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Food item prices are on the higher end, but that is reasonable considering the vibe or atmosphere of the place. Zak's Diner is at the heart of ByWard Market. There are plenty of botiques and other dining places nearby. You would get the option of patio dining outdoors or indoor seating. Food is standard diner fare with nothing noteworthy. There is an option to "poutinize your fries" for an extra $4.99, which I find a little bit much for the cheese curds and gravy. I did enjoy the Zak's Famous Milkshake ($8.99) and Ice Cream Float ($6.49). The Milshake was creamy and came with a metal cup filled with extra milkshake / whip cream. We came to have lunch a little past noontime rush. It was nice that we, a group of 2 people, were allowed to move to a table for 4 when we requested it. It was always welcome to have more elbowroom. Their table for 2 is a little bit cramped when you also have a bag or some other things with you.
This is my fourth time visiting the Zak for the past 3yrs. Service and the milkshake are good but the food definitely downgraded. My Pancakes and the ham super dry. Toast so dry like eating crackers. The retort amblance stay the same but the time we were there the TV not on and the bus is not available for seating which is the highlight for me in this place. This is still a good place for the 70's experience. With many new choices around will I return? Is a definitely maybe not! All the best Zak!
In searching for a not too fussy late lunch while in the Byward market, Zak's answered the call. We took advantage of the outdoor seating and were greeted quickly with glasses of ice water and menus. My spouse ordered the Eggs Benedict with the eggs medium hard. For me, I got the Hot Hamburger sandwich. Our orders arrived without undue delay and mine had a regular grilled burger patty between slices of white bread and a splash of gravy on top. Included sides were fries and a small paper cup of coleslaw. The patty was well cooked and fine with the gravy, a tad more gravy would have been welcome. My spouse's Eggs Benedict also seemed to be pretty much as expected. Unsurprisingly the hollandaise seemed to be both okay yet pre-prepared, i.e. not hand made from scratch in the kitchen. It came with a lot of hash browned potatoes. All told are meals met expectations by filling a needed at an okay price (for a restaurant in a touristy area). Service was quick and our server was both cheerful and personable. We'd be fine going back someday.
Since moving to Ottawa people have spoken to me about Zaks. My friend and came around 845pm and sat outside. We were promptly greeted by a young gentleman who was our server. He asked us is we wanted to start off with drinks and then gave us time to choose what we wanted. The waiter gave us time but didn't forget about us or was overbearing. I chose the grilled cheese burger. It was on sourdough instead of a regular bun and was grilled! The tater tots were hot and not oily. The burger was juicy. The pickle and coleslaw was a nice added touch. I was impressed because nailing something simple. Like a burger platter seems to be hard to serve these days in terms of having cold fries or super over cooked beef. My friend had the Nashville sandwich and said it could have been more spicier but this review is based on my food and experience . Well done Zaks! The hype is real and I'll be back.
CLASSIC diner experience. We dropped in on a Thursday afternoon after a casual stroll through the ByWard market area and reading that this diner was somewhat of an institution in the neighborhood we determined this was the perfect lunch spot for us. Foot traffic was moderate inside, but they were pretty busy still. The interior of the diner is very, very, very classic (And, yes, I'll be using that word a lot), with booth seats and pictures everywhere on the walls, and will remind you of any ol' diner in North America. The menu was a bit small compared to diners we've been to, but they had the usuals - eggs, omelettes, pancakes, French toast, wraps, sandwiches, soups, salads, milkshakes...and, OF COURSE, poutine, so there's a little something for everyone. After a walk around the market area, one can get quite hungry and that's exactly what happened to us! After mulling things over, I decided to order the Pancakes & Eggs, which you can customize, but mine came with sausage, scrambled eggs and blueberry pancakes. My wife went with the Ringer Burger and upgraded her fries to a poutine. Oh, and, when at a diner, we can't forget to order milkshakes, right?!?! I went with the Strawberry and my better half got the Banana. Verdict? Pretty much what you would expect when you go to your average diner. The food was good for what it was. Also, huge portions of everything. The Pancake & Eggs arrived with 3 large pancakes and there was A LOT of poutine fries in my wife's order of the Ringer Burger. Nothing stood out as spectacular, but nothing was terrible either. It was all very average, but if you're just looking for a big breakfast or meal, this will definitely hit the spot. I do want the say that the ice cream milkshakes were GREAT though! I loved that they use ice cream and give you the entire mixer cannister on top of your glass cup. If you're a tourist who drove into the area, there is plenty of paid street parking and reasonably priced parking lots to boot. The diner is conveniently located right by the ByWard Market along with other restaurants. If you're seeking a safe bet, go to Zak's.
