Ottawa is not one scene. It is a set of neighborhood rituals, from late-night curry runs on Bank Street to family dinners in Nepean where the parking lot matters as much as the spice level. This guide is built for how people actually eat: quick takeout after work, date nights that need a little mood, and the kind of steady neighborhood restaurants you keep coming back to for years.

Ottawa has around 20 to 25 notable Thai restaurants when you focus on dedicated Thai kitchens rather than generic Asian menus. Some spots are long-running standards, others are newer and more social, and a few listings are hard to verify or likely closed. This guide keeps the signal clean while preserving the details that matter: addresses, hours, price ranges, signature dishes, and the practical tips locals repeat in reviews.

Key Highlights

Thai food spread on a table Caption: A balanced spread shows why Thai menus work so well for groups.

TL;DR: Ottawa has a solid Thai lineup anchored by ByWard and Bank Street, with strong neighborhood favorites in Nepean and Preston. For traditional flavors, start with Khao Thai, Champa, and Nana Thai; for easy parking and comfort, Baan Thai and Aiyara are standouts. If you cross the river, Krong Thai remains a reliable Gatineau option.

Quick Facts	Details
Total Thai spots covered	20+ restaurants (plus unverified listings)
Best for authenticity	Champa Thai, Nana Thai, Khao Thai
Best for easy parking	Baan Thai, Aiyara
Best for spice lovers	Champa Thai, Aiyara
Best for a night out	Siam Bistro, Social Thai

How to Choose Thai in Ottawa: Spice, Noodles, and Value

Thai spices and herbs on a table Caption: Lemongrass, lime, basil, and chilies are the backbone of most Thai menus.

Ottawa Thai menus look familiar, but the experience shifts a lot from place to place. Some kitchens aim for gentle heat and wide appeal; others expect you to pick your spice level and stick with it. If you are new to Thai food, start with Pad Thai, green curry, or tom yum. These dishes show the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy without pushing you into intense heat. If you already like bold spice, ask for medium-hot and be specific; some kitchens treat “hot” as a full-on challenge.

If noodles are your priority, focus on places that emphasize wok work and fresh herbs. The same logic that makes a bowl of ramen special applies to Thai noodles: strong broth or sauce, good texture, and fresh aromatics. You can compare noodle styles with our ramen guide and then decide if you want more stir-fry or broth-driven comfort. For group dining where everyone shares, Thai can scratch the same itch as hot pot without the two-hour table commitment; see our hot pot guide if you want that full communal experience.

Thai also overlaps with other Asian dining styles in Ottawa. If you like grill-at-the-table dinners, the Korean BBQ guide is a good companion read. For budget meals, Thai lunch specials often compete with the city’s best affordable options, and you can cross-check with our cheap eats list to find the best value days.

One practical tip: ask how each kitchen interprets spice. Some use a 1-5 scale, others use mild/medium/hot, and a few will ask, “Thai hot or Canadian hot?” That is not a joke. If you like heat but still want to enjoy the meal, ask for medium and add chili on the side the first time. For vegetarian or gluten-free diners, Thai is often friendlier than other cuisines because of coconut milk curries and rice-based staples, but always confirm sauces. Fish sauce is common even in vegetable dishes, and peanut sauces may not be safe for allergies. Those small details matter more than the menu title.

ByWard Market and Downtown: Old Guard Thai With Market Energy

ByWard Market area restaurant exterior Caption: The ByWard Market area stays busy from lunch through late dinner.

Khao Thai Restaurant

Khao Thai is one of the longest-running Thai rooms in the Market and it shows in the rhythm of the place. It is a reliable stop for classic Thai dishes, served the way regulars expect without the inflated prices that sometimes come with a tourist-heavy address.

Address: 103 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M5. Hours: Lunch Tue-Sun 12-3; Dinner Sun-Thu 5-10; Fri-Sat to 10:30 (kitchen closes 30 minutes early). Prices: Pad Thai $18-22, Green curry $19-23, Tom yum $10-12, lunch specials under $15. Signature dishes: Pad Kra Pao and massaman curry with spice levels that can go from mild to truly hot. Service: Dine-in, takeout, delivery (Uber Eats). Parking/Transit: Street and nearby lots in the Market; O-Train uOttawa and multiple buses along King Edward.

