Pili Pili Charcoal Grilled Chicken in Ottawa

We had dinner there, charcoal grilled chicken is so delicious and staff is very nice and friendly. Such a great place to visit !

Great chicken. Cooked just right.

Holy delicious! I can t believe it took me as long as it did to try this spot. This will be a go to spot going forward.

Best place to get African food absolutely delicious.

I have been to Pili Pili many times and I am always satisfied with both, food and service.

Great place to eat. Friendly atmosphere. Best chicken in town. Parking: You can easily find parking on the street. Food : 5/5 |

Excellent food, wonderful service. Fast and consistent.

Deserves 5 star for chicken. Tastes mouth watering

Best grilled chicken!

Best chicken in Ottawa! 10/10 recommend

Exceptionally delicious chicken and great service. Soooo good!

Great testing halal grilled chicken! They also have halal lamb/goat but I didnt try that so I wont be able to tell if it is very tasty or not. Food

10/10 chicken, plantain, fries, rice overall amazing food and the staff is very kind and the atmosphere is very welcoming. I ve eaten here more times than I can recall!

The BEST chicken in town. The owners are local with a big focus on family values. I go in the back a lot for maintenance work with Patrick and it always smells de-light-ful!

The food from this place is one of a kind! The meat is seasoned with care and tender in the mouth. Their new Tilapia fillet is to die for... yummy in the tummy!!! Ive had 3 big groups this year from out of town and hosted them here. They still rave about the goat barbecue, fish and lamb!

Myself and family were travelling from Toronto this past weekend. We ended up at Pili Pili for lunch by just searching restaurants near us. This experience had us talking about this restaurant for the whole weekend and even as we are back in Toronto. The owners and chefs of this restaurant were the most welcoming group I have ever met! So welcoming they gave us a tour of their kitchen prior to making our meals and gave us a sample of their housemade pressed juices! We enjoyed the samples so much that we purchased a few bottles of the sorrel and orange ginger to bring back to Toronto! From the chicken to tilapia to plantain and everything in between this restaurant was an incredible dining choice and we will DEFINITELY be back the next visit to Ottawa!

this restaurant is very dog friendly

Tender, and tasty charcoal-grilled chicken! And the service was phenomenal. Not only did they serve me faster than expected (given how busy they were), but also offered a free drink for waiting. Would give six stars if I could.

So expensive food i dont know why

Shocked with the price almost $28 for whole chicken takeout (no sides/drink)... moreover...chicken...dry..dry..dry..the other location on Macarthur is cheaper $23 and soooo much better...chicken always juicy and perfectly cooked..never again Pili Pili... PS - great service

Friendly owner, great food. Try the lunch special, the ginger punch, and the sorrel.

You can call me a chicken connoisseur lol and this is one of the best chicken Ive had. Rice is great, too, just enough flavoring to not overpower the chicken. A lot of people coming jn and out so you know this place is great. Friendly wait staff. Fries are costco brand lol Will definitely come back.

I ordered food via Uber eats charged me 47 dollars, the chicken was completely stale like it has been cooked 2 - 3 hours ago, not recommended at all, complete rip off.

The smell of charcoal makes you so hungry. Chicken is very good. Food

My favourite Caribbean spot in town

Amazing chicken ! Really quality food, never disappoints!

Ended up in Ottawa in a unplanned fashion. My buddy from the area Kim (who knows about good food) brought me here!! The chicken was top notch! And the plantains hit the spot! Amazing food at such a good price!! If I am back in Ottawa I will be definitely stopping by! Shoutout to Lola s Kitchen too! Great food in Ottawa!

The chicken was good, however the wait was a bit long.

The best tasting, healthy and inexpensive treat. Go PILI PILI!! Try it you WILL be back. Oh also almost all items are gluten free Dietary restrictions: Gluten free incredible Kid-friendliness: If your kid liked chicken. They can do a whole.chicken, one half spicy one have not spicy for the children. My 4yo loved it.

Very warm welcome, the chicken is very good

Simple and tasty. Perfect price/performance.

Great food for a great price. It is truly a charcoal grill. Huge portions. Nice sides: we took salad and fries. Also liked the spicy chicken option which they have - it is indeed pretty spicy.

