Best Indian Restaurants in Ottawa
This guide lists the best Indian and Sri Lankan restaurants in Ottawa, based on Google ratings and reviews as of October 2026. It covers a wide range of neighbourhoods, with Centretown, Nepean, and Byward Market appearing most frequently. The majority of places are inexpensive, with only a few in the moderate price range. Ratings are consistently high, from 4.4 to 4.9, with Punjabi Canteen's 4.9 from 417 reviews leading the list.
All restaurants have at least 150 Google reviews, ensuring their popularity is well established. Reviewers often mention specific dishes like generous portions, biryanis, butter chicken, and samosas. They also note features like buffets, outdoor seating, and late-night hours. The list includes both traditional Indian cuisine and fusion street food, reflecting the diversity of Ottawa's offerings. From Kalinga's 1820 reviews to newer favourites, these are the top-rated spots.
| # | Name | Area | Rating | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kalinga Indian Cuisine | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 1,820 | $ |
| 2 | Buddy's Fast Food (Indian Restaurant) | Carlingwood West - Glabar Park - McKellar Heights | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 933 | $ |
| 3 | Punjabi Canteen (Vanier) | Vanier | ★★★★★ 4.9 | 417 | $ |
| 4 | Deccan Delights | Centretown | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 1,099 | $ |
| 5 | Ceylonta | Centretown | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 1,071 | $$ |
| 6 | Mumbai Masala Grill Indian Restaurant - Rideau, Ottawa | Lower Town | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 828 | $$ |
| 7 | Madhuban Indian Cuisine Downtown Ottawa | Sandy Hill | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 741 | $ |
| 8 | All Seasons Indian Catering | Industrial Park | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 365 | $ |
| 9 | Second Wife the Indian restaurant parking available | Centretown | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 627 | $ |
| 10 | the SARANGI, Cuisine of India | Whitehaven - Queensway Terrace North | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 310 | $ |
| 11 | Mumbai Masala Grill | Byward Market - Parliament Hill | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 1,245 | $$ |
| 12 | Tasty Junction Indian Eatery | Nepean | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 251 | $ |
| 13 | Indian Affair Takeout | Overbrook | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 787 | $ |
| 14 | IC 22 OTTAWA'S HAKKA SPOT | Carlington | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 631 | $ |
| 15 | Desi Hangout - Indian Fusion Street Food | Nepean | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 561 | $ |
| 16 | Shaan Curry House | Nepean | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 556 | $ |
| 17 | Taara - Pan Indian Resto Bar | Westboro | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 526 | $ |
| 18 | Mia's Indian Cuisine-St.Laurent | Rockcliffe - Manor Park | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 508 | $$ |
| 19 | Brampton Authentic Indian Food Ottawa | Nepean | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 2,005 | $$ |
| 20 | Jay Bhavani Vadapav | Nepean | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 1,464 | $ |
Kalinga Indian Cuisine
Kalinga Indian Cuisine in the Byward Market area has a 4.8 rating from 1820 reviews and is inexpensive. It is open daily from 11:00, closing at 22:00 or 23:00. Reviewers often mention generous portions, flavourful food, and dishes like the veg thali and Nalli Nihari Biryani.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-22:00
- Mon 11:00-22:00
- Tue 11:00-22:00
- Wed 11:00-22:00
- Thu 11:00-22:00
- Fri 11:00-23:00
- Sat 11:00-23:00
Buddy's Fast Food (Indian Restaurant)
Buddy's Fast Food in Carlingwood West serves Indian food and has a 4.8 rating from 933 reviews. Reviewers frequently note Indo-Chinese items like manchurian, hakka noodles, and momos.