We decided on a quick snack from Zak's before heading to the Art Gallery up the street. A big Wimpy's vibe as you enter with colorful walls and seats fashioned in an art deco period strict COVID-19 precautions including hanging up rIncoats and entering info in tablets before being seated The servers hustle from table to table which minimizes delay and increases the turnover for the next group of hungry travelers. So we shared a turkey club and a mess of poutine. Both were good, and reasonable priced. Definately worth sharing a few items as the portions were good and the sodium count off the charts. Service was good and friendly. Our server shared that her steps are in the tens of thousands daily! All in all a fun touristy stop in Byward market. Be prepared to wait outside a bit as I is a popular destination! -Zuk
OVERALL: -Great poutine, good service, casual environment ARRIVAL: -I came here because I found it on a few lists online of the best places to get poutine in Ottawa. It was also not far from my hotel and near the ByWard Market, which I heard is a cool area that I should visit while in town. -I got a table for one around 9 or 10pm one night in September. Got seated right away. There were a lot of people there so it felt busy, but it was large so there were still plenty of empty tables. FOOD: -I had the regular poutine and a mint chip milkshake. -The poutine was top notch. I got to try poutine maybe 5 times while I was in Canada and this one was my favorite. There was nothing fancy about it or any extra ingredients to jazz it up, but it was still perfect. Served piping hot with curds layered throughout the fries so some of them melted and some didn't. Fries were extra crispy and fresh so they retained their crunch even with the gravy on them. -The mint chip milk shake was very large, but pretty average otherwise. SERVICE -Service was fast and friendly! I got refills of water without asking. My server kindly answered my questions about the menu and was attentive. LAYOUT/ATMOSPHERE: -Very much a classic diner with lots of booths, a lunch counter with stools, etc.
Guys, what happened? This place used to be my go-to. Tonight I went and the overall experience was just awful. When I walked in with my boyfriend, almost every since staff member saw us, but we waited 5 minutes at the door to be seated. It was dead, so I'm not sure why it took so long. We put in our order and waited 30 minutes. People who were seated after us got their full meal before we even got our milkshakes. I ordered the Caesar wrap and was given a wrap that was 99% warm lettuce, a bit of shredded cheese, and a strip of flavourless chicken. We were lucky to have a very kind waitress who did not charge us for the wrap. She was overall very friendly. Felt bad for her as she was running all over the place the whole time. Just don't come here. Sad to say this, as I used to recommend it all the time. But the quality has gone down tremendously and still charges the same for everything.
First place we ate when we arrived in Ottawa. This is a all diner located right in byward market serving all day breakfast meals. We got the french toast with eggs and bacon as well as their signature milk shakes. The food tasted like typical diner food but much more expensive. The shakes were good and they did give a generous amount, enough to share between 2 people. Overall a ok eating spot to try just once. The prices are high for what you're getting.
A perfect weekend breakfast spot. We were seated outside on a beautiful day. Service was great and the food was incredible. Such large portions for a very reasonable price. I loved every dish we ordered. My personal favorite is the eggs Florentine and it was perfect for my taste. Also enjoyed the milkshake!