My friend and I had a great time there. Excellent food and service all around. I am glad they took the customers suggestions and switched from styrofoam to what seemed to be composable boxes. Feels like a real cozy family restaurant will definitely recommend to others and return next time when Im in town

Food is great everytime. But the young hispanic guy with the mid-length hair has been very arrogant and unwelcoming the last few times Ive ordered there. He really seems like he hates his job and not a smile to be seen, not sure why they keep someone like that at the front to greet customers.

Very good service and the dishes always delicious

Unbelievable absolutely the best chicken ever. With plantain and rice for 16$ with a tip .unbeatable

I tried this place after several years and it did not disappoint... My wife and I devoured their half chicken platter with rice and spicy fries!!! Pili Pili sure does know how to serve up chicken!! P.S. And one of the few restaurants which doesnt have a tip option on their machines (despite having dine in)......

Had a takeout chicken meal (double thigh & leg meal) that was delicious and plenty enough to share! Medium spicy had just a bit of spice, the rice and plantains were great! The meal was also gluten free! I would recommend and will try other options next time I go.

Summary: dry chicken.

Bud! This is the bbq I needed. Immediate friendly acquaintance upon walking in. Patient while we looked to order and offered to answer any questions. Food was brought out with the same great attitude and offer of opinion on what to try first. Food was phenomenal, and rice was light, perfect with the spice of the meat. The meat was great, cooked perfect with proper char, and the sides (fries/salad) were great as well. The portions were great with many price points for meals.

It is a great restaurant with Tropical Intercontinental rice,chicken, in different varieties and very affordable

This is the best charcoal chicken I ve tried in Ottawa ! The spicy fries are the best I ve had , generous with the spices . I got medium and it was perfect .

DELICIOUS! I From the moment I walked in, Youssef greeted me and my friends with warm welcomes and even explained how freshly grilled Pili Pilis chicken carries far more nutritional value and is a great dietary option! Yousef went above and beyond, addressing every single need with genuine care and attentiveness. Yousef made me realize that what separates Pili Pili from its competitors, is its unique approach to customer service. Thank you, Yousef, we will absolutely be returning to Pili Pili! Vegetarian options: Accomodates to vegetarians. Dietary restrictions: Staff always inquired about my dietary restrictions Parking: Parking was great. However, I think it was free due to a weekend. Kid-friendliness: Family and Friends are more than welcome! Wheelchair accessibility: Accessible for disabled individuals.

Best chicken in the whole city. Literally life changing

The best grilled tilapia Ive had in my life, huge, juicy and thick piece for the price of fast food

Just amazing. I hope they open more locations so I can eat there more often without having to go into the city

Delicious!! So fresh and great portions!

They deserve five stars. Simply good food, pleasant customer service, suitable price.

Every time I come , is as delicious as before

Yes but the food is it excellent.

Hidden local gem, for sure. Tasty chicken - super most, and well-seasoned, with tje perfect amount of heat (I asked for medium spicy and it hate just the right bit of afterburn). Everything came out fast, hot, and fresh. Counter service, but very friendly. Reasonable price, big portion (We ordered the whole chicken platter and ate well for two, with some leftovers).

Delicious and good value.

If you like spicy food, this is definitely the place. They have one of the best chickens Ive tasted along with some spicy fries and a spicy house made sauce!

Take out heaven!

Whoa! Amazing, flavourful and fresh. Their Pili Pili is out of this world. Big portions and definitely a place youll want to go back to time and time again.

Come eat good chicken with an exceptional taste grilled over crispy charcoal. accompanied by our African products.

The best place for charcoal grilled chicken! We were simply walking downtown when we were attacked by a delightful smell! I kinda knew this place was around here somewhere, but had totally forgotten! We followed our noses down the street it was the wrong street. A quick google maps check later and we were on our way. We spent about 30 mins debating if a chicken leg was just a drumstick or a drumstick and thigh or if the chicken breast would be filling. After 30 mins we ordered very reasonably priced Chicken leg - plantain - rice (2 sides) for ~ $15 per person! Very filling and a delicious dinner. Customer service was very nice and everything was explained to us patiently. I have pretty high spice tolerance, so even the very spicy was mild at best, chicken is flavourful but not spicy, plantains very well cooked and the rice filled with veggies was also fragrant Based on my standard P2P Ratio, I would visit again. Decent meal for the price. Vegetarian options: No protein meal!

