This is such a good restaurant. I went here with my gf for a little date night and as soon as we walked in I felt a tad bit under dressed haha. The food is good and the ambiance is very classy. The staff here is very attentive and they were willing to work with us in ensuring that we had an allergy friendly meal. One tip for first timers is to make a reservation as it appears they get booked. read more

It isn't often that we find an upscale restaurant that completely blows us away but Cafe Zack was a great little find. We feel blessed having a restaurant in Ventura that would be impressive even in Los Angeles amongst a slew of great restaurants. We really enjoyed the rack of lamb, the Mahi Mahi and Chicken Piccata with the accompanying salads and bread baskets. But the best and most unique menu item was the chocolate pie....fabulous! And finally, gotta mention our server, Hilda, who was funny and feisty and great with some good banter! read more

Always delicious and such warm, welcoming and attentive staff. Quaint location located in a 1930's era house with a nice outside patio. I've been here multiple times for lunch and they always impress! Try it, you'll like it! read more

Cafe Zack - Catch of the Day - Grilled Salmon on vegetables. Absolutely delicious, like every meal I've had here at Cafe Zack! - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

Pasta dish with shrimp had five medium shrimp. Pasta itself was fine and well seasoned. Biggest issue I had was when we entered the restaurant a restaurant employee was slicing the bread at a counter with his bare hands all over the bread; no plastic gloves on. That was kind of a turnoff and seemed unsanitary to me. read more

This is a well-known secret spot; how's that for an Oxymoron? It is intimate, romantic, and special. We came for Valentine's Day Dinner. They planned very well for a popular dining out holiday; timed reservations; a prix-fixe 4 course menu, 2 appetizer choices, soup or salad, 4 entrees choices, a chocolate dessert and a glass of champagne; not overpriced but a special occasion price. The food was fabulous. I usually order duck when I eat here. It was not offered so I made do with a perfect medium rare filet mignon with Béarnaise. Hubby had Seabass. We were pleased from start to finish. They have patio seating with super heaters. Hubby got too hot. The whole meal took two hours; this is leisurely, grown up dining. I would leave the kids ( and dogs) at home. Locally owned. Inside dining as well, but I have not done that. Street parking. This was a wonderful date night experience. read more

Bomb bomb bomb. Service is great. Food is better! If your looking for a great meal, high quality and friendly service look no further. This is definitely a hidden gem. Some reviews are negative based on ambiance, but looking past that there's no reason to be upset. All meals can be customized and value is there. I'm so surprised the level of service at a locally-owned, high-quality restaurant. Great for any occasion! read more

Great service. Absolutely exceptional food, the peppercorn filled mignon was by far the best we've had.

First time at Cafe Zack! Food: So delicious. The peppercorn sauce is PEPPER forward, so be careful if you don't like spicy. Everything tasted so great and our filets were cooked perfectly. The biggest bummer for me at this restaurant is that you don't get to choose your sides. My husband doesn't like vegetables, and it's unfortunate he had no other option to choose his side / family style sides. If there were side options, we would give this a higher rating! Service: Truly excellent and attentive. Our server was so knowledgeable and kind and checked in on us. Ambiance: Cozy, and really cute on the inside! We loved the light fixtures and art. Overall, we really wish there were side options for the entrees. However, everything else was awesome and we will be coming back! read more

Really yummy food, a beautiful ambiance and very solicitous wait staff. All so lovely. I hope to come back many times!

I love local restaurants and enjoy supporting them but what I love more is people not taking advantage! My husband brought his work crew here for going away party and my husband chose this place because he's tried it before, likes their food and seating area so we came here. It was a large group. I really enjoyed their food to say the least. One thing I did not like was the overcharging! I thought that was ridiculous!! we had a very small cake for the going away and they charged us to "cut the cake" to probably 10 pieces $25-$35 when the cake itself was probably $30. I was annoyed about that part but was not able to say anything since we had guests with us. food is good, but I am not a fan of people taking advantage when you've spent close to $800. SO I will take my business elsewhere to another local restaurant! read more

