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Zako's Deli
Categories: Restaurants Delis Restaurants Sandwiches Delis, Sandwiches [Edit]
500 Broadway WVancouver, BC V5Z 1E9
Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes
(604) 709-9202
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Zako's Deli
Review Highlights
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"I have fell in love with their poutine." In 11 reviews -
"...to melt all of the plentiful, yummy cheese curds however." In 5 reviews -
"...nom nom them poutines and the smoked Montreal meat sandwich." In 11 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Richard D.
Vancouver, BC
2/9/2012
Zako's makes the best smoked meat sandwiches I've had outside Montréal. When I lived there, I would go to Schwartz's on a regular basis for smoked meat and Cott's black cherry cola (as well as a healthy dose of attitude!). Once you've eaten at Schwartz's, it's difficult to enjoy a smoked meat sandwich anywhere else. I've been disappointed on many occasions, but not at Zako's.
The first time I had a smoked meat sandwich at Zako's, it was so good I thought it might be a fluke. So I went back a few weeks later, and it was just as good. Today I went a third time, and it was just as good. So now I feel comfortable giving Zako's five stars for their smoked meat sandwiches, and encouraging anyone who can't make it back to Schwartz's to give Zako's a try instead. -
Review from Kenneth E.
Vancouver, BC
4/20/2012
For its location, value, and portion, it's good. Notice how I left out ambience or taste lol.
Nothing special, esp. if you compare to Dunn's -- which isn't fair at all, not a fair comparison since the latter is more upscale.
But for the folks who live and work in the Cambie/Broadway area, this is probably the only place to get this smoked meat if one is in the mood.
Parking's always tough here, esp. if one can't parallel park on Broadway under pressure so try the side street south, on the Vancity side. -
Review from Trish L.
Vancouver, BC
4/12/2012
Love the poutine but don't really care for anything else here. But LOVE the poutine.
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Review from Mike P.
I've walked by Zako's everyday, many times twice a day, for the last 3 or 4 years and have never ventured in. I guess there is something about the exterior that is somewhat unwelcoming, not sure exactly what it is.
Anyways today we were in the mood for poutine so we checked out Zako's and we were happy we did.
I got a large poutine with smoked meat, it was a lot of food for $8 but I finished every little bit of it, it was delicious!!
The fries tasted super fresh and were prepared perfectly, they weren't over-salted. There was just the right amount of cheese and gravy and a generous amount of meat for the $2 extra charge.
The fries were not too salty and the gravy (or the meat) had a slight spice to it that really tasted good. I lived that each bite seemed to have at least some gravy or cheese on it, somehow there were no bare fries.
Last but not least, the service was excellent, friendly and prompt. The interior of the "deli" is very clean and nice.
Will definitely head back to zakos for a smoked meat sandwich soon. -
Review from Mark H.
11/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've had the real deal in Montreal. Now that was a meat memory. Layers upon layers of juicy smoked meat between wicked rye bread, it's a carnivore's dream. Zako's just doesn't come close.
I ordered a medium smoked meat sandwich platter, which comes with a pickle & "fabulous" vinaigrette coleslaw. You choose between hot, regular & djion mustard. I went with dijon.
Meat was nothing great and I didn't like the rye bread they used. Coleslaw was a little odd. For $7.95, it just wasn't worth it.
Hate to say it but the Costco version is better than Zako's.
We need more Quebecois chefs. -
Review from Cathy S.
8/27/2011
I just lost my poutine virginity.
I am not a food neophyte, but up until a few years ago I had not even heard of the word poutine. Quebecois staples are not that familiar in California I guess. Technically I have had a few bites of an über gourmet poutine at a fine dining establishment a while back, but I prefer to use Bill Clinton standards and still claim a virginity until today when I placed my first order.
Overall, I thought their poutine was not too darn bad. The fresh cut fries were cooked to perfection, golden crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I usually only consume gravy once a year on Thanksgiving so I am not much of an expert, but I thought the vegetarian brown gravy was decent. It was really hot, wasn't too salty but it also didn't have any strong prevailing flavor - it just simply tasted brown? It did do the trick to melt all of the plentiful, yummy cheese curds however.