Best chicken in Ottawa. Highly recommended. The only good thing about downtown Ottawa.

So yummy, the price was very decent as well.. Big portion, will be back for sure if coming to Ottawa again Food

Best spicy chicken.

When I arrived, the staff informed me that they were sold out and it was only 5:30! I regret not coming earlier. Ill definitely come back for a meal next time I have the chance! When I arrived, the store clerk told me that they were sold out and it was only half past five! Im so sorry, I should have come earlier. I will definitely try it again next time I have a chance!

Never fails! Years after still giving a 5 star.

I have been to this eatery for years and it has been the same delicious food as always. The chicken is moist and spicy (they have different levels) and are willing to switch the rice amounts or salad. Probably the best bang for your buck.

The food was simply AMAZING.

Crispy skin, spiced interior and nicely charcoaled. The sides were mediocre but the chicken was so good that I have to give 5 stars. Friendly and fast service. Will visit again and get a whole chicken

Some of the most delicious food in ottawa. Affordable too! The chicken is so incredibly delicious and smoky, the rice is fragrant with herbs and the plantains are perfectly cooked. Bare bones atmosphere though, so maybe not the best for an event. 5/5 would recommend.

Love their food. I been here several times and keep coming back. I ve tried other similar dishes at street food events in Montreal and places in Toronto that were not that good. Pili Pili quality is above the rest, I m thrilled they re based here in Ottawa. Their rice is light and FRESH, not drenched in sauce. Their chicken is made FRESH, the skin on the outside is crispy and tasty. No batter, only the good stuff from their unique seasoning and spices. Their plantains, oh my just the right amount of charring, caramelized to perfection, and sweet. I crave it every time I start thinking about their food!! Friendly people and service.

I placed an order for a chicken meal for two, accompanied by rice, as a takeout option. The dishes served were exceptionally delectable. The service provided was both cordial and expedient. I wholeheartedly endorse this dining experience.

This is my third time coming to Ottawa and somehow, I had missed this gem of a place but thankfully discovered it this time around. If you are looking for a true grilled chicken experience (which also is halal), Pili is the place to go! The seasoning is just so balanced, the chicken so tender and flavourful, and the skin charred to perfection. I tried two variations of heat - mild and spicy. You can t go wrong with either so better to opt for some variety. Even the leftover bits the next day are still so fresh and flavourful. The staff is super friendly and I was greeted every single time with robust hospitality. The dine-in area offers decent seating for even a larger party. It s hands down the best choice for halal grilled chicken in this part of the town! Dietary restrictions: Offers halal meat

Best chicken ever.

Very relaxing and the food is out of this world amazing

Great staff, awesome food. My favourite stop for lunch when I m working in the busy downtown core.

Super yummy plantains and fresh crispy salad. As a vegetarian I am so happy to be able to enjoy this vegetarian option. Thank you!

1st time there with the family definitely won t be our last time. Everything was well cooked and very tasty .

Uber delivered an incomplete meal and we closed the order without checking it. Manager was very understanding and quick to fix the issue. Manager personally drove 20 minutes+ to ensure we got the rest of our food quickly. (Reminder-Check your orders before closing them!) Quality of the food is always amazing but its experiences like this that you always remember.

Top chicken spot in ottawa.

Incredible food and super welcoming service. Was greeted with warmth, walked through the menu and served delicious, generous plates of food so quickly. Try the pepper sauce, its the real deal! Left with a parting gift of ginger-orange-pinapple juice that knocked my cold in its tracks. Will be back, highly recommend, excellent value, 5+ stars across the board.

Food is amazing here, the chicken is cooked perfectly and very tasty money well spent

The best chicken in Ottawa to enjoy with family, colleagues or friends.

Delicious grilled chicken and very friendly staff.

Legendary staff and delicious food. Highly recommend and will definitely be back! This is how you run a business!!!

Charcoal chicken is delicious. Roasted bananas are also delicious. This is a cost-effective restaurant. The owner is from Africa and is a cheerful person who gives you free drinks if you speak well.