It's not that I really like all of the restaurant establishments I frequent here in Ventura, but I do have a tendency to pick the really good ones and keep going back. Cafe Zack is on that list. Family owned and run, the exterior acts to camouflage the culinary wonders you'll discover upon passing through the door. There isn't one person on staff who doesn't seem legit pleased that you decided to dine with them. The owners are often present to kindly greet you. The service staff are extremely attentive and always seem to sense when it's a good moment to check in with you. The place itself is a comfy, nicely designed and functional space. Somehow they managed to fit a full bar and seating in a minimalist space and they've even saved space for live music! The patio is a perfect spot to have a meal while enjoying the mild Mediterranean Ventura climate. But what about the menu you ask? Everything I've tried has been fresh, cooked to order and flavorful. We often take turns tasting off each others plate and think we'd have been just as pleased had we ordered each others meal. But that sirloin...wow! And yes, of course, there are wonderful desserts as well! You cannot go wrong with this nugget in our coastal town. Reservations highly recommended. read more

Love everything about Cafe Zack. Staff, food, ambiance...all of it. We dine here often and are never disappointed. Weekly specials keep it fresh and the regular menu is great as well. read more

Quaint ambiance, friendly/professional service, and food consistently delicious and served hot every time.

I'd like to start my review by thanking Matt, our server, who not only made us feel at home but took an extra step to help me. My friend and I had walked out of the restaurant for a block when I heard someone shouting behind me. It was Matt. It happened that my sock, which I thought that I've lost during doing the laundry, dropped out of my jacket and Matt found it. He chased after us for a block to ask if it was mine and returned it. You can't imagine how thankful I was. Matt was already very busy serving the tables (because it was a Saturday night), but he chose to do this favor to me. Thank you Matt! Back to the food - we ordered Tuscany salad and the duck breast, both were very delicious. They offered to separate the dishes into two portions because my friend and I were sharing them. I loved the raspberry sauce paired up with the pear and cheese in the Tuscany salad, the sweet and sour flavor making it extremely fresh. The duck was cooked with perfect temperature so that the meat was at the right tenderness. In sun, great food, fantastic service! I'm glad that I started my Ventura trip by dining here! read more

Cafe Zack - Tuscany salad - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

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This place is horrible... I tried telling the waiter to send back my plate but the rack of lamb had no chance. I devoured it. All jokes aside.... This place is the best restaurant in Ventura by far. Their wine selection is always amazing and their food is delicious and beautiful. Great service. Super quaint and also romantic. I give this 5 stars read more

Cafe Zack - Yummy... the bones left from the rack of lamb. - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

Conveniently located near an EV charging station, came here during lunch service with my 8 & 9 year old. We were sat in the cute little patio area in the back of the house. This space with string lights hanging and patio heaters, has intimate date night vibes. We all had the recommended specials, my kids had the split pea soup, which they devoured, and I had the mahi-mahi over a bed of greens, mango, papaya, tomato and avocado. The salad was well balanced, fresh, and absolutely delicious. Shared the generous portion with B and he did a little dance as he chewed. Service was above and beyond. Drinks were refilled promptly and our waiter exuded genuine warmth and care. Looking forward to dining here again. read more

Service: Impeccable, attentive server to your needs Ambiance: It's a little small , quaint place but very cute. Very little parking Food: The bread is good, soft in the inside and crunchy outside. Cold though. The Brie I expected was just brie inside the bread with some pecans on top of fresh bread. It would have been great with some strawberry jam or something a bit sweet. The riveted was delicious, cooked just right . A little salty for me but the meat was tender and marvelous. read more

The food, atmosphere and staff is excellent. Cafe Zack is my favorite restaurant in Ventura. read more

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The atmosphere employees and food was outstanding The manager and chef cared about us the selection was unique and catered to our individual needs will definitely go again thanks for a great evening read more

Friday night this was a small beautiful location. Very nice to have a small date night. The lighting was just perfect. The food was excellent the salmon was cooked just perfect. This restraint I butter forward but doesn't over do it. The boar dish was excellent. Perfect serving of veggies and protein. The potatoes were soft and tasteful. The afogato is a must have. The coffee was excellent it was bold and flavorful and mixed well with the salted caramel. It was probably the best I've had. It's served to share. The service is great. I noticed how friendly the staff is they make you feel like you are a regular. Definitely coming again read more

