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Zen Japanese Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Japanese Japanese [Edit]
2803 Eglinton Ave EScarborough, ON M1J 2E1
Neighbourhood: Scarborough
(416) 265-7111
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 12 pm - 2:30 pm
Tue-Sat 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
22 reviews for Zen Japanese Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"The fish in the Tokujyo sushi plate was nice and fresh." In 15 reviews -
"Black sesame ice cream was good too." In 2 reviews -
"One of the only few places in Toronto where you can get the..." In 5 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Audrey L.
Toronto, ON
4/28/2012
This is my favourite Japanese restaurant, anywhere (and I've been to Japan a few times!) If my opinion isn't enough, it's also been highly rated in the Toronto Life magazine's Food & Drink edition several times over the years.
Do not let its location deceive you: it's located in a somewhat run-down neighbourhood, in a tiny plaza next to a convenience store, blink and you might miss it. But if you're looking for good food, and fresh sushi, this is your place. It's a small location, so reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays (I've been turned away before).
I've been coming here for years (so often, that the wait staff know my order, down to the drink) and that in itself is a testimony to the quality of food that is served here. I typically order the Zen menu, which is the restaurant's version of a prix fixe meal. It's served with miso soup, salad (served with what has got to be the best dressing on a salad I've ever had), California rolls (just delicious), tofu, a choice between teriyaki steak, salmon (and perhaps chicken, though I'm not 100% certain) and dessert. I always order the teriyaki steak, which is consistently cook exactly the way I want it. In my opinion, also the best place to have Spider Rolls (my favourite!)
The staff has been exactly the same for as long as I can remember (at least a decade, now). The service is always impeccable, you will not regret coming here. -
Review from Agnes L.
Toronto, ON
12/5/2011 3 photos
First point to note is that the area is definitely a bit..interesting. Or you can substitute interesting for intimidating. A bit sketchy especially at night but all I can say is that once you eat here it might even be worth coming back even if it was in the ghetto of the ghettos!
I haven't had the omakase that a lot of people have raved about on here and other sites but everything else is just as good! I've ordered a-la-carte with my friend a few times and the toro and hotate is to die for! Every time we eat anywhere else we always find ourselves relating back to Zen and how its better. Another fave is the spicy tuna roll, yum yum!
Service can be a hit or miss for some as it's the basics. Depending on which waitress you get, there may be a slight issue with communicating.
The decor is nothing special as well and doesn't look like it has been updated in years but that's not what you go to Zen for-you go for the food!!
Overall really fresh sashimi that's melt in your mouth goodness! -
Review from Seong P.
11/29/2011
A very homey Japanese run place. Came here with some Japanese coworkers after a meeting and had a nice sushi dinner. They said I probably had better Japanese food in San Francisco but I'm not so sure.
This area reminded me of both LA and New Jersey at the same time. Tons of strip malls and giant apartment complexes. -
Review from Amy L.
11/10/2011
Zen is actually located in Scarborough, by Eglinton East and Danforth Road. The interior is similar to other Japanese restaurants, although much smaller than I imagined. My friend and I took advantage of their delicious and affordable lunch specials. Going through their lunch menu, my eyes stopped at the Chirashi sushi and udon combo. How could I possibly not order my beloved chirashi sushi? Of course I did :) And so did my friend :D
Chirashi sushi & Udon ($13.95) was the best deal in my opinion. If you've been following my reviews and you still don't know what a chirashi sushi is, then you deserve a smack on the head ;D An assortment of (hopefully) fresh sashimi beautifully arranged and garnished on a bed of sushi rice; nothing else can satisfy me more than that. I happily said my hellos to each and every one of those fishies, paid my respect, and gobbled them up to a happy place. The fishies were fairly appetizing without being too soft nor frozen. Raw squid was also included here which is not too common in other chirashi sushis. I was a bit disappointed in their rice, unfortunately. It was too dry to be served in a chirashi, and swallowing it was unpleasant as I could actually feel it going down my throat. Yikes!
