A special treat. Ordered dinner for the first time in many years (and first time in pandemic) and the food is still amazing. This restaurant is a prime example of how simple ingredients cooked with expertise can become divine. Matt was very helpful and friendly with our phone order and pick up. I only wish that my wife and I could have enjoyed our anniversary meal in the restaurant, but taking it home was a close second. read more

Cafe Zack - Rack of lamb. Butternut squash ravioli. Provençal veggies. - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

Always good food! Small restaurant with great ambiance. Have never had a meal I didn't like, after 20 years of eating there! The service is impeccable. read more

Thank you, Cafe Zack, for providing a wonderful dining experience for my husband and I as we celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary at your restaurant. Our waitress was delightful and helpful in choosing our wine selection and the bus boys were very attentive to our water glasses and such. The food was perfectly prepared and delicious. I had the salmon and my husband had the filet mignon. He enjoyed the caesar salad and I enjoyed the garden salad. The back patio ambience was intimate and comfortable. Thank you for helping to make our celebration special. Jodi & David Farrell read more

Pros: service was exceptional! Wine great. Cons: We had the Mahi mahi and the duck breast both were quite plain and bland. Particularly for being house specials, these plates were a big disappointment. Just to drive this point home, the food tastes like what I would make at home, and that's not saying much. read more

It was nice. Nothing wonderful. Nothing bad. Just mediocre. Nice ambiance. Food was pretty good. It was difficult to make a reservation, as they do not do them through their site or a third party like yelp or open table. Website provides an email to contact, so I requested a reservation through email and did not hear back. Then tried calling several times with no response. When I was finally able to get ahold of them, they said they do not check the email. When we arrived for our reservation, the place was empty so not sure it was even necessary? read more

Sweet little place! Food was delicious. A little on the pricey side, but worth it for a special treat. read more

Cafe Zack - Medallions Of Pork Tenderloin and soup - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

See all

The advantage of Yelp reviews-when we came back to Zack's, I knew it had been 8 months since we last ate here, and knew what I enjoyed on our last visit. This time, 3 friends and my hub and I arrived at 5:30 opening time to fit in dinner before a Rubicon theater play that started at 7. We felt badly about rushing through a quality meal of nicely grilled salmon, pasta, and pork loin, and barely managed to squeeze in the berry bread pudding, thanks to help from a busy but accomodating kitchen staff. Next time we will go for a more leisurely meal. read more

Cafe Zack - Nice mural - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

See all

Usually not a fan of sauces on my steak but this place does it right. Really nice ambiance and quality food , 10/10 read more

Cafe Zack - Filet with peppercorn steak - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

See all

3.5 rounded up to 4 since you can't review fractions. The good: the ambiance was nice on a weekday evening. Hard to enjoy fine dining if there's a loud crowd or children running around. No need to speak up the heat each other. My GF's steak, although it visually didn't not look like the requested medium rare (almost no pink), had the taste and texture of a perfect medium rare. Not worth griping about the color when the rest was perfect. The bad: I chose the pasta aglio&olio with tiger shrimp. At $28 I was pretty disappointed to get a total of 4 shrimp no larger than a silver dollar. If they were jumbo prawns I guess but between 50cent coin-silver dollar size? The pasta was ok. Not mind blowing and with the frugal shrimp allotment I was bummed. Overall the didn't fail. But when people are spending $50 per person on food you expect to be impressed a bit. read more

FINALLY!! I have lived in Ventura for a little over a year now and never had a chance to go to Café Zack. I finally had the opportunity for a business lunch two days before Christmas. This place is everything I have heard about and BETTER! I think hands-down the service and the food is the best in Ventura! And what is so wonderful is it is a locally owned establishment in an adorable old house on E Thompson. Service was wonderful start to finish. We were greeted with smiles and told goodbye with a smile. Service was prompt but not intruding as we were having a business conversation. I had the salmon on a bed of quinoa and mixed vegetables. It was delicious. The table of five had a variety of dishes and everyone was satisfied. I can't wait to take my husband to Café Zack for a dinner date. I will be sure to have enough appetite to try one of their desserts as they sounded amazing on the description on the menu. read more

