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Ratings and reviews

#109 of 1,489 Restaurants in Ottawa
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

PRICE RANGE
US$15 - US$47
CUISINES
Canadian, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
View all details
meals, features, about
Travel safe during COVID-19
Visit our Travel Safe hub to see how we're helping you make more informed travel decisions during COVID-19.
What you can expect during your visit
  • Face masks required for staff in public areas
  • Hand sanitiser available to guests & staff
  • Staff required to regularly wash hands
  • Tables disinfected between guests
  • Stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
  • Takeaway Available
Read more
Updated 22-03-20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
Updated 22-03-20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
Reviews (396)
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Traveller rating
148
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42
17
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Reviewed 4 weeks ago

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
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded 3 weeks ago

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?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Reviewed September 10, 2022 via mobile

I Have never been more disappointed in something called “experience” that I paid $75 in my life. I was melting the entire time, their AC was either broken or not turned on. We were surrounded by those cheap white pedestal fans on 3 sides and...the bar/register on one side. Felt like a roadside shack of a place and I saw everyone else be seated at beautiful set corners or background. The place is beautiful, we reserved ahead of time and it almost felt like they stuck us in the worst corner that wasn’t forced there. Booked and was looking forward to this for so long and abs annoyed. The waitress was nice and helped us w/ food preferences etc so no complaints there’sMore

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.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded September 14, 2022

We sincerely regret the disappointing experience. 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 day. We are confident that...More

Reviewed August 31, 2022

Stopped by Zoe's for a dessert and special drink. The atmosphere and experience was very special. I would love to go back.

Date of visit: August 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded September 2, 2022

Dear Leslie, Thank you for taking the time to share your compliments with us. We hope to welcome you again one day soon. Sincerely, Gregory Voge Director of Food & Beverage

Reviewed July 24, 2022

Fair warning, this is not an every-day experience as it is quite expensive. Though the excellent food, service and ambiance are very worth it. And it does hearken back to the days of taking one's time with the food and savoring the experience. I would...strongly recommend reservations if you are going during a busy time--like a weekend lunch. This is also not a place to show up in sweats and flip-flops: we were wearing walking shorts and teeshirts and didn't feel out of place. But I would not have wanted to be much less formal that that... Our hostess was the right combination of competence, friendliness and humour and it was was a joy to have her serve us. One funny experience was she apologed that one variety of tea was unavailable. With 20 other teas, coffee, decaf or hot chocolate to choose from, I don't think that we were hard done by. I especially liked that each person can have their own tea in an individual teapot. I cannot praise the food enough. I also overheard another table making arrangements for vegetarian-option sandwiches, so I know that that is available. I am given to understand that my mother found one of the sandwiches "fishy". Well it *was* trout...More

Date of visit: May 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChateauLaurier, Owner at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded August 15, 2022

We agree that our Afternoon Tea experience is one not to be missed. We look forward to your next visit! Sincerely, Gregory Voge Director of Food & Beverage

Reviewed June 17, 2022 via mobile

The staff was really nice to us and the waitress was friendly and served us well. On the other hand, the food was overpriced and very disappointing. My dish, which was FIFTY DOLLARS (wth) had a steak with the same size as my thumb, and...the truffle fries had no truffle flavour at all. When it comes to dessert, the bought ice cream was the best food I ate the whole night. The chocolate cake was heavy as hell. To sum up, the restaurant is clearly a tourist trap.More

Date of visit: June 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChateauLaurier, Owner at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded July 5, 2022

Dear Nona, Our mission is to turn moments into memories and we regret that we failed to do so during your recent visit to Zoe's. Rest assured that your experience is certainly not typical of the usual high level of service that we provide. We...More

Reviewed May 15, 2022

My daughter brought me here for High Tea. What a wonderful gift and experience!!!!! We had an ample selection of tea. The three-tier platter was so very well presented and the sandwiches, desserts and scones were AWESOME! Tasty and fancy. We couldn<t eat all the...desserts so we could go home with the boxed goodies. Staff was so nice, perfect date for this mother-daughter.More

Date of visit: May 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChateauLaurier, Other at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded May 16, 2022

We are so pleased that your visit was an enjoyable one. We agree that our Afternoon Tea Experiemce is one not to be missed! We hope to welcome you again one day soon. Sincerely, Gregory Voge Director of Food & Beverage

Reviewed April 23, 2022

Place, food and service is great. For an upscale place, having to park offsite in the byward market is an insult. Unless you are a guest at the hotel, you cannot use their parking even though the restaurant is in the hotel. Not coming back...for sure.More

Date of visit: April 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded April 26, 2022

We regret your disappointing experience with our very limited parking. We are anxiously awaiting the building of our new parking garage facility. However, until then, our availability is limited to accommodate our in house guests. We do understand your frustration and do hope you return...More

Reviewed April 21, 2022

We order the pork belly with a side Caesar salad and both were yummy. The pate appetizer was excellent. Our two drinks were served in interesting containers - one came in a box with smoke and the other was served in a copper mug and...were excellent.More

Date of visit: April 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded April 26, 2022

We are so pleased that your visit was so enjoyable. We hope to welcome you again one day soon. Sincerely, Patrick Vincelette Director of Rooms

Reviewed November 30, 2021

Beautifully set table and exquisite surroundings with a view outdoors. There were 3 of us and 2 were gluten free. The GF sandwiches looked like styrofoam and according to the people eating them had virtually no cream cheese and were stale. As the non gF...they looked highly unappetizing. As the non GF guest, the only thing on the plates that were enjoyable were the scones with cream and jam. Come on Chateau Laurier. You can do better than this. Our bill for 3 people with a couple of drinks was $350. !! Never again.More

Date of visit: November 2021
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChateauLaurier, General Manager at Zoe's, responded to this reviewResponded December 1, 2021

Our mission is to turn moments into memories and we regret that we failed to do so during your recent visit. We hope you give us another chance, by returning one day. We are confident that you will not be disappointed. Sincerely, Patrick Vincelette Director...More

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Questions & Answers
Ask a question
elsier33
August 18, 2019|
Answer
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
0
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Barbara1344
March 7, 2019|
Answer
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