5 stars all the way around! Best sushi I've had- super fresh and amazing different flavors in the 4 signature rolls we tried for dinner. read more

Zen Sushi - Popcorn lobster roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Dana Point, California

5 stars for food 0 stars for very likely homophobic service. Well heated outdoor dining, and staff who are always masked are great Covid-safe perks. My girlfriend and I have been coming here 1-2x/week for over a year. Because the food is outstanding (more on that to come). The service has always been pretty measly (except the one younger female server who has always been prompt and attentive). We didn't think much of it because Covid and they have signs up about being short staffed and for me, it's just not worth getting pissy about slow/meager service. But since we've been coming here at least once a week for over a year, we've been able to observe our servers interact with other customers.... Very differently. We've watched other customers regularly get asked how their meal is, get greeted as regulars (heck, get greeted at all), get their food before us even after arriving way after, be smiled at, and not left waiting. Please note- I dig being gay. I've had almost no bad experiences around being gay. The possibility of people acting homophobically toward me just doesn't usually occur. But sadly, it seems it's very likely the case here. The clincher was yesterday, while we were waiting (per usual) to be waited on, a single woman walked in and was greeted warmly and asked, before she even sat down, whether she wanted a Firecracker roll. WHICH IS WHAT WE ORDER EVERY DAMNED WEEK. Moments later our server literally walked away while I was in the middle of ordering. So anyway. There's that. But the food! Is super good and reasonably priced. The Firecracker is a ball of deep fried rice topped w spicy tuna and a jalapeño. It's $7.50 for 4 big pieces. We usually order 2-3 servings of this and end up with a very reasonable sushi bill. We have comparison shopped this roll at many sushi places and honestly the flavor and price point of Zen's ones are a primary reason we keep coming back. The plum wine is delicious and more complex than at other places. The miso soup is really surprisingly fantastic. The house boneless ribs arrive with a lovely sizzle and great flavor (tho a bit chewy). The Viking roll is absolutely outstanding, with slices of lemon between each piece that get crispy from the whole thing arriving on fire, and add an amazing taste and texture to each bite of sushi. The funky monkey is big jalapeño halves filled with a light layer of cream cheese and spicy salmon, lightly deep fried. Real good. The ginger dressing on the house salad is yummy. The sea bass roll is real good. Also the Vegas roll. Also the caliente roll. Also the seared albacore with garlic is super super good. Also the garlic edamame is excellent. Also we keep getting the green tea tempura ice cream (recommend getting extra chocolate sauce, lots of it) even though it usually gives us a stomach ache. Until we find another sushi place that has equivalently good firecrackers at a good price with heated outdoor dining we will continue to be here weekly and bring our out and proud friends, dubious service notwithstanding. read more

Zen Sushi - Viking roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Dana Point, California

Not the best service but decent food. Fish tasted fresh. Hotate scallop sashimi were my fav. Super yummy and fresh, served with fresh wasabi! Yumm! read more

Zen Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Dana Point, California

Excellent service and food. Loved the tempura shrimp! So happy to have found this hidden gem in Dana Point

Food was good but the service was bad I ask for a booth the host told me if I was going to eat quick since it supposedly gets full on Saturday even tho the restaurant was empty I felt pressured to eat the worker name was Jessica she doesn't let you sit where you want even did it to a costumer in front of me as I was eating read more

Went here for an early dinner on a Friday before heading to watch the sunset up at Dana Point Beach. We were able to walk right in and be seated. They have a covered and partially enclosed outdoor seating area which was perfect. Service was prompt and the sushi was of course amazingly FRESH! We absolutely LOVED everything we ordered. My eyes were a little bigger than my stomach. We visited them in late July during a trip to Laguna Beach, CA area. Would definitely recommend them. Side note they have a diverse menu with lots of options! Look at how thick that piece of eel is on that Dragon Roll! Only thing I wasn't pleased with was that what was advertised as a Lobster Roll, tasted and looked like Langostino. So that was disappointing. read more