Zako's earns extra credit for assembly. The young fellow who crafted my poutine made an effort to place the cheese and gravy on multiple layers of fries so I could enjoy all of the goodness down the depth of my small cardboard tray.
Will I have poutine again? For sure, six months from now when I crave french fries again. Would I go back to Zako's? Definitely. -
Review from Chantelle R.
Delta, BC
12/14/2011
The service was CRAP. I went to fresh slice, and added free condiments to my soup. no.
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Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 2/15/2011 3 photos
* Deli with polite efficient service?!?!?!?! *
I revisted after a long time of forgetting to come back to this spot for Montreal style deli.
I had the classic Montreal style smoked meat sandwich. It had an even more generous portion of meat than I remember, which was stacked high like many east coast delis do. The rye bread is some of the better rye I've had in Vancouver - although not the same as deli rye back east. Overall a very respectable rendition for the left coast. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
It came with a vinegared slaw (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) which was lighter than the typical mayo versions you frequently get here. It is more along the lines of some classic German ones.
The side fries were freshly made, skins still on, nice and hot, and cooked just right. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
Service was friendly as ever. It is the same guy running it as always, and now with all Japanese staff helping him out. So the service seemed a bit more efficient than a typical deli, and certainly more polite!Listed in: Which wich is which?, Vancouver Poutine
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/5/2008 First to Review
My favourite Montreal style smoked meat sandwich west of Quebec. Service is always very friendly,… Read more »
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Review from Louise G.
2/18/2011 2 photos
Based on a photo posted by Marc D ( http://www.yelp.ca/biz... ) which had my mouth watering all day - plus yet another brilliantly written review, I was CRAVING this.
So after work I picked up #1daughter who is vegetarian but loves poutine and off we went.
When I arrived I realized that I'd been there before but for some reason the name and location hadn't gelled in my memory. Thanks Marc for bringing me back here because both my visits were extremely satisfactory.
I had, of course, the smoked meat sandwich. I love smoked meat and I'm thinking that I will soon start a smoked meat list here on Yelp. My only concern is the fact that I also love Reubens, which I will be including on the list - which may offend some purists. Oh well.
As far as the sandwich - delicious. Thankfully I only ordered the small, which was a generous portion for sure, and when coupled with a poutine I had more than enough food (to feed a small army). Generous, juicy meat portion. Soft and tasty rye bread. Steamed to perfection. The side of coleslaw was tastey and sweet. Vinegary / sugary dressing with what appeared to be celery seeds. Nice change from the overly tangy creamy style dressing in most places. And in a quote that's often mistakenly attributed to Groucho Marx, I'll say "That's the best tasting pickle I ever heard!". Crunch!
POUTINE.
Well it's been a while since we tried new poutine. Mostly because I've been trying to cut back on over consumption of this type of food. But I couldn't not try it considering well... I have no willpower. Did I mention I have no willpower? Did I mention that I repeat myself?
Poutine must meet our strict standards. Those being:
- french fries
- cheese curds
- gravy
- exclamation point
French fries were sufficiently crispy and not too earthy. I like the rustic, peel-on type fries but find they sometimes taste like dirt. These were nice albeit a little bit peppery.
Cheese curds. Check. Squeeky cheese curds. Check. Squeeky cheese curds that are fresh enough to squeek but ultimately start to melt with the heat. CHECK!
Gravy. Vegetarian. Delicious. No odd aftertaste. Not overly salted or seasoned.
All in all we found this to be a lovely experience. I noticed a Yelp sign on the glass by the door yet when I mentioned that it was a Yelp review that had drawn me back there the owner seemed a little confused. I must have been gushing....or part way between gushing and sleeping because by that time I was a bit full and needing a nap.Listed in: Poutine List
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Review from Jon S.
Vancouver, BC
Great poutine on my way home. That's dangerous!