Was in the Byward Market area and selected Zaks for our dinner. The inside seems like frozen in time from 60s and 70s. Most of the walls have frames with lines on the and all of them are funny. Started off with Four Cheese Poutine. The grave is vegetarian and fries although thinner than I would like the Poutine was good. The gravy not too runny or salty. The chef did not skimp on cheese I must add. Ordered a Mac n Cheese burger with veggie patty with a salad and Grilled veggie wrap with mashed potatoes. The wedges Mac n Cheese were gooey and crispy on the outside. The burger patty was chickn flavour. The wrap was good with perfect veggies inside. The mashed potatoes were fresh made and not made from a box. The gravy was the same as the Poutine. The salad was ok, but a generous helping. All in all good place to go. Seemed to be a favourite spot for a lot of University Students. Half the tables were full of them. read more
We were in the Byward Market early and getting hangry so we came here to juice up. If you get here early there's no line up, so decide between sleep or waiting in line. The decor is classic diner, but a little cleaner. Service is efficient and friendly, perfect diner style. The food is pretty good - all the regular favourites, big portions, served promptly. I had the lumberjack's breakfast and couldn't finish it, though I tried. There must be half a pound of cheese in it! I'd have given this place a higher rating if the prices were better. read more
Not at all worth it. It gets 2 stars for the diner concept and layout and the very friendly and (mostly) efficient service. It loses 3 stars because charging someone 12.95$ for good ol 2 eggs, toast, potatoes, choice of meat OR fruit is a F* ING INSULT. 11$ for a regular, barely medium sized, half-assed copy of a poutine (i duno what that is but u can't call it cheese curds just because they're shaped like cheese curd). Go ahead, take a look at the menu pics i took today 2017-12-03 and tell me you agree with a single price on that thing for cheap diner food? Seriously go F urself Zak's. I don't care if your in the middle of the market...it is enragingly pathetic to charge that much for a damn plate of diner food!!!! I was super stoked to get a milkshake here but at 6.95 for a drink with no booze???!!! Again shove it right up there Zak's. 85$ (not including tip) for 4 adults and 2 small children to eat crappy food!!!! The only reasonably priced things were the kids meals (6-7$ each: main, side and drink). And the bathrooms ...freezinggggg cold!!!! My poor niece froze her buns off (literally) and so did I! It was ridiculously cold in that bathroom. You'd figure with how much they charge for food they could afford to pay the damn heating bill! It was just a shitty diner. With shitty diner food. I will never ever be back! Repeat customers should be ashamed of themselves for keeping a place like this open and accepting such ridiculous pricing. read more
I have to tell that the aesthetics of this place is amazing and it is a perfect place to go out for milkshakes (like in American movies). The food was not good - burger was dry and the bun was not even fresh. The taste was really weird but I am not sure if it was because it was vegetarian (I tried veggie burger at many other places and they were ok). The service was super slow and it took us 10 minutes of wait to get the bill because nobody was paying attention. Good place for beverages but not food. read more
2 years ago
There is just way too much hype over this place in my opinion. Pros: we were seated quickly and service was good. We were in and out in an hour. Cons: most of the food was fried and it was wayyyy over priced. Most breakfast places I frequent with this type of food are between the $5-10 range. My meal of pancakes, eggs, and sausage was $16!! This place is a tourist trap and I would recommend you go elsewhere. I wish I had just gotten a coffee and a French pastry from the bakery across the street. read more
Zak's Diner makes me happy. It could be the fact that it's always open, or the fond memories of "after-prom" fried food, and while the tables are old and usually a little sticky, Zak's is a happy place! I recommend the blue cheese burger and the club sandwich - both are awesome! I hear the deep fried mars bar is also fantastic, but it sounds like a little much for me. read more
Who doesn't love a good old dinner in the nations capital ? Trick question everyone does and Zaks is a must stop and eat at place they have a large menu with sweet and savoury options and a ton of vegetarian options too! I personally couldn't choose what to get so I had to go with a eggs benny plate and a side of French toast I regret nothing the food was great and had a nice homey feel to it. Not to mention they also have milkshakes that came in a variety of flavours and if your up to it they also have a boozy option and if milkshakes aren't your thing get a Caesar! With a diner vibe Canadian charm and a big menu what more do you need to be convinced to come out here ! read more
8 years ago
Great great milkshakes!! If you ever get a milkshake, ask to split it in 2 because that's the normal size for average people (at least I think) Service was great and milkshakes were fast. The mint choc chip was good..definitely will come by again next time in Ottawa for other flavours. read more
6 years ago
7 years ago
5 years ago
7 years ago
7 years ago
Great local diner with amazing plant-based options. Try the breakfast Poutine if you are looking for a local favorite or the plate sized pancakes with 100% Canadian maple syrup! read more
5 years ago