Locals describe it as dependable rather than trendy. One TripAdvisor review notes, “Excellent service from beginning to end. Friendly, efficient, helpful. Dishes were fresh and very flavorful.” A Reddit comment often echoed is, “Khao Thai never disappoints for reliable Thai in the market, spice on point if you ask.” Google reviews call out the Pad Thai as a long-time favorite. The unique value is consistency: 21+ years of traditional recipes in a neighborhood where restaurants change fast.

Champa Thai Cuisine (Champa Thai Food)

Champa is smaller and quieter, and that is the point. It is the sort of place that builds a loyal following through authenticity and steady heat rather than flashy decor.

Address: 193 King Edward Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 7L6. Hours: Not explicitly listed; reviews suggest lunch and dinner with an assumed Tue-Sun schedule, closed Monday (verify before going). Prices: Curries $16-20, Pad Thai about $17, soups $9-12. Signature dishes: Curries and stir-fries described as “real Thai” with customizable spice from mild to hot. Service: Dine-in, takeout, delivery. Parking/Transit: Street parking and bus access on King Edward; close to uOttawa station.

TripAdvisor reviews are blunt about why people return: “REAL Thai food, finally! Hands down the best Thai food in Ottawa. I’ve visited Thailand a few times and this is honestly as close as it gets.” Another says, “Delicious & Authentic Thai Cuisine! This is by far the best Thai food spot in Ottawa, everything tastes amazing and authentic!” In local forums it is often called the “underrated king of real spice.” If your priority is authenticity over atmosphere, Champa earns its reputation.

Bank Street and the Glebe: Date-Night Thai and Weeknight Staples

Bank Street evening storefronts Caption: Bank Street is full of weeknight dinner traffic, so reservations help.

Siam Bistro Thai Restaurant

Siam Bistro brings a more polished dining-room feel to Thai food. It is not the place for a rushed takeout bowl. It is the place for a longer sit-down meal, the kind you plan for.

Address: 925 Bank Street, Ottawa (Glebe). Hours: Not explicitly listed; implied dinner-focused Tue-Sun roughly 5-10 with possible lunch service (verify). Prices: Pad see ew $18-22, Red curry $20, Spring rolls $10. Signature dishes: Panang curry (medium-hot), Tom kha (mild and creamy), spice customizable. Service: Dine-in, takeout and delivery via DoorDash. Parking/Transit: Bank Street street parking and Glebe lots; buses 7 and 11; LRT nearby.

Reviewers highlight balance and consistency: “Best in Ottawa for refined Thai” shows up in TripAdvisor comments, and a Reddit note says the spice is “balanced perfectly.” The unique draw here is the contemporary room - if you want Thai food as a date-night experience, this is one of the best bets in the city.

If you are building a broader date-night shortlist, compare it with our date night restaurants guide before you book.

Social Thai leans into the casual, social vibe. It is a modern room with a Pad Thai that is used as a calling card, and it is busier than you would expect for a newer spot.

Address: 399 Bank Street, Ottawa. Hours: Likely daily 11-10; call 613-230-0084 to confirm. Prices: Pad Thai $18+, curries and stir-fries $17-23. Signature dish: Pad Thai as the house special, medium spice default. Service: Dine-in, takeout, delivery; reservations encouraged. Parking/Transit: Bank Street street parking; easy transit access.

A common review line is short and direct: “Best new Thai! Pad Thai perfection.” Reddit comments echo that the Pad Thai “slaps.” If you like newer concepts but want a familiar dish, Social Thai is the obvious bridge between classic and contemporary.

Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil is one of those Bank Street spots people walk past without noticing - until a friend drags them in and they become a regular. The menu tends to emphasize freshness and a slightly more careful presentation than pure takeout-only restaurants.

Address: Bank Street, Ottawa (exact address not specified in sources). Hours: Closes around 10; lunch and dinner service (verify). Prices: $$ to $$$, seasonal menu. Signature dishes: Fresh seasonal dishes with adjustable spice. Service: Dine-in and takeout. Parking/Transit: Bank Street street parking; easy transit.

TripAdvisor reviews include lines like, “This place is on Bank Street and easy to pass by… Delicious food.” If you want a quieter, less crowded Bank Street option, Sweet Basil is worth a closer look.

Preston and Little Italy: Thai Street Noodles and Budget Classics

Preston Street restaurant row Caption: Preston Street is a compact strip with easy walkability.

Nana Thai (Ottawa)

Nana Thai is the opposite of a one-size-fits-all menu. It is a small, family-run spot that leans into dishes you do not always see in Ottawa.