Joshua is so pleasant to chat with while taking my order. I love seeing him working with his family. Great people It s my favourite chicken place. The salad was so fresh and crisp and the plantains mmmmmmm I wish I had more now. Food

A lovely and affordable place to eat. The owner was delightful and welcomed us with warmth. We had their All Day Lunch Special: Chicken Leg with a side of their hot sauce and tomato/cucumber veg. Their spicy fries are addictive, and their plantains are some of the best Ive had in Ottawa. Of course, their chicken is juicy and well-seasoned. Dont be scared of getting the chicken done spicy--- it is totally doable. I highly recommend Pili Pili. Will be going back!

2024 January 4.5 Still the same price. Lunch Special: Leg plus 1/2 side $11.75. fries continue to be amazing and crisp. Plantain was good. The star continues to be the chicken. Had the extra spicy - was spicy but not that much. Personally find the mild version tastes better with all those spices. Would recommend that. Also, find timing might play a part in how juicy the chicken is. 2023 June 4.5 Walk right in and youll smell the chicken! And it is amazing. Juicy with bold flavorful spices and aromas. Honestly one of the best chicken restaurants out there. If you can take the heat, get the extra spicy. As spicy as it is, you can still taste the chicken and all of its flavors. All Day Lunch Special: Leg plus 1/2 side $11.75 The plantain was ok. The side salad was ok. Youre really here for the chicken and it was amazing. Definitely worth checking out. Would recommend. Street parking nearby.

The best ginger beer in Ottawa and food of course using the real Jamaican authentic ginger

The owners are very friendly and the food is really tasty! I got extra spicy for my chicken but in all honestly, it wasn t spicy at all! I wish it came with extra sauce on the side so we could pour it on the rice or chicken! (Not sure if that s an option) I would definitely return and highly recommend trying it on your next lunch break!

I never taste such a good bbq chicken, neither the rice: AMAZING

Best chicken-rice Ive ever had in my life. The rice must have been made with a 1 cup rice to 3 cups butter and 1 cup water ratio; thats how flavorful it was. Chicken was insanely tender as well.

Wonderful service. Delicious food, some of the best chicken Ottawa has to offer!

Amazing food my favorite. 5 stars

I am upset that I have to leave this review but I ordered food today after a while of not being in Ottawa for a while and the food was dry, no flavour and I ordered there seasoned fries and got dry fries with no spice it was awful!! Not ordering Pili Pili again Orleans location was way better unfortunately it s closed

Amazing food, the chicken was nicely spiced with loads of flavour. I asked for the chicken spicy and they did not disappoint, the chicken breast was juicy with the chicken having flavour from differences spices and the 10x sauce just gave it the kick I wanted. The rice it comes with is also very tasty, it pairs well with the chicken. The staff was also so kind, friendly and very helpful, Mark was very helpful when explaining their menu, while Josh and Ramone made sure my chicken was made to the spice I wanted it.

Pili Pili is simply the best, amazing food, great service very friendly staff. Every time I go the food is very very flavorful never disappoints.

Always delicious food and great staff. Love to pop-in for lunch or dinner.

Amazing food! Amazing service! Amazing staff!

So tasty, charcoal grilled, spicy, and fresh.

Very expensive! A full similar type BBQ chicken at Adonis Gatineau costs 13$ and tastes the same. You pay around 26$ in this restaurant which is Not worth compared to Adonis. I didn t find anything special with their chicken though.

The food was delicious and very good I loved it. My comment and the reason I gave 2 stars is the customer service. with all due respect but don t put kids on the counter like they have ZERO experience and very disrespectful. I m not against them working but against not teaching them what to do and how to do customer service.

Love this place - the food is delicious and the plantain are super tasty! Service always with a smile and you can smell the food from outside. The seating area inside the restaurant is comfortable and clean. Always look forward to my chicken outing! Service from Mark was fantastic! Everyone at the restaurant is friendly and you feel that they want to make sure you have the best experience. The chicken is tasty and cooked just right with flavour! It is worth the drive out and the neighborhood is fantastic! My husband and I enjoyed exploring the area around the restaurant afterwards. Kid-friendliness: Lots of great options for kids too!

It was absolutely delicious and the service was excellent. Would absolutely dine there again

Super friendly staff & atmosphere! Chicken breast and plantains was delicious 12/10!