Having grown up in Ottawa and spent time in Montreal, I know great poutine. I'm so hungry for good Québecois fare when I come in here, I always get the smoked meat on top. The servings are huge and the curds are mixed through. I can't vouch for the rest of the food, I'm a poutine man! The best poutine is still La Belle Patate on Davie. -
Review from Edward B.
Vancouver, BC
1/24/2011
A cheap deli?! who could ask for more! It's the second best thing after Chinese take out restaurants! :P haha please don't kill me. Im just joking yo.
I ordered the beef sandwich I believe, and it was pretty good. They serve it with a side of salad of your choice ($7 in total). I should have tried their infamous smoked Montreal meat sandwich thingy. It looks so good, with all the meat folding one after another, stacking like a Jenga tower waiting to be mutilated and devoured by my carnivorous appetite. That doesn't make sense but my point is the sandwich looks good. Well... I guess anything on an advertisement looks good. Hmm.....
Anyway try this place out sometime if you've got some cash to spend on sandwiches. It's delicious. I plan to come back here to nom nom them poutines and the smoked Montreal meat sandwich. Aw crap I just drooled. -
Review from Jessica C.
Vancouver, BC
6/26/2010 1 photo
Seriously, I've been eating a lot of poutine lately.
My vegetarian friend is a poutine beast, and has introduced me to a variety of places that use vegetarian-friendly gravies! And word on the street is, a real original poutine has veggie gravy... and you didn't hear that from me!
And truthfully, I get cravings for Zako's Poutine. Not just any poutine... it has to be the one from Zako's.
Here's why:
CHEESECURDS: Some like to put squeakiness as a factor, and hey this cheese is squeeky. But it's also meltable too. I find myself greedily attacking every piece of cheese in a poutine like this. YUM. Not to mention its fresh and locally made cheese.
FRIES: not crispy, but you know what? Strangely I dont mind. The gravy often makes fries less crispy anyway. But what makes these fries absolutely wonderful? It's fresh fries!! As in, it doesn't taste like the freezer, store bought, french fries. This is a big big plus for me!
...and the number one reason...?
GRAVY: Best damn poutine gravy I've had! Incredibly flavourful and addictive. I find myself scraping the bottom of the cardboard tray for this gravy. Aauhhh.... delicious.
So, for $5 or $6, you can enjoy this wonderful poutine, my most favourite poutine in all of Vancouver.Listed in: Poutine Lover's Guide!
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Review from Tabatha Anne Y.
Richmond, BC
11/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
Tuesday was a cold day, and an even colder evening. On my way home from work I decided I couldn't wait until 7:45 for dinner, I needed something to warm me up ASAP! I was at Broadway and Cambie and saw that Zako's had Veggie Poutine. SOLD!
I love poutine, I don't have it too often (or I'd be a total fat ass) so when I do, I don't want to be disappointed. If I'm throwing my caloric intake for the day out the window it has to be worthwhile, right?
I ordered a small, and was not disappointed. I had a hard time finishing it, the portion was huge in my opinion. The fries were fresh and hand cut, the gravy was hot and just the right amount of salty and the cheese curds were plentiful. It was perfect and rivals Fritz, which I also love.
Definitely will be coming back to this quiet little deli. Probably sooner rather than later as it's going to be a cold winter.
Mmm they call it comfort food for a reason. -
Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
12/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
I like Zako's. The owner is a jovial Middle Eastern guy from Montreal who's fun to chat with. Especially if you know a few words of Arabic.
In true deli style you can ask for a custom sandwich that's not on the menu (as long as he has the ingredients.) He sometimes takes your sandwich and places the bread on a slow roasting brisket so the juices moisten the bread. How awesome is that?
The menu has more of a Middle Eastern flavour than I am used to for a deli. Nice couscous salads with mint.
Very good sandwiches if you're in the neighbourhood give them a try. Great salads. Good service. More of a take out place than a sit down place.Listed in: Delis
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Review from Andrew F.
Vancouver, BC
7/6/2010
Best poutine in town!!