Cafe Zack - Grilled salmon on quinoa and mixed vegetables - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

The food and service is always great. Usually, the owner greets us and makes sure our is just how we ordered. One of our favorite restaurants in Ventura. read more

Always a great place for dinner. I think Cafe Zack is the best restaurant in Ventura. Hector and the staff are always on their game. My favorite entree is the boar shank but the peppercorn filet is always good. Now don't leave without having Zack's pie for dessert. Great little getaway. Try it read more

This is supposed to be one of the finest restaurants in Ventura, but the food is nothing special. Maybe it's what we ordered but my a boar shank was roasted either earlier that day or the day before, reheated and then smothered in a sauce that it was not braised in and that was too tomatoey. the roast potatoes also seemed reheated. The veg were fresh and good. The split pea soup was ok but under salted and nothing special. the Tuscany salad was watery and the raspberry vinaigrette was overly sweet. The worst part of dinner was the wine. Granted it wasn't one of the high end wines but from the local Ojai winery. It was a 2019 Grenache and it was awful. All in all, not a $185 meal for two should taste like. read more

From the reservation to the goodnight, it was excellent. The food was top notch and service spot on. The pork was the best I've ever had, and the serving size was generous. From the drinks to desert, everything was of the highest quality. read more

Can't believe this was our first time here, definitely will not be the last! Great ambiance, cozy, friendly and attentive staff, and excellent wine list. Now the food.... oh my my! Started with a very good Caesar Salad, but the Filet Mignon was the best I've ever had! Cooked medium rare, just as ordered with a nice crust on the outside and the peppercorn sauce was to die for (you choose your sauce). Vegetables cooked nicely. My husband had a mixed Seafood dish which was one of the specials, he loved it! Our table orders filled out with another Filet and the Medallions of Pork Loin with a brandy cream sauce.... all of us were in food heaven! Prices are quality is great! Going to try their lunch offerings soon! Our next visit was as exceptional as the first! Yes, this time I took photos, but not before we all took bites! Our choices this time- a prosciutto penne pasta, the Special Duck with an apricot glaze, the short ribs and the peppercorn crusted filet mignon. Oh yeah! Our friends were so impressed the grabbed the check! read more

Food was delicious! The restaurant looked full but the owner made space for us to dine in w/out a reservation. The environment made me feel like i was at a friends house having a nice dinner. read more

Hidden Gem.... Lived in Ventura for almost 2 yrs now and for some reason this was the first time eating here. This restaurant is a gem. Staff were very friendly and attentive. We brought our own wine so we just ordered entrees. I ordered the Boar Shank. It was the best order of the night at our table. Tender fall off the bone shank with a almost pot roast gravy. I did taste the prosciutto pasta. The noodles were aldente which I love and had a beautiful salty quality about it. The pork medallions were very tender though, I think a little more salt in the gravy would tied the dish together. The pork Chop was very juicy with a nicely applied seasoning and a creamy mushroom sauce . All meals were fantastic. The only thing I hated about this place is that it took us 2 yrs to finally eat here. This will be our go to place to woo our guests. read more

On a friend's recommendation, we have been there for lunch as well as dinner. Very small, family-run operation. Most seating is outdoors behind the front (indoor) section. In winter months, for us "older" folks, best to try to sit inside, even in Ventura (although there are heaters out there). Pleasant surroundings, and very attentive staff. The dishes we had, both for lunch and for dinner, were wonderful. The tomato/basil/garlic soup was terrific; the chicken Caesar salad with penne pasta added (a lunch special that day) was a pleasant surprise. Each dinner item we had was outstanding. Both were specials that night. One was a scallops Provencal appetizer; the other was a pork chop with a creamy mushroom sauce topping. I was not interested in the 2 sides meant to accompany the chop, and having the house salad as my side was no problem, and perfect, for me. All well prepared and truly delicious. The slight disappointment was desserts. The crème brulee was not the usual rich creamy dish we are accustomed to having; the arrogato was definitely not made the traditional way---vanilla ice cream in a glass cup, with hot espresso poured over it at the table. Instead it was served in a bowl, swimming in the coffee, with some kind of chocolate sauce underneath and salty caramel sauce on top. Way too much combined together. But, as always, these are just our particular tastes. I'm sure lots of folks love them that way. All in all, a wonderful and surprising treat, tucked away from downtown Ventura. read more