Opening hours
- Sun 14:00-01:00
- Mon 14:00-01:00
- Tue 19:00-00:00
- Wed 19:00-00:00
- Thu 14:00-01:00
- Fri 14:00-01:00
- Sat 14:00-01:00
Punjabi Canteen (Vanier)
Punjabi Canteen in Vanier leads with a 4.9 rating from 417 reviews and is inexpensive. It opens at 11:00 daily, closing at 21:00, and is closed on Tuesdays. Reviewers often highlight samosas, chole bhature, and a cozy vibe.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-21:00
- Mon 11:00-21:00
- Wed 11:00-21:00
- Thu 11:00-21:00
- Fri 11:00-21:00
- Sat 11:00-21:00
Deccan Delights
Deccan Delights in Centretown is an inexpensive Indian restaurant with a 4.6 rating from 1099 reviews. Reviewers frequently mention the mutton ghee roast biryani, dosa, and the available outdoor seating.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-01:00
- Mon 11:00-22:00
- Tue 11:00-22:00
- Wed 11:00-22:00
- Thu 11:00-00:00
- Fri 11:00-01:00
- Sat 11:00-01:00
Ceylonta
Ceylonta in Centretown is a moderate-priced Sri Lankan restaurant with a 4.6 rating from 1071 reviews. It opens for dinner at 16:00 and offers lunch from 11:00 on weekdays. Reviewers often talk about the thali, kothu roti, and vegan options.
Opening hours
- Sun 16:00-21:00
- Mon 11:00-14:00, 16:00-21:00
- Tue 11:00-14:00, 16:00-21:00
- Wed 11:00-14:00, 16:00-21:00
- Thu 11:00-14:00, 16:00-21:00
- Fri 11:00-14:00, 16:00-21:00
- Sat 16:00-21:00
Mumbai Masala Grill Indian Restaurant - Rideau, Ottawa
Mumbai Masala Grill in Lower Town has a 4.6 rating from 828 reviews and a moderate price level. It is open from 10:00 to 22:00 daily. Reviewers often mention the butter chicken, buffet, and samosas.
Opening hours
- Sun 10:00-22:00
- Mon 10:00-22:00
- Tue 10:00-22:00
- Wed 10:00-22:00
- Thu 10:00-22:00
- Fri 10:00-22:00
- Sat 10:00-22:00
Madhuban Indian Cuisine Downtown Ottawa
Madhuban Indian Cuisine in Sandy Hill is inexpensive and has a 4.6 rating from 741 reviews. It is open from 11:00 to 22:00 every day. Reviewers frequently note manchurian, dal makhni, and Indo Chinese food.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-22:00
- Mon 11:00-22:00
- Tue 11:00-22:00
- Wed 11:00-22:00
- Thu 11:00-22:00
- Fri 11:00-22:00
- Sat 11:00-22:00
All Seasons Indian Catering
All Seasons Indian Catering in the Industrial Park is an inexpensive, women-owned business with a 4.7 rating from 365 reviews. Hours are not listed. Reviewers often mention beef samosas, pakoras, and it being a family run business.
Second Wife the Indian restaurant parking available
Second Wife in Centretown is an inexpensive Indian restaurant with a 4.6 rating from 627 reviews. It opens at 11:00 daily, with a break between lunch and dinner service. Reviewers often highlight naan, tandoori chicken, and kadahi.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-15:00, 16:00-22:30
- Mon 11:00-15:00, 16:00-22:00
- Tue 11:00-15:00, 16:00-22:00
- Wed 11:00-15:00, 16:00-22:00
- Thu 11:00-15:00, 16:00-22:00
- Fri 11:00-15:00, 16:00-22:30
- Sat 11:00-15:00, 16:00-22:30
the SARANGI, Cuisine of India
The SARANGI in Whitehaven is inexpensive and has a 4.7 rating from 310 reviews. It serves lunch and dinner with an afternoon break, and is closed on Wednesdays. Reviewers often mention the spice level, palak paneer, and kadai paneer.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-14:30, 16:00-21:00
- Mon 11:00-14:30, 16:00-21:00
- Tue 11:00-14:30, 16:00-21:00
- Thu 11:00-14:30, 16:00-21:00
- Fri 11:00-14:30, 16:00-21:00
- Sat 11:00-14:30, 16:00-21:00
Mumbai Masala Grill
Mumbai Masala Grill in Byward Market has a 4.5 rating from 1245 reviews and a moderate price level. It is open from 11:00, closing at 22:00 or 23:00. Reviewers often talk about the buffet, paneer lababdar, and features like a fireplace and live music.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-22:00
- Mon 11:00-22:00
- Tue 11:00-22:00
- Wed 11:00-22:00
- Thu 11:00-22:00
- Fri 11:00-23:00
- Sat 11:00-23:00
Tasty Junction Indian Eatery
Tasty Junction Indian Eatery in Nepean is inexpensive with a 4.7 rating from 251 reviews. Reviewers often mention amritsari kulcha, samosa, and malai methi paneer.
