Located at the end of Vancouver's popular Commercial Drive. Previously as Zesty Restaurant, Zawa has been serving it loyal patrons breakfast, lunch and dinner for nearly tow decades. Its menu hosts an eclectic mix of Mediterranean, American and Middle Eastern cuisine with something to suit all tastes.
Its breakfast has it all simple eggs and bacon to pancakes, waffles and more. The restaurant's interior has been newly renovated and air conditioned for summer and winter. The bar boasts 12 beer taps and a fully stocked liquor menu. Inside there are comfortable booths that fit families or table seating for those who prefer.
Its breakfast has it all simple eggs and bacon to pancakes, waffles and more. The restaurant's interior has been newly renovated and air conditioned for summer and winter. The bar boasts 12 beer taps and a fully stocked liquor menu. Inside there are comfortable booths that fit families or table seating for those who prefer.
Services
Crispy Brazilian wings tossed in your choices off honey garlic, teriyaki or louisiana hot sauce. Tender Lightly breaded squid rings sprinkled with onion and served with Tzatziki 13.99 add chili peppers 1.99. Waffle cut fries topped with three cheeses, onion, tomatoes, jalapenos, and served with chipotle mayo 14.99.
Reviews (27)
Serdar T.
Jan 07, 2022
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I went down the rabbit hole that is Zawa's review page and I'll summarize my conclusions at the end. First, I'll give you my experience. Very unpleasant. The server asked us to leave 1 hr after finishing my food and drink on a snowy day because it's "policy". I made a google maps review about this too.
The owner responded to my review in google maps saying that I was asked to leave because I was making the server uncomfortable by being all over my gf (which I was all over) however, they did not communicate this to me at all, even after I asked for clarification (there
The owner responded to my review in google maps saying that I was asked to leave because I was making the server uncomfortable by being all over my gf (which I was all over) however, they did not communicate this to me at all, even after I asked for clarification (there
Serdar Turkmenafsar
Jan 06, 2022
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Tldr staff was rude, poutine not the worst imo but my gf didn’t like it.
Went there with my gf, it was snowing outside. I ordered a drink and a poutine to share. 1 hr after we finished, the waiter told us to leave and that we cannot sit inside for this long (we were planning to leave anyway). They told me its “policy”. The whole place was empty... except for 1 more customer. I don’t know why they had to implement that policy on a snowy day. I made my discomfort known to the server but this didn’t change anything
Went there with my gf, it was snowing outside. I ordered a drink and a poutine to share. 1 hr after we finished, the waiter told us to leave and that we cannot sit inside for this long (we were planning to leave anyway). They told me its “policy”. The whole place was empty... except for 1 more customer. I don’t know why they had to implement that policy on a snowy day. I made my discomfort known to the server but this didn’t change anything
Teresa Stainton
Dec 20, 2021
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Lots of space to social distance. Zawa is one of your ordinary meh restaurants. I like their breakfast menu. Although,it is pretty hard to screw up breakfast. The restaurant is on the larger side, so there's lots of room to social distance.
One year after original review. I ordered Eggs Benedict, and I got hard cooked eggs, with warm mayonnaise on top. Never coming here again. When I took the first bite, I felt like throwing up. Don't go here. It's not worth it.
One year after original review. I ordered Eggs Benedict, and I got hard cooked eggs, with warm mayonnaise on top. Never coming here again. When I took the first bite, I felt like throwing up. Don't go here. It's not worth it.
Nc DeeBee
Dec 13, 2021
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Antares
Nov 18, 2021
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This place should be supported for many different reasons.
Food option are varied and they have introduced vegan chikun nuggets and chikun burger for those who want to enjoy the taste without the cruelty. Prices are fair considering the times and city we live in.
This place has supported us many time and it's our turn to support them!
Food option are varied and they have introduced vegan chikun nuggets and chikun burger for those who want to enjoy the taste without the cruelty. Prices are fair considering the times and city we live in.
This place has supported us many time and it's our turn to support them!
Josef Roehrl
Oct 16, 2021
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Mathieu Y.
Aug 12, 2021
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Something went wrong if you're eating or drinking anything here.
Drinks are some of the most expensive on the drive, about the same as the commodore or vogue, with terrible tasting vodka soda, no limes, and not enough mixers to make most of the cocktails on their menu.
Somehow got food poisoning despite not ordering anything with meat. The potato nachos (for some reason called Irish nachos) had sparse amounts of baked cheese, lots of uncooked peppers and onions. Not impressed for $15.
