Usually the China Towns are no matter where they are, pretty colourful and vibrant places but this is the dullest I've seen so far. Apart from the main gateway/arch, there's hardly anything that suggests that it's a China Town. Probably most of the C-Towns have some narrow alies and tiny streets that make them look busier but I guess the Ottawa city grid wide layout is not working in their favour.

Love the iconic Chinatown arches marking the gateway to Chinatown. Very photograph worthy location. Chinatown itself also is full of Asian grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and service shops to explore.

A wonderful oriental experience in the heart of Ottawa. It's a melting pot of several Asian cultures and cuisines in a single place. The people are super nice and friendly with a smile on their face. The royal gateway is beautiful and colourful to look at and admire. I wish there were more oriental ornaments and statues in Chinatown. This would help add to its mistiqu and give a sence of travelling without actually doing so.

Very nice. I do wish a Canadian artist did it but hey. You can't win them all. Great design, vibrant colours and intricate carvings make this gateway a sight to see.

In the early 20th century, the area that is now Chinatown was home to mostly working-class Irish and Italian immigrants, while the local Chinese population was scattered throughout downtown. After the First World War, Chinese immigrants set up businesses along Somerset Street West. When Ottawa welcomed thousands of Vietnamese refugees in 1979, many settled in the area. Through the 1990s and 2000s, the neighbourhood developed an official identity and was eventually designated as the Chinatown Business Improvement Area. A beautiful Chinatown Gateway, or Royal Arch, was unveiled in 2010 as a joint project with Beijing, Ottawa’s sister city. After entering the impressive Gateway at Somerset Street West near Bronson Avenue, you’ll feel inspired to explore diverse businesses. And you’ll easily satisfy your sushi, pho, ramen or dim sum cravings at the many Asian restaurants.

Great food, great atmosphere and a joy to take in. Third annual Asian food festival in Ottawa's Chinatown district, where one could sample a variety of food choices available for young and old. My first visit to this event but it certainly won't be my last.

A very small Chinatown with limited choices, there are only a few shops that are opened and a couple of Chinese restaurants that serve average food. The vibe is really doggy and customers are mostly old Chinese folks who comes for some food and mostly catching up and socializing. In fact I felt sad having lunch here.

Nice gateway, just like the one in Boston.

Our favourite stop is the Herbalist Doctor at the corner by the Public Parking lot. He is very helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasant gentleman to deal with. We also have "date" lunches at the Yangtze Restaurant. The Dim Sum is delivered by cart. Although their prices have increased, their quality is consistent. Small dishes of delicacies are available in Shrimp, pork, beef, squid, cuttlefish, etc..., be brave and enjoy the wonderful flavours of Dim Sum!

A bit underwhelming, but it is still worth visiting! There are a few asian markets and restaurants around.

My favorite time to visit the gate is during street events. Walking under it, you really get to appreciate the details.

Most of Vietnam n Chinese restaurants are in there.

Looking for a place to explore Asian cuisine and culture? This is the place to be