Thali and Coconut Lagoon are two of my most favourite restaurants in Ottawa. The food is outstanding, the presentation is amazing and the hospitality can’t be matched anywhere. There is something for everyone on Chef Joe Thottungal’s menus. The ambiance is such that you can celebrate a personal occasion elegantly, or cheer on your friends and colleagues to mark their work and life milestones. Chef Joe is a community builder and believes in the power of food to unite. He regularly donates food to people who experience food insecurity, along with the organizations that support them. By patronizing his establishments, you are also an important part of Joe’s personal philosophy about the importance of creating healthy communities. Run – don’t walk – to Thali and Coconut Lagoon. And then savour every moment.

Joe Thottungal helps make Ottawa a great city. He's always been making dynamite South Indian food; it just took some of us a while to catch up. Increasingly he's become a pillar of the community, a guy who steps up when help is needed, and a connector of talent and goodwill. Everyone's been waiting for the new Cocount Lagoon. It'll be like coming home again.

“I have had the pleasure of dining at Coconut Lagoon and Thali many, many times. It is always a special experience. Chef Joe and his team offer exceptional dining only surpassed by their hospitality. Beyond being among Ottawa’s premier restaurateur - Joe is an outstanding community leader giving generously of his time, talent and treasure. It is an honour to commend Joe and his restaurants to anyone looking for a wonderful gourmet experience .”

Joe’s Coconut Lagoons’ cuisine once experienced, will become, with full confidence, a regular “must” whether dining on site or at home. Joe’s magical culinary talent offers memorable unique southern Indian cuisine with strategically balanced flavours of sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent and spicy, which never fail to mesmerize palates. Adding to diners’ culinary adventure, is Joe’s authentically traditional style of serving. Joe Thottungal is also one of my greatest philanthropic culinary heroes! For years, but particularly through the pandemic as well as the 3 week blockade of the city of Ottawa (and despite the loss, followed by the rebuilding of his first restaurant, Coconut Lagoon), he has been constantly giving back to society in an unbelievable and remarkable way.

Coconut Lagoon modernizes Indian cuisine, pushes the boundaries, and creates something truly world class.”

Chef Joe Thottungal always cooks with passion and love, and he brings the authentic aromas, flavours, and textures of south Indian food to his restaurant Coconut Lagoon. In is the benchmark of Keralan cuisines

I've have had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside not only a talented chef that takes great pride in his art; but also of a great human being that is able to share with those in his community. If you ever have a chance to break bread with Joe Martin Thottungal ask him why? ... why cooking? ..., why culture? ...and why community? Three pillars that I feel make one whole

Chef Joe Thottungal has achieved the impossible – delivering the true joy of authentic Kerala food to Ottawa and creating an exciting, exotic dining experience unlike anything I’ve experienced anywhere in the world outside of Southern India

Over the last four years, we have established a strong relationship with Joe Thottungal - the wonderful chef, owner of Coconut Lagoon and Thali, social entrepreneur and philanthropist. We owe many fine meals to him - served in his lovely restaurants or in the German Residence - always to great acclaim. Joe’s food draws on the cuisine of South India; it is amazingly spiced, varied and interesting. Joe has received gold and silver awards at the annual Canadian Culinary Championships. But it is worth noting that his contributions to Ottawa go far beyond his two excellent restaurants. In times of Covid, Joe created Food For Thought, a charitable organization which provides thousands of free meals a week to people in need. We have been honored to support him.

Despite the many blows he’s taken in the last few years, including a fire at one of his restaurants and several closures due to the pandemic, Chef Joe remains a symbol of compassion and generosity in our community. Not only is he a world-renowned restaurateur, he's extremely generous with his time, skills and resources. Joe continues to make an impact in the community through his work in assisting several charitable organizations to provide meals to our city's most vulnerable. For that, I thank him from the bottom of my heart.

When my family and I went to Thali, from start to finish it was a superb experience. The ambiance of the restaurant is wonderful, and the service is absolutely fantastic. With regards to the food, I could not give you one complaint. Everything was so authentic, flavourful, rich, and fresh. All the dishes had just the right amounts of spices and seasonings. It is very clear that every dish is made with love and that authenticity of the cuisine is always kept in mind. This is truly a 5-star establishment in every aspect, and I would graciously recommend Joe Thottungal’s, Thali to anyone.

Chef Joe’s relentless pursuit of culinary excellence, homestyle hospitality and unparalleled service have made Coconut Lagoon and Thali must-visit fixtures in Ottawa’s restaurant scene. South Indian cuisine done with perfection, attention to detail and occasional experimentation give Coconut Lagoon a unique standing in Ottawa, unlike any other, and Thali brings you back to traditional India with a dining experience that will leave you raving, and craving for more. Thanks for bringing a true taste of India to Ottawa!

I have known and worked with Joe for almost 20 years. Joe strives to be excellent in everything he does. Working with me at the Crown Plaza Hotel, opening his first restaurant coconut lagoon, and now Thali. He is extremely talented and creative. Not only is Joe a great chef and business person he is also a great family man and helps out in the community in every way he can. I am positive Thali will be a huge success and please many guests. A great introduction to Joe’s South Indian roots