My friend summarized it best when we were there: most restaurants decide to be either good or cheap, this one
Drinks are some of the most expensive on the drive, about the same as the commodore or vogue, with terrible tasting vodka soda, no limes, and not enough mixers to make most of the cocktails on their menu.
Somehow got food poisoning despite not ordering anything with meat. The potato nachos (for some reason called Irish nachos) had sparse amounts of baked cheese, lots of uncooked peppers and onions. Not impressed for $15.
My friend summarized it best when we were there: most restaurants decide to be either good or cheap, this one
Jason Mills
Jul 19, 2021
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Finally tried Zawa last night with my girlfriend. Lovely relaxed atmosphere. Was so worth it, I did not get the servers name but she wore a white dress with a smile and provide amazing service, Was alone but was fast in doing her rounds to the customers both inside and on the patio. She also made the drinks which as promised were delicious and strong! Also shout out to the chef for the Delicious pasta dishes we had, Tasted like homemade. Will definitely comeback.
Mary P.
May 22, 2021
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Annie W.
May 13, 2021
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Pamela P.
May 11, 2021
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Annastacia M.
May 28, 2020
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Just left that restaurant, I ordered Irish nachos, ( which I've had in Irish pubs) and they are delicious! What I had was waffle fries, with barely any cheese, a bit of tomato, and jalapeños sprinkled on top, with chipotle mayo, for $14.99. Fries and mayo $14.99???? My boyfriend had calamari, over cooked to hide the fact the calamari was off, he ate some to determine if they were off, the fish smell told us there were.
Never again, we mentioned the bad calamari to the waitress, then the owner came to collect our money. He didn't seem to care, paid and left 90% of our food. Don&apos
Never again, we mentioned the bad calamari to the waitress, then the owner came to collect our money. He didn't seem to care, paid and left 90% of our food. Don&apos
James Bytelaar
Oct 11, 2019
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My expectations of Zawa being a small mom and pop shop were completely off base, however my experience was quite pleasant. The outside patio is very cute, and the inside is much more pub feel than restaurant. They are equipped with a full bar and a large dinner menu, including plant based options which I would not have expected from first glance. The vegan burger I tried was decent; I loved the patty, which was much more like a giant falafel than a burger. The service was also very friendly and accommodating!
Jan H.
Dec 10, 2018
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Sankalp Shah
Aug 12, 2018
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Charlie N.
Jun 24, 2018
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Zawa's is hilariously bad but I keep going back. Why? It's open late on the north end of the drive, there is ALWAYS room inside to sit down and the selection of beers is not bad. One time I ordered chicken wings and the bones were burnt and shattered upon first bite. Seriously, how is that possible. We sent them back but instead of getting a refund we noticed the owner ordered a plate to test them. Guess they passed the test? Sometimes we order food there, but usually it's when no where else is open.
Basically if you have no other option, go to Zawa. You can question your existence
Basically if you have no other option, go to Zawa. You can question your existence
Vanessa W.
May 28, 2018
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Horrible service and owner - I came when it was dead and the food was okay. After the last time I am never going again. My beyond meat burger wasn't cooked and the waitress argued that it was vegan so why does it matter? It was literally mushy and barely warm. My Mom who ordered the lasagna told me that she spent the rest of that evening in the bathroom. Also the owner didn't seem to care that the service was bad and the food was sent back, he was more concerned with the fact our dog was tied to the patio. He came to us twice to tell us he didn't want to pay a fine. Also I have heard
Lindsay L.
Jan 28, 2018
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N. B.
Oct 16, 2017
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I remember some years ago going to this place and I got a lime drink that I really liked. So I went again years later hoping the tasty cocktail would still be on the menu. I was wrong. I asked the bartender about it. He had no idea what I was talking about. He suggested a piña colada then said he didn't have the ingredients to make said drink. So I said how about a margarita. It was the worst lime margarita I ever had. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to seem rude. Then he said " you don't like it, a bit too strong? A bit too Limey?" I nodded. Then he actually
Patricia L.
Sep 27, 2017
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The first time I visited Zawa was a few months ago with a group of friends because we had a large group and they have the space and were also open late. I didn't eat much on that first visit, just shared some yam fries with my group, which I really enjoyed. I noticed that time that the service was a bit slow and not the most friendly. But I also noticed that they had a vegan burger on the menu which was enough for me to make a mental note to come back again.