As you walk into this cool retro looking restaurant, you are greeted by a red hot mustang car. The entire place looked lively with colorful décor and energetic music. Another section of the restaurant has a beautifully renovated school bus, unfortunately it was full that day. As my friends each ordered a regular burger and a Canadian burger, I decided to order some egg, toast and sausage breakfast. A delicious brunch with lovely atmosphere. Next time when I visit our capital I'm definitely coming back here! read more
4 years ago
Kara was an absolute delight...food was great too! Breakfast was HUGE! Not sure if the eggs were cage free, but they weren't chickens yet so who cares? read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
Got the mac & cheese burger with curly fries. I liked the fried mac and cheese balls, but the veggie burger itself was pretty bland. Also wasn't really a fan of the bun, not toasted enough and kinda dry. Got the milkshake as well which was huge. The waiter was nice enough to split it into two cups for us. The place is pretty big and it was decorated really cute with old school posters and such. Overall, it's just a regular tasting diner and it's 24/7 which is convenient. read more
Everytime we are in Ottawa we eat here, the kids love it. The last time I came i wasnt a Yelp user so I am formally reviewing for the first time. I ordered the Eggs Pacific (Eggs Benny with smoked Salmon) and my wife ordered Eggs Benny). Both dishes were fantastic! It's too bad they don't have more meatless options for lunch though. Remember, only cash and credit, no debit. read more
7 years ago
We wanted a casual, quick dinner this evening. We noticed many of the outside tables were occupied, so we figured the food must be good. We ordered the Greek Wrap and the Classic Burger. We were pleased by the quick service, generous portions, and quality of food. Our server Michael was friendly, efficient, and attentive. We had a pleasant experience at Zak's. read more
4 years ago
Zak's is easily one of my Top 5 in Ottawa. First of all, it's a 24-hour diner, so that's pretty prime itself, but the fact that it serves all-day breakfast puts it high on my list. The only thing that would make it better is if it delivered. I can only hope they'll over delivery in the future. There are two main things I need to get out of the way first - their milkshakes and Zak's Famous Special Club are GINORMOUS. This special club even has a warning on it - "for the hungry only!" When they say "grilled chicken breast", they mean A chicken breast.. like.. a whole one. Big high-five to anyone that finishes it. They have over 15 different flavors of milkshake to wash down your massive meal, and the best part is that they give you your milkshake in a glass, as well as all the extra in another metal glass. So basically, you get two milkshakes for the price of one. You can even add a shot of alcohol if you please. I've also had their Eggs Benny, Reuben Sandwich, hot roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy, basket of deep-fried zucchini, and their deep-fried Mars bar with ice cream and whipped cream (not all at once). I've never left Zak's disappointed. I'm always full and always satisfied with their service, as well as their prices. Love. read more
3 years ago
Had breakfast here with the wife for our 6th wedding anniversary in Ottawa. Hearty breakfast and delicious! Worth the price too. We had a great server who was very outgoing. Even the other servers seem very cheery to work there singing and humming along to the music playing from the diner's speaker system. Would love to go back if we're ever in Ottawa again in the future. read more
7 years ago
8 years ago
On my last morning in Ottawa, I wanted to have breakfast at a diner to feel like I'm back home in New Jersey, the diner capital of the US. Zak's didn't disappoint. I went for the Pancakes & Eggs combo. The banana stuffed pancakes and sunny side up eggs were prepared nicely, as was the side of bacon. The coffee is from Bridgehead, so I got another dose of the local fav. Good breakfast spot at the Byward Market. read more
8 years ago
12 years ago
Visited this Diner with Wifey and her friend Ayaan one freezing December night to grab food to go and bring to the local Sheesha Smoke Spot. This place is damn smack in the middle of Byward Market in Downtown Ottawa, so parking naturally sucked. But once we got in the restaurant it was all good. If youre a Bacon lover, this place has an amazing menu, but theres definitely a menu for non-swine eaters like us. We ordered the Grilled cheese burgers, a grilled cheese sandwich with a burger in the middle. i had a side of mashed potatoes and onion rings. BOMB!!!! We also ordered poutine with Chili and Cheese. tasted like American chili cheese fries, but instead of american cheese, it was yummy stringy cheese curds. Sooo Good. and dessert, a couple of oreo shakes, and a battered deep fried mars bar covered in oreo ice cream with chocolate syrup. So bomb! i was raised in Los Angeles, so i was a bit bothered with the whole, "One size" soft drink option. Free refills, so while waiting for our food (approx 20 mins), i drank about 5 cups. LOLOLOLOL besides that the food was great, a bit pricey for diner food, but yummy, and open 24 hours!!! read more
5 years ago
Your typical traditional style diner. Good quality food that arrives quickly. I tried the eggs benedict which was yummy, but everything is very plain/traditional, maybe they could experiment with some new flavours. However, I LOVE their milkshakes as they are thick and rich and not too sweet! Service is friendly and they are located right in the heart of Byward market. read more
7 years ago
16 years ago
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Zak's Diner - diners - Updated May 2026
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