The side of Udon was decent and the broth had a nice flavour to it. The udon itself was neither too firm nor soft, so I enjoyed it. I've never ordered udon at a restaurant before since I'm not really a fan of it, but this was quite delicious. Also gotta love them pretty fish cakes too!
I wouldn't say that Zen exceeded my expectations, because they clearly didn't. Rice preparation is a common downfall for many Japanese restaurants, and sadly Zen hasn't perfected it yet. I would come back to try other items on their menu, and hopefully next time their rice won't be as dry :) -
Review from YK T.
Markham, ON
11/17/2011 3 photos
Wow, satisfied.
- finally a sushi restaurant that serves Jap green tea!!! my first encounter in Canada! most pretend they don't know what you are talking about even when asked
- standard shop lot (small) in a not-so-good neighborhood
- expensive, by about 50% - 100% but quality is indeed much better, noticeably in sushi's texture and taste
- one of a few sushi restaurants that offers real wasabi (not tube or powder) but have to ask for it and you get charged $7 due to rarity and labor (we didn't order)
- teriyaki beef, sushi, maki... A+; miso soup, tempura... A; udon soup... B+
- we ordered the notorious Natto (fermented soy bean), no where near stinky tofu, but is sure an acquired taste too, especially the gooey texture, pretty gross, we finished it and even my 7 year-old liked it
- we also ordered another delicacy - mountain potato with tuna, also gooey texture and I liked it better than Natto.
Conclusion... value wise I would say B+... It's indeed a very good place for "real sushi", I would go back again, but not too frequent due to the cost. -
Review from Frankie K.
Toronto, ON
3/22/2011 2 photos
This place is my all time favorite japanese restaurant in the GTA now. The fish is super fresh, and the uni is soo delicious! I've been here twice now and ordered the sushi omakase. its definitely one of those unique hidden spots that doesn't border pretentiousness whatsoever. The area does seem a little sketchy, but its worth the trek there.
The staff is super friendly and they definitely know what their doing.
I suggest eating at the bar to get a better experience :) -
Review from Edwin A.
9/9/2010
This restaurant is in a seedy area of Scarborough.
You got a massage parlor on the left and adult entertainment on the right.
Make it a night of raw and exciting entertainment? Ha-ha not. We came here for the food.
Open the door and step through the front curtain you're presented with a simple clean décor. Sushi bar to the right, tables for two and four lining the edges, and some booths located at the back. All the tables were reserved when we arrived. Glad we made reservations in advance.
Not here to experiment with selections we ordered some basics. I ordered a chiarasi $25 that comes with with clear fish broth soup, my fiancée ordered 2 rolls: a shrimp tempura and custom spicy scallop roll for $8, finished off with black sesame ice cream $4 for dessert.
Wait time for the food to arrive was good about 10-12 minutes. The chirashi had a wide variety of sushis: clams, scallops, octopus, mackerel, salmon, salmon roe it's fresh, very basic and traditional, nothing fancy. The rolls were made well and tasted great. Black sesame ice cream was good too.
(I eat sushi with no wasabi or soy by the way, not to hide any flavors or cover-up any lack of freshness)
Service was alright, but when we ask for something it gets lost in translation. Polite but not warm.
The restaurant has fresh basic sushi, but the location of it makes for an interesting experience. -
Review from Ken S.
Mississauga, ON
6/27/2011
I wish I had more pictures for you as Zen sushi is top notch for sushi. Zen is located in seedy strip mall in Scarborough down the street from a notorious strip club and a newsworthy raided massage parlor. However, the chef and owner Seiichi Kashiwabara, servicing sushi lovers for 28 years, still serves one of the highest quality, freshest, best selection and mouth watering dishes in Toronto. I would be there weekly if it were not so far from where I live.
