Zaru

869

2325

1 year ago

Zaru blew me away! The food is fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. The vibe is trendy but still super welcoming, and the staff couldn't have been nicer or more attentive. Everything came out quickly, portions were just right, and the presentation was on point. It's the kind of place you instantly want to come back to, whether for a casual night out or a special dinner. Definitely one of my new favorite spots in Florida read more

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Matthew O.

453

1081

2602

1 year ago

Really fantastic place to get some high quality udon noodles in Orlando. Love the aesthetics and ambiance of this place. Service is fast and efficient, but servers are still consistently friendly. I got the dry udon noodles with a ground pork sauce and it was delicious! Love the balance of flavors and textures. The soft boiled egg adds an extra layer of richness to the dish. There's also many different optional extras you can add to your noodles, such as tempura shrimp. All in all, fantastic place! :) read more

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Justin C.

112

1 year ago

I've had a lot of udon and this udon... was IT! The creaminess of the noodles along with the spice + the other toppings blended so well together. I also got a side of sweet potato tempura which really hit the spot. The viet coffee with the sesame seeds was interesting and unique. Service was great and the store is decorated really nice :) read more

Zaru - Hokkaido Uni Udon - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Viet Coffee (sesame) - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Anthony D.

363

560

1503

7 months ago

We arrived around 630pm and had to wait around 20 minutes for a table. It's a small space so it would seem that groups of 4 or more would be hard to get a table. You do have to walk through the restaurant in order to put your name down/talk to someone which I thought was a little interesting since there's no host/hostess. For appetizer, we got the Yaki Nasu which is their miso grilled eggplants. Super flavorful and piping hot, these were absolutely excellent. I got the Chicken Nanban Udon where the chicken is served on the side. The noodles and broth were great and the chicken was very flavorful. I also tried some of my friend's Nikutama Udon and that meat was also very good. We also got a couple of tempura (Mushroom, sweet potato, okra) which were all great. I especially appreciated the sweet potato being cut very thing which made the texture and ratio even better. We ended with the hojicha panna cotta which was nice and had more of a coffee flavor so it was harder to discern the hojicha flavor. But I did like the added touch of red beans on the side. Lastly, the prices for everything (especially the tempura $2-4 each) were great and so their Bib Gourmand is well deserved. read more

Zaru - Yaki Nasu (Miso Grilled Eggplant) - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Chicken Nanban Udon - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Hojicha Panna Cotta - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Tempura Variety - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Sarah H.

178

11 months ago

We're not local only visiting for the Epic Universe haul, but this restaurant kept popping up as a great fit for families with high standards for Japanese cuisine. The wait was a bit long, but we passed the time pleasantly at the Mills Market next door. By the time we finished a few bites of finger food, our table was ready. Overall, the service was exceptional, and the food presentation delightfully exceeded expectations. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate lighter yet deeply flavorful dishes - especially when paired with a good drink. read more

Zaru - Okra Tempura - yum yum yum!! - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Cold Zaru Udon - amazing chewy noodle - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Crab Salad - A Must-Try - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Ambience, Aug 2025 - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Beth E.

136

646

1 year ago

I loved the lychee blossom drink it was awesome. The crab salad was good I like you got to roll it yourself. The gyoza was good wish it had more flavor but it was cooked very well. The chicken chashu was good still need more flavoring. I asked what had a very good broth. I was recommended to get the spicy miso tantan which had no broth. I tried my husbands beef udon it was okay. I think going to Japan I am spoiled and expect a lot. The noodles were good. The mochi was so soft wish they gave you more red bean paste it ran out so quick. I gave it 4 stars because everyone else liked their food. Overall the place is good, but I do not think I will go back. I have had other places that make noodle that I liked more. read more

Zaru - Chicken chashu - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Menu - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Viet coffee - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Nikutama udon - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Lychee blossom drink - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Wagyu udon - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Gyoza - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Coedo beer - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Extra udon noodles - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Kiara C.

5 months ago

My dear Zaru! Oh how I love you! I think about this place so often, and could genuinely eat here every week. I'm not going to list everything I've tried, because it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter what you get, it's always going to be good. The service is incredible, wait time is never too long, and you can tell they care and know what they're doing here. Coziest place to eat at for sure, specially on a rainy day! Looooove it read more

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Rocky M.

2 years ago

I had a great experience at Zaru! The delicious udon with fresh, bright ingredients definitely made me understand their Michelin bib achievement. At Zaru, they offer you a menu that you fill out yourself, checking off the dishes you'd like to order with the provided pencils. I ordered the Hokkaido Uni Udon with shrimp tempura, sweet potato tempura, and the sliced beef as add on/ sides. The udon dish was creamy with a good balance of flavors coming from the uni. The noodles themselves had a nice bounce and tasted freshly made. As for the add ons, both tempura options were incredibly- flavorful and crisp. I'd also recommend the beef since it's incredibly tender and pairs well as a side to your meal. The restaurant itself is beautiful but the music may be a bit loud for some. Additionally, I went on a colder night and was seated right in front of the main door. The draft from people walking in and out was probably the least enjoyable part of the experience. Other than that, our server was attentive and offered great recommendations. read more

Zaru - Dining area - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Ashly M.

5 months ago

Ugh, came here yesterday and the food did not disappoint. Everything was absolutely delicious. The drinks too. I truly believe you can get anything on the menu and be pleased. My only problem was that parking can be a little complicated in the area and two I wish the service had been a tad bit better. I would've ordered more food, but the server only came like once and by the time she came back I was ready to go. read more

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Evelina K.

152

548

2 years ago

I randomly stumbled upon this place when I was in the area. I am so glad I did. I didn't even know that they had a Michelin recognition! The staff was nice. It was Friday and the place was packed for lunch. However, they navigated all the people efficiently and I got a seat pretty quick. I got ramen and some tea and both were great! The broth was fantastic and the noodles were flavorful and had perfect texture. I wish I could try more stuff and I am definitely gonna come back when I'm visiting Orlando again. read more

Zaru - Ramen - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Alex D.

2 years ago

This was my third visit to Zaru, and it continues to impress! Every time, the eggplant is an absolute must!! It's perfectly prepared with a rich miso-sesame seasoning that keeps us coming back. This time, we decided to try a couple of new dishes: the tempura platter, which was light, crisp, and expertly fried, and the crab rice, which was packed with flavor and loaded with fresh crab. Both were excellent choices! Not pictured was their signature mocktail of the day, yuzu. The mocktail changes regularly, but Zaru's chefs never disappoint when it comes to creative and refreshing drinks. If you're looking for thoughtfully prepared Japanese-inspired dishes with great flavors, Zaru is always a solid pick! read more

Zaru - Crab Rice - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Tempura Platter - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Yaki Nasu (Eggplant) - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Ashley E.