I was blessed with finding this place just because I moved into the area. You know that feeling of missing out on something for so long that it makes you wonder how it happened? Zako's Deli is one of those places. And honestly, the owner - who's from Montreal - is so nice and friendly and makes such a mean poutine that he deserves all the support we can give him.
The place is small and has little atmosphere, but that's of no matter. The food is why you should be here.
I have fell in love with their poutine. This is better than Fritz' and Belgian Fries' poutines. The fries are so fresh and crispy even with all that perfectly seasoned vegetarian gravy making its way through the labyrinth of fries. The cheese curds are deliciously rubbery, but softened just enough from the heat of the gravy, just the way it's supposed to be. The owner refuses to tell me where he gets his curds, which I find ridiculous, but regardless he says they are local. I'm guessing Little Qualicum's cheese curds, or something similar.
Did I mention that Zako's makes the best poutine in town?? -
Review from Jessie J.
10/5/2009
Stop number two in the Tour de Poutine I did with my visitor from Sweden. We actually hit up Zako's as the second course of a poutine-poutine-gelato meal (starting at Brado Pizza, ending at Amato Gelato). Had received the recommendation from a Montreal-bred friend of a colleague, whose husband apparently drives her here for midnight Montreal food cravings.
This poutine was definitely better than Brado's, and we felt that our poutine cravings had been fulfilled after we ate there. Flavourful fries, really nice gravy, enough heat all round to produce some gooey cheese-curd goodness. But we also felt that it was not the best poutine we'd ever had. There was room for improvement, and luckily we were able to fill that room a couple of days later... -
Review from Gersham M.
Vancouver, BC
12/6/2009
Really disappointing poutine here. Wasn't impressed with the smoked meat sandwich either.
I've been here a couple times to give it a chance. I'd really like it if the poutine here was good since I live in the neighbourhood but it's not. Both times the fries were overcooked and slightly unpleasant. Even though the cheese curds were nice it wasn't able to make up for the fries.
Stick to Fritz or even New York Fries if you want poutine, this is not the place to go. -
Review from Bronwyn G.
North Vancouver, BC
4/4/2011
Speaking only for their smoked meat sandwiches, I'd say Zako's does a good --but not great-- job. The included pickle and coleslaw are pretty disappointing and the bread is nothing special, but the meat redeems the experience. I can't offer a better suggestion for smoked meat in Van unfortunately. I think the small sandwich is plenty for a lunch.
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Review from Sonya R.
Burnaby, BC
4/9/2010
I wasn't very impressed either... I got the smoked meat sandwich with slaw. The slaw was really bad... very acidic and bitter, watery, I didn't even want it. The sandwich was nothing special, nothing special at all. Bread was just plain bread you could buy yourself... Oh well.
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Review from Mitch A.
12/29/2009
OMG! Montreal smoked meat! I haven't had it since I was a kid.. I had the Medium size for $7.75. The only thing is that it wasn't that big, but the taste was perfect. Nothing like this on the west coast! They have poutine too which is curd cheese and gravy. Next time...
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Review from Roan H.
Burnaby, BC
8/3/2009
This is a great place to eat a montreal smoked beef sandwich. The beef is tender and mouthwatering and the owner is one of the nicest guys I've ever met to own a deli
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Review from J G.
Vancouver, BC
11/21/2008 1 photo
When you are a Montrealer living in Vancouver there are two items whose authenticity you are asked to vouch for: bagels and smoked meat. The problem is that I'm a vegetarian, so I can only say that the smoked meat at Zako's definitely looks and smells like the real thing. I can also tell you that the friendly man working there offered me a sample in case I wasn't ready to commit to a whole sandwich. So, what does a vegetarian eat in such a place? Well, aside from the smoked meat, Zako's has a nice selection of tasty deli sandwiches (with the right kind of pickles) along with some Mediterranean-type plates and there's always a soup or two on the menu. They'll also do catering if you have an occasion. So, next time you are craving a little piece of Montreal, stop here for the almost real thing. Actually, I should say that the service here is much friendlier and more polite than any of the smoked meat spots in Montréal!