Service and atmosphere are extremely welcoming! Got the half chicken combo, which was well seasoned and had a very nice char and smokey flavour.

Delicious and really kind staff.

Best charcoal chicken in the area. Highly recommended

What a place! Not a decent nice upscaled place but the friendliness and food taste is top. Have similar ones in Korea but this one has some difference. Very nice to have a tasty grilled chicken.

It was good. I searched chicken and it was the first place to come up in downtown. it is really affordable too the lunch option was 13 dollars with lots of plantain which is rare in ottawa.

Excellent chicken and sides! Super flavourful and chargrilled. Really liked the plantains and chikwangue too (kinda like an Asian glutinous rice roll).

Just had my first meal from them today after work and after having a very hard day, the staff was so friendly and welcoming even though I was a little bit slow and confused they were patient with me the whole time. As I waited for some of the best chicken Ive ever had, I noticed how nice and sweet they were to other customers, treating them like family. Then I had the food, I had the rice and plantains with half chicken. Some of the best food Ive had in a while, if youre gonna bother ordering chicken order it from pili pili as its the only place worth wasting money on. Hope to become a regular customer soon! Dietary restrictions: Halal

One of the best place to eat Wood Charcoal grilled chicken. Prices are reasonable. Amount of the food is good. Spices, flavours- amazing!!

Love the food, great as it has always been!

Great food, lunch specials and amazing service!

The best chicken restaurant in town. The staff was very friendly, the chicken taste is amazing, very clean restaurant, and very generous portions. Id give them more than five stars. Food

The food was amazing! The service was even better. The owner made me feel welcome and took the time to explain all the sides. She was sincerely interested in making sure we had the best meal for us at the best price. We ordered the Attikee for the first time and it was delicious. The fried plantains were the best we have ever had. We saved them for last and ate them as dessert.

Not clean at all

The place and food is absolutely stellar and has super friendly staff. 10/10 would recommend!!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Pili Pili, and the experience exceeded all expectations. From the moment we stepped foot into the restaurant, it was evident that customer satisfaction was their top priority. The team, especially Mark and Youseff, went above and beyond to ensure that every guest felt genuinely welcome and received exceptional service. Their genuine interest in our satisfaction and willingness to go the extra mile truly set Pili Pili apart. Speaking of the food, it was nothing short of fantastic. The flavors were bold and the portions generous. It was evident that Pili Pili prides itself on using fresh ingredients and delivering consistently excellent meals. Don t miss out on this one of a kind restaurant !

Ever since I came Ottawa, Ive been looking for African restaurants. I went to so many but I was never really satisfied. Today I went to Pili Pili and it was by far the best African and ethnic restaurant Ive been to. The food was well done, and the service I received was amazing. Two lovely ladies Kosi and Simona assisted me with my order and they were amazing. They were friendly, respectful, professional, and showed great customer service. I would recommend Pili Pili to everyone! Please go ahead and try it!

The best place to get Pili Pili chicken in town, the chicken is very tasty and delicious. I got all day lunch special it s came with chicken breast and two sides for just 13.5$ which is a great deal. The owner and stuff is very friendly. Can t wait to came back again.

I love you and more, Pili Pili

One of the best chicken recipes I ve ever tasted in Ottawa. The chicken was well spiced and the fries are so good. Highly recommended place.

Great tasting chicken

I live around the corner from this place, and with my window opened all summer, my place smells of pili pili chicken. Could not have asked for a better circumstance. The food is also as great as it smells.

Great food and service!

The food here is absolutely amazing Staff are phenomenal, courteous and friendly portions are as good as the taste

We were made very welcome and their BBQ chicken is excellent.

Very friendly and helpful staff Delicious food Lunch special - extra spicy chicken breast with spicy fries and salad $13.50

Food was great, staff was great. Amazing.

Hello, Ive been a client for years. Last week, I ordered goat meat (25$ + tax). I think its time to stop advertising that Pili Pili has LAMB/GOAT meat because it ends up being beef that is mildly seasoned and we have more onions that the actual dish ordered that is not even what you ordered... beef is not goat. Beef is not lamb. Can we actually get what we paid for? Or, if you do not have goat meat, just say so... I keep hoping itll be different, but the experience of ordering goat meat and getting onions with beef, for 25$, is not pleasant. However, the service is top notch, always the staff is friendly, and the ambiance is warm and cozy.