5 months ago

The service is 10/10, music is a vibe, the ambiance is top tier. Really enjoyed my food and drink. Absolutely recommend and right down the street from many other places to drink/ enjoy. read more

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Arun M.

371

7 months ago

Zaru is located in the buzzing Mills50 district of Orlando. Went there for lunch and luckily no waiting. Eggplant appetizers were most delicious form of eggplant I have ever had. Perfect size. The Japanese tea was flavorful and appropriate Portion size. Udon noodles were yummy with nice soup. Didn't try dessert but will definitely come back many more times. Small and cozy atmosphere and upscale vibe. read more

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Danielle Y.

920

383

1835

2 years ago

This spot has been on my list for sometime now so I was super excited to get the chance to check this place out when I came back to visit Orlando. I have to say I am really impressed at the food. All the appetizers were delicious. We loved the crab salad, It's a must get! and the eggplant was so flavorful. Since they are known for their udon noodles, I had some high expectations and it just felt short for me. The Roth was a bit salty and it was just all right. The service was quick and the ambience is nice. I really like the interior design of the restaurant. read more

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Kasey T.

194

164

216

1 year ago

The food here was absolutely amazing. We found it thanks to the Michelin guide and couldn't have been more impressed. We tried an array of dishes to share, all of which were delicious. From all we tried, it seems you can't go wrong here. We went on a Friday night and probably waited 20 minutes for a table. The inside is quite small, but service is fast and friendly once seated. I'd highly recommend trying this place! read more

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Sam K.

187

126

1 year ago

We went in because I saw this place on the Michelin watch list and we weren't disappointed. I thought this was a traditional udon place but it's definitely fusion, and it was delicious. The fried chicken was a highlight and the waiter was very helpful to pick out the different items on the menu. The interior was very chic and well designed read more

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Ashley B.

7 months ago

I have been wanting to try Zaru and finally got the chance to stop there recently. I will say that I did not like expect a wait but also did not realize how intimate the inside is. Once we were seated, the food was great and the service was as well. I enjoyed my meal and time here. read more

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john j.

445

886

3620

1 year ago

What a very cool spot to try some of the best Udon in the area. The staff is super helpful explains the process of ordering and helped make a couple recommendations. We loved their mocktail and the rest of the drink menu. Definitely a great spot and worthy of the Michelin gourmand recognition. read more

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Minju K.

146

158

2 years ago

The food was incredibly fresh and even though the portions are huge, the meal is light and so delicious. They seated us right away and we had a minimum wait despite the place being full. The servers were very nice and answered our questions about the menu. Overall we would come back so we can try out the cold udon! read more

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Zack W.

102

1 year ago

Solid and cozy, albeit overcrowded experience The other illustrious "u" noodle spot of Orlando, it offers a similar quality yet completely distinct experience from Domu. I've been a total of three times, and enjoyed the Kake, Nori udon and shared some of the rotating specials. I've found it to be quite consistent and overall enjoyable. The main gripe I've had, as have others, is that because the spot is so intimate and popular there is a pretty long line. I've waited on average 35-60 minutes for a table. It's still worth checking out at some point, but it does hamper the overall experience read more

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Melinda S.

189

915

3153

2 years ago

My bestie and I came here for lunch over the weekend. I've been wanting to try it for a while and made it a priority before I move next week. The inside is very pretty and modern. Our server was friendly and was happy to explain the menu and specials and give recommendations. She recommended the dumplings as one of their popular appetizers, so we got an order of those. They were delicious! Great texture and flavor. Both of us chose the chicken tempura hot udon and selected our toppings. They have a good variety to choose from. The chicken was tender and had good flavor with the sauce. The broth of the soup was flavorful and I loved the texture of the long, slurpable noodles. I was happy with how my toppings complimented it, especially the onsen egg. The meal was very filling and fresh and we both enjoyed it very much. I'm sad it took me so long to get here, but will be excited to visit again on trips back home. read more

Zaru - Dumplings - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Chicken tempura udon and toppings - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Julia S.

289

2 years ago

Such a nice place, although it is a little small. Be prepared for a bit of a wait. The servers were super attentive; so kind and very helpful!! Food was delicious; the uni udon was so creamy and rich!! The udon wasn't the best I have had, but still good. I didn't like the salmon roe, but thats a personal taste preference. I love love loved the eggplant; It was so tender and the miso marinade was amazing. The chicken chashu was yummy, crispy and flavorful! Gyoza was yummy, nothing too amazing, but good and meaty inside. read more

Zaru - yaki nasu (spicy miso marinated eggplant) - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Jasmin T.

115

412

1 year ago

Came back here again after a year and there was a few changes in their menu. I got to try almost all the appetizer and I would say that my favorite by far is their chicken kaarage followed by the eggplant. I also tried their viet coffee with sesame foam cream top which was delicious! Service was fast on a friday lunch. read more

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Kelly C.

213

4 months ago

The place is really small... I feel they could move into a larger space cuz they had multiple people waiting for a table the entire time I was there. I don't feel they do a great job explaining their menu to people who are unfamiliar with udon, especially cuz there are no pictures for them to see what they're ordering. It was fine for me as I'm super familiar with Japanese food. We got tempura udon, which is something I've been craving, and they did a great job. I highly recommend it. We didn't feel like a cocktail so I got an iced tea and he got a viet coffee but they served it in a cocktail glass so it was such a small amount... def shoulda been served in a tall glass, cuz why do I have to be slowly sipping that c'mon. The service was good. They were all friendly and courteous. Oh, parking is a nightmare. There's a lot in the back but you'll be lucky to find a spot. There's street parking but that's also crazy. Def not their fault but just be aware. All in all a nice place. I'd def come back again for their food. read more

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Mike L.

205

732

1 year ago

It's a great restaurant and in our over inflated world of scoring most would give it a 5 when everyone should really hold back 5's for Michelin places or exceptional service. With that said it was good noodles and tempura. Noodles were thick and had the right chew, soup base was just right for a upon and the the tempura was crispy and did well in the soup. Definitely worth it read more

Zaru - Upon with shrimp tempura - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Dennis H.

2 years ago

This was our first time at Zaru and we're so happy we tried it. We had no wait on an early Saturday afternoon, despite the restaurant already getting full. The waitress was friendly and patient with our newbie questions. I noticed people complained in prior posts about the service, but we liked having the water delivered to our table, and enjoying the meal without interruptions until we were finished. The food tasted amazing, so much flavor in the sauces, and the eggplant was incredible - and I could have had two servings of that. I did however find it funny that the kombu was delivered in the tiniest thimble-sized bowl, kinda pointless, like adding less than two postage stamps to your soup. The bill with tip was over $50 but for a quality udon meal for two, I'd say it was worth it as a treat. read more

Zaru - Nori Udon - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Chicken Tempura - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Eggplant - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Madison L.

