Restaurant

Govinda's

Name: Govinda's
Address: 212 Somerset St. E, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6V4, CA
Telephone: (613) 565-6544
Price range: value

Vegetarian•Ottawa•value

Govinda's is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Ottawa for dinner, especially if you want a strong option in Ottawa.

Govinda's has been operating in Ottawa, which means it predates the city's entire modern plant-based dining scene by several decades.

Editorial review updated•Jul 28, 2026

Govinda's has been operating in Ottawa, which means it predates the city's entire modern plant-based dining scene by several decades. Run on a non-profit basis by the local ISKCON community and situated beside an active Krishna temple, this is not a restaurant that exists to capitalize on a trend. It functions as an act of devotion — prasadam culture, in which the cooking itself is understood as an offering rather than a commercial proposition. That specificity of purpose is precisely what makes it irreplaceable on Ottawa's dining map. The room is reported to carry a particular stillness — attributed less to interior design than to the chanting that carries over from next door and a price point so low it borders on radical. This is Ottawa's oldest vegetarian establishment, and it holds that position through continued, principled operation rather than sentiment. The menu rotates, so there is no fixed order sheet to rely on. What diners consistently point to is the Dahl Rice Salad — lentils reportedly cooked to a gentle softness, paired with rice and something bright and cooling alongside — the kind of combination that reads, by all accounts, as straightforwardly restorative. The Carrot Spinach Curry is known for pairing the natural sweetness of root vegetable against leafy bitterness in a way that feels considered without being elaborate. The Thali Plate is where regulars reportedly plant their flag: a customizable spread that lets you assemble the meal around your appetite, and at this price level, the math encourages generosity with your selections. Govinda's closes for a stretch each year after the nearby university term ends — foot traffic drops and the kitchen rests. Hours are most reliable between September and spring, so confirm before making the trip. Come at lunch, go for the Thali, and give yourself enough time to actually settle into the room.

Priya Sharma, Dining Editor

Methodology•Ottawa guides•Editorial team•Report outdated information

Cheap EatsPlant-based lunch dinnerfreshbright

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Taste ID

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Start with one score. Add details or a review when you want to help other diners.

Taste Score 8.5/10

Rating (Google) 9.8

327 reviews

Ottawa

At a glance

The fastest read on whether this place fits tonight.

8.5/10

Taste Score

Google 9.8 from 327 reviews

Best for

dinner and Cheap Eats

Price and pace

Good value

Neighborhood

Ottawa | 212 Somerset St. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6V4, Canada

Price

Good value

Taste Score

8.5/10

Phone

(613) 565-6544

Inside the restaurant

Photos of Govinda's

1 photo

Watch

Govinda's on video

Short: Babythatsneat (third-party feature) · plays on YouTube

Short: Krishnmyee (third-party feature) · plays on YouTube

Short: Vlogger Trushali (third-party feature) · plays on YouTube

Short: kumaoni bhai ke vlog (third-party feature) · plays on YouTube

What to order

Signature dishes at Govinda's

Thali Plate

Dahl Rice Salad

Carrot Spinach Curry

Why go

What makes Govinda's worth the move

Govinda's is a clean first click in Ottawa when you want a vegetarian option you can trust. If Unable to provide signature dishes is your kind of order, that is a good sign. It also holds a 9.8 rating across 327 Google reviews.

What to know fast

Public rating

9.8 from 327 Google reviews

Best for

dinner and Cheap Eats

Style

Vegetarian in Ottawa

Spend

Good value

Best for

Cheap Eats Plant-based lunch dinner fresh bright

Know before you go

Google rating: 9.8 from 327 reviews

Price point: value

Popular dishes: Unable to provide signature dishes

Website linked on this page

TastyPals Reviews

What diners are saying

0 diner reviews · reviewed by Priya Sharma for Govinda's

Google snapshot

9.8 from 327 reviews

TastyPals notes

Editorial review by Priya Sharma

Sandy Hill doesn't ask much of you, and neither does NOX — but that's the whole point.

Casual dinnerlunchtakeout

292 reviews

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Website Menu Rate

Plan the visit

Quick details

Visit Website Menu Directions

Address: 212 Somerset St. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6V4, Canada
Phone: (613) 565-6544
Price: value
TastyPals score: 8.5/10
Google rating: 9.8 (327 reviews)
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Neighborhood: Ottawa

Frequently asked questions

What cuisine does Govinda's serve?

Govinda's is a Vegetarian restaurant located in Ottawa, Ottawa. Govinda's has been operating in Ottawa, which means it predates the city's entire modern plant-based dining scene by several decades.

What is Govinda's best for?

Govinda's is best for cheap eats, plant-based, lunch, dinner, fresh, bright. Govinda's is a clean first click in Ottawa when you want a vegetarian option you can trust. If Unable to provide signature dishes is your kind of order, that is a good sign. It also holds a 9.8 rating across 327 Google reviews.

How much does it cost to eat at Govinda's?

Govinda's is in the Good value price range (value). Google rating: 9.8 from 327 reviews

What should I order at Govinda's?

Start with Thali Plate, Dahl Rice Salad and Carrot Spinach Curry. These dishes are shown from TastyPals notes or restaurant data on this page.

Is Govinda's worth visiting?

Govinda's holds a 9.8 Google rating from 327 reviews. Govinda's is a clean first click in Ottawa when you want a vegetarian option you can trust. If Unable to provide signature dishes is your kind of order, that is a good sign. It also holds a 9.8 rating across 327 Google reviews.