Zen Japanese Restaurant

Amazing high-quality sushi and service, highly recommend! It’s easy to miss this unassuming place but once you get in, you have the feeling of being transported to a sushi restaurant in Japan - somewhat literally since they actually fly in some of their sushi from Japan. For example, we asked where their uni (sea urchin) came from and he informed us it’s from near the island of Hokkaido

January 2, 2025 on Google

Nice lunch menu special. I only sit at the counter when they serve each sushi on you plate . And it was tax free

December 24, 2024 on Google

We enjoyed lunch on Saturday at the sushi counter to celebrate my husband's birthday, and overall, the experience was memorable for its excellent food quality but lacked in service. The food was outstanding, with both the hot kitchen dishes and sushi counter offerings exceeding expectations. The Lunch Gozen menu ($79 per person) was fantastic value for the impeccable taste and quality. Every dish was well-prepared, and they accommodated my shrimp allergy perfectly. A highlight was interacting with Chef-Owner Seiichi Kashiwabara, who personally made and served our nigiri and hand roll. He was friendly, gracious, and professional, making our sushi counter experience truly special. However, service left much to be desired. When I asked for a savory, umami-flavoured sake, the server recommended a $74 bottle of Kid sake. Unfortunately, the sake had a funky, slightly off-putting taste, and the label was damaged from water exposure -- this diminished the experience. Worse, the server never returned to pour the sake, leaving us to manage it ourselves. On the plus side, green tea refills were eventually provided, but the tea was initially served far too hot, burning our tongues. We didn't receive wet towels until we asked -- immediately before the sushi course began. Another service issue was the lack of explanation when my husband’s tray arrived. For example, his chawanmushi (egg custard) contained shrimp and chicken, but this was not mentioned. This level of detail would have improved the dining experience. The meal ended on a sweet note with a thoughtful birthday treat: strawberry and yuzu sorbets alongside the included creamy ice cream options (soy milk, hojicha, or matcha). No black sesame or other flavours were available that day. We appreciated the relaxed pace of lunch and the free parking. If you’re visiting, I highly recommend calling ahead for a sushi counter reservation. The $5 sushi counter upcharge is absolutely worth it for the elevated experience. In summary, while Zen excels in food quality and the artistry of sushi, the service could use improvement, particularly in attentiveness and beverage guidance. Main floor individual washrooms are clean and modern. Unfortunately, the hand soap is highly scented. This affects your experience when picking up your sushi to eat each piece! Unscented hand soap is highly recommended. Would we return? Yes, soon, for the incredible food and the chance to sit at the sushi counter with Chef Seiichi-san again!

December 23, 2024 on Google

You'll never find this place if not for the internet. The sign is so small and dark, it's as if they don't want you to. Adjacent to some shady gaming venue, all blacked out. The food here is great and it's nice that the chefs choice menu is forefront. We got one sashimi and one sushi/sashimi. Added the beef tongue at the waitresses suggestion. The food was great, but the prices are stupid. If you're going to charge 130-180 per person, the place better be perfect. Wooden chopsticks on a cheap metal holder. Washrooms with bare white walls. Seating average. Location and exterior sub par.

November 22, 2024 on Google

Zen is a must try omakase experience. The sushi is fresh and delicious. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. They let us order off menu noodles soup for our kids with reasonable price. We had a great time visiting from Ottawa

November 12, 2024 on Google

My first sushi experience years ago when they were in Scarborough. I will never forget how amazing it was. I had ordered the chirashi sushi - all the fish was succulent. The mandarin homemade pie was a unique touch and quite balanced. I don't think I've had something like it since.

June 18, 2024 on Google

Nothing I can write here can explain this place with any kind of justice. Don't look at the prices. Just try. They have made the omakase experience attainable for most. If just once in your life, you must try. You will gain an appreciation for fish that you never thought was possible. If possible, reserve for a seat at the sushi bar and the chef will hand deliver each piece of carefully made sushi one at a time. Hall staff service was impeccable. They somehow had the ability to read my mind.

February 16, 2024 on Google

Zen is one of the oldest established high end sushi restaurant in Toronto. It has been opened for many years. This is still one of the few sushi restaurants that you can still order a la carte. Many sushi chefs in Toronto were once apprentice from here. Good sushi here. Highly recommended

November 22, 2020 on Google