Zen Japanese Restaurant

Reviews

• Candy

  Extremely poor customer service. Two main dishes that were inedible and dark grey in colour and despite one being seafood and one being (alledgedly) beef they were simply piles of blackish noodles. When we did not want them nothing else was offered and when we did not want to pay for them we were insulted and they threatened to send for the police. I wish they had. I will not be eating there again.

  10

  Candy M.
  Review Date: 19/04/2009 Report review
• Prefer take away - eat in is too noisy

  My husband and I dined at this restaurant a few months ago. It was noisy, the staff was clueless, quite slow service/attending customers. So since then, we decided to only do take-aways. The foods generally are satisfactory, I still prefer Yo in London near London Eye (that's the best we've ever tried).

  10

  Jane S.
  Review Date: 01/11/2008 Report review
• Interesting option

  Went for a buffet style Sushi meal a short while ago (so no issues with service). The food was not bad, and very reasonable compared to sushi in the more expensive restaurants. They had some nasty ceiling drapes, but I noticed these have now gone. Seems to be quite busy, and has a decent bar if you want a drink before your meal. Also, they do half decent warm sake.

  40

  Jonathan E.
  Review Date: 07/10/2008 Report review
• good buffet

  We went on sunday ,for unlimited suishi buffet. There was a long wait while fresh suishi was being made,but it was late in the afternoon,and well worth the wait.There is also a selection of delicious hot chinese food to help yourself to,and for all this it was just 10 Quid pp.

  0

  Nick C.
  Review Date: 02/07/2008 Report review
• wonderful

  I totally disagree with the previous comments, I thought it was wonderful, great food, lovely smiling waitresses and lovely decor. Went here for a date and the romantic atmosphere was maintained trhoughout. Love this.

  0

  Gemma T.
  Review Date: 19/05/2008 Report review
• Food good - service lousy when busy

  I have eaten at Zen on at least a dozen occasions, for both lunch and dinner in midweek and at weekends. I am a big fan of Japanese food and, whilst there are no teppan yakki tables here, this isn't bad at all for the only choice of Japanese in Southampton. Sushi and sashimi is always fresh and the main courses are varied enough to ensure the menu suits most people. I do have to agree with some of the comments however regarding the service. Weekend evenings are a no no. I have resorted to lunch as my preferred option. If you're looking for a decent Japanese on a Saturday night, you're better off going to one of the Benihanas or Matsuri St James' in London. Or try Old Thorns in Petersfield. All offer teppan yakki and service is excellent as your table has a dedicated chef. Zen is a good local option (the only choice), but a diluted version of proper Japanese cuisine.

  30

  Sam E.
  Review Date: 09/01/2008 Report review
• Always Great

  I disagree with the two posts that do not recommend Zen. I have been to the restaurant many times on different days with varying sized groups and always found the service spot on. The food is fantastic and the waiting staff are always willing to offer advice. When you go try the Kishu, its a plum wine thats delicious.

  40

  David T.
  Review Date: 11/11/2007 Report review
• We walked out after waiting an hour

  We had a table booked for 8:30 on Saturday night. When we got to the restaurant we were asked by no less than 4 people whether we had a reservation. After 40 minutes we were finally seated and then 20 minutes later no one had turned up to take even a drinks order. At this point we decided the chances of actually receiving food were nil. The manager was particularly surly when we explained this to her. The food may be fantastic and it may be a good place to go when it's quieter but the service is abysmal and for that reason alone we won't be going back there.

  20

  Andrew W.
  Review Date: 30/07/2007 Report review