Zensen Sushi Express

I would give it a 3.5 if I could… decided on a 3 because 4 is a biiiiiit generous. A very cool place that’s great for satisfying your craving for sushi or rolls.
As of February 2016, they increased their prices to $ 1.75 per dish, rather than $ 1.50. No big deal. There’s also no tipping involved… It’s hard to actually tip, even if you want to… You pay with cash or card. I paid with card, and there was no area for me to write in tip or anything.
If you’re looking for authentic, out of this world, bombtastic sushi, look elsewhere. Zensen is more about offering a good selection of sushi, some sashimi, and many rolls that are basically all modified versions of a Cali roll for a good price.
Everything is clean, almost sterile. right down to the food themselves. You’ll know what I mean when you try it… everything is super cookie-​cutter and identical in look and portion. Wasabi, hot tea (Free!), chopsticks, napkins, everything is self serve and idk, robotic? In my opinion, the taste of everything pretty much mirrors the philosophy of the store. Sterile. Not too crazy in flavor, but I can count on it to taste pretty much exactly the same every time I come, and I bet this helps them cater to a larger audience since the tastes are very generic.
I’m reading this and I know it might sound bad LOL but it’s not! It’s an affordable, quick, eat-​n-​go kinda place that gets the job done without much thought. Are there better places? Yes. But will you be judged, or will you be making a mistake by coming here? Nah.

Price went up.
Went on the first day of their Free Sushi Car (tiny toy) and as usual, they said out of stock like previous promotional gift. Is it a scam?

I like It so much! Its so fresh and the water is warm .The soup is hot and I like it .Now the price is $ 1.75 (which is still okay) And its self-serve.I love Zensen Sushi Express!!!

Had my expectations low coming here… Ended up paying close to $ 40 here and I was not satisfied at all. It’s just mostly stuffing sad crap in your stomach. I didn’t feel fulfilled one bit because none of the selection here satisfied my tastebuds. I didn’t feel I got my money’s worth at all. I feel cheated and robbed instead. I get more satisfaction from $ 5 chicken mcnuggets!
Depressing! Most of the stuff just tasted/​looked nasty and sad =~(
Kula Revolving Sushi is wayyyyyyyy better. ^o^ No comparison.
This location actually used to be Kula, then they closed down and it got replaced with another random sushi place that didn’t last long and now it’s this Zensen…
I like revolving sushi places, Kula definitely takes #1 in quality, as far as choices and revolving sushi goes. I love Kula. I don’t care so much for Gatten either. Genki sushi is pretty sad too.
This place is by far the worst revolving sushi for me. (–_​-​’;
The appeal here is that you don’t need to tip, free tea, and it’s self-​serving, which is a plus for many cheapskates; but it also means you get your own ass up to get water, napkins, and paying at the register after they give you a slip count of how many plates you ate.
The place they sat me didn’t even have any soy sauce left or the soy sauce plates left anymore.
You can order from the menu, but I don’t know how the servers would want to help you or be friendly if there is no tip for them… how can they be happy working there? A lot of them didn’t seem that motivated to work… I mean, I don’t blame them.
Free hot tea/​water is nice to have in front of you, but I don’t know why they couldn’t add a cold water filter there too.
I don’t think they even use real tuna for the spicy tuna hand rolls… it was one of the worst spicy tuna taste ever. Not to mention, it took a long time after ordering to come out. They like stuff the hand roll with just a bunch of cabbage. Cabbage!!! There was more cabbage than rice or anything. Horrible combination. That was the worst hand roll ever… not even worth the $ 1.75 for it.
The red shrimp «sweet shrimp» was really gross too.
Just thinking about what I ate here still makes me feel gross and sad. That bad.
Pros:
— No leaving tip
— Hot water/​free tea in front of you
Cons:
— Nasty nasty sad quality food — Kula Revolving Sushi is like high class luxury compared to this place
— Worst spicy tuna hand roll ever — filled with just a bunch of cabbage and some nasty «tuna» that they squeeze out of some plastic tube. Really gross. Not even worth $ 1.75
Flagging down server to order still isn’t convenient; it would be better if they had touch screen ordering like Kula in Laguna Hills or San Diego… then you wouldn’t even need servers and be true self-​serving.
I will not come back.

