New Yangtze Restaurant returns to Ottawa's Chinatown after nearly two years

The dining room that housed the Yangtze Restaurant for more than 40 years is coming back to life. A sign went up Monday night at 700 Somerset Street West announcing that "Yangtze – Modern Chinese Dining" was "coming soon," signalling the return of one of Chinatown's most beloved institutions.

The original Yangtze, owned and operated by the Ng family for 42 years, closed in mid-November 2024 after owner Ricky Ng, then 73, decided to retire. The building was sold two months after being listed for $3.28 million in March 2024. The new ownership has committed to reopening the space and has already engaged with the Chinatown community about the direction.

"Much of the menu will remain very similar to the original Yangtze, while adding some additional styles and offerings," said Yukang Li, executive director of the Somerset Street Chinatown BIA, who has spoken with the new owner. The new restaurant will also serve cart-service dim sum, a signature of the original location and a draw for longtime customers.

Ottawa's dim sum scene has faced significant losses in recent years. Beyond the original Yangtze, closures include the 36-year-old Mandarin Ogilvie in the east end, Palais Imperial on Dalhousie Street, and the well-regarded Hung Sum. An expansive modern Chinese restaurant, 99 VIP Seafood, opened on Rideau Street last fall but closed in March owing more than $80,000 in rent.

Li expects the new Yangtze to open in September or October, ending nearly two years of speculation by Ottawa's Chinese food-lovers about what would replace one of their favourite haunts. The original restaurant could seat as many as 250 people in its heyday and 190 post-COVID, with its downstairs banquet room a popular choice for Chinese wedding receptions.