The chef and his staff are glad to share their knowledge of sushi and their offerings. One conversation I remembered centered around sushi lovers favorite, butterfish. We were discussing his Bluefin o-toro, the prize cut from the prized fish and why many people do not ask for it and butterfish came up. I knew that many consumers, restaurants and even the fishmongers do not know what butterfish actually is. It is enjoyed by many due to the high fat content making it buttery and flavorful. The sous chef advised they do not like to carry it as it is not a fish that is ideal for human consumption. The fat content that makes it so attractive can cause health issues as it is a type of fat humans cannot digest. Butterfish is really the Escolar but is also known as Hawaiin Walu or an Alaskan fish amongst other things and is not intended for eating. Too bad as I remember it to be one of my favorites.
This dish is Toro-Toromo. Looks like a typo right? I assure you it is not. It is tuna and Japanese mountain potato. It is served similar to natto with the Toromo having a gelatinous texture and a subtle taste worthy to be a vessel for any star ingredient. In this case it is tuna. If your Japanese restaurant does not have natto or toromo, then maybe you should eat somewhere else.
Where is the salmon? Ha, great question and you should comment on its absence. Perfect sashimi platter of what fresh fish was available on that day, for that season, regardless of popularity.
So many of you may have eaten or even ordered what is called Saba or Mackerel. Not Spanish mackerel (aji) but Mackerel. Mackerel in raw form has to be cured before served due to its unique attraction to unfriendly human things. Since it is not fresh or raw it is actually mass produced and most restaurants buy a them in frozen packages. Gross. What does Zen do? They proudly purchase Mackerel fresh, cure it themselves with vinegar amongst other things and serve it as a delightful nigiri plate. So, so, so, good!
Zen has a unique offering for sushi and some decent mix drinks. I order only Asahi Black where I can find it but I drank their last bottle and was forced to drink the generic version. Feel pity for me and comment on your Asahi Black opinions and of course what you think of Zen Sushi. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
4/30/2010 8 photos
Can I come here for lunch every week? Zen Japanese Restaurant is good as it get for an authentic Japanese food at a reasonable price!
The lunch menu has over 20 different selections starting from $9.99! It is a good deal as it is half the price they charging for dinner.
We arrived at 12:00 PM without reservations... we were lucky to have a table for 2.. the only table for 2 in the restaurant. Yes seriously, they are turning away people without reservations. Even the Sushi bar was packed with people during lunch! I will definitely make a reservation even for lunch time!
We ordered the Chirashi ($13.95) and Sushi ($10.95) lunch set. The Chirashi set does come with a Udon and house salad. The fish so fresh, even the salad is nice and fresh...not soaked with salad dressing! The Udon is chewy with texture... The rice they use are the smaller Japanese sushi rice. The seaweed on the rolls are crispy and with good flavour! OK OK! WE LOVE IT!!
We already want to come back next week for lunch to try out other items on the menu!
The only minus is the service can be spotty because of place was packed!
Reasonable price for lunch with excellent quality of food!!
Closed on Monday! They accepts all Credit Card! -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
7/28/2010 1 photo
It's been awhile since I entered a restaurant which has a traditional Japanese CURTAIN entrance so it's almost assumed from that starting point on that expectations should be held somewhat high.
As I went in 2:00 pm Wed I saw the last 2 patrons head out, so I had the whole restaurant all by myself. At least that's what I thought but it seemed that the FAMILY of this Japanese family-run joint takes the enjoyment of the restaurant too as they walk around doing miscellaneous things such as the owner/man ask the young lady about WIFI and stuff for his smartphone. Chat as a family in full Japanese, that's how I know they're all Japanese.
I was thinking to sit anywhere I wish but the young lady sat me at a spot that hides from the SUSHI counter so I had limited vision. Ordering the Nigiri Special 9-piece ($15.95), even though I couldn't see much of the preparation I was able to hear my food being prepare as I heard a DING. That most likely meant my Unagi Nigiri was ready!
