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#102 of 1,502 Restaurants in Ottawa
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PRICE RANGE
US$15 - US$48
CUISINES
Canadian, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Named after Prime Minister Laurier’s wife, Zoe’s opened in 1989. Known for their signature cocktails and Afternoon Tea, Zoe’s offers a relatively casual dining space within which to unwind after a long day. When we visited Ottawa, Zoe’s became our home base! On our day...of arrival, we partook in the signature Afternoon Tea. Being a veteran of many a tea room, how could I not? Anyway, service was impeccable throughout. We were given a “tour” of the various tea selections and a rundown of the tea tower. We thoroughly enjoyed the Afternoon Tea, but my favourite item had to be the duck pate. Delicious! I also appreciated that our server took a couple nice photos of us enjoying our experience! All in all, it was on par with the Hotel Vancouver, Royal York, Palliser, and Lake Louise, which is saying a lot. We’d also dined at Zoe’s twice for dinner during our stay. On our first night, I enjoyed the Charcuterie Board while my partner had the Yellowfin Tuna. I enjoyed the charcuterie, and appreciated that everything came from Ontario and Quebec, but I wasn’t quite feeling the value for money. The tuna, on the other hand, was excellent and perfectly done. On our second night, we kept it light and shared “Wilfrid’s Burger,” which also came with a Caesar Salad. We topped it off with Zoe’s signature soufflé cheesecake and, OMG! The cheesecake was seriously some of the best I’ve ever had. The presentation was excellent and the taste! I was soooo tempted to order another one! Service throughout the dinner services was fine, but getting our bill in a timely manner was a bit challenging. I’d like to say the servers were overtaxed, but it was fairly quiet on both nights we attended. FOOD: 5/5 SERVICE: 4/5 ATMOSPHERE: 4.5/5 VALUE: 5/5 (Afternoon Tea is an especially great value) RECOMMENDATION: With its high ceilings, decadent chandeliers, well-stocked bar, and delectable eats, Zoe’s represents the perfect conclusion to a busy day in our Capital City. Come here, enjoy a beverage and a light bite. And do order the cheesecake. It’s worth the visit alone! PS: If you found this review helpful in any way please consider hitting the "helpful" button!More

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago

My wife and I, along with another couple, had dinner here while visiting Ottawa the last weekend of October. I had won the Bud Light Ultimate Long Weekend trip and wanted to end it on a high note. Just walking into the Fairmont instills an...incredible sense of history. Take your time and look at all the artwork of famous people, and look at the incredible attention to detail in the architecture. Zoe's itself had a really nice atmosphere. The service was excellent (thank you, Matt Payne). Food was very good (braised short rib, Beet salmon, steak, and the 3 courses creation). The custom drinks were fantastic (try The Statesman). Overall, a great experience. Would certainly recommend it.More

Date of visit: October 2023
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Reviewed September 20, 2023

My wife treated me to dinner here for my birthday during a fabulous five-day vacation in Ottawa. I had a large bowl of fresh mussels direct from Prince Edward Island and a pot of Czar Nikolas Russian Tea served in a silver pot large enough...for three cups. Both were delicious, as was my ice cream for dessert. My wife's meal was also excellent. Our server was very nice and helpful at all times. I do not remember his name, however his staff number on the check is 3525. The atmosphere of the restaurant (and hotel) was splendid. My wife stayed at the hotel years ago and loved it. The building opened in 1912 and the location next to Parliament Hill cannot be improved. The wonderful outdoor By-ward Market neighborhood is only five minutes away on foot. We are Americans who love Canada and this visit to Toronto and Ottawa has reminded us how great Canada is as a nation. We visited the Canadian Maritimes in June 2023 and enjoyed a great time there as well. Thank you.More

Date of visit: September 2023
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Patrick Vincelette, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded September 26, 2023

Dear Dennis, We are delighted that your visit to Zoe's was a memorable one! We look forward to welcoming you back one day soon. Sincerely, Patrick Vincelette Director of Rooms

Reviewed September 4, 2023

High Tea at Zoe's today was wonderful. Our server Chantal accommodated all of our food sensitivities and made sure we had a wonderful high tea experience.