154

544

2 years ago

This was recommended to me by a friend when i was figuring out where to have my birthday dinner! Quite the experience for sure! We got a nice little table at the very end which wow thank goodness. It can be a bit crowded! You walk up to the counter to get added to the waitlist which is right up by some tables. A shame if you're sat there and a line is forming ! Ample waiting area though! There's some seating in a side room near the bathrooms. It's a cozy spot. Highlight of the evening was the yaki nasu, miso grilled eggplant. It has everything. The looks, the texture, and the TASTE! I would be happy to eat just that. Well and the sweet potato tempura! I absolutely love sweet potato tempura and this is the royalty of it all. Light airy crispy tempura with a tender slightly-sweet sweet potato inside. Not super oily or greasy and with a lovely flake salt topping. Heavenly. I think the udon had a great texture but i didn't really like it. I did ask to trade my nikutama udon for the spicy miso tantan udon. They were very understanding and willing to help make my birthday perfect! I look forward to dining here again! read more

Zaru - spicy miso tantan udon - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - tatsuta-age - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - yaki gyoza - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - yaki nasu - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Rebeccah B.

123

1 year ago

Everything was so good, and the service was on point. There wasn't a single thing we didn't like. The eggplant is by far my favorite thing (random, I know), but it is perfectly cooked and the sauce was to die for. read more

Zaru - The star of the show: eggplant - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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James T.

1 year ago

Zaru has truly become a second home for me and my family. Out of all the spots in Orlando, this is the one we keep coming back to, and the reason is simple: Amy. She greets us with warmth every single time, remembers our favorites, and always makes us feel like the only table in the room. Whether it is a busy weekend night or a quiet afternoon, her consistency and attentiveness are unmatched. And then there is the Tomato Crab Udon--absolutely to die for. It is one of those rare dishes you find yourself craving long after you leave. Zaru is not just a restaurant for us--it is a ritual. Great food, great service, and Amy at the center of it all. If you are in Orlando, do yourself a favor and stop by. read more

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Tammie F.

4 months ago

If you love Asian food anywhere in this area, you have to go here! My little brother took me here for the first time and this place was just amazing. We went around 4 PM and we still had to wait for a table. We went next-door to the Asian market had fun looking around seeing all the food stands along with packaged foods. This Asian market was so great to visit if you need fresh food quickly. Once our table was ready, we sat down had the most amazing service the ambience was just beautiful, small quaint, & quiet. The waiter came out and introduced himself. My brother had been there many times & he went over the menu with me in detail made wonderful suggestions went on every suggestion the waiter gave me and this is why it's a four star Michelin Restaurant, the most amazing tasteful food I have ever had. Since May is Asian month in Orlando, You have got to try this Restaurant. Go early because they do get very busy limited table space & there is always a line out the door. You'll thank me for this one. read more

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Sadie O.

196

9 months ago

After over a year of wanting to stop by Zaru I finally got the chance to pop in for dinner with friends! The overall vibe of the restaurant was clean, warm, and welcoming. We were immediately greeted by our server who brought water and spoke to us about the menu, willing to answer any questions we had. I ended up getting the Chicken Nanban Udon and added an onsen egg on the side. It was exactly what I was craving! The noodles were perfect and the chicken tempura with egg salad was also great. I had so much fun spending a weeknight girls night out at Zaru! I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a filling comfort meal in the Mills area. read more

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Alexis G.

322

8 months ago

Typically, I love this place and have given it 5 stars two visits in a row. Unfortunately, today was my least favorite experience thus far. The wait time was quoted at 1-1.5 hours for 2 people, which wasn't shocking since Colonial was extra busy tonight. Once we were seated, we started filling out our order menus, and when the server came back to take our order sheets, she informed us that they were completely out of the eggplant. This was such a bummer since the eggplant is one of my absolute favorite items and we had waited an hour to be seated.... I wish they would have informed us before we added ourselves to the waitlist or sent a notification while we were on the waitlist. We ordered our usual Nikutama udon. The flavor was exceptional per usual, but unfortunately the egg was slightly more cooked than normal today, and I love the way it is normally cooked (runny on the inside, today it was very jammy). Once we were finished eating, we kept waiting for our server to come back to give us the bill, but she wasn't coming back to our table. I also noticed that someone (who I believe to be the owner) checked on many tables throughout our dinner, but no one ever checked on us. Frustrated with our experience, my husband got up and walked to the cashier to pay for our bill. I'm not sure if the busy-ness of the restaurant got to them today, but it was not our typical experience. read more

Zaru - Coed Beer - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Beatrice M.

574

157

752

1 year ago

New trending space serving up some delicious noodles. Busy. But the lines mive fast if waiting on a table. read more

Zaru - Lets try it - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Gabe M.

475

260

1281

10 months ago

I finally understand why Michelin has its eye on this place. I wish this place existed during COVID because I was eating A LOT of udon from Hawker's via Uber eats lolll. So naturally udon became one of my favorite Asian noodle dishes to order from hawkers. Zaru actually specializes in udon dishes (I had no idea!) and they're phenomenal. I had the spicy pork udon along with some potstickers and it was incredible. I took a friend for his birthday and we were both pleasantly surprised. We stopped by on a weeknight and it was completely packed, save for one table that we were able to get very quickly. I definitely want to bring my family back here in the near future as I thought the price was fair, the quality was excellent, the food presentation was phenomenal, the space is great, and the service was great. I literally have no complaints about this place and I'm so lucky to see more places of this quality and caliber in my backyard in Orlando. Definitely check them out when you get a chance. read more

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Maria N.

380

7 months ago

The food is always delicious. It's not a huge menu, but the quality is fantastic. Service was great. A special shoutout to Amy. She was so sweet and welcoming! We will be back again soon read more

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Theresa L.

125

659

1552

2 years ago

Wow! Now I know what the hype is all about. Got here around 5pm and there is already a small wait, you provide your name and number and will get a text when a table is ready. It's cute inside, it's not large. Once seated you get a piece of paper and don't forget to put your name on top! Now go through and pick what you want. I got the Vietnamese coffee (taste like a milk shake! It's so good). Shared tatsuta (fried chicken) and the crab salad. The crab salad is a must! Mix it all together and eat it like a little sushi roll with the seaweed and rice provided. Nikutama udon, added shrimp tempura, sweet potato tempura. Everything was fresh and delicious and the udon itself is perfection! I can't wait to return! And the service was impeccable. read more

Zaru - Tatsuta (fried chicken) - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Vietnamese coffee - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Crab salad - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Nikutama udon with a side of shrimp and sweet potato tempura - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Sarah K.