I can't believe it took us this long to eat here! We got the salmon and the boar shank. So so good! The salmon was served on a bed of greens, topped with capers and with a side of veggies and roasted potatoes. Healthy and so yummy. The boar was also great- It was our first time trying boar and it was so tender and flavorful! To top it off, the owner and all of the staff was so kind and welcoming. Eating here was a treat and we can't wait to come back here next time and try the filet (we've heard it's spectacular) as well as more wines and dessert! read more

Cafe Zack - Boar shank - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

See all

We had a great date night. From our appetizer with Pinot noir wine to our chocolate pie dessert everything was delicious. Our main dish was excellent! Owner and staff was very attentive and friendly. Loved it read more

Cafe Zack - Pork medallion - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

See all

We've been visiting friends in Ventura for several years but only now discovered this gem of a restaurant slightly off the beaten track. We were impressed that it is family run and even though our waiter is not a member of the family, he speaks with pride about the establishment. It is small and intimate, so if you choose to attend one of their special wine dinners, be sure to make reservations well in advance. We were there for a late lunch. The restaurant closes at 2:30 to prepare for dinner, so be sure to arrive early. We were never rushed. Three in our party ordered the taco salad and I ordered the fish catch of the day special, based on the recommendation of our waiter. He was right. The sauce with peppercorns and fruit was light and a perfect pairing with the mahi mahi. It was served on a bed of fresh veggies, which made it a great healthy choice. The taco salad shell was thin and light too. Delicious bread was an added bonus, which is a rarity these days. I will assume that there is a loyal following here. The decor needs some updating to reflect the wonderful restaurant that it is. If Yelp provided a way to give half stars, I would have rated it 4.5. read more

See all

Headed back to Cafe Zack's for another celebration last night and they blew the roof off the place yet again... we were blessed to be sat with Matt, one of the finest waiters Ventura County has to offer. It's a flash back in time to a type of service that is rare to find these days! He coursed the meal perfectly and offered helpful suggestions in addition to tasteful jokes that seemed to please even the the most hardened of people (my dad) in our party. The food, as always, was perfectly and thoughtfully prepared. I've said it once and I'll say it again - get several orders of Zack's Sacks (black truffle sachettis) as an appetizer or you'll never forgive yourself for missing out!! read more

What a lovely place for an intimate dinner. Food was prepared with love. The waitstaff was attentive and professional. There was a couple with an unruly kid nearby, but since he wasn't mine... Great place for a treat. read more

We can not give cafe Zack more than 5 stars....or we would! Hector and his staff are impeccable and make ever diner feel important. The food is abundant and extremely fresh, well seasoned and attractive. The waiter, along with Hector visited every table to make sure the customers were satisfied. It is so rare to discover a beautiful combination of ambiance and quality in a restaurant today. Bravo Cafe Zack.....you have it all. read more

Superb. It is so difficult to find a restaurant like Zack's today. It is not trying to be anything other than what it is. The menu is simple, but every dish is perfect. The wines are excellent. And if ambience is important to your dining experience, it is unparalleled in a world of restaurant that are little more than retail spaces converted into dining establishments. read more

Absolutely fabulous food and service! Healthy delicious creative meals. We always stop here on our way to SB from LA.