The 9-pieces were fairly nicely prepared and presented however maybe a piece or 2 was over done on the wasabi portion. That was because they do not provide WASABI on the side for you, so that the Chef gives you the taste that they wish you to have.
As the Apprentice or Sous-Chef prepped, that's because the Owner/Chef was lurking in front of me using his smartphone and looking at the receipts for the lunch-period. The fish did not have any FROZEN taste that most other Japanese restaurants will offer. I also like how I was given a ROUND sauce dish rather than those non-traditional rectangular plastic imitators.
I was seated facing the INTERESTING register booth/table that had so much stuff there that it took away some of the beautifully decorated setting of this dining room. Maybe they should consider decluttering it or moving it elsewhere, but where I have no clue because that spot cannot accommodate much else.
I had the Salad which was A-OK as I later on went to Heisei @ J-Town and think I found the Salad Dressing they were using. It probably had Eggs, Soya Sauce, Sesame, Oil, Vinegar, etc...
I didn't rate 4 *Stars* because I felt it wasn't the experience I was looking for, it's actually a bit hard to explain. I mean, the server did all that she was suppose to and even refilled the Tea for me. I gave ZEN 3.5 *Stars* at this point-in-time looking forward to try their Chirashi.Listed in: 3.5 ***Stars***, Oishii
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Review from Catherine S.
Scarborough, ON
2/14/2012 2 photos
We went for a birthday meal a couple of weeks ago and sat at the bar. We ordered a sushi omakase and a sashimi omakase. As the chef served us with what was probably the most fantastically fresh Japanese sea bream to start our meal, we were already hooked on Zen! I couldn't even begin to list all the beautifully prepared sushi and sashimi that followed as the variety of fish was quite impressive. No salmon or butterfish here!!!! Yay! Another thing we really loved about our experience was the freshly grated wasabi the chef kept replacing on our plates. He wouldn't let us eat the wasabi he had just grated 10 min ago and insisted on grating fresh mounds for us to enjoy with our fish. I notice that some of their fish had wonderful yuzu scent which just whetted our appetites even more. To finish our meal, they served us a mandarin orange pie on the house. It's amazing value at $50 each for this quality of omakase. We're definitely going back.
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Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
10/28/2008
Zen is for real. I've never been to Japan, but I think I came close when I went here last week. I've noticed most Japanese restaurants in Toronto have Korean or Chinese owners, but Zen is the first place I've seen that's been full-on Japanese.
You might be intimidated at first, I mean, it is in a strip mall in the middle of Scarborough, surrounded by similarly sketchy looking businesses. But Zen is the exception. If it were located somewhere more central, no way would they be able to offer such amazing meals for the prices they do.
Zen is not the place to go for a cheap meal, but if you're into sashimi and authentic Japanese food, it will win your heart. I got a chirashi bowl with some of the best cuts of fish I've ever tasted in my life. It came with a soba noodle soup that was seasoned perfectly and turned even more heavenly when they offered me chili powder (love the spice).
Their maki are perfectly rolled, they have the freshest fish I've ever seen, and everything on the menu is exciting and looks delicious. They even have little booths in the back that mock sitting on the floor -- you take off your shoes but your feet hang down instead of sitting cross-legged.
Like I said, this place is the cheapest and easiest way for me to go to Japan (besides Sanko on Queen St.) so I'll be going back often. There seems to be a pretty dedicated lunch crowd, so the closer to noon you arrive, the better. -
Review from R. M.
Scarborough, ON
9/19/2009
Zen is a find, for sure! We came here on recommendations from other reviews, and it was, to date, the best sushi we've had in T-O! As a matter of fact, I would venture to say that it was some of the freshest, most delicious seafood I've had for sushi ever. Why 4 stars? A weeknight dinner for 2 for basic sushi and two beers was over 100$ by the time we were done with tip and tax. (!!) Having had good - albeit not GREAT - all-you-can-eat sushi for 17$ (and near downtown!) I couldn't quite come to terms with it. Especially considering the sketchy mini-mall. And the fact that they were out of the beers we really wanted. So 4 stars it is.
