Siam Bistro Ottawa Review – Outstanding Thai Comfort Food That Keeps You Coming Back – Average EV Score: 8/10
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Each dish is rated using our EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value Score), based on enjoyment, price paid, and benchmark pricing.
Table of Contents
Siam Bistro Restaurant Overview
1268 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A5
Siam Bistro stands out as one of my favourite Thai restaurants in Ottawa, and it’s easy to see why after just one visit.
The restaurant features beautiful decor that reflects Thai culture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels a step above your typical casual dining spot. It strikes a nice balance — refined enough for a sit-down dinner, but still comfortable and approachable.
Siam Bistro is also clearly popular. When I arrived for dinner, every table was reserved, which tells you right away that this is not a place to show up last minute and expect a seat. If you’re planning to visit Siam Bistro, making a reservation is the smart move.
There’s plenty of seating inside, but demand is high, especially during peak dinner hours. Parking is limited to street parking, so you may need to plan a bit of extra time to find a spot.
Service at Siam Bistro was excellent. The staff were very friendly and attentive, regularly checking in, refilling water, and making sure everything was going smoothly without being intrusive. It added to the overall experience and made the meal feel well taken care of from start to finish.
Overall, Siam Bistro delivers a strong first impression before the food even arrives — and fortunately, the food backs it up.
Would return? Yes.
Poa Pia Goong Todd (Shrimp Spring Rolls)
Menu description: Crispy spring rolls stuffed with Shrimp, served with a sweet dipping sauce.
Enjoyment: 8.5/10
Price Paid: $14
Benchmark Price: $14
EV Score: 8.5/10
Order Again? Yes.
The Poa Pia Goong Todd (Shrimp Spring Rolls) from Siam Bistro were an excellent way to start the meal.
Right away, you could tell they were done properly just by looking at them. The golden brown colour made it obvious they were freshly fried, and that translated directly into the texture.
These spring rolls were perfectly crispy, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. The wrapper was rolled multiple times, creating that layered, almost wafer-like crispiness that adds a lot of texture and makes each bite more enjoyable.
Inside, the shrimp filling was well packed and flavourful, ensuring that the roll didn’t feel hollow or overly wrapper-heavy. Everything about this dish felt balanced and thoughtfully prepared.
This was a great starter and set the tone for the rest of the meal.
Pad Kee Mao
Menu description: Spicy rice noodles and choice of Chicken or Beef or Mixed Vegetables with tofu sautéed with peppers, tomatoes, onions, chillies, eggs, and basil leaves.
Enjoyment: 7.5/10
Price Paid: $23
Benchmark Price: $23
EV Score: 7.5/10
Order Again? Yes.
The Pad Kee Mao from Siam Bistro was another strong dish.
The portion size was generous, making it a filling option whether you’re sharing or having it as your main. The noodles had a great texture, cooked just right without being too soft or overly chewy.
Flavour-wise, it delivered exactly what you’d expect — a well-balanced, slightly spicy dish that doesn’t overpower but still brings enough heat to keep things interesting.
One thing to note is that Siam Bistro does not use flat/wide rice noodles, which are commonly associated with dishes like Pad See Ew. If you’re specifically looking for that style of noodle, you won’t find it here.
That said, the dish still works very well with what they offer. The flavour and execution make up for the absence of wider noodles.
Overall, this was a pleasant and enjoyable dish, and while I’d consider ordering it again, Siam Bistro’s menu is strong enough that it also makes you want to explore other options.
Gang Garee Gai (Yellow Curry with Chicken)
Menu description: Yellow curry with Chicken and potatoes prepared in coconut milk. (Gluten Free)
Enjoyment: 8/10
Price Paid: $23
Benchmark Price: $23
EV Score: 8/10
Order Again? Yes.
The Gang Garee Gai (Yellow Curry with Chicken) is where Siam Bistro really shines.
Thai curry is one of those dishes that, when done right, becomes the definition of comfort food — and this version absolutely delivers.
The chicken was extremely tender, to the point where it almost pulled apart effortlessly when touched with a fork. That level of tenderness makes a big difference, especially in a curry where the meat needs to absorb and complement the sauce.
The potatoes were cooked properly — soft and fully done without being mushy — which added a nice heartiness to the dish.
But the real highlight is the yellow curry itself.
It’s rich, flavourful, and incredibly satisfying. When paired with white rice, the combination becomes even better, as the rice absorbs the curry and ties everything together into a cohesive, comforting meal.
This is the kind of dish you come back for. It’s no surprise that this has become a go-to order for me at Siam Bistro.
Final Thoughts
Siam Bistro delivers a consistently strong experience across the board.
From the thoughtful decor and welcoming atmosphere to the attentive service and well-executed dishes, it’s clear why this restaurant is so popular. The fact that reservations are essentially a must during dinner hours speaks to how well it’s received.
The Shrimp Spring Rolls impressed with their perfect crispiness and balanced filling, the Pad Kee Mao delivered solid flavour and portion size, and the Yellow Curry with Chicken stood out as a true comfort dish that keeps you coming back.
While there are small limitations — like the absence of wide rice noodles — they don’t take away from the overall quality of the meal.
If you’re looking for a reliable and satisfying Thai restaurant in Ottawa, Siam Bistro is an easy recommendation and one that I’ll continue returning to.
If you’re looking for another Thai option, check out Khao (Street Food Thailand and Bar).