Address: 121 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7P3. Hours: Mon-Thu 11-2 and 4-9; Fri similar; Sat 4-9; Sun closed. Prices: Lunch specials $12-15; Pad Thai $16-20; Curries $18-22; Tom yum $10-14; Appetizers $8-12. Signature dishes: Gai Krob Panang, Kuay Jab, Thai subway, with spice adjustable. Service: Dine-in and reservations; takeout via phone or restoZone (minimum $10, delivery fee $4). Parking/Transit: Street parking on Preston; O-Train and buses on Somerset/Preston.

The praise is emphatic and specific. A TripAdvisor review says, “Ottawa’s Best Thai food… compares favourably with the very best places I found in Asia. The food is fresh and flavourful.” Another notes, “They have several dishes that are not commonly found in other Thai restaurants… Kuay Jab, Thai subway, Gai Krob Panang.” A Facebook group post highlights a 99 percent gluten-free menu. Nana Thai is the place you go when you want authentic Thai street food rather than a safe, generic menu.

Green Papaya (Ottawa)

Green Papaya is simple and affordable, a classic “good enough all the time” Thai spot rather than a destination that needs a special trip.

Address: Preston Street area (exact address not specified in sources). Hours: Likely lunch and dinner around 11-9 (verify). Prices: $15-22 mains; papaya salad, Pad Thai, and curries are the usual picks. Signature dishes: Papaya salad and classic curries with spice that can be customized. Service: Dine-in and takeout with fast service. Parking/Transit: Street parking; transit access on Somerset and Preston.

TripAdvisor reviews emphasize value and speed: “Great Thai food at reasonable prices… food was great, served very quickly.” If you want a straightforward Thai meal without big crowds or complicated reservations, Green Papaya is reliable.

If your group leans more toward Japanese flavors but still wants noodles and broth, our sushi guide can help you compare options in the same part of town.

Red Pepper Thai-Viet

Red Pepper is a Thai-Viet hybrid rather than a pure Thai kitchen, which matters if you are searching specifically for Thai flavors. It sits closer to the fusion end of the spectrum, which can be a plus if your group wants both Thai and Vietnamese staples in one order.

Address: Not specified in current sources. Hours: Standard lunch and dinner hours (verify). Prices: Around $18 mains. Signature dishes: Thai-Viet mixes such as Pad Thai alongside pho-style bowls. Service: Dine-in and takeout. Parking/Transit: Urban street parking.

Because it blends cuisines, Red Pepper works best for mixed groups or family orders. It is not the top choice for pure Thai authenticity, but it can be a practical compromise when you want one menu to cover multiple tastes. For a more focused Cantonese or dim sum experience, see our dim sum guide.

West End and Nepean: Suburban Favorites With Easy Parking

Suburban plaza with restaurant frontage Caption: Suburban Thai restaurants often win on parking and space.

Baan Thai

Baan Thai is a Nepean staple that consistently wins on comfort and consistency. It is the kind of place families choose when they want real Thai food without worrying about parking or downtown crowds.

Address: 261 Centrepointe Dr, Ottawa, ON K2G 6E8. Hours: Typically 11:30-10 daily, with a possible 2-5 break; no closed days listed (verify). Prices: Pad Thai $18-22; satay $12-15; spring rolls $10-13; green curry $20-24; tom yum $9+. Signature dishes: Pad Thai, satay, curries; spice adjustable from mild to very hot. Service: Dine-in with full bar, reservations, wheelchair access; takeout and delivery (Uber Eats). Parking/Transit: Large Centrepointe plaza parking; OC Transpo routes near Centrepointe (170/171).

TripAdvisor comments describe it as steady and generous: “Their food is excellent and the staff is wonderful. Love the Pad Thai, satay…” Reddit mentions it as a reliable takeout choice with authentic spice. The differentiator here is comfort and space: Baan Thai is the suburban Thai restaurant that still feels like a real restaurant, not a takeout counter.

If you are turning this into a weekend food run, pair a Thai dinner with a late brunch or dessert from our brunch guide.

Sabai Thai

Sabai Thai appears in local searches but has limited 2026 confirmation. It is usually described as a relaxed, low-profile spot, and the lack of current details suggests you should call before making it a main plan.

Address: Not confirmed (likely in a central neighborhood such as Preston or Bank Street). Hours: Typical Thai hours, limited confirmation. Prices: Standard Thai pricing, limited details. Signature dishes: Standard Thai with adjustable spice (limited details). Service: Likely takeout-focused, limited data. Parking/Transit: Urban street parking.