Opening hours
- Sun 14:00-23:00
- Mon 12:00-00:00
- Wed 12:00-00:00
- Thu 12:00-00:00
- Fri 12:00-00:00
- Sat 12:00-02:00
Indian Affair Takeout
Indian Affair Takeout in Overbrook is inexpensive and has a 4.5 rating from 787 reviews. It opens at 11:00 or 12:00 daily, closing at 22:00. Reviewers frequently note goat, manchurian, and vegetable samosas.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-22:00
- Mon 11:00-22:00
- Tue 11:00-22:00
- Wed 11:00-22:00
- Thu 11:00-22:00
- Fri 11:00-22:00
- Sat 12:00-22:00
IC 22 OTTAWA'S HAKKA SPOT
IC 22 OTTAWA'S HAKKA SPOT in Carlington is inexpensive with a 4.5 rating from 631 reviews. It opens daily at 16:00 and closes late. Reviewers often highlight Indo Chinese food, generous portions, and hakka noodles.
Opening hours
- Sun 16:00-23:30
- Mon 16:00-23:30
- Tue 16:00-23:30
- Wed 16:00-23:30
- Thu 16:00-23:30
- Fri 16:00-00:00
- Sat 16:00-00:00
Desi Hangout - Indian Fusion Street Food
Desi Hangout in Nepean offers Indian fusion street food, is inexpensive, and has a 4.5 rating from 561 reviews. It opens in the afternoon and closes at midnight. Reviewers often mention wraps, poutine, and aloo tikki burgers.
Opening hours
- Sun 14:00-00:00
- Mon 02:00-00:00
- Tue 14:00-00:00
- Thu 14:00-00:00
- Fri 13:00-00:00
- Sat 14:00-00:00
Shaan Curry House
Shaan Curry House in Nepean is an inexpensive, women-owned restaurant with a 4.5 rating from 556 reviews. It is open from 11:30 to 20:00, Monday through Saturday. Reviewers often mention butter chicken, samosas, and a friendly owner.
Opening hours
- Mon 11:30-20:00
- Tue 11:30-20:00
- Wed 11:30-20:00
- Thu 11:30-20:00
- Fri 11:30-20:00
- Sat 11:30-20:00
Taara - Pan Indian Resto Bar
Taara in Westboro is an inexpensive Pan Indian resto bar with a 4.5 rating from 526 reviews. It opens at 10:00 on weekends and 16:00 on weekdays, closing late. Reviewers often note vada, paneer tikka masala, and a weekend buffet.
Opening hours
- Sun 10:00-00:00
- Mon 16:00-00:00
- Tue 16:00-00:00
- Wed 16:00-00:00
- Thu 16:00-00:00
- Fri 16:00-01:00
- Sat 10:00-00:00
Mia's Indian Cuisine-St.Laurent
Mia's Indian Cuisine in Rockcliffe is a moderate-priced restaurant with a 4.5 rating from 508 reviews. It is closed on Mondays and opens for lunch and dinner with a break. Reviewers often mention samosas, chicken tandoori wraps, and chicken korma.