Sent an email requesting a reservation letting them know that this would be my wife and I 25th wedding anniversary. Did not get anything in return so made sure to call the day before to set up a reservation and once again let them know that this was our 25th wedding anniversary. In either event, when we arrived, nothing was said to us about our anniversary. Not they were expecting the red carpet, but maybe just a pleasant comment wishing us congratulations would've been nice. When we got here, we do no were seated quickly. We sat in the outside area and while the ambience was nice, the heating lamp was on full blast and it was a good 72° outside so I was getting cooked. The server was kind and attentive and was able to turn it down, but already I was feeling a little uncomfortable. We ordered a bottle of wine, which was nice, and waited for quite a while before we got to place an order for our appetizer. It took a while to show up, and when it did, the crabcakes were burnt. They did not taste like crabcakes. While hesitant, I did let the server know that I did not care for them as my wife and I barely ate half of them. She offered to take them back and offered to bring another set of them, we agreed. The second order wasn't much better than the first. My wife ordered the filet mignon and I ordered the ribeye. While my wife thoroughly enjoyed her meal, I cannot say the same for my ribeye. It was smothered in a sauce, which I knew it was going to be, but yet it was super salty and rich. Normally, I finish a steak that I order in a restaurant, but in this case, I got more than half of it to go. Maybe the dog will enjoy it. I gave this place three stars because it came highly recommended and I felt bad giving it lower but the only saving grace was that my wife enjoyed her meal so maybe in the future we will come back but it would not be my first choice. Maybe another dish on the menu will satisfy. read more

BEST filet mignon I've ever had! We love this place and the service is amazing! The new bar created a wonderful ambiance inside as well. This is our go to spot for every occasion! read more

We continue to LOVE this restaurant! The owner Hector goes above and beyond and the food is DELICIOUS! I would highly recommend and we do, to all our friends and family! I would give this 10 stars if I could! read more

Cafe Zack - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

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Amazing staff that is attentive and had great recommendations. Started with the caesar salad and the pork chop special. It all was perfection. The balance on the flavors of the salad were beyond. The selection of wine was great and the sauce on that pork chop. This is a place you can sip, savor and relax. The outside patio is perfect for an intimate relaxing night. If you are wanting great service and food this is your place! I wish I had room for dessert and more wine. Then you could just roll me into bed. Can't wait to come back here for what I'm sure will be another epic meal. read more

Five star level food and service. Just when you thought Cafe Zack could not get any better they open a full bar!!!! Yay!!!! read more

Cafe Zack - Cappuccino with dessert. - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

Quaint restaurant house gives you an intimate feel, like you're going to a relatives summer backyard BBQ. However, mediocre service - a few things missed here and there, and the outdoor seating area was a little too cramped for comfort. Lobster corn Super soft and succulent shrimp like, but softer and plump. This was absolutely delicious and clearly the best offering of the night. Tuscany Salad With pear and walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette - beautiful presentation. Pears a bit on the raw side. Veal piccata Some chewy notes with butter piccata lemon sauce Tender veal well absorbed with tangy brown sauce. 12 oz rib eye with peppercorn sauce Overdone - the biggest shortfall - medium rare order cooked medium to medium well. The sauce was my fault, I should have asked for it on the side as I don't go crazy for peppercorns with every bite. Aglio olio shrimp Nothing too remarkable. It was good, but not the most unique dish. read more

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The food was amazing. The service was above and beyond we had never been before, but we will definitely go back. read more

Cafe Zack - Perfect corner table that accommodated our 98 year-old mother. - Seafood Near Me - Ventura, California

Thé quality of the food, the experience is excellent. They are famous for their seafood and meat dishes. Everyone that was at the table indulged I. Those and ooh ashes the entire time. They can accommodate a vegetarian and do have some sides that work well. Their salads are fresh, yummy and flavorful. They do not arrive at the table swimming I. The dressing and that's always a good sign. Then there is dessert.. dessert is also very well done.. overall cafe Zack is a scrumptious experience. It is a family owned business and the family works there. So much better than a chain.. the love and care they put in the food will not disappoint. read more

Been here multiple times and each was wonderful. Staff is very attentive, whether private party or smaller gathering. The food is fabulous, much that I wouldn't even attempt to prepare at home, and I'm a wonderful cook. The event at this cute place is an experience. Worth the money! read more