Best chicken I ve ever had, and the rice and spicy fries are amazing too. Every time I come to Ottawa I go out of my way to eat here. You can t beat the lunch special.

Great food, great price, great service. Great place to eat.

Every time I go to Pili Pili Chicken there is a great vibe. It can be crazy busy but the staff always make time to answer your questions. Chicken is pretty exceptional. Food pricing is so reasonable and that is so appreciated. Just a really well run business. Big thanks everyone. Food

Beyond expectations as always, I havent been there in 5 yrs, they just keep improving! Nothing but love for this amazing location and crew!

I took the chicken, rice and plantain. And every was top notch .

Seriously one of the juiciest tastiest chicken i have eaten! First time having halal burkinabé food and it didn t disappoint!!!!

Great place, great food.

The best chicken I have tried in Ottawa! The fries were also really good. The service was quick and the staff were so kind. For the quality of the food, the pricing was good, highly recommend.

There is no secret why this place is so popular. If I lived closer, I would dine here 3 times a week minimum!

the meal was divine, nothing to say

Extremely friendly customer service and A+++ food! I take all my out of town friends and family here Food : 5/5

Unreal, will definitely be back!

First time visit and I was treated to incredible meal with super friendly service. Wish they where back home.

Parking: Chicken BBQ plantain with rice and fries is really good. Food

Excellent food and service! Always the best chicken in town

Great experience at pili pili mark and the lady taking our order went above and beyond in making sure we were seated comfortably and got everything we needed. Delicious halal chicken! And sides were tasty! 2 whole chicken is good for 5-6 people

If you re looking for an affordable, tasty grilled chicken Pili Pili in Ottawa is exceptional and must try. Their seasoning is unmatched. 10/10

The best charcoal grill chicken place, delicious, juicy, tasty, and they give u enough so u can never finish the whole plate by ur self.

Very good, very clean I love it

Fantastic food

Food is so good here

The chicken was super good but there was a lot of smoke and the smell was a little strong but I really loved the taste of chicken

Really great food, enjoyed every bite had the chicken combo - great quantities and absolutely delicious chicken and one of the best fries I ve had in Ottawa.

Great chicken ! Very friendly staff !! Definitely recommend it

This is the best restaurant in Ottawa, hands down! The chicken is so tasty, well cooked and flavourable. SOlid sides with choice of many including deliciously-prepared plantain, rice, fries etc. Very clean and the service is excellent. The guy who takes the order is super friendly, always has a smile. unlike other places. He very meticulous, making sure that the order is correct . And makes even other suggestions that we were unaware of. The warmth of both the food and the personalities of the restauranteurs will have us coming back again and again! You must try!

Great food, good, well-seasoned chicken! Plantain was soft and sweet, and they even gave me Caesar to go! Amazing service from Yousef and Mark!

Ammmmaaaaazing food! Ordered the 1/2 spicy chicken platter with plantain and salad. It was enough food to share with my friend. Order at the counter when you walk in through the front door. They close at 8pm so if you have a lot of chatting to do, go to dinner earlier. I ll be back!

Amazing food... Every year, we do a charity event Share A meal, where we feed 500 free plates of meal to the needy and homeless . This year, 2023, I approached the restaurant. I spoke to Desire to partner with us by providing whatever they can. They provided 50 free plates. God bless this business, and thank you for ur generosity.

Charcoal grilled chicken legs crazy guy. Hurry up and eat it

Great flavor

Great food , great service.

honest to god i think this is best takeout place in ottawa. the chicken is so good, the plantain is plenty and the rice is tasty. it is so affordable especially during these difficult times. it was 15 dollars with tips included

Chicken was great and the plantain was fabulous! Prices are fair and the staff were super friendly!

Everyone has to try this super juicy and flavorful charcoal grilled chicken

Slow

Tasty food great deal

Best chicken in town, hands down.

Great food and amazing staff.

Have been going for about 6-7 years now and they are the best. Owner is a good man, very kind and they will treat you like family. I used to go every day for lunch and the food is still just as good and the service only gets better. Merry Christmas to you guys I hope your business prospers so I can continue visiting you for years to come.