Ottawa's Must-Try Restaurants: A Foodie's Honest Guide 🍜🍗🍣

1. Khao Thai - Authentic Thai Flavors 🇹🇭 When my bestie and I crave Thai food, this is our spot! We ordered: Tom Yum Soup (chicken & shrimp versions) - While different from the creamy coconut milk style I'm used to, the broth was perfectly balanced - tangy, spicy, and aromatic. That first sip transported me straight to Bangkok! Chicken Skewers - Marinated in coconut milk and grilled to perfection. So juicy with this incredible smoky-sweet crust. Pro tip: Squeeze extra lime on top! Pad Kra Pao (Holy Basil Stir-Fry Rice) - The portion was MASSIVE 🤯. We barely finished half between us. The minced meat with crispy basil and that runny egg? Absolute perfection. Why I Love It: ✅ Authentic flavors without being Westernized ✅ Generous portions (great value) ✅ Cozy atmosphere perfect for girls' night 2. Arirang - My Korean Comfort Food Haven 🇰🇷 This is my "I don't know what to eat" default choice: Gamjatang (Pork Bone Soup) - The ultimate comfort food. Spicy, hearty broth with fall-off-the-bone meat. Always comes bubbling hot in that traditional stone pot. Seafood Pancake - Crispy edges, chewy center packed with squid and shrimp. Dip it in their special sauce! Potato Pancakes - My secret obsession. Crispy outside, fluffy inside. Heads Up: ⚠️ Their bibimbap is too oily for my taste (tried once, never again) ⚠️ Can get crowded during peak hours 3. Joey - Worth the Splurge 💎 Special occasion spot that never disappoints: Steak - Always cooked exactly to temp. That charred crust? Chef's kiss Szechuan Chicken Lettuce Wraps - My must-order appetizer. Spicy, crunchy, savory - flavor explosion! Tuna Sushi - Surprisingly fresh for a non-sushi specialty place Chocolate Lava Cake - That molten center with vanilla ice cream? Heavenly 😇 Note: 💸 On the pricier side, but quality justifies it 4. Table Sodam - Korean Fried Chicken Experts 🍗 Good but not my top pick for Korean: Pork Bone Soup - Decent but I've had better elsewhere Fried Chicken - The REAL star here. That crispy double-fried skin with sweet-spicy glaze? Perfection! Best For: 🎯 Late-night chicken cravings 🎯 Group sharing (their combo platters are great) 5. Izakaya - Japanese Pub Grub 🏮 Cozy spot with hits and misses: Cream Udon - My ultimate comfort food. Rich, creamy sauce with perfectly chewy noodles Karaage (Fried Chicken) - Juicy inside, crispy outside Skewers - Delicious but tiny portions for the price Pro Tip: ✨ Come for happy hour deals ✨ Great date night atmosphere Final Thoughts: Ottawa's food scene keeps getting better! From authentic Thai to late-night Korean fried chicken, there's something for every craving. My personal ranking: 1️⃣ Khao Thai (best value) 2️⃣ Arirang (most comforting) 3️⃣ Joey (best special occasion) What's your favorite Ottawa restaurant? I'm always looking for new spots to try! #OttawaEats #OttawaFoodie #OttawaRestaurants #ThaiFoodOttawa #KoreanFoodOttawa #FoodieGuide #OttawaLife #WhereToEatOttawa #CanadianFoodie #OttawaDining