Vietnamese

Feifung Kitchen is a Vietnamese restaurant located in Ottawa’s Chinatown, and for many longtime locals, this place carries far more meaning than just another spot to eat pho. The restaurant opened in 2022, and what makes it special is the story behind it: the owners are the original owners of New Mee Fung, a restaurant that was a true staple in Ottawa for over 30 years. After selling New Mee Fung in 2020, many assumed that chapter had closed for good. So when the owners came out of retirement to open Feifung Kitchen, it was met with genuine excitement — and for good reason.

The restaurant itself isn’t large, but it has that classic Vietnamese restaurant feel that immediately makes you comfortable. Nothing flashy, nothing trendy — just a clean, straightforward dining room that prioritizes food over aesthetics. During our visit, it was clear that many of the patrons were regulars, likely people who followed the owners from their New Mee Fung days. There’s something reassuring about that kind of loyalty.

One moment that really stood out happened when our group of six arrived. Without hesitation, the staff politely asked if a few patrons at nearby tables would be willing to shift seats so our group could sit together. Not only did those patrons happily agree, but the entire interaction felt natural and unforced. You rarely see restaurants willing to do this anymore, and it immediately set the tone: this is a casual, community-oriented place that doesn’t stand on ceremony. It felt welcoming in a way that’s becoming increasingly rare.

Service throughout the meal was friendly and efficient. Dishes came out at a good pace, and staff were attentive without hovering. From the atmosphere to the service, Feifung Kitchen feels like a restaurant run by people who genuinely care about feeding others well.

BanhMiYes is a small, focused shop located on Wellington Street in Ottawa that specializes in one thing: banh mi. And honestly, that’s refreshing.

Ottawa doesn’t have a huge number of dedicated banh mi establishments, so when a place focuses primarily on Vietnamese sandwiches, it immediately stands out. The space itself is small and straightforward, clearly designed more for takeout than dine-in. That’s perfectly fine — banh mi is inherently a quick, portable meal.

There’s street parking available, which makes it relatively easy to stop by and grab a sandwich. Ordering is simple and efficient. You walk in, place your order at the counter, and within a short time you’re handed a freshly assembled sandwich.

The staff were friendly and welcoming, which adds to the experience. Even though it’s a small shop, it feels warm and approachable rather than rushed or transactional.

If you’re coming here, it’s likely for takeout — and that’s exactly how it should be. Banh mi isn’t meant to be overly complicated. It’s about fresh bread, balanced fillings, and bold flavour packed into something you can hold in your hands.

Co Oi Kitchen is a recently opened Vietnamese restaurant in the fall of 2025 located on Fourth Avenue in the Glebe, an area already known for higher rents and, unsurprisingly, higher menu prices. From the start, it’s clear this restaurant is positioning itself as a more upscale take on Vietnamese cuisine.

Pho Viet Noodle is located in Hintonburg, an area known for its vibrant mix of cafés, restaurants, and shops. Like most businesses in this neighbourhood, there’s no dedicated parking lot, so you’ll need to rely on street parking. It’s manageable, but depending on the time of day, you may find yourself circling a bit before securing a spot.