185

762

304

2 years ago

Waited about 35 minutes on a weekend night to be seated. No reservations are taken. Street parking available along with a shared private lot. It wasn't so difficult on a weekend night. The miso grilled eggplants were an amazing appetizer to share. I would say it's a decent amount for two people and a taster size for a group of four. I recommend the cold zaru udon for those first-timers. The noodles have a nice chew and it's so simple. read more

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Malia H.

1 year ago

First time walking in here and let me say this place is so cute!! We were greeted right away and given water and a detailed rundown on how to order and what is recommended/ and mocktail of the day! The star of the show was definitely the Udon, it's handmade fresh daily and you can tell. Seriously one of the best Udons I have had in a longggg time! I got the shrimp tempura udon and the tempura was nice and crispy, I also ordered an add on of an egg and some ikura. My boyfriend ordered the spicy miso udon and that one is served hot but not with broth. The chicken was great it's like karaage and had a super yummy almost spicy mayo sauce with bits of tobiko inside which I love! Overall we were very happy and so is my tummy! read more

Zaru - Sweet potato ale - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Udon - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Inside - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Fried chicken - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Decor - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Shrimp tempura udon, spicy miso udon - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Spicy miso udon - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Hanh N.

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

148

1 year ago

Was scrolling through mills 50 and decided to stop here for lunch. We entered just couple of minutes before busy hours hence, was seated pretty quickly. My server was quick to walk us through the menu. We ordered Nori Ramen, Onsen Ramen, and Wagyu Ramen, Okra Chicken, and Fried Chicken. The Okra Chicken was my favorite as it gave very interesting taste and texture. Fried Chicken just was not there yet, but overall was okay. I shared my wagyu bowl with my mom and got somewhat full. Such an interesting place at mills 50. Highly recommend read more

Zaru - Wagyu Ramen - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Nori Ramen - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Onsen Ramen - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Erika A.

4 months ago

So consistently amazing oh my god. Eggplant, fried chicken, uni udon- all so so perfect. Zaru has now become one of my fav restaurants ever read more

Zaru - Shrimp tempura udon, spicy miso udon, chicken karaage - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Uni udon and marinated fried chicken - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Zaru - Eggplant, fried chicken, uni udon, spicy miso udon - Japanese Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Page 3 of 14

See outside
1114 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32803
Lake Eola Heights, Mills50
Directions
(407) 271-8512
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.zarufl.com

Hours

What time does Zaru open?

Zaru opens at 11:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Zaru opens at 11:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Zaru close?

Zaru closes at 9:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Zaru closes at 8:30 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Fri 11:30 AM - 9:30 PMSat 11:00 AM - 9:30 PMSun 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Zaru take credit cards?

Yes, Zaru takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Zaru have catering options?

Yes, Zaru does have catering options.

Does Zaru have a drive thru?

No, Zaru does not have a drive thru.

Does Zaru serve alcohol?

No, Zaru does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Zaru allow dogs?

Yes, Zaru allows dogs.

Does Zaru have TVs?

No, Zaru does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Zaru have bike parking?

No, Zaru does not have bike parking.

Does Zaru have outdoor seating?

No, Zaru does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Zaru have parking?

Yes, Zaru has parking options. Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is Zaru wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Zaru is wheelchair accessible.

Does Zaru have free WiFi?

No, Zaru does not have free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Zaru Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Zaru

What service style is this restaurant? (Walk up to the counter and order or table service with wait staff)…

45 minutes is really pushing it. The restaurant has limited seating, and waits can be common, especially on weekends. It's the type of place where you’ll want to savor your meal without feeling rushed.

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Are there matchbooks available here?

No I didn’t see a matchbook when I went there.

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Can I order food to go?

Yes

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Are any of the broths for the soups made vegetarian (no fish flakes or animal by products)?

Do they take reservations?

Reservations can be requested through their Instagram page, direct message. But if you walk in around 5pm, the wait is not bad

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Is it kid-friendly? I have a one- and 3-year-old.

It's small and intimate but casual. I don't think there's even high chairs, my gut would say no.

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Susuru

4.4(1.2k reviews)

14.3 mi•International Drive / I-Drive, Horizons West / West Orlando

SO good!! We went on a Friday evening for my husband's birthday and got there around 6. We waited…read moreabout 25 minutes to be seated, which honestly wasn't bad at all! We ordered a bunch of things to share- the chicken karaage, gyoza with wings, okonomiyaki, tonkotsu black ramen, and a few skewers. Everything was delicious, but the shishito peppers were SO good! We also had our 1 year old with us and she absolutely LOVED the ramen broth and noodles, which was so cute. Such a cool spot with great food!

Food was mid and absolutely not worth the wait. I came on a Saturday night at 8pm and was told…read morethere would be an hour wait. I fell asleep waiting in my car after an hour goes by and went inside to check because I saw empty tables from the outside and had heard from the hostess. I told her that I had been waiting for over an hour and she said that there was about 4 parties in front of me. I went back outside to wait for less than 5 min and she called me in saying the table had cancelled so my table is now available. That was already a red flag - she totally forgot about me!!! After being seated, the waiter took literally 15min to even come acknowledge us because he was too busy talking to his friends at the next table. Tonkotsu black ramen - 3/5 (not flavorful) Miso-hot ramen - 3/5 (bland and not creamy) Tan tan men ramen - 3/5 (the flavors were there but the noodles were super soggy) Tempura king oyster mushroom - 2/5 (bland, thick and hard to chew. they should've cut it into thinner pieces) Karaage - 3/5 (flavorful but chucks were too big and had too much batter) Inner thighs yakitori - 5/5

11.2 mi•International Drive / I-Drive

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Oza Izakaya

4.7(412 reviews)

Truly a Hidden Gem of Orlando. Wife and I went for the first time a few weeks ago - atmosphere was…read moreincredible and relaxing, the service was top notch, the food selection has great variety, and oh my gosh it was delicious. We decided this is our new go-to for when family/friends come to visit. Really one of our top 5 local places to eat drink, and relax in the Orlando area

I had a wonderful birthday dinner at Oza Izakaya. The ambience is beautiful and refined. They did a…read morespectacular job of creating an amazing space that served up some really delicious food. I began the evening with one of their hot-tasting items, the Wagyu Gyoza. It was so nicely flavored, with great texture. This could either be a shareable item or enjoyed alone. We also ordered the Negima (chicken breast) and the Spicy Argentinian Red Shrimp. I would order both items again. The chicken was moist and the shrimp was spicier than I expected, but oh so good! For our main entrees, I ordered the Miso Black Cod, and my husband had the Kyoto Paitan Ramen. The Ramen was well-seasoned, and the Cod was delicately plated, with crisp capers that added a layer of flavor. The House Strawberry Lemonade was refreshing, and the Okinawa Breeze was lightly sweet and colorful. It will be one of the most memorable cocktails I've had because of its presentation and taste. We ended the night with the Woo Baby (Ube Cheesecake) and the Yuzu Delight (Yuzu Cheesecake). The yuzu was tart and the ube was light and creamy. Both are outstanding dessert options. The entire night flowed effortlessly, thanks to our server Miguel. He was so organized in his approach and was so kind and funny. His presence was greatly welcomed and appreciated. If you have any celebration coming up or just want a lovely evening out, this is the place.