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Loved coming to Zen recently! We used to come here before Covid and glad to see not much has changed. Still great service and tasty food. We brought two new friends with us who claim to be "sushi snobs" and they were blown away by the flavors and freshness of the sushi! Loved getting the garlic edamame (seriously the only time I could just eat garlic by the handfuls because it's so good)! My particular meal was also the goyza (potstickers) and a California roll because I am nooot a "real sushi" lover haha. Definitely recommend coming here as it's clean, fast and efficient! read more

Sushi was good. Crowded when I arrived. Value is okay given prices. The tempura was not my favorite but sushi was good.

Thought I'd give this place a try since I'm within walking distance. Food was meh. I wasn't greeted as many Japanese restaurants greet their guests. Server couldn't have cared less and showed it. I'll go to the sushi place right down the street. Much better food and friendlier staff. read more

We've come here a few times to get take out. While the food is decent, there have been several times where our orders weren't absolutely correct, probably because there was miscommunication. We always order the Salmon Lemon Roll and the Albacore Roll. My friend loves the fried avocado but we've often had this mis communicated and end up having a side of sliced avocado in our order instead of the fried avocado. I think perhaps my friend should've om stated tempura avocado and not simply fried avocado. We call ahead and the order is ready most of the time when we pick up. Make sure you give yourself enough time when ordering around dinner time as they tend to get busy. read more

My family and I made reservations here for my Cousin's birthday dinner. My Aunt and I got here first. We let the host know that we had a reservation and she led us to our long table in the back of the restaurant. Slowly the rest of our party arrived. To start we got garlic edamame. Their garlic edamame was interesting. It was marinated in soy sauce, sesame seed oil and chopped garlic. It was a bit messy to eat with your fingers with the sauce, but it was really flavorful, I enjoyed it. Once everyone arrived we all ordered on sushi papers to keep our orders separate. I can't eat sushi so I got ordered a broiled salmon kama (collar) and the short rib and tempura bento box. We all had a nice time chatting and watching a football game together while waiting for our food. I got my bento box first and then a few minutes after the salmon kama. I loved my bento box. The short rib was boneless, tender and had a flavorful char. The tempura was crispy and delicious. The salmon kama was alright. There were many bones in it and it was a little on the dry side. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be, but my Aunt and Cousin liked it. Near the end of dinner our waitress came out with tempura green tea ice cream with a candle in it. We all sang happy birthday to my Cousin and shared the dessert. I loved that tempura fried ice cream. It was like a green tea ice cream donut. It was awesome. I really liked this place. read more

We came here at 5pm to sit on the patio with my dog who is under 5 pounds. The guy and woman at the front both said that they don't allow dogs and then they asked if it's a service dog in which she is. He asked to see a form stating that she is a service dog so i showed him which The ADA prohibits people from asking to see documentation proving an animal is a service dog. Instead, you can simply ask whether it is, and follow that question up with an inquiry as to what disability the dog is trained to help with. I showed him the paper anyways and he said "Is that from a doctor?" which it says at the top of the document the doctors office and it is signed by a DOCTOR!! And he spent 5 minutes reading it, which you would think he wouldve seen that since its clearly signed and stated that its from my doctor. After all of that I would never eat there again or give them any more of my money! read more

Service and food are excellent and fresh. The only problem with this restaurant is that they close at 9:30 PM.