Because details are thin, treat Sabai Thai as a “verify first” entry. If it is open, the expectation is simple takeout with a relaxed vibe rather than a destination dining room.

South Ottawa and the Airport Corridor: Heat-Forward and Delivery-Friendly

South Ottawa strip mall restaurant Caption: South Ottawa Thai spots are built for quick pickup and easy access.

Aiyara Thai Cuisine

Aiyara is a strong south-end option known for honest portions and direct, heat-forward flavors. It is less about polish and more about food that travels well.

Address: 1590 Walkley Rd, Ottawa, ON K1V 6P5. Hours: Not listed; typical Tue-Sun 11:30-9 with Monday closed (verify). Prices: Pad Thai $17-20; Tom kha $11; mango sticky rice $9; basil fried rice $18; massaman curry $22. Signature dishes: Pad see ew and spicy seafood; Isaan influences; spice customizable. Service: Casual dine-in, strong takeout and delivery (DoorDash/Skip). Parking/Transit: Walkley plaza parking; O-Train Walkley and bus routes.

Google and Reddit comments describe it as “the real deal” with heat that can be pushed high if you want it. If you live in the south end and want Thai that feels made for locals rather than tourists, Aiyara is a clear fit.

Thai Lanna

Thai Lanna is mentioned as a northern Thai-focused option, but current data is less precise than other restaurants. It appears active and family-friendly, with solid reviews despite limited online specifics.

Address: Bank Street area (exact address not confirmed in sources). Hours: Dinner-focused, closes around 10; likely Tue-Sun, closed Mon (verify). Prices: Pad Thai $18; curries $20+; spring rolls $11. Signature dishes: Northern Lanna-style dishes; spice adjustable. Service: Dine-in, takeout, delivery. Parking/Transit: Bank Street street/plaza parking and bus routes.

TripAdvisor reviews call it “fresh and delicious,” and local comments often highlight green curry. Consider it a “check before you go” option that can reward a little planning.

Phuket Royal

Phuket Royal has an active Ottawa presence but few public details beyond reviews and the restaurant’s own site. The consistent theme in comments is friendly service and solid Thai standards.

Address: Ottawa location active (exact address not specified in sources). Hours: Daily lunch and dinner (verify). Prices: $$ to $$$; pad Thai around $20. Signature dishes: House specials with adjustable spice. Service: Dine-in, takeout, delivery. Parking/Transit: Parking available, transit accessible.

TripAdvisor reviewers mention “Owners are such great people” and “service is amazing,” which is a good signal for a neighborhood regular rather than a one-off visit.

Takeout-First and Online Ordering

Takeout bag with Thai food containers Caption: Thai food travels well, especially noodles and curries.

Wandee Thai Cuisine

Wandee Thai is built around online ordering and convenience. If your priority is quick pickup and predictable timing, it fits that use case better than most.

Address: 40 Beech Street, Ottawa. Hours: Not specified; online ordering suggests standard Thai hours (verify). Prices: $15-25 menu range with spice options per dish. Signature dishes: Traditional Thai classics with adjustable heat. Service: Online ordering, takeout, delivery. Parking/Transit: Residential-area parking.

Wandee does not need to be flashy. Its main advantage is speed and convenience, which makes it a practical weeknight option.

Gatineau Cross-River Options

Gatineau street scene near restaurants Caption: Gatineau options are worth the short drive for value and BYOB policies.

Restaurant Krong Thai

Krong Thai is one of the most consistent Thai options on the Gatineau side, and it brings a unique Cambodian-Thai-Vietnamese blend that you do not see much in Ottawa proper.

Address: 205 Rue Bellehumeur, Suite 30, Gatineau, QC J8T 8H3. Hours: Mon closed; Tue-Sat 11-10 with a 2:30-4:30 break; Sun 5-9. Prices: Pad Thai $16-20; Bangkok Soup $8-12; spring rolls $9-13; curries $18-22; Khmer stir-fry $17-23. Signature dishes: Pad Thai, Bangkok Soup, Khmer stir-fry, Phnom Penh Soup; spice adjustable. Service: Dine-in with reservations; takeout via phone/website; delivery platforms; BYOB. Parking/Transit: Street and nearby lots; Gatineau bus routes close by.