Date of visit: September 2023
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Patrick Vincelette, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded September 5, 2023

We agree that our Afternoon Tea Experience is one not to be missed! We hope to welcome you again one day soon. Sincerely, Patrick Vincelette Director of Rooms

Reviewed May 23, 2023

Afternoon Tea - I took my young daughter and her friends to Princess Tea last Friday and it was an incredible experience: the tea, food and service were top notch. The kids were so happy and lasting memories were made. I also just want to...highlight that our server, Josée, was patient, kind, friendly and knowledgeable. She took our experience from great to amazing, and she is an absolute gem. We will definitely return and we hope to see her again. Thank you!More

Date of visit: May 2023
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Patrick Vincelette, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded May 24, 2023

We agree that our Afternoon Tea experience is not to be missed! We look forward to welcoming you back one day soon. Sincerely, Patrick Vincelette Director of Rooms

Reviewed April 26, 2023

Gorgeous atmosphere, amazing afternoon tea and desert. Crème brûlée was incredible. I love going in the evening with my husband. I went with my mother last. I keep going back because of exquisite tea, gorgeous atmosphere and amazing service. So elegant. Just fabulous.

Date of visit: April 2023
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Patrick Vincelette, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded May 2, 2023

Our mission is to turn moments into memories and it is always nice to hear when we have been successful. We look forward to welcoming you back one day soon. Sincerely, Patrick Vincelette Director of Rooms

Reviewed April 12, 2023 via mobile

...we stopped in at The Château for late evening drinks with an out of town family member. Were told we could be accommodated & were asked to wait for a table. We did. We waited & waited & waited... & almost left but finally seated...& promptly told that they "couldn't make" a drink that was listed on the menu (?!) So 4 drinks later (2 that unfortunately ended up being beer pints & NOT a true pint either) the bill was $72.More

Date of visit: April 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded April 12, 2023

Our mission is to turn moments into memories and we regret that we failed to do so during your recent visit. We hope you return one day allowing us the opportunity to regain your trust. Sincerely, Gregory Voge Director of Food & Beverage

Reviewed April 3, 2023

I have been taking my daughter here since she was 3. I miss the trolley for the tea selection. The tea pots are no longer sterling silver and do not fit the ambience. My sandwiches were too fusion. I miss the finger sandwiches. The desserts...are also fusion. Every time I go, I have to ask for substitutions because I’m not a fan of what’s being offered. There was no fruit cup to start. For almost $50.00 a person, I was very disappointed.More

Date of visit: March 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded April 12, 2023

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. Rest assured that we take your comments to heart. We hope to welcome you again one day soon. Sincerely, Gregory Voge Director of Food & Beverage

Reviewed February 26, 2023

Zoe's tearoom is a must-visit during your trip to Ottawa! Having high tea at Zoe's is definitely something to cross off of your travel bucket list, and is worth doing at least once. The price for high tea is a bit hefty, at around $76...per person. However, the experience itself made the price worth it for myself and my partner. We had tea earlier in the day at 11:00AM and were one of the first reservations seated in the restaurant. We got a "perfect" seat in a corner by the windows, which allowed for beautiful lighting and a great view of the tea room. The decor and table set-up is beautifully done and makes you feel like "royalty". The entire experience, from picking your tea until the end is a great one. First, we were provided a detailed tea menu to select our tea. After receiving our tea in personal metal teapots, our tray of finger foods for two was delivered to the table within 10 minutes. We requested no pork products in our tray of finger foods, and they were incredibly accommodating. Due to our non-pork request, we noticed that our tray of foods had 2-3 noticeable variations compared to the tables nearby us. For example, instead of a vanilla and pink cake dessert, we got a mint fudge cake, which we were THRILLED with- the substitution of mint fudge cake ended up being one of our absolute favorite finger foods on the tray. We loved the experience of taste-testing so many different unique foods. When you first get your tray of finger foods, it doesn't seem like a ton of food for the price. However, each bite is delicious and the entire high tea meal is actually incredibly filling! We are so happy that we decided to have high tea at Zoe's in Ottawa and will definitely be recommending this tasty experience to friends and family, and will visit again in the future.More

Date of visit: February 2023
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ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded February 28, 2023

We agree that our Afternoon Tea is an experience not to be missed. Thank you for your comprehensive review and we look forward to welcoming you back one day soon. Sincerely, Gregory Voge Director of Food & Beverage