Hector our waiter was amazing. Very knowledgeable about the restaurant, great explanation of the menu. The food was very tasty and fresh. The service was really good and we did not feel rushed. Definitely a place to come back to. read more

After many years of great food and great service, something has gone awry at Cafe Zack. The other evening we booked a table for dinner. The service was very slow, the food was just OK, and the decor was showing quite a bit of wear and tear. We won't be going back anytime soon, sadly. read more

If you have not been to Cafe Zack, you are seriously missing out. This is one of the best restaurants in Ventura, if not the best. The restaurant is tucked away on the corner of Thompson. You can dine inside or on their back outdoor patio. The patio is probably our favorite. At night it's lit up by hanging lights and just has an all-around great vibe. The only thing that could possibly make it better is if they had some soft light music in the background. The food is absolutely wonderful. There is something on the menu for everyone. The black truffle cheese sachetti is AMAZING! We used the extra sauce to dip our bread...so good! The rib eye steak comes with a number of different sauce options. (The peppercorn is my favorite) The vegetables that come with your entree are so good. This is the only time that we've been to dinner and everyone was asking for each other's veggies. I ordered the chicken pizziola...WOW! I typically don't order chicken when I go to dinner because it's usually dry. Let me tell you, my chicken was probably the juiciest chicken I've ever had. Our dinner was perfect! Hector and his team provide a truly wonderful experience. You are welcomed from the time you walk in and invited back when you are leaving. They also have the most adorable handbag holders for those of us who don't put our handbags on the ground. Thank you for that small extra touch:) We will be back again soon. We are looking forward to trying their lunch menu:). read more

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I loved this place the food and service was fabulous. Ambience is great too. Would most definitely come back.

Cafe Zack is an absolute GEM in Ventura!! One of our favorite places for date night with an adorable, romantic ambience. Their steak and pasta dishes are cooked to perfection! Their apple dumplings are insane and one of my all-time favorite desserts. And don't get me started on their roasted potatoes; crispy on the outside and completely melt in your mouth! I even called and was able to get the chef on the phone to ask about the recipe! Would love it if they had larger portions of these golden nuggets! Overall, Cafe Zack is truly a 5-star experience, the only thing I would recommend is for them to get a liquor license so they can serve delicious cocktails (although they have a good selection of beer + wine!) read more

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Went here for my husband's birthday and everything was delicious from the appetizers to the dessert! Great service too and nice atmosphere. Great patio outback! read more

Zack's Cafe Is The Best Restaurant In Ventura A Perfect Dinner & Lunch Menu With A Very Relaxing & Cozy Vibe & A Gorgeous Ambience Too Hector & His Staff Always Take Care Of Myself & My Guests I Been Taking Since Early 2003. Just a incredible family small restaurant with lots of love coming out of that kitchen read more

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Amazing ribeye, great service, romantic setting. Our go-to place for a nice quiet dinner.

Visiting Ventura is a once a year event for us and we're always interested in new places to eat. Local friends recommended this place off the beaten track and we we're very pleased. They accommodated our party of 8 in their charming outdoor patio. It feels like you're dining in someone's quaint bungalow. The entrees are well prepared and fit every food type (from meat lovers to vegans). My lamb on their specials menu was moist and tasty with a nice mushroom sauce; the pastas are full of rich flavors; there was a great sea bass special; the chicken was tender in a tomato sauce. Our server was very attentive. The wine list was intriguing with a variety of worthy options. I loved their bread pudding and pear tart dessert. Parking can be tricky but I'm told they're working on finding more spaces close by. read more

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Was taken to Cafe' Zack to celebrate my birthday and was more than pleasantly surprised. Such a quaint little gem in a one story cottage on a corner in Ventura, blink and you might miss it. I almost hate to share this review as I'd like to keep this place all to myself, but that just wouldn't be fair. Cafe' Zack is a family owned restaurant that offers an exquisite menu with many delectable choices. We quickly became enraptured in the numerous flavors enveloping our pallets. The chef has a gift and I am truly grateful that I was able to experience it. We had such attentive service and our waiter Jose was was not only informative but also picked the most delicious desserts to compliment our meals. I am looking forward to sharing another meal at Cafe' Zack again real soon! read more

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Always a great experience. Great food and service is outstanding! Highly recommend for a night out