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TORI TORI

4.4(968 reviews)

I will return! I sat…read moreat the bar and was quickly greeted and shown the ordering process. Super simple and straight forward. Tried one of every meat option and enjoyed everything. I went back to seconds on the Beef - Salt and the scallions.

While spending a night in Orlando, we stopped by Tori Tori for dinner before a show, and it quickly…read morebecame one of my favorite spots. We sat at the bar, and since it was our first visit, the staff took the time to walk us through the menu, explain how everything worked, and recommend some amazing food and drinks. The service was truly exceptional and made the experience even better. Everything we ordered was delicious, but the biggest standouts were the mushrooms, the wings, and every drink we tried. Between the incredible food, fantastic cocktails, beautiful setting, and outstanding service, I already can't wait to come back.

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Photo credit: blake jones

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Kabooki Sushi

4.4(1.2k reviews)

It's been probably two years since I've last been to Kabooki and last night made me realize I…read moreshould be dining in here more often! Everything was perfect from the service, to the ambience, to the delicious sushi, appetizers, and dessert. My friends ordered the Shishido peppers for an appetizer, and I tried if you bite and they were delicious. They weren't spicy at all, and they were very flavorful. I ordered the hokkaido roll because I am a huge fan of crab and it was delicious. I tried if you buy some Hawaiian roll and that was also very fresh and yummy, but I definitely preferred the hokkaido roll more. My one friend ordered the mushroom udon noodles and I snagged a small bite of them and they were very buttery and delicious. It did take a long time to get to the table and it was quite a small portion. My friends ordered the green tea, crème brûlée and the blueberry cheesecake and both were amazing! The Ube cheesecake was one of the best cheesecakes I've ever tasted before. It was topped with a warm marshmallow fluff, and the graham cracker crust was perfect. A bunch of my friends ordered cocktails and they all enjoyed them. Parking is a bit of a nightmare here but luckily I snagged a spot out back. They also offer valet.

Pros: Loved the Magical Dining menu they offered this year…read more I always question if the $60 ones are worth it. This one was. Ambiance is gorgeous inside. Intimate lighting, jamming music, and just high energy all around. Service was great. Our server was very attentive, the drinks kept flowing, and mostly importantly, we didn't feel rushed. It's always a rush to get Magical Dining people out the door, but not here. Loved it. The food was really, really good. It outshines so many other sushi places in Orlando. No wonder it's on the Michelin guide. Cons: Not a single con. A really nice experience. Tips: If you're looking around for Magical Dining places, and are wondering if you should come here, the answer is yes, you should. You absolutely must order the Berkwood St. Louis Sticky Ribs. But do not pay the extra for that Ube Cheesecake. Not worth the upgrade price.

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Juju

4.6(242 reviews)

1.2 mi•Coytown

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9.9 mi•Dr. Phillips, International Drive / I-Drive, Horizons West / West Orlando

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4.5(2.4k reviews)

Romantic vibe

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Seito Sushi (Sand Lake Location) in Orlando is one of my favorite sushi spots, and anytime I'm in…read moretown, I try to stop in for an incredible meal. Between the food and drinks, they always hit. Everything is fresh and packed with flavor, with beautiful presentation and great service. Tonight we ordered a little bit of everything, from sashimi and sushi to lobster dumplings and crispy rice, all washed down with some tasty cocktails and followed by dessert. Another incredible meal at Seito and still one of my favorite sushi spots in Orlando.

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4.5(561 reviews)

Saying this place is a hidden gem is an understatement. It's hands down the most underrated unknown…read moresecret sushi place in Orlando by the parks that is authentic, cheap, delicious and attended by locals! It's near the parks but out of the way and hidden enough that unless you somehow discovered this gem, you'd have no idea it was there. I genuinely believe that's this places advantage, as there's minimal seating and a very intimate and kind environment. Staff can really focus on you, get to know you and spoil you to bits. We went during a Saturday lunch 12pm and it was mostly full but quiet and relaxing. Everyone was super kind and accommodating, and they even filled up my husband's water bottle for him with filtered water as she knew we were going back to the parks. Plus... there's a bidet in the bathroom if that's your style ~ Now as for what we ordered, we actually opted to try some al a cart favorites where you check what you would like with a pen. We got some fantastic Salmon and Tuna Nigiri and Rolls and adored their home made from scratch pan seared pot stickers, a must try!! Stop by if you love the best of the best for a great price! Make sure to keep this place as our secret, but not too secret hahah ;)

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6.7 mi•MetroWest, Horizons West / West Orlando

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Mikado Sushi

4.4(625 reviews)

Best sushi we will come back We eat in many sushi but this…read moreone is a 10 The service was very good too

Frankly, I can't remember having eaten a better meal than I had today at Mikado, in MetroWest. The…read moreserver was responsive but never hovered, and she was ever gracious and charming. The booth we sat in had a beautiful and asymmetrical heavy wooden table top polished to a brilliant shine, and there were a surprising number of diners there at noonish, on a Tuesday... what's that tell you? Now: the food! *First, for the technically challenged, be warned that the menu is available via phone and QR Code. If you want a printed menu, too bad. Otherwise... We began our meal with Agedashi Tofu, which is fried cubes of tofu that have a magnificently thin layer of a crisp skin encasing melted tofu, and there's a perfect sauce to dip them in. I have been thinking about these for an hour now and can't even imagine how they are made. A delicious magic trick! Next, we had an Eel and Shrimp Tempura Roll, a Shrimp Tempura Bento Box, and two Nigiri and Sashimi lunch specials. The Tempura was light and crisp. The bento box included a spring roll, fried rice, and gyoza, all perfectly flavored. The Nigiri and Sashimi fish was served cold and absolutely fresh, and was sliced generously. The Nigiri and Sushi lunches included a California roll, 4 pieces of sushi, and six pieces of sashimi, and really was a lot of excellent food for a bargain $24. I almost forgot that we started, along with the Agedashi Tofu, with a very subtly flavored miso soup with tofu and seaweed. This was also perfection, with just a breath of ginger and perfect salt. I hope I've convinced you fans of Japanese food to try this restaurant. If you're new to Japanese food's many varieties and intricacies, or hesitant to eat raw foods, there are always cooked meat and fish dishes like Tempura or Teriyaki you can order, and then you can explore by tasting the more exotic things your friends and family order. Maybe you'll develop a taste for it! If you already have a taste for Japanese food, don't pass up an opportunity to eat a wonderful meal at Mikado, in MetroWest.