Reviewed January 31, 2023

We originally wanted to have a cocktail at Wilfred’s however it was closed. Staff directed us to Zoe’s. The restaurant was near empty and yet we were seated next to another table. Our server was lovely however we were subjected to loud arguments at the...next table for the duration of our stay. No attempt to move us to a quieter area despite ourselves and the staff showing discomfort about the experience. We had a cocktail and left without dining so we can’t comment on the menu.More

Date of visit: January 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded February 1, 2023

We sincerely regret the disappointing experience during your stay with us. Our mission is that our guests experience the grandest of feelings and we regret that we failed to do so during your recent visit. We hope you give us another chance, by returning one...More

Reviewed January 18, 2023

The Statesman cocktail is an experience not to be missed! The PB is also a fantastic cocktail if you like drinks a little on the sweeter side.

Date of visit: January 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded January 20, 2023

We are delighted that you enjoy Zoe's Lounge and hope to welcome you again one day soon. Sincerely, Patrick Vincelette Director of Rooms

Reviewed January 1, 2023

We had not been here in a few years, and decided to try their NYE dinner. We chose an early sitting, and first impressions were great - wonderful space, nicely decorated for the season. And quiet - less than 50% full. Service was friendly but...rushed - we had just started our appetizers when the mains were presented. We asked to have time to finish our first plates and were told that the kitchen was rushing to get everything out, and the server started to put them on the table beside our first course...we asked again and she took them aside. We also asked why the hot dishes wre room temperature and were told that the kitchen they use is at the far end of the hotel, so everyting cools of while being carried over. Odd situation, and indicates poor management if true. The food was nicely presented but offputting that it was served lukewarm, and in such a rushed manner. We noticed nearby tables having the same kind of "fast food" service.More

Date of visit: December 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded January 10, 2023

We sincerely regret the disappointing experience during your visit with us to celebrate New Year's Eve! Our mission is that our guests experience the grandest of feelings and we regret that we failed to do so during your recent visit. We hope you give us...More

Reviewed October 11, 2022

We enjoyed the afternoon tea at Zoes and the staff were exceptionally nice to us. We are still enjoying the tea we bought to bring home. Thank you to everyone there for making us feel welcome.

Date of visit: October 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded October 12, 2022

We agree that our Afternoon Tea is an experience not to be missed! We look forward to welcoming you back one day soon. Sincerely, Patrick Vincelette Director of Rooms

Reviewed September 17, 2022

High Tea at the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa had become a must when visiting family in the city. Beautifully prepared and presented sandwiches were delicious and the pastries a work of art. High Tea was an event not to be missed. Sadly, it has been...reduced to soggy stuffed croissants, strawberries between two slices of grain bread cut diagonally with crusts still on and paper thin cucumber sandwiches with creamed cheese Certainly disappointing considering the high price paid per person. Gone is the artistry with which High Tea was prepared. Sadly, our tradition will be discontinued. We will not return.More

Date of visit: September 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded September 19, 2022

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. Rest assured that we take your comments to heart. We hope to welcome you again one day soon. Sincerely, Gregory Voge Director of Food & Beverage

Reviewed September 15, 2022

The room is very pretty but in the summer it is outrageouly hot. They need some A/C as we were melting. The service was friendly and the 'high tea' was just OK. The sandwiches were a bit bland and the heat took their toll on...them. The desserts were tasty, but almost $100pp (with a drink...that was warm) it just wasn't worth the stop.More

Date of visit: September 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded September 16, 2022

Dear Megan, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. Rest assured that we take your comments to heart. We hope to welcome you again one day soon. Sincerely, Gregory Voge Director of Food and Beverage

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Questions & Answers
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elsier33
August 18, 2019|
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Response from chrisdj2016 | Reviewed this property |
Best to contact the establishment directly for something like that. It’s not an issue for us so I did not ask
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Barbara1344
March 7, 2019|
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Response from lindacF8900FM |
Yes best to get reservation as they are very busyespe silly on weekend.
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ZOE'S, Ottawa - Updated 2023 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Zoe's

Yes, Zoe's is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

Zoe's is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 3.5
  • Atmosphere: 4.5