This spot is a must if you are near Ventura. We had the Insalata Caprese and baked Brei for the appetizers. The Baked Brei is stupendous, I highly recommend it. For our main course we had the Pork Medallions accompanied by potatoes and vegetables. The pork was tender sautéed with olive oil, apples and a remarkable brandy creme reduction sauce. We finished our meal with the bread pudding dessert accompanied by vanilla ice cream. Driving an hour from the San Fernando Valley out to Ventura was worth it. read more

See all

Cafe Zack's never disappoints...Hector is always personable and treats you like your family. Matt took great care of us, he is funny and all around great waiter Thank You for a lovely evening! read more

A buddy and I went there mid December and to put it simply this is one of the best places to grab a steak. The owner is awesome and chatting with him during dinner made the experience that much better. My buddy who I went with recently sent me a text saying he just finished a dry aged ribeye from Larsens in the collection and it didn't even compete with the ribeye he had at Zacks. Looking forward to going back. read more

This place is Great! Very good food, very good service and a quaint atmosphere and the owner is a tremendous person! If you are ever in Ventura or already live there definitely go for a meal you won't be disappointed! read more

Our very favorite local restaurant! Actually, it's our very favorite restaurant! You don't get many gems like Cafe Zack's anymore. You are greeted by name when you walk in and you feel so welcome. We love sitting on the outside patio. Hector always knows the perfect wine to have with your meal. Everything on the menu is delicious. We took the kids here with us one night and now if we go without them they get jealous. It's a treat to have dinner here. Be sure to get the Zack's Pie. read more

Wonderful food, service, and ambiance every time. If you want a fine dining experience with exceptional food and an excellent wine selection that never let's you down, this is your place. Perfect dishes, ever changing menu, creative delicious appetizers and the finest vegetables. A place that is a jewel because the owner Hector and each one of his staff love food and care about their customers and each dish that they serve. Deserts that are literally to die for. Bravo Hector! read more

Food - always super delicate but extremely flavorful, simple amazingly well done dishes being put out here. Service is something that you never have to worry about here, it's always 10/10. Ambiance is extensive, featuring 3 different spaces for dining as well as a bar area. read more

OMG, we just went to heaven. Jo had the rack of lamb and I had grilled salmon on spinach. Both dinners we amazing! We also had the caesar salad. We would have wanted more garlic and parmesian in the dressing, but that's probably just us and doesn't take away from the 5 stars. Oh, I forgot the pinot noir that Hector recommended. Raeburn from Sonoma. VG price and perfect for our dinners. I can't wait for the virus lockdown to end. This will be the first restaurant we visit. SORRY...I didn't recognize the kitchen. Hector can do such a great job because he has a fantastic team in the kitchen. Led by his brother, I understand. Thanks to you, guys! read more

My husband and I were really struck by the kindness of everyone working here, and the shear number of regular customers we saw on our first visit tells me that kindness is authentic and consistent . Even more: our meals were outstanding. The mushroom appetizer is a can't-miss. read more

Zero stars if available Filet ordered medium came out charred and tasted burnt throughout Second filet came out completely raw in middle Was told the chef was very busy Decided to take my business elsewhere and free up the chef's night. read more

We went last night for a quiet dinner and did not have any expectations. My son lives here and this place is in his neighborhood. We came later on a Friday night got seated immediately. I ordered a wine that only had 1/2 glass left, so they did not charge us. My husband had the German Hefe Beer, wonderful! The soup special was amazing, he almost licked the plate. I had a salad with Pears and Blue cheese, excellent. Served with fresh bread and butter.mmmmmmm We each had the fresh fish and it was amazing, good portion, moist and delish! If we lived here we would come back a lot! Try this place! read more

The takeout food was as delicious as the in-dining meal we have had before COVID-19. Ordering and pick-up was easy. The quality of the rack of lamb and halibut I ordered for home was outstanding and so-o-o tasty. I highly recommend Cafe Zack to everyone I know. Pete V. read more

By far, my most favorite restaurant in Ventura is Cafe Zack! Special occasions, any occasion! Hector and his crew provide exemplary service in a warm inviting place! I have never been disappointed! It's like dining in Hector's home! I am extremely happy for their takeout menu! Outstanding! Great wine list too! Tell Hector that Dennis sent you! read more

I love, love,love Cafe Zack. Best service, best food, best value. I have been eating there since the 70's. Different owners, of course, but, consistent fabulous food, excellent service, and value. Love Hector's commitment to a wonderful lunch or dining experience. C0me my friends, enjoy a bottle of wine, buttered bread, sunshine, exquisite service and fabulous food. read more