Opening hours
- Sun 16:00-21:00
- Tue 12:00-14:30, 16:00-21:00
- Wed 12:00-14:30, 16:00-21:00
- Thu 12:00-14:30, 16:00-21:00
- Fri 12:00-14:30, 16:00-21:00
- Sat 12:00-14:30, 16:00-21:00
Brampton Authentic Indian Food Ottawa
Brampton Authentic Indian Food in Nepean has a moderate price level and a 4.4 rating from 2005 reviews. It serves lunch and dinner with an afternoon break. Reviewers often highlight amritsari kulcha, Punjabi food, and samosas.
Opening hours
- Sun 12:00-15:00, 16:00-21:00
- Mon 12:00-15:00, 16:00-21:00
- Tue 12:00-15:00, 16:00-21:00
- Wed 12:00-15:00, 16:00-21:00
- Thu 12:00-15:00, 16:00-21:00
- Fri 12:00-15:00, 16:00-21:00
- Sat 12:00-15:00, 16:00-21:00
Jay Bhavani Vadapav
Jay Bhavani Vadapav in Nepean is inexpensive with a 4.4 rating from 1464 reviews. Reviewers frequently talk about vadapav, sandwiches, and dabeli.
Opening hours
- Sun 11:00-00:00
- Mon 11:00-23:00
- Tue 11:00-23:00
- Wed 11:00-23:00
- Thu 11:00-23:00
- Fri 11:00-01:00
- Sat 11:00-01:00
Tips before you go
- Most restaurants are inexpensive, but a few like Ceylonta and Mumbai Masala Grill are in the moderate price range.
- Check hours carefully, as many places like Punjabi Canteen and The SARANGI have afternoon breaks or are closed certain days.
- For late-night food, Buddy's Fast Food and Tasty Junction are open until 1:00 or 2:00 AM.
- Several restaurants, including Deccan Delights and Taara, offer outdoor seating.
- Buffets are available at Mumbai Masala Grill (Rideau) and Taara on weekends.
- Takeout and delivery are widely available, as indicated by the features for each place.
How we made this list
This list was created using Google ratings and review counts as of October 22, 2026. A weighted rating calculation was applied so that restaurants with very few reviews do not rank unfairly high. Only restaurants with at least 150 Google reviews were considered, which is why all 20 places have between 251 and 2005 reviews. Finally, the list includes only places that are currently open for business, though hours should always be verified.
Questions about Indian restaurants in Ottawa
Which restaurant has the highest rating?
Punjabi Canteen in Vanier has the highest rating at 4.9 from 417 reviews. It is an inexpensive restaurant known for samosas and chole bhature. It is open from 11:00 to 21:00 most days but is closed on Tuesdays. This rating is based on a significant number of Google reviews.
Are there good options for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes. Reviewers often mention vegetarian dishes like palak paneer, chana masala, and veg thalis across many restaurants. Ceylonta specifically notes vegan options among its 1071 reviews. Dishes like dosa, vada, and various paneer items are frequently highlighted by diners at these top-rated spots.
Where can I find Indian street food or fusion options?
For street food, try Jay Bhavani Vadapav for vadapav or Desi Hangout for fusion wraps and burgers. Buddy's Fast Food and IC 22 specialize in Indo-Chinese items like hakka noodles and manchurian. These are all in the inexpensive price range and have hundreds of reviews, confirming their popularity.
Do any restaurants offer a buffet?
Yes. Mumbai Masala Grill on Rideau Street and Taara in Westboro are noted by reviewers for having a buffet. Brampton Authentic Indian Food also mentions a weekend buffet. Always check current hours, as buffet service may vary. These restaurants have 828, 526, and 2005 reviews respectively.
More in Ottawa
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Ratings, review counts, prices and hours come from Google Maps listings as of 2026-10-22 and change over time. Call ahead or check the venue's own site before you go. Nobody pays to be on these lists.