A Yelp review sums up the appeal: “The best Thai foods in Gatineau… bring your own alcohol… always full on the weekend so make sure that you make a reservation.” The standout value here is the BYOB policy and the menu depth that goes beyond standard Thai staples.

Chez le Thai

Chez le Thai is a smaller, quieter option in central Gatineau. The data is lighter, but it remains active in listings and is known for being vegetarian-friendly.

Address: 39 Rue Laval, Gatineau, QC J8X 3G8. Hours: Lunch and dinner; specific 2026 hours not listed (verify). Prices: $15-25 mains; $$-$$$; vegetarian-friendly menu. Signature dishes: Thai staples with adjustable spice (no standout dish named in sources). Service: Dine-in with reservations, takeout, outdoor seating, alcohol service. Parking/Transit: Central Gatineau street parking and transit access.

TripAdvisor lists it with a 3.5/5 average from 48 reviews, which suggests a steady if less-hyped option for a casual meal.

Unverified or Possibly Closed Listings (Verify Before Going)

Closed sign on a storefront Caption: A few Thai listings are hard to verify in 2026 and should be confirmed before visiting.

Some listings appear in older directories or partial search results but do not show consistent evidence of activity in 2025-2026. If you are specifically looking for these names, call ahead or check for a current web presence before making plans.

Thai Flame Restaurant: No verified address or hours; absent from 2024-2025 listings, likely closed or rebranded.
Lemongrass Thai Cuisine: No operational data found in 2026 references, likely closed/merged.
Talay Thai (Ottawa): No verified address or active listings.
Meet Noodle (Ottawa): Not confirmed as a Thai restaurant in Ottawa listings.
California Thai (Ottawa): No verified address or active listings.
Thai Kitchen (Ottawa): Generic name without a confirmed Ottawa profile.
Viet Thai Noodle (Ottawa): Appears as a fusion concept with no current verified details.

For these listings, no verified addresses, hours, or menu pricing were found in 2025-2026 sources.

If you are hunting for one of these names, check for a current website, a recent Google review, or an active social media feed before making plans. Ottawa restaurant listings can lag by a year or more, and a quick phone call will save you a wasted trip.

Comparison: Thai Food in Ottawa at a Glance

Ottawa neighborhood map Caption: Thai spots cluster around a handful of core corridors and suburbs.

Restaurant	Area	Typical Main Price	Best For	Notes
Khao Thai	ByWard Market	$18-22	Classic Thai in the Market	Long-running, reliable spice range
Champa Thai	King Edward	$16-20	Authentic Thai flavors	Hidden gem, strong reviews
Siam Bistro	Bank/Glebe	$18-22	Date night	Polished dining room
Baan Thai	Nepean	$18-24	Easy parking	Suburban staple
Nana Thai	Preston	$16-22	Thai street dishes	Rare items like Kuay Jab
Aiyara	Walkley	$17-22	Heat-forward takeout	South-end favorite
Krong Thai	Gatineau	$16-23	BYOB value	Cambodian-Thai-Viet mix

Neighborhood cheat sheet

ByWard Market: Khao Thai and Champa for classic Thai in a busy, walkable core.
Bank Street/Glebe: Siam Bistro and Social Thai for a sit-down night out.
Preston/Little Italy: Nana Thai for rare street dishes; Green Papaya for quick, affordable Thai.
West/Nepean: Baan Thai for easy parking and family dinners.
South Ottawa: Aiyara for heat-forward takeout; Thai Lanna if you want northern-style flavors.
Gatineau: Krong Thai for BYOB value; Chez le Thai for a quieter room.

Best-for shortcuts

Best value: Nana Thai lunch specials, Baan Thai lunch, Krong Thai BYOB savings.
Most authentic: Champa Thai, Nana Thai, Khao Thai.
Fusion option: Red Pepper Thai-Viet (Thai-Viet mix).
Vegetarian-friendly: Champa Thai and Nana Thai (gluten-free heavy); Baan Thai for adaptations.
Spice lovers: Champa Thai and Aiyara; Khao Thai if you ask for hot.
Parking wins: Baan Thai and Aiyara (plaza lots).

Tips for Ordering Thai Food in Ottawa

Ordering from a restaurant menu Caption: A quick menu scan helps you match spice level and dish style.

