Sweet Basil Restaurant 🌿 — Restaurant in Ottawa

This is an authentic Thai restaurant. And by "authentic", I mean this restaurant was awarded the best Thai restaurant outside of Thailand by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. That's the best in the WHOLE WORLD. This restaurant has been in operation for over 30 years, and thy present owners (10 years now) spent over TWO YEARS being trained by the original owners on how to make these dishes. They serve lunch and dinner, with the database begin closed for a couple hours between the two services. When you go for lunch, they have a lunch menu, but you can also order off the dinner menu. The lunch menu items are all included in the dinner menu, but have smaller portions with lower prices.

I've been going here for about 28 years, and it's my favourite Thai restaurant anywhere. This last time (the day before I wrote this review) I brought a friend over that had never been here and I ordered for both of us. I wanted my friend to taste all my favourite dishes, so I went overboard for bunch for just 2 people. What I ordered: For appetizers, I ordered beef and chicken satay (meat cooked on a skewer) . I asked for half portions of each so we eat got a chicken and a beef satay. It came with a delicious peanut sauce that I think had yellow curry in it. Then we had Tom Kha soup, with shrimp (you can also have it with chicken or beef - 3 choices). I ordered 2 main dishes: beef Penang (red curry) and it's green curry counterpart with chicken. You must order rice separately to go with these dishes. The vegetables that came with these dishes were top notch: fresh, and high quality with a good variety. You can choose between steamed and sticky rice: I recommend the steamed rice. Price: We didn't order drinks, so there no charges for the water. The total with taxes came to just over one hundred dollars, and I left with lots of take-out. Some may gawk at that price, but recognize that this was 2 appetizers, 2 soups, 2 main dishes, and 2 portions of rice. You are also paying for quality ingredients, great cooking, and authentic cooking. The atmosphere was mixed: beautiful Thai artwork and furniture with soft background lounge music. The seating was quite comfortable. This is on my Must Go To restaurants in Ottawa, located near the North East intersection of Bank street and Herin Road. There is plenty of parking beside and behind the building. Access is from the East side of Bank street or the North side...

If you’re looking to elevate your curry experience, the crispy duck Panang curry is an absolute must-try. This dish is a beautiful fusion of rich flavors and textures, delivering a delightful balance between the crispy, savory duck and the creamy, aromatic curry sauce. The star of this dish is, of course, the crispy duck. It’s perfectly fried to achieve that ideal balance between crunchy skin and tender, juicy meat. The duck's richness is a perfect match for the bold and fragrant Panang curry sauce, which is thick, creamy, and a little spicy—though not overwhelming. The smooth coconut milk in the sauce complements the savory heat from the red curry paste and the subtle zing of kaffir lime leaves, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. What makes this dish stand out is how the crispy duck holds up against the curry. As you bite into each crispy piece into the velvety sauce, the contrast of textures—crispy skin and smooth curry—becomes even more satisfying. It's a textural delight. The duck’s fatty richness is balanced by the curry’s fresh notes of lemongrass and basil, adding a zesty, herby touch that cuts through the indulgence. Served with a side of jasmine rice, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant red curry sauce and the golden brown duck, but it also provides a complete, indulgent meal. The curry’s heat lingers gently on the tongue, without overpowering the senses, so each bite is both comforting and exciting. If you’re a fan of Thai food, this crispy duck Panang curry is a luxurious spin on a traditional favorite—offering both complexity and simplicity in every bite. It’s the perfect harmony of crispy, tender, spicy, sweet, and creamy. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a rich, flavorful curry with a touch of elegance. This is the type of signature dish you go out of your way to order and I highly recommend it for those who enjoy a rich, flavorful curry with a touch...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 – A Flavorful Journey to Thailand at Sweet Basil Restaurant

Sweet Basil Restaurant is a hidden gem that delivers an unforgettable Thai dining experience. From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed by a warm, inviting atmosphere and the tantalizing aroma of authentic Thai spices wafting from the kitchen.

We sampled a variety of dishes, and every single one was a standout:

Pad Thai – Perfectly balanced with just the right mix of sweet, tangy, and savory. The noodles were tender, the tamarind sauce rich and layered, and the crushed peanuts added a satisfying crunch.

Pad See Ew – Comforting and flavourful, this dish featured wide rice noodles stir-fried with a smoky char, crisp veggies, and tender slices of meat. The sauce had a deep, umami flavor that brought everything together beautifully.

Tom Yum Soup – Bright, bold, and bursting with lemongrass, lime, and chili. This soup was the perfect harmony of hot and sour, with generous portions of chicken and mushrooms swimming in a fragrant, fiery broth. A must-try for any fan of Thai cuisine.

Spring Rolls – Crispy on the outside, light and fresh on the inside. We had an order each of chicken and shrimp; both delicious. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, these made for a perfect appetizer. Not greasy at all, and packed with flavour.

Green Thai Curry – Rich, creamy, and deeply aromatic. The coconut milk base was silky and luscious, with just the right level of heat. Tender tofu,, bamboo shoots, and Thai eggplant made this a hearty and satisfying dish.

The service was attentive and friendly, and the dishes arrived hot and fresh. Sweet Basil clearly takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes.

Whether you’re a Thai food connoisseur or a newcomer, Sweet Basil will impress you with its authenticity and care. Highly recommended – this place...