Ciao, fellow adventurers! ✨ On my latest visit to Ottawa, I had the pleasure of stepping into a world of sophistication and charm at Zoe’s Lounge, tucked inside the legendary Fairmont Château Laurier. Known for its rich history, lavish décor, and exquisite food and cocktails, Zoe’s is more than just a lounge – it’s an experience. The recent renovations have elevated its already luxurious ambiance, blending old-world elegance with a fresh, modern feel. From the moment I entered, I knew I was in for something special. Let me take you along for the journey! 🍸
First Impressions: A Modern Classic
Walking into Zoe’s Lounge feels like stepping into a scene from The Great Gatsby – a mix of roaring ’20s glamour and contemporary sophistication. The dimly lit chandeliers cast a warm glow over the rich, brooding décor, and plush seating invites you to sink in and stay a while.
The space exudes an effortless elegance – a place for whispered conversations, indulgent bites, and expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you’re settling in for an afternoon high tea, a casual meet-up, or a sophisticated evening out, Zoe’s caters to every mood.
Savoring the Flavors: A Culinary Experience
When it comes to food, Zoe’s delivers elevated comfort with a menu designed for indulgence. Here’s what I had the pleasure of sampling:
🧀 Grilled Cheese – But Make It Fancy
Forget everything you know about grilled cheese – this is next-level decadence! Made with lump crab, aged cheddar cheese, and house-made brioche, this dish was a creamy, buttery, flavor-packed bite of heaven. The unexpected twist? House-made raspberry ketchup – a tangy-sweet contrast that took this comfort classic to gourmet heights. I was obsessed!
🥩 Château Mixed Board – A Charcuterie Dream
Perfect for sharing (or enjoying solo if you’re feeling indulgent 😉), this board featured two house-made charcuterie selections and two Quebec cheeses, beautifully paired with chutneys, mustards, and pickles. Each bite was a playful mix of textures and flavors – from creamy to sharp, sweet to salty. A must-try!
🍽 Olives, Nuts, and Chips – The Ultimate Bar Snack Trio
A well-balanced mix of rosemary garlic olives, spiced mixed nuts, and crispy kettle chips, this was the perfect snack to complement cocktails – salty, crunchy, and utterly addictive!
Cocktail Magic: Sip, Savor, Repeat
Zoe’s is famous for its artisanal cocktails, and I couldn’t resist trying a few. Each drink was beautifully crafted, bursting with unique flavors and thoughtful details.
🍁 Statesman – A Smoky & Bold Masterpiece: This drink meant business. A powerful mix of Canadian Club Rye, Laphroaig Scotch, lemon juice, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters, the smoky depth of the Scotch met the sweet warmth of maple syrup in the most harmonious way. Rich, bold, and unforgettable.
🌿 Noble Infusion – A Spicy, Herbaceous Delight: This one had a delightfully unexpected twist. Made with black pepper house-infused Hendrick’s Gin, Amaro Montenegro, lime juice, and simple syrup, it had just the right kick of spice to keep things interesting. If you love a cocktail with complexity, this is your drink.
🔥 Smoldering Ember – A Fiery & Exotic Surprise: This drink was as dramatic as its name! Featuring jalapeño-infused Bacardi 8 Year Rum, Casamigos Mezcal, lime juice, pineapple juice, ginger syrup, and orange bitters, it was a spicy-sweet fusion of flavors that lingered on the palate in the best way possible. Think: tropical heat meets smoky allure.
🍓 La Vie en Rose – A Sweet & Bubbly Dream: The prettiest cocktail of the night! Made with strawberry house-infused Botanist Gin, strawberry simple syrup, lemon juice, and Val d’oca Prosecco, this was a sparkling, refreshing, and perfectly balanced drink. Light, elegant, and perfect for a glamorous night out.
The Roaring Lion: A Piece of History
Beyond the delicious food and cocktails, Zoe’s holds a legendary piece of history – the famous portrait of Winston Churchill, “The Roaring Lion“, taken by Yousuf Karsh. After being stolen during the pandemic and miraculously recovered in Rome in 2024, the portrait now proudly hangs in the lounge.
Standing before this piece was a surreal moment—a reminder that Zoe’s Lounge is more than just a place for indulgence; it’s a place where history lingers in the air.
Final Thoughts: Why You NEED to Visit Zoe’s Lounge
My evening at Zoe’s Lounge was an experience, not just a night out. Between the lush atmosphere, impeccable service, mouthwatering dishes, and extraordinary cocktails, this is the kind of place you walk into and don’t want to leave.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish date night, a post-exploration retreat after wandering Ottawa’s historic streets, a cozy lounge for cocktails with friends, or a touch of history with a side of indulgence… Zoe’s Lounge delivers on every level. Ottawa’s cocktail scene doesn’t get better than this.
So, if you find yourself in Ottawa, do yourself a favor – book a table, order a cocktail, and let Zoe’s Lounge work its magic. You won’t regret it.
Until the next adventure, keep sipping, keep exploring, and stay fabulous!🍸
xoxo,
Bubbly 💖
