Press — Zak's Diner | Locally world famous diners in Ottawa, ON

Experience all the charm of these four old fashioned diners

This 24-hour retro eatery has Ottawans and traveling foodies routinely making a beeline for the Byward Market (and most recently, Kanata where they’ve opened a second location) to indulge in some homespun greasy eats and colossal shakes. Choose from a shot of Baileys, rum or vodka to turn your milkshake into a properly boozy drink, the perfect accompaniment to Zak’s lip-smacking diner fare, which includes a goat cheese chicken sandwich, onion ring poutine and a mac ‘n’ cheese burger (three deep-fried macaroni wedges served atop the house’s cheeseburger).

- Quench Magazine

Zak’s Diner chosen from across Canada to collaborate with Simons on limited-edition T-shirt

One of the ByWard Market’s oldest and most beloved restaurants is gaining national exposure through a streetwear label sold by Canadian fashion retailer La Maison Simons.

Zak’s Diner was one of four eateries selected from across Canada to be featured by Quebec-based Simons through its limited-edition T-shirt collaboration.

- Ottawa Business Journal

Zak’s Diner a ‘sign’ of delicious things to come in Carleton Place

The famous Zak’s Diner sign is up in Carleton Place.

The 50s-themed eatery, known for its all-day breakfast, unbeatable burgers, sinful milkshakes and classic Canadian comfort food, is opening this ye ar in the space once occupied by the Tap House Grill & Sports Bar, at 515 McNeely Ave. Signs were changed over May 13-14, 2021.

- Ottawa Valley News

Big Rig, Bridgehead, Zak's coming to Ottawa airport

Travellers heading through the Ottawa airport will now be able to get a literal taste of the region with local eateries setting up new outposts and locally-made edibles and other products on sale.

Big Rig Brewery, Bridgehead Coffee, La Bottega Nicastro and Zak’s Diner are part of a two-year construction project in the concession area.

- Ottawa Citizen

Ottawa's Iconic Zak's Diner Is Opening A New Location & Here's What We Know

The "locally world-famous" Zak's Diner will be opening up its fifth restaurant location in Ottawa's trendy Westboro neighbourhood. This popular Ottawa diner and brunch spot plans to open at what was once The Savoy Brasserie in early February 2023.

"Our family lives in Westboro, so this location comes close to our heart, we love the neighbourhood," Zak's Diner told Narcity.

- Narcity

Zak’s serves up the classic diner experience at four Ottawa locations

Mark down Zak’s Diner as simply a fun place to eat when in Ottawa.

Established in 1986 by John Borsten and some partners, one of whom had a son named Zak, there are four separate locations for this ’50s-themed eatery: the happening Byward Market, Elgin Street, Carleton Place and Kanata.

While the ladies dined elsewhere one night, I jumped at the offer from Zak’s Director of Marketing Sofia Santiso Borsten to experience Zak’s for the first time. I am a huge fan of this kind of restaurant. The Byward location is open 24/7 and offers all-day breakfast, unbeatable burgers, sandwiches, world-famous milkshakes and much more.

- Montreal Resto Rap, Mike Cohen

Zak’s Diner opens in Westboro

A well-known Ottawa eatery has set up shop in Westboro. Zak’s Diner opened its fifth location at 334 Richmond Rd., in the former Savoy Brasserie space.

“Westboro needs a Zak’s Diner. I live down here and there aren’t many places to go to eat for breakfast. It’s the right concept for the right location,” said owner John Borsten.

- Kitchissippi Times

Zak's Diner to open its third restaurant on Elgin Street

Zak’s Diner is set to open an Elgin Street eatery in the space once occupied by Dunn’s Famous Delicatessen.

This will be the third location for Zak’s, which opened its first restaurant in the ByWard Market in 1986, followed more recently by a second location in Kanata.

Owner John Borsten said he’s aiming to open the new Zak’s on Sept. 1. The 3,300-square-foot space has already been gutted.

- Ottawa Citizen

Ottawa travel tips to help you plan your visit to the nation’s capital

Zak’s – Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this diner is a god-send for anyone in need of some late eats after a long night out in the Byward Market. Zak’s serves all-day breakfast and a lot of other dishes that nod to the American diner. The food is good but the best thing on the menu is the Breakfast Smoothie ($5.49), which is served in a tall parfait glass alongside the steel container it was blended in. The container comes with enough extra to fill a second glass. It’s delicious, it’s a great deal and you’ll be back for seconds, er, fourths. It’s made with fresh fruit and frozen yogurt. 14 Byward Market Square.

- Adrian Brijbassi