But seriously, the ambiance is nice, it's a small place, we found the waitresses lovely, and YES - you need reservations for dinner, especially on the weekends. The first time we popped in on a Fri. it was a 1.5 hour wait.
Despite 4 stars.... I kinda have sexy dreams about the scallop sushi I had here. Mmmmmm scallop. So creamy, so sweet! Oh, it's almost embarrassing. We will be back. Oh yes, when we get paid - we will be back! -
Review from Ed S.
4/24/2010
Went last night and ordered the broiled beef tongue, Tokujyo sushi and a side of sea urchin (uni). The beef tongue was tender, good chew, and tasty. The uni was creamy and mild w/ a touch of sweetness, but no brininess or hint that it came from the sea.
The fish in the Tokujyo sushi plate was nice and fresh. Tuna, medium fatty tuna, salmon, spanish mackerel, scallop, sweet shrimp, and what looked to be a medium tuna roll w/ the strong taste of shiso leaf, along w/ some other pieces. The sushi itself though, for the most part, had too much wasabi. The waitress informed us this was because people tended to mix their wasabi and soy together, then dip the nigiri in it. Since they don't provide extra wasabi, they just add it to the nigiri. Problem is that I didn't know this, and with good quality fish, I don't over sauce the nigiri so I kept ending up with sinus clearing loads of wasabi in some of the pieces. Other pieces where the fish didn't need it, they used less wasabi. Keep that in mind if you go.
All in all, w/ a couple soft drinks, the meal came to $90 for two, incl. tax. I'm definitely booking a table at the bar next time I go so I can get a better interaction w/ the chef. -
Review from Stephen C.
Scarborough, ON
8/18/2010
Was hyped about this place, but the experience was sorely lacking.
The surrounding area is pretty shady, and the restaurant interior is pretty dated. The service was non attentive and lacking. The soup/salad is pretty much the same as any other japanese joint. Ordered a Sushi and Sashimi lunch.
Why is there a fake crab stick sushi on my plate? I thought this place was authentic. The sashimi is cut so small its smaller than my baby pinky finger. Is that how they eat their sashimi in Japan? -
Review from Norbert V.
Toronto, ON
5/8/2011
Excellent food and attentive service, relaxing atmosphere. I loved the Soba noodles and the sashimi was delicious and beautifully presented. The wait staff were friendly and helpful. When the craving for Sushi returns I will visit again. Thanks Zen!
PS: Yes, the strip mall they are located in is pretty seedy but certainly not intimidating, remember, they have been in business since 1983 and locations can change over time. Having said that, Zen is a destination restaurant, you are going there for THEM not their particular location. -
Review from Deanna W.
12/21/2008
Zen is very authentic japanese restaurant which is well known among the sushi lovers in toronto for it's authenticity and it's fresh cuts of fish. It is located in the most unlikely of places for a above average sushi/japanese restaurant as it neighbours a strip bar and a galaxy bowling alley!! Don't got expecting the atmosphere of Ki downtown let's just say-this place puts out sincere, well prepared japanese-the aesthetics are secondary!
I went here with a group of people for a meet up once and they staff were all very accomadating to our healthy appetites given that most of us ordered the sushi omakase and then some. The sushi was very fresh and cut well and the grilled fish we had at the start was grilled well and lightly spiced. I loved the special tuna maki roll we had towards the end of the meal something about the nori was spot on and it seemed that it was toasted beforehand. Also for dessert they have seasame black bean ice cream!!-a sublime sweet ending. -
Review from K F.
12/30/2010
The fish is fresh and service is excellent. There is a good selection of cold sakes. The menu is the traditional Japanese fare, with not too much selection. However, they are very accommodating, making us dishes that were not on the menu. We ordered a kampachi kama (not on menu) and it was very well done.