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DOMU

4.3(2k reviews)

1.7 mi•Audubon Park

I have been wanting to stop by DOMU for a while now and I am so happy that I finally made it…read more Everyone raves about it so much and I just knew that it was going to live up to the hype and after going it definitely did. The service was top-notch. The restaurant itself is super cute and had a very warm ambiance (also pretty casual which was nice!). And the food... y'all I can see why everyone hypes this place up because it really is PHENOMENAL. The Richie Rich ramen is the best Ramen I have ever had. The broth was delicious. The meat was cooked to perfection and I was so happy to have leftovers for the next day. The wings were the best wings I've had in a very long time or probably even ever lol (no exaggeration because if you try them, you'll totally understand and agree with me). I truly can't wait to go back and try more things from the menu!

Wow wow wow this was everything I expected and more!…read more Domu has been on my list for a while and I don't know why it took me so long to finally get here. My friends and I dined in on Saturday night and showed up at 7PM to a two hour wait. Unfortunate, but so worth it. We headed upstairs to the neighborhood bar and got an appetizer and a drink while we waited. We only ended up having to wait maybe an hour and a half for our table at Domu. The service was insanely quick and immediately after ordering our first appetizer came within five minutes. They really know what they're doing here. Whoever was on the aux this evening, 10 out of 10. The music was amazing and the vibes of the restaurant were immaculate. We ordered the cheezus, their signature wings, and the patatas bravas. I understand why they are the best way in Orlando! They were crispy and sweet and flavorful. The potatoes were delicious and the sauce that came with it paired perfectly. I believe it was topped with a crispy quinoa, which was a really nice touch. I can't really do cheese so I didn't try the cheezus, but my friends loved it and said it was delicious. Our server gave me a rundown of his favorite chicken ramens and I ended up choosing the yuzu shoyu ramen. It was nice and full of citrus. I love the eggs that come with the ramen, and he very kindly brought out another egg for me as well as a brûlée egg. I've never tried a Brulé egg in my life and it was so interesting and delicious! Basically a crème brûlée egg!! 10s across the board. I can't wait to come back for more.

9.8 mi•Dr. Phillips, Horizons West / West Orlando

Great vibe for brunch

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Boba-mosa

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

4.2(894 reviews)

We love coming in when we are in town. The staff are always incredibly helpful…read more We love the variety of meats and small bites. Definitely try their house specialty meats. So delicious. It can get a little loud because they get busy and everyone is having a great time. The space is very modern and stylized.

The food was okay overall, but the quality and service were very disappointing…read more Some of the beef was extremely tough, with too much connective tissue and tendon. The beef ribs were mostly fat and still very tough to chew. The chicken was woody breast, making it dry and very difficult to eat. The rice was even worse. They replaced it three times. The first two batches were hard, and the third batch was actually undercooked. The service was by far the biggest disappointment. Even though ordering is done on an iPad, they still kept forgetting items. We had to remind the staff multiple times before the food finally arrived. Every dish took 10-15 minutes or longer to arrive, yet customers are expected to finish their meal within a 90-minute time limit. This is a Japanese BBQ restaurant where the staff is simply bringing out raw meat for customers to grill at the table. There is really no reason it should take 10-15 minutes to deliver each order. To make it even more frustrating, the restaurant wasn't even busy. During our entire meal, there were only two or three other tables occupied, so it's hard to understand why the service was so slow and disorganized. To make matters worse, an 18% service charge was automatically added to the bill. I don't mind paying a service charge for good service, but charging that much when the service is this slow and disappointing feels completely unjustified. Our bill was over $210 for three people, and that didn't even include any drinks. At that price, there are many better Japanese BBQ options available. Unfortunately, I won't be coming back, and I can't recommend this place.

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

138 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Crystal R.

Elite 23

810

770

3734

3 years ago

Nestled in the heart of the Mills District, Zaru is a culinary treasure waiting to be discovered. This charming Japanese fusion concept offers an intriguing blend of traditional and modern flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. With only 25 seats, it's no wonder this gem fills up quickly; here's why you should make a reservation well in advance to savor the experience. The centerpiece of Zaru's menu is its impressive array of noodles, with a particular specialization in Udon noodles, handcrafted from scratch, and served in both hot and cold preparations. Whether you're in the mood for a comforting, steaming bowl of Udon or a refreshing serving of chilled soba, Zaru has got you covered. The artistry in their noodle preparation is evident, and the texture is spot on, providing a satisfying, authentic taste. What truly sets Zaru apart is its selection of toppings and fusion elements. The menu offers a delightful choice of toppings, including crispy tempura, succulent grilled proteins, fresh vegetables, and various flavorful sauces. This customization ensures that each dish is tailored to your preferences. The tempura, in particular, is a highlight - perfectly crispy, yet not too heavy, it adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor to your meal. I had the pleasure of trying their Udon noodles with shrimp tempura, and the combination was divine. The delicate, chewy texture of the Udon noodles paired beautifully with the light and crisp tempura, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The dipping sauce, provided with the Udon, was refreshingly tangy and added a depth of flavor that elevated the dish. The atmosphere at Zaru is cozy and intimate, with a minimalist yet inviting decor that complements the dining experience. The service, though attentive, can sometimes be a bit hurried due to the limited seating, so be prepared to order promptly during peak hours. In summary, Zaru specializes in Udon noodles and offers a unique and delightful dining experience in the realm of Japanese fusion cuisine. The combination of fresh, handmade Udon noodles, a variety of tempting toppings, and a cozy atmosphere makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Just remember to make a reservation and arrive early, as this hidden gem fills up fast. For those willing to explore new flavors and savor every bite, Zaru is sure to impress. read more

Ut N.