Ask for a clear spice level. Many kitchens adjust to your comfort, but the baseline can vary widely. If you like heat, ask for medium-high or hot and confirm what that means for that kitchen.
Choose dishes that travel well. Pad Thai, curries, and tom yum hold up better than crispy fried items. If you are ordering delivery, keep crunchy appetizers separate.
Use transit for downtown spots. ByWard and Bank Street parking is limited. O-Train and buses are often faster than circling for street parking.
Watch lunch specials. Nana Thai and Khao Thai both offer solid lunch value, and Baan Thai often surprises with generous portions at midday.
Save room for dessert. Mango sticky rice is worth ordering when it is on the menu. If you want a sweeter end to the night, compare it with the city’s bakeries guide.
BYOB across the river. Krong Thai in Gatineau is a rare BYOB option, which keeps dinner costs down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Restaurant server answering a question Caption: Ask about spice, sauces, and allergens before you order.

Q: What is the most authentic Thai restaurant in Ottawa?

Champa Thai and Nana Thai are often cited for authenticity, with reviews referencing flavors similar to Thailand. Khao Thai is also a strong traditional option in the ByWard Market. If you want a straightforward classic menu with adjustable heat, those three are the safest bets.

Q: Which Thai restaurant is best for a date night?

Siam Bistro is the most consistent date-night pick thanks to its polished dining room and refined menu. Social Thai also works if you want a more casual, modern atmosphere.

Q: Where can I get Thai food with easy parking?

Baan Thai in Nepean and Aiyara on Walkley are the easiest for parking. Both sit in plaza settings with large lots, which is a big advantage compared to Bank Street or the Market.

Q: Do any Thai restaurants in Ottawa offer delivery?

Most do. Khao Thai, Baan Thai, Aiyara, Social Thai, and Wandee all support delivery through platforms like Uber Eats or Skip, while others offer pickup that is often faster and fresher.

Q: What dishes should I start with if I am new to Thai food?

Pad Thai, green curry, and tom yum are the safest starting points. They show off Thai balance - sweet, sour, salty, and spicy - without pushing you too far into intense heat.

Q: Which Thai spots are best for spice lovers?

Champa Thai is often praised for real heat. Aiyara also leans hot if you ask for it, and Khao Thai will go spicy when requested.

Q: Are there Thai restaurants with gluten-free options?

Nana Thai is noted for a very high percentage of gluten-free options, and several restaurants such as Baan Thai and Champa Thai mention gluten-free adaptations in reviews.

Q: Are any Thai restaurants possibly closed or hard to verify?

Yes. Thai Flame, Lemongrass Thai, Talay Thai, and a few other listings are difficult to confirm in 2025-2026. Treat them as “verify first” and call ahead if you are specifically looking for those names.

Q: What is the best Thai option in Gatineau?

Krong Thai is the standout thanks to its BYOB policy and its broader Cambodian-Thai-Viet menu. Chez le Thai is quieter and more casual if you want a smaller dining room.

Q: Can I make Thai food part of a larger food crawl?

Yes. Pair Thai with nearby neighborhoods and other food guides like hot pot or ramen for a full day of Asian dining across the city. If you want a completely different vibe on the same day, contrast Thai with a casual stop from the food trucks list.

Q: Is Thai food in Ottawa expensive?

Most mains fall in the $16-24 range. You can keep it budget-friendly by targeting lunch specials or takeout-focused spots like Nana Thai or Baan Thai.

Q: What should I order for takeout?

Pad Thai, curries, and tom yum are the best takeout bets because they keep their texture and flavor during delivery. Ask for sauces on the side when possible.

Final Summary

Ottawa skyline at sunset Caption: Ottawa neighborhoods each add a different Thai food rhythm.

Ottawa’s Thai food landscape is deeper than it first appears. The ByWard Market anchors the classic side of the scene with Khao Thai and Champa, while Bank Street offers a more modern, social version of Thai through Siam Bistro and Social Thai. Preston gives you street-style dishes at Nana Thai, and the south and west ends deliver easy parking and reliable takeout with Baan Thai and Aiyara. If you do not mind crossing the river, Krong Thai is still one of the best values in the region.

If you want a single strategy, start with authenticity in the core neighborhoods and then branch out for convenience: Khao Thai or Champa when you want classic flavor, Nana Thai when you want something unique, and Baan Thai or Aiyara when you want an easy pickup that still tastes like a real restaurant meal. With those anchors, you can explore the rest of the list at your own pace.

Plan ahead on weekends, especially for smaller rooms and BYOB spots.

Sources

Research notes and laptop Caption: Sources help keep hours, prices, and locations accurate.