A notorious Rideau Street facade is getting a fresh start, as 99 VIP Seafood opens its doors with a menu that blends traditional and modern Asian cuisine.
The new restaurant’s signature lobster tower makes a striking first impression for patron Mia Li, who is visiting for the first time, calling it an exciting experience.
“Just by what it looks right now, it’s very impressive,” says Li.
“It’s a very Chinese kind of, traditional looking, and it’s also mixed with modern. This dish looks delicious, so I am very excited to try it, actually.”
Other specialties on the menu include fish, oysters, pork, roasted duck and dim sum. Owner and chef Kevin Tan has been perfecting these dishes for more than three decades.
“When I found this location, I think it’s the heart of Ottawa. So, I want to combine them together and provide the most, the best, Chinese cuisine to citizens in Ottawa,” says an interpreter on behalf of Tan.
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“The main dishes we recommend is seafood, the lobsters, and oysters. All cooked in and very traditional Cantonese ways. Our dim sum is very special too. I think it’s very authentic and it’s all fresh, made on site.”
Patron Alex Xu says the restaurant’s food keeps her coming back.
“We came here several times since the soft opening in September,” said Xu. “It’s really tasty. And it’s all handmade. Especially the seafood and the lobster. It’s really fresh. We love it.”
While the food is new, the address is familiar to many Ottawa residents. The building at 99 Rideau St. was home to a McDonald’s for nearly 40 years. Once a popular 24-hour stop, it became infamous in later years for frequent police calls and viral incidents — including a fight where a customer pulled out a baby raccoon. The restaurant officially closed in 2023.
Tan says he hopes his restaurant can give the location a different reputation.
“I’m happy to take over the location and to provide a different choice for people here,” says Tan’s interpreter.
With more than 80 dishes on the menu, the early reviews have been positive.
“It’s super delicious. Incredible.” says Li.
99 VIP Seafood is open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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