If you’re not a fan a conveyor belt sushi spots, we can’t be friends.
I’ve been to several like this. And in my opinion, Zensen is the best. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Everything is $ 1.50! Sushi, rolls, sashimi, hand rolls (upon request), side dishes, even dessert. No confusion involved with different colored plates/​pricing, etc.
2. Free flowing hot tea (with your own little hot water faucet!!), ginger, and wasabi (packets).
3. Free show! There’s something about watching the tiny plates dance before me that is exciting, fun, ridiculous, and maybe even a little hypnotic. It’s pretty hard to not have fun and smile.
4. No tipping! Although plenty of people work here, most of your experience here is self serve and Zensen has a no tipping policy. Awesome.
5. Be as picky as you want! There are dozens of options to choose from.
Worth mentioning: The quality is quite good; worth every penny at only $ 1.50. Should you compare $ 1.50 Zensen sushi to $ 10 «elsewhere» sushi? C’mon now. Keep your expectations at a reasonable level and you’ll you’ll be more than pleased.
If your attitude is to have fun, eat as much or as little of whatever you want, and pay a more than fair price, this is your place.

Totally disappointed. Price went up quality and selection went down.
seems like we have appetizers only and already cost over $ 30. Most of the item we like are no longer on the menu!
kids ended up eating at Midoh in the smae plaza to satisfied therir hunger.

Zensen is the best for quick affordable sushi fixes. All plates are $ 1.50 each and I usually get full after about $ 10 – 12 of food. Compared to other revolving sushi bars, namely Kula, Zensen is way better in terms of quality, service, and atmosphere. Tip is already included in the price as well! For $ 1.50/plate, you won’t be getting the best fish out there, but still really good quality for the price.
Parking can be a hassle in Diamond plaza, but you can usually find a spot underground if anything.

Sushi selections pretty mid standard compared to other revolving sushi competitors. But rest assured you get a bang for your buck-​fifty a plate from this joint! The ambience was really nice they added modern features and a mile-​long revolving belt that cascades throughout the restaurant. Sushi plates kept coming and don’t leave you hanging for the next plate to roll by. Chefs do their prepping on site. Theres a menu for hand rolls thats not on the conveyor belt only upon request. Surprised to see an Uni roll in the mix although I was a bit disappointed the portion was smaller than expected and it had a weird aftertaste. And what’s with the individually wrapped wasabi packets, I thought that was unnecessary. I do kind of like the unlimited self-​serve green tea mounted on each table that added a nice touch to the place. Service was good and seemed to be attentive to our table despite of the busy rush hour dinner. What made this place specially different is the fact that its self-​service so you are highly discouraged to leave a tip on the table which is customary in Japan. Ironically this place is managed by Koreans (But I’m not complaining) I had to give it a three stars though because of the lack of quality on the sashimi, small portions, wassup with the wasabi packets? & also the weird uni aftertaste leaving my palette.
Overall, its a good Go-​to spot just to get a quick bite.

I was actually surprised that we really liked this place. This location has had a bad track record of keeping its doors open. Previously it was another rotating sushi place, and before that there were a lot of restaurants open including one called Life Plaza in my earlier years.
Anyway, we decided to come in here because the dim sum place next door was a little too packed and there was no way we would wait in line to get seated there since it was two days after Christmas. I was with my husband & family and my parents had never had rotating sushi before so it was a great way for us to introduce it to them. My aunt had it in Japan, and really enjoyed it.
I like how everything is self-​serve. The quality itself is about a 3… But the value and price is definitely worth it. Where can you get sushi for $ 1.50? Therefore I give this place 4 stars. Even in Little tokyo and other revolving places, prices can go up to $ 4 – 5 for a plate so this is a killer deal. My husband and I will be back.

The sushi is very Delicious. All the food are fresh and there are a lot of kind of sushi. And the price is just $ 1.5 /​plate. But there is no genmaicha here but only green tea.

$ 1.50 plates, fresh sushi. such wow, much great!
Pros: $ 1.50 plates. Self serve so no tip needed. Hot water/​drinking faucet and free tea at every table and seat. Sushi is fresh and there are a good variety of dishes to choose from. You’ll find everything on the menu on the belt because they keep it in stock consistently. The times that i’ve been here. there hasn’t been a wait at all and we got seated right away. Free parking if you can get a spot. Staff are friendly and here to help answer any questions if needed. Clean and neat.
Cons: Not as many options as Kula, but makes up for it in freshness and an assortment of other ways. Parking is a hassle if you come late. Try to get there before 7. Recommended at 6 or so.
Bottom line: Kula used to be my go to