Well today was the day that I made that second visit because I love when restaurants have a veggie burger that's actually vegan
Well today was the day that I made that second visit because I love when restaurants have a veggie burger that's actually vegan
Melodie K.
Mar 17, 2016
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More like a high 2.5. Zawa is a really good place to meet a large group of people because it is generally empty as it is a large space, the food and drinks are reasonably priced, and they don't usher you out as soon as your fork hits the table. However, there are a number of issues with this place, which may explain it's coveted abundance of space.
As many people mentioned, the restaurant does seem to under-staff, so the service is as a result hit and miss. While the menu at first glance will please a wide sub-set of tastes, the food really is on the meh side (with a few decent options
As many people mentioned, the restaurant does seem to under-staff, so the service is as a result hit and miss. While the menu at first glance will please a wide sub-set of tastes, the food really is on the meh side (with a few decent options
William S.
Feb 08, 2016
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Oh Zawa. The most demented and confusing place in the city. Demented in every way. And confusing that it remains open.
The food is terribly mediocre. And the place looks like it was decorated by a drunk preteen girl who just discovered Tim Burton and is decorating her room in preparation of an upcoming "angst phase."
How is this place still open. There's never more than four people in there and it's massive. So there's always somewhere to sit. Sometimes I even order delivery there because I hate money and love pranking myself.
One time they misspelled lager
The food is terribly mediocre. And the place looks like it was decorated by a drunk preteen girl who just discovered Tim Burton and is decorating her room in preparation of an upcoming "angst phase."
How is this place still open. There's never more than four people in there and it's massive. So there's always somewhere to sit. Sometimes I even order delivery there because I hate money and love pranking myself.
One time they misspelled lager
Shawna N.
Dec 07, 2015
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This place has good food for your buck and is a pretty chill place to have a meal. My friends and I have been many times as it has been a convient place to grab a bite that you know is going to taste pretty good and the service is pretty quick.
The servers always seem different however, and i don't think we have ever been served by the same person in all the times we have been there.
I don't think too many people know about this place really, as its never packed, but it is worth checking out I'd you are in the area.
The servers always seem different however, and i don't think we have ever been served by the same person in all the times we have been there.
I don't think too many people know about this place really, as its never packed, but it is worth checking out I'd you are in the area.
Thatcher M.
Oct 30, 2015
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I'm only giving this place 3 stars because I feel bad how everyone else is dropping 2s and 1s. But if this were an honest review, I couldn't go higher than a 1.5.
I've been here twice. The first time I went with my sister and her friend. The service was super slow, but that's because the whole restaurant (6 tables and a few people at the bar) were all being manned by ONE waitress. She was frantically running around, constantly apologizing for the wait, I felt so bad for her. She was really nice and didn't deserve the truckload of stress dumped on her like that. I feel
I've been here twice. The first time I went with my sister and her friend. The service was super slow, but that's because the whole restaurant (6 tables and a few people at the bar) were all being manned by ONE waitress. She was frantically running around, constantly apologizing for the wait, I felt so bad for her. She was really nice and didn't deserve the truckload of stress dumped on her like that. I feel
J. A.
Aug 23, 2015
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Went there this am with my partner. Honestly ? I give an extra star to much. Just coz the food was not the worst. Overall will never ever ever step there again. No wondering why the place is empty. We got a server that sleeping. She do nothing. And it's not ever busy. Then to say that if you refill your coffee they charge you 3$. And if you refill coca cola they charge you 1$. Really ? Where are we. Iran ? Notable place
Katherine M.
Apr 14, 2015
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Simon R.
Nov 17, 2008
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While it has its regulars, Zawa still tends to be overlooked by the local residents, who may have become tiresome of the typical upscale looking, bar food serving restaurant.
Renovations and a name change have made the place seem more modern, but don't expect any magic on the menu. Rarely busy, Zawa might be a good place to go if you are looking to have a quiet conversation over food and a beer, which is nice if say you are breaking up with your girlfriend.
Under the old name of Zesty's, it was host to a comedian who offended somebody so badly on stage that they filed a complaint
Renovations and a name change have made the place seem more modern, but don't expect any magic on the menu. Rarely busy, Zawa might be a good place to go if you are looking to have a quiet conversation over food and a beer, which is nice if say you are breaking up with your girlfriend.
Under the old name of Zesty's, it was host to a comedian who offended somebody so badly on stage that they filed a complaint