Even though outside the restaurant is somewhat seedy, the outside is still well lit and we didn't feel uneasy. The inside is simply yet elegantly decorated, "zen" indeed. -
Review from Jenn G.
Scarborough, ON
9/25/2010 6 photos
I love me some sushi and salmon teriyaki... And zen hits the spot. I went here with the hubby yesterday. Pretty small place but let me tell u, the salmon teriyaki was perfectly cooked. It was no frozen bland crap like in certain Japanese places. Fresh fresh fresh =) my only complaint is that the maki rolls weren't tightly wrapped, and being pretty big, it fell apart whenever we tried to tried to dip it in our soya sauce. Don't get me wrong though. It was DELISH! And the ladies working there are very sweet. Wish they weren't that expensive. O well, I'll make sure I'll go there every month. Looking forward to it.
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Review from Ailin K.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 8/22/2010
Everything I have ever tried at Zen has just been too good to be true. I decided to try the steak , and continues to be impressed . Not too heavily marinated or spiced, you can truly taste the quality of the beef. It came with salad and miso soup.. ..delicious and mouth watering.
Listed in: The Places I Go Out, Top Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/22/2010
It may be in one of the most ghetto plazas in Scarborough, but it sure serves the best Japanese food… Read more »
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Review from Ben Y.
Toronto, ON
9/19/2009
One of the only few places in Toronto where you can get the freshest fish is Zen. Price is reasonable for the quality of fish you get, so if you're used to eating at the lower end Japanese restaurants, you'll probably think Zen is way to expensive. I didn't get a chance to try their cooked food, but then again I don't think I'll be back because of their location. It's in the a pretty seedy strip mall, and parking there is a hassle and kind of dodgy. We ordered the omakase sushi, and I was pretty satisfied with the selection and quality of the fish. However, the service that night was lacking; the waitress failed to describe what each sushi was served, so we didn't really know what fish were eating. Still, four stars for this restaurant only because of their exceptional quality of fish and authenticity.
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Review from Francisca W.
8/24/2009 7 photos
authentic, great japanese food, no doubt. i didn't find the ambiance lacking; they do have proper lighting and some type of decor, it's not like it's a hole-in-the-wall place like Tomoe in NYC. waitresses are super polite, as japanese people are.
listened to my friend's advice and made a reservation for 2 at 1pm on a weekday; turned out the reservation wasn't necessary (maybe it's much needed for dinner time). was deciding amongst a few things, when waitress came and made some recommendations. ordered a chirashi and a sushi special (9 pcs) as she suggested, and made two a la carte sushi orders on top: uni (sea urchin) and anago (sea eel).
my bf's chirashi set came with a udon noodle in soup. the clear broth was sooooo good (close to the sukiyaki taste), we drank it all. my set came with a miso soup and house salad, both of which were on par. it seems that the chirashi (at least on that day) had a better variety of fish than my sushi; i liked his pieces slightly better than mine.
slightly disappointed by the a la carte orders. the uni was on par but not spectacular (trust me, i've had ones that made me go oooh and ahhh). the anago i've had usually lie fragilely on the rice, trailing on both ends. these two pieces i got here were truncated to match the length of the sushi rice, and i'm not too happy about that.
for dessert, we ordered one order (one scoop) each of green tea and black sesame ice-cream. the green tea is milky and tasted ok, but i personally prefer the darker ones that have a stronger, slightly bitterish green tea taste. the black sesame, on the other hand, was out of this world. it was dark like squid ink, and every bite was exploding with the aroma of sesame seeds. there were some grind sesame sprinkled on top too, which definitely improved both the flavor and the texture.
total bill came to about $65 for two; not bad for quality sushi at lunch time. however, truth be told, i have had even more superior sushi outside of toronto, and this place is kind of "in the middle of nowhere", so it may be a stretch to make this a regular dinner choice ("regular" as a visitor). but i AM tempted by their $50/pax omakase menu, so there actually may be a second time the next time i'm in town!
