Zen Asian Grill

I’ve been to this place maybe 20 times over the last six years so I like to think i have some perspective. Personally, I’ve had mostly very good to excellent experiences those few bad occasions involved one of the «cooks» acting also as the waiter, rather than the lady who most often performs that task (he wasn’t rude, it’s just that the food and service were off considerably on that visit). The Good:
1. Excellent lettuce wraps. This is something we had never eaten before and now we always order two appetizers every time we go.
2. Some of the best spicy beef soup I’ve eaten anywhere. I’ll put it up there with a wonderful little shop in Kauai we ate at or a great Japanese noodle house on West Colonial we sometimes visit.
3. The price is excellent. My son, wife and I are what can generously be described as having «hearty» appetites. Seldom do I leave Olive Garden with a check less than $ 80.00 for the three of us. At Zen’s I have to work to push it over $ 60.00.
4. Their Japanese plum wine is wonderful, and they use a brand that I have so far not been able to buy elsewhere.
5. Their jasmine white rice and hot tea service are top notch.
The less good:
1. Other than what I’ve listed nothing blows me away from a taste perspective. None of the main entrees are as authentic (other than the soup) as say Tasty Wok on Colonial. The general Tso’s while good is surpassed even by the Bamboo Garden carryout down the street.
2. Their attempt at Thai to me falls short.
3. Service can be spotty something I attribute to the limited staff and seating.

Been here twice. Got two different dishes each time and liked them both! Crab rangoons are really good. Will be going back again.

I would give it no stars!!! Not happy! Poor quality food No flavor at all! I was hungry and it was to go so I couldn’t return it… Needless to say I felt disgusted after eating it. When I got there I made the order Togo and I paid with my check card… When I wrote $ 0 tip she took my receipt and smacked it on the other counter. I was going to say something but I let it slide. I brought the food home and thought well maybe this will be the to go place for Chinnese food in this area… I was disappointed! The fried rice was plain white rice with soy Sauce on it no egg or veggies just nothing on it and the special was my pineapple chicken… Literally disgusted and it cost $ 12 I was upset with myself but I simply won’t be going back. If your going to have an attitude make sure your food is amazing because you will fail I won’t be going back!

Good food at great price. The place is clean. Located on the outside fringe of the mall area, not to easy to find.
I had the seafood soup and shrimp mango dinner. I didn’t have drinks and with tip spent about $ 25 .I would go again, not much on décor if you are into stepping out in style. Good place to go if you want something better than run of the mill Chinese food.

I read a review that compared it to a «mom and pop Pei Wei» and was excited to try it. Now that I have been there, however, I think the review was insulting to Pei Wei and to mom and pop restaurants everywhere.
I would say it was more similar to «Panda Express meets Walmart customer service». The food was okay. Average. Edible. The service was poor. Extremely poor. (Which was also disappointing since someone else on here said the «food was okay but the service was great»…) And… had THAT review been accurate, I would have left it alone and chalked it up to very mediocre Asian Fusion and called it a day. BUT if you insist on being like the «Soup Nazi» from Seinfeld– your food game definitely has to be on point.
I would say give it a shot… Just make sure you know what you want before you get there. Don’t ask questions about the menu. Definitely don’t have food allergies. And get ready to leave as soon as you start chewing your last bite.
And I get it. Friday nights are busy and seating is limited – but it could have been a little more subtle… Like bringing the check after we have had a chance to swallow a couple bites.
I might actually give them an additional half star for their creative mix of sit-​down-​fast-​casual: «I’m going to take your order at the table but go get your own drinks » … I like it. Well, I would have liked it – but he definitely wasn’t happy when he asked for my order and I asked him for a drink. If your restaurant is that complicated, have directions at the door. «No soup for you!»

I DO NOT RECOMMEND!!! Bad customer service, gave my family & I wrong orders. The server quickly took the menus from us while we were still looking and ordering our food with her. I was actually holding the menu in my hand while looking for another order, and the lady actually took it from my hand. Food was not fully cooked. Utensils were dirty. Small Bugs flying inside and around our food. Overall had TERRIBLE service and food.

Where have I been?! I’ve lived in the area for 13 years and just discovered this restaurant today by accident. The kitchen is right out in the open so you can see your food being cooked. The food was extremely fresh and tasted amazing. Probably the best Asian food I’ve had in a long time and very affordable. Dinner for 3 people was $ 29.

I think of this place a Pei Wei mom and pop style. Their menu concept mirrors that of the chain and quality has always been high. Only thing keeping them back from a perfect rating is special request are not always followed through. I think it is more of a language barrier than blatant disregards as if you take the time to explain and ask the server to repeat it back, you get the order right. Pad Thai is awesome here! Portions are very generous too.
Keep in mind though, your ambiance is a Chinese restaurant in a strip mall. Compared to others in the area the dining room is nice, but it’s not a fine dining experience by far.

Used to go here all the time… That was until I found a rubber band in my egg foo young.

The meal was mostly ok. I had bourbon chicken with fried rice. It came hot off the grill. Some of the chicken tips were dry, overcooked. Husband had moo goo guy pan. It was good he said but not enough pepper for flavor. But that’s how he likes his food. Staff is courteous.

Some of the dishes are amazing, yet some are a bit off the mark. For instance, anything that’s supposed to be spicy is toned down so much you are unable to taste the intended flavor. My pad Thai and Sichuan chicken weren’t the sweet, spicy, and oily stir fried dishes you would expect. However, the lo mein was mouthwatering, as well as the appetizers. Order mild dishes, and you’ll really enjoy this place.

This place is about average as far as Chinese restaurants go. However, if the dish calls for tomatoes and asparagus it should be in it, it wasn’t, and it was their menu. Portions are very good, but nothing special after that.

Very nice authentic atmosphere. I had the zen soup and a order of the Thai chicken wings. Very fresh and I like how it’s not to greased and not to salty and how you can just enjoy the taste of the chicken Thai wings and the soup. Extremely please with my experience overall. Will be coming again to get the zen soup and Thai wings on the regular

I went here a few times and it was very good, but the last time I was there I was served raw chicken and all of a sudden no one spoke English. No effort was made to fix my order and I will never go back.

I liked this place considering it was a quick place to grab a bite near work… Never again. Bug in my Chicken Pad Thai.

First time eating here and the Food was amazing. Service was fast… clean and quiet definitely coming back

Two huge bugs in my chow mien, told the waitress about it. She told the owner, which has served me for over two years, and she didn’t have the decency of coming table and apologizing. Never going back.
And by the way I had to pay for the full meal.

Very good food. We shared the Sesame Chicken (all white) and Crab Rangoons. Both were very fresh and HOT! This was more than enough food for 2 people.
The restaurant is very small with only 7 tables for 4 and a bar.
I’m sure the food would be great for carry out.

Fast and friendly service. Food was alright but not great. The kids really enjoyed it, but probably won’t be coming back again.

I love ordering the Pepper Steak with Fried Rice. Very delicious, bit salty though. Vey nice place to have chinese food for a good price. Best taste I’ve found so far in the davenport area. Good luck!