Zak's Diner Review (Ottawa)

Located at 16 Byward Market with a '50s diner atmosphere and a great menu selection, Zak's has been serving burgers, sandwiches, desserts and world famous milkshakes to Ottawa diners for over twenty years now. The seating is comfortable (cushioned booths with lots of space) and the décor (memorabilia of '50s product advertisements hang on the walls) is bright (cream and aqua) and pleasantly inviting.

My two companions and I were seated promptly even though the restaurant was very busy. The waitress brought the menus and we looked over a varied selection of diner fare that included an all day breakfast selection. I decided to take advantage of a missed petit déjeuner and order the breakfast which included two eggs, toast, home fries, bacon, sausage, ham and baked beans. One of my companions ordered the poutine and the other decided to try out the Canadian burger with chef salad.

Our meals were presented to us in a timely manner even thought we arrived during the lunch rush. Within 15 minutes were all enjoying our food. The waitress was pleasant and accommodating. She was concerned enough to return thrice during our meal to ask if we needed anything. But that was only after our meal was served as she forgot to ask us if we wanted drinks while we were waiting for our orders.

My meal was extremely satisfying. It was pleasantly surprising that the eggs I ordered over easy were served in that state. I can't name the number of times they have arrived at my table disgustingly slimy at other restaurants. The bacon was another highlight as they did not deep fry it to cook it faster (which usually over cooks the meat and removes much of the flavour). You might find it baffling how a short order cook can botch an egg breakfast as it is so easy to prepare but because of its simplicity the attention to detail is often times lax. The size of meal was another enjoyment as I was unable to finish it due to the ample amount given.

One of my companions, who have eaten at Zaks on many occasions, recommended we try one of the diner's famous milkshakes. I acquiesced even though the price tag on the beverage was expensive ($6.95). I ordered the strawberry and my companion had the caramel. The milkshake was the best I have tasted in the city. It was almost a meal in itself (it was a very generous size). It was thick and full of strawberry flavour and it was a shame I could not finish it also.

My friend both enjoyed his caramel shake and poutine which was not surprising since he is a regular visitor to the diner. His poutine was large and smothered with gravy and cheese curds. Zaks doesn't skimp on the cheese for its Quebecois standard which is the benchmark for an awesome poutine. But why my companion added ketchup to the mix is beyond my capabilities of understanding.

My second companion thought his Canadian burger which had ample amounts of cheese and a thick slice of back bacon was a great choice. His chef salad was a little small and the selection of light flavoured dressings (he doesn't like ranch or other thickly textured ones) was sparse and had to settle on balsamic vinegar.

It is always nice to leave a restaurant satisfied and Zaks didn't spoil the experience by overcharging for its food. We left with less than 50 dollars removed from our wallets and it this reviewer happy indeed!

Décor: 3.5/5
Service: 4/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 (Highly Recommended)