555

307

2591

3 years ago

My partner and I recently had a fantastic night out, and we decided to try a new restaurant that we've been hearing rave reviews about. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a warm welcome by the staff, who quickly checked us in and guided us to our seats. We immediately noticed the thoughtful decor of the restaurant, which created a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The menu was well-crafted and easy to navigate, with various options for soup, base, side dishes, and appetizers. We were delighted to find that the ordering process was straightforward, thanks to the pencils provided to us to mark our choices. We decided to try various dishes, including the creamy potato salad, perfectly grilled eggplant, and the highly recommended Kake udon with tempura and beef slices. The show's star was undoubtedly the Kake udon, which was exceptional. The freshly made udon noodles had the perfect texture and were cooked to perfection, while the tempura and beef slices were juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. We were so impressed that we couldn't resist devouring every last bite. Despite the restaurant being open for only a few months, it has already gained popularity among foodies and locals alike. It's not difficult to see why. The music was trendy and recognizable, which added to the overall experience. However, we did notice that the noise level in the restaurant was a bit high due to the enclosed and small environment. We could hear conversations from other tables, and communicating was challenging. Nevertheless, the delicious flavor of the food and the exceptional dining experience overshadowed this minor setback. Overall, we had an unforgettable experience at this restaurant, and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delectable meal in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. read more

Talia C.

2 years ago

This is my second time here and I wanted to write the first visit off as unlucky but after tonight feel the need to express how genuinely bad the experience was. I want to start off by saying that the food is good. I noticed on both visits that the tables around me got a good description of dishes and servers were attentive. I've been a server for a decade so I know what to expect and what bad service is. This has had to be the worst service I've ever had especially considering this is a Michelin star restaurant. My server tonight came to drop off the menus and didn't care to explain anything and that was the first and last time he spoke to us and didn't even stop by the table again once. He walked past our table multiple times and would not stop to check on us. After finishing we had to go to the front to ask for boxes and the check which we got from a different person. Same experience as the first time where I noticed every table was getting attention and good service. I don't want to say why I believe I am receiving that bad of service but I think it's super targeted considering everyone else who doesn't look like me is getting great service. Like I said I've been serving for a long time and I know that behavior is so intentional. A table next to us came in 10 minutes before closing and sat themselves and still got more attention than me. Also our server was not busy enough to be that neglectful. So moral of the story is we got 0/10 service both visits like actually no service at all aside from putting our food in. read more

Jean Y.

259

1031

7971

2 years ago

I searched for a lunch spot near the Orlando Museum of Art and selected ZARU based on its favorable reviews. The restaurant was conveniently located not far from the museum, though I had to use Lyft. Upon entering, I noticed a Michelin 2024 sign, which piqued my interest. A young server escorted me to a seat near the entrance and I requested hot tea, but was surprised to learn that they did not serve hot beverages. This was unusual for a Japanese restaurant, as I had never encountered this before. The server presented me with a paper menu and a small pencil, instructing me to mark my selections. I asked for recommendations and was pointed towards the $19 hot noodle dish. Without hesitation, I marked my selection. The décor was inviting, with ample space between tables and artistic touches such as stone and bamboo accents. The server returned with my piping hot noodle bowl and three accompanying dishes on a wooden tray. The udong noodles were excellent, served at the perfect temperature. The soup was rich and the thin beef slices were cooked to perfection. However, the raw egg was not to my liking. When it came time to pay, I was instructed to use Apple Pay at the front. I had a brief difficulty locating my Lyft driver outside, due to the restaurant's location at the intersection of two major streets in the heart of Little Saigon Orlando. read more

Eva R.

113

2 years ago

Experience the ultimate culinary journey at @zarufl, Orlando's gem in Mills 50, where Michelin-rated udon noodles await! Starting our gastronomic adventure with tantalizing bites like the potato salad infused with soft boiled egg, mustard, and togarashi, alongside the flavorful YAKI GYOZA boasting homemade dumplings filled with pork, cabbage, and scallion, we knew we were in for a treat. * Our taste buds were further delighted as we savored the exquisite WAGYU UDON, featuring A5 Kagoshima beef, chives, and soy reduction, elegantly crowned with tempura sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and a luscious soft egg. The SHRIMP TEMPURA UDON offered a delightful seafood twist, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the broth. * A perfect finale to our culinary escapade was the Vietnamese coffee with a delightful sesame seed foam, followed by the indulgent HOJICHA PANNA COTTA adorned with red beans, leaving us craving for more. ~ For Orlando foodies seeking culinary excellence, Zaru is a must-visit destination! Don't miss out on this epicurean experience that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5ML7BLu9Ov/?igsh=NHN2YThkMnl3bjNq read more

Tracy T.

408

3 years ago

If you're thinking about coming to try Zaru, here's your sign. Don't walk, RUN!! Starting with the food, Zaru is the only place in Orlando that offers the most authentic style of udon. The noodles have a distinct chewiness that is both fun and delicious to eat. The bowls are plated beautifully on individual trays with accompaniments on the side to spice things up. You can tell they put a lot of effort into the details. The space is modestly decorated with comfortable seating, but the playlist was OFF THE HOOK!! Any millennials will thoroughly enjoy these throwbacks. Service is attentive & personable. Servers were also very knowledgeable about the concept and history. Notable mentions are the Fried Chicken (get the mentaiko mayo on the side), Gyoza !! eggplant, and the nikutama with shrimp tempura. We also tried their cold mentaiko udon which was very refreshingly delicious. **chefs kiss** Highly recommend calling ahead to see how long the waitlist is. They do not take reservations or call aheads, but it was all worth the wait! read more

Aileen A.

2 years ago

I recently dined at Zaru, and I have to say, my experience was made exceptional thanks to our server, Jesstina. From the moment we sat down, she was incredibly attentive, warm, and professional. She made us feel welcome right away and was more than happy to answer all of our questions about the menu. Jesstina's recommendations were spot on! We weren't sure what to try, but her knowledge of the dishes helped us choose a perfect meal. The food at Zaru was outstanding, but it was Jesstina's friendly demeanor and impeccable service that truly elevated our evening. She ensured our drinks were always topped off and checked in at just the right moments without being intrusive. It's rare to find someone so genuinely passionate about what they do, and Jesstina made our visit a memorable one. If you're dining at Zaru, I highly recommend asking for her--you won't be disappointed! We'll definitely be coming back, thanks in large part to her excellent service. read more

Juliette L.

223

1119

2 years ago

Zaru Noodle House offers a truly authentic noodle house experience with its traditional ambiance and excellent service. The prices are quite reasonable for the quality and atmosphere you get. We started with the crab salad, which was an absolute standout, fresh, flavorful, and a great way to kick off the meal! For my main, I had the Wagyu noodle dish. While it was good and well-prepared, it didn't quite hit the high mark I was hoping for. My husband tried the fried chicken nuggets, which were tasty but didn't stand out as a must have. The real highlight of our meal was the shrimp tempura udon. It was outstanding! The udon noodles, made in-house, were perfectly thick and pleasantly chewy, adding a fantastic texture to the dish. One thing to note is that they don't serve alcohol, but that didn't detract from our experience. I'll definitely be coming back to try more from their menu and enjoy those incredible noodles again! read more

Tony P.