Food is amazing but what really shines is the customer service!! Elle is such an amazing server and took care of all our needs and made our dinner such a great experience! read more

Terrible customer service , ignored when you walk in. Sit at the sushi bar and nobody comes by to greet you Nasty looks, stay away from this place. I got up and walked out after sitting 10 min, not coming back. read more

I get take away from here at least twice a month. Food here is fresh, tasty and generously portioned. I'd recommend ordering online to avoid waiting, as it could take 40 minutes on a busy night. Only wish I have is that their bowls included veggies like broccoli, bok choy, etc. read more

Just visiting the area but this place satisfied our sushi craving. It was a takeout order but the greeting was kind and the food was prepped and ready on time. read more

My wife and I live in Laguna Beach, so we typically dine at Seabutter, Sanshigo, or O Fine sushi, but wanted to venture out and try something new. Google searched a few places and decided on Zen Sushi. Quiet, clean, and comfortable ambience with ample seating both inside and out, with plenty of parking. The staff was very pleasant, courteous, and attentive. We were served by Rita, who was from Japan. The fish was very fresh, well presented/plated, and priced fair. We ordered several rolls, nigiri, and the large sashimi platter. Definitely on my restaurant list for budget options when I don't want to drop over $400 on premium seafood dining without sacrificing quality and taste. read more

We came a bit later at night on the weekend and seated right away. Service could use a bit of work we actually didn't get everything we ordered which actually worked out because we order so much. We ordered a couple rolls and a bunch of apps. The tuna nachos (pictured) had some old fried tempura flakes on it, they were definitely stale and the tuna itself was spicy but bland for my taste. The rolls we got were delicious especially the ones with the Seared fish. The garlic edamame were especially good had great seasoning and came to us piping hot. I wish I could report on the Octopus salad but we never received it... other than that it was a decent sushi spot! read more

Zen Sushi - Tuna Nachos - Sushi Bars Near Me - Dana Point, California

Best sushi I've ever had! So fresh, great flavors, such sweet and lovely staff. Wonderful experience and will definitely will be back as our go- to sushi joint. read more

Zen Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Dana Point, California

First time here for my friend and I. Will most definately be back again! The service was fast and friendly! Prices are reasonable. We both agreed this was some of the best sushi we both have had...and we've had a lot of sushi. The yellow tail melts in your mouth and the most generous portion we've ever had. The 3 rolls we had were amazing. We both were over the moon with the Yummy Seabass Roll...the best roll both of us have ever had. You need to try this one! We almost got two, but forced ourselves to try one of their speciL rolls. read more

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The food is always good and the service is excellent. I'm here weekly . They give you a generous amount of food and it's always fresh . read more

Great for lunch, warm, open and cozy. Quiet, can get work done. Fish was fresh, sauces were delicious.

During non Covid times I love to come here for Happy Hour and sit at the bar. They have some real nice choices. In general during non Covid times I love to come in for lunch as they have some great combinations. Some of my favorite items are the lobster handroll, short ribs, green mussels and so far I have not had a bad roll. Gone here several times during quarantine for takeout as well. I recommend calling with your order. Can't wait to be able to sit inside again. read more

One of the best sushi spots, always fresh and delicious! I recommend it for sushi lovers!

I love their salmon skin roll and it's a good place to grab a quick dinner in the neighborhood. The restaurant doesn't seem the cleanest to be honest. The branch decor next to the cashier is full of dust and the tables seem a bit sticky. One time I ordered bunch of sushi and the quality of the fish wasn't that impressive. I mainly order cooked items and rolls with a bit of raw fish but I wouldn't consider this joint a high quality sushi joint. read more

Their sushi is out of this world and the lunch specials are the best around! The rolls are fun, filling and flavorful. Niki who works there is a sweetheart! The layout is perfect for a family or date night. It is one of our favorite sushi places in South OC! read more

I love this place!! It was nice and cleaned The server was so kind and gave me what I needed with a smiling face. The sushi was fresh, too. It was hard to pick the rolls because there were many choices. All looked good. My server said they are providing happy hours and lunch special. She showed me lunch special menu. I couldn't believe the price. definitely I will try next time !! read more

This spot is open for business!!! So yummy! We drove to San Clemente and then to Dana Point looking for a sit down sushi experience. Highly recommend this place. Come in and sit on the patio! read more