136

3 years ago

I recently dined at the Zaru, which I'd rate at four stars. The restaurant exudes great vibes with a modern and chic ambiance that's perfect for a casual meal. The decor and atmosphere are top-notch, providing a pleasant dining environment. However, there were some downsides. The portion sizes were disappointingly small, leaving me craving more after finishing my meal. Additionally, the prices were on the higher side, considering the limited quantity of food served. This aspect could make it less accessible for those on a budget. On the positive side, the flavors and quality of the udon noodles and accompanying dishes were undeniably delicious. The staff was friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience. In summary, the Udon Restaurant offers a fantastic atmosphere and tasty food, but be prepared for smaller portions and slightly higher prices. read more

Kaley J.

159

370

2 years ago

Had an amazing dinner at Zaru! There was a 30-minute wait, but they text you when your table is ready, so you can relax at a nearby spot or wait outside. Once inside, the space is cozy and intimate, making for a great dining atmosphere. The ordering process is simple! You're given a menu and a pencil to mark your selections. I went with the Nori Udon ($14) and added sliced beef ($7). The presentation was great, with the ingredients served separately so you can mix them to your liking. The noodles were absolutely delicious- some of the best I've had! The broth was rich and flavorful, and the sliced beef was a generous portion that paired perfectly with the dish. The checkout process is smooth- you just pay at the front when you're done. Overall, Zaru delivered on both taste and experience. Can't wait to come back for more udon! read more

Ysa I.

2 years ago

Austin, Jesstina, Mick, and the crew were phenomenal. Love at first bite. The shrimp tempura udon was fresh, light, yet filling with the perfect balance of umami and mugiko flavor. The blackberry lemonade mocktail was out of this world - wish I could take a whole pitcher home. The ambience of the restaurant is wonderful - bright, great music (I was dancing in my seat from both the vibes and the flavors). We love the Kinto glassware and delicate Japanese-style plateware. And to top it off - they have warabi mochi to finish! So hard to find. It was too dense to use the provided wood spears for piercing, but we were able to use the toothpicks provided at the table. 10/10 would recommend you bring family and friends to maximize sharing their amazing dishes. read more

Ralph D.

2 years ago

Been here a couple times, service is a hit or miss but the food is phenomenal. First time I came here, my friend and I ordered pretty much most of the appetizers on the menu and they were excellent. We love eating the chicken karaage with the mustard that they have. I've tried the beef udon and the tempura shrimp udon, and they were delicious. I usually order sweet potatoes, egg, and nori as add-ons and they complement the udon very well. The place is a bit pricey but it's worth it. Highly recommend trying their Sesame Vietnamese Coffee. Parking is a little tricky as sometimes the parking lot in the back of the market is full. read more

Mallory B.

142

394

2 years ago

I recently visited Zaru and was really impressed with the overall vibe. The atmosphere was fantastic--cool vibes with a great music playlist that set the perfect mood for dining. The place was clean, and the staff were friendly and attentive, making it an enjoyable experience. The fried chicken was definitely the highlight of the meal--crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The udon noodles were very soft and had a nice texture, but the broth was a bit lacking in flavor, which was a slight disappointment. Still, the overall meal was enjoyable, and I'd be happy to return for the ambiance and those amazing fried chicken bites! read more

Russell H.

Elite 23

326

180

2 years ago

Zaru in Orlando is a fantastic spot for authentic Japanese udon with a modern twist. We started with the crab salad, which was fresh and well-balanced, complementing the rest of the meal. The highlight was the udon--thick, chewy noodles served in a rich, flavorful broth that felt both comforting and satisfying. The tempura on the side was crispy and well-executed, adding a nice contrast to the dish. The restaurant has a sleek yet inviting atmosphere, and while it can get busy, the service was attentive. If you're a fan of udon or just looking for a great Japanese meal, Zaru is definitely worth a visit for a great price. read more

Felix E.

See more unrecommended reviews

286

3 months ago

Zaru was an excellent experience from start to finish. The service was friendly, attentive, and welcoming. The udon noodles were the highlight of the meal. They had some of the best noodle texture I've ever had: perfectly chewy with a great bite, and they soaked up the flavors beautifully. The dishes offered unique and interesting flavor combinations that stood out without being overwhelming. On top of that, the prices were very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. If you're a noodle lover, this place is definitely worth a visit. I'll be coming back to try more of the menu. read more

Caine N.

2 years ago

I recently dined at Zaru and was thoroughly impressed by Catlin's exceptional service. Her extensive knowledge of the menu and her ability to provide insightful recommendations truly enhanced the dining experience. Catlin's attentiveness and genuine passion for her work were evident throughout the meal. She expertly guided us through the menu, ensuring that every choice was tailored to our preferences. Her professionalism and warm demeanor made the evening memorable. If you visit Zaru, Catlin's service is an absolute highlight that elevates the entire experience. read more

Crystal R.

2 years ago

Zaru is hands down one of the best udon spots I've ever been to. The quality of the ingredients is evident in every bite--the broth is rich and flavorful, the noodles are perfectly chewy, and everything tastes incredibly fresh. You can tell they take pride in authenticity and craftsmanship. Beyond the food, the service is top-notch. The staff is welcoming, attentive, and knowledgeable, making the whole dining experience even better. Whether you're an udon lover or trying it for the first time, Zaru is a must-visit. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Angel F.

176

2 years ago

I visited for the first time and I was so pleased with not only the food but the service. It truly makes a big difference when you feel welcomed. Our waitress Jess not only made us feel comfortable and welcomed when we entere, she explained all the menu items and helped us decide what to order based on our likes/dislikes. She was so knowledgeable about each item and was very calm and patient with us. We ordered the chicken karage and the beef ramen and just WOW WOW WOW. I will def be coming back! read more

Aung T.

2 years ago

Had an amazing dining experience at Zaru last night, and I have to give major credit to our server, Jesstina! From the start, she was welcoming and made us feel like valued guests. She had a great sense of timing--always checking in to see if we needed anything but never hovering. Jesstina's knowledge of the menu was impressive, and she gave us great recommendations, especially on the daily specials. Her friendly attitude and attention to detail really made our meal even more enjoyable. read more

Nathan K.

2 years ago

This place is amazing!!! A small but delicious menu, we have come here numerous times already and have loved everything we have tried! But more than just the delicious food and coffee, Hannah is a wonderful server who has a deep knowledge of the menu and will not steer you wrong! Every time we come we always want Hannah to be our server, she is so kind and definitely elevates the restaurant with her presence and personality! - again Hannah*is beyond amazing*** read more

Zaru - japanese - Updated September 2026

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