Zen Sushi - Deliciousness - Sushi Bars Near Me - Dana Point, California

We came here on a recommendation and after having a not so pleasant experience at a place called "Good Choice Sushi ". We sat at the sushi bar since most tables were already full at 5:30 pm. The fish was fresh and the portions were generous. We had a friendly sushi chef who prepared our rolls, hand rolls and sushi . I was pleasantly surprised how much fish they gave you. Everything was very clean! We will definitely be back. Good cold Sapporo on tap was great. read more

Sadly I can't go here anymore, been at least 5 times, sushi is good, but I just can't get over how dirty the place is, especially the Mens Bathroom, each time I come and use the bathroom, there is Urine all over the floor, I mean all over the floor, trash cans over flowing with paper towels, dirty sinks, the smell is so bad, tonight, a party of 4 I came after using the bathroom and the smell in the inside was so bad, lost my appetite. The Service has Progressively Gotten Worse, each time. Having to constantly ask for things, then not getting them then trying to flag down anyone to get basic things. It's sad, I used to really enjoy this place, but not going back. If you do go insist on sitting outside they don't turn on A/C is hot inside and the smell is so bad. The smell of a hot urine floor soaked bathroom, wow read more

Zen Sushi - Photo does not show it, but you cannot even use the urinal because the floor is covered in piss, - Sushi Bars Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Bomb sushi, very much more in the authentic side. not too much sweet sauces and very reasonable for the area its in. highly recommend and hoping to come back one day read more

What happened! Terrible service, had to ask for napkins, chopsticks, soy sauce. Hand roll with eel was so loaded with eel, but not balanced with the minimal amounts of cucumber avocado, with no crab, as defined. Teriyaki chicken was old breast, rubbery, with sauce slopped on top. Tempura batter was thick and old, greasy, even the salad dressing was bad. $50 plus. No refills on water, wasn't busy. Too bad they used to be excellent. What a shame :( read more

I honestly cannot even give it one star. After putting our name on the list and waiting inside in this heat for over 15 minutes in front of the couple who had been waiting even longer than us! We have not been greeted by anyone in the restaurant. The restaurant was less than a quarter full and even the sushi chefs only had three people at the sushi bar. We Could see that there was only one woman walking around. Went to sit at the sushi bar and was yelled at by this woman and couldn't believe how blatantly rude she was and still continued not to even see the couple ahead of us. People came in behind us and couldn't believe that we had not even been greeted after over 15 minutes. Four of us decided to go ahead and leave and go over to Dana Kai and had a wonderful meal, that's who I would suggest! read more

I've lived in OC for a while, been coming here for years had my good experiences had my bad experiences whether it was waiting time to be seated or the food coming and I understand that it's busy then I take that in consideration but during lunch on the week days, definitely should've been a little quicker pretty cool, outdoor seating that's covered!!not the best sushi I've ever had but the staff is friendly it's reasonably affordable, and I wish you the best of luck!!! read more

I come here regularly with my boyfriend since it is just right across the street from our place. The sushi is always pretty good and fresh. Some days are better than others. But it's still always decent. The employees are all very nice and welcoming. And we have never had a bad experience here. We also like that they are open later. Definitely a good spot for takeout if you live in the area. It's quick, good, and not too expensive. I would give it a try if you're in the mood for some sushi. read more

Zen Sushi - Toro, salmon, and salmon lemon roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Dana Point, California

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I love their sushi!!! Nice restaurant. Friendly waitresses. Easy to get to after seeing a movie across the street.

Going with 3 stars because I've gotten rolls here many times and they are always good but I had the bento box and the chicken was horrible. If you like rock hard chicken that is the opposite of tender then this is your place, sushi was fine. read more

Every dish is really special and authentic. Nigiris and rolls are above average. Wow, it was fantastic!! read more

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I love their no kiss roll, double double and spicy garlic edamame are absolutely perfect. One of my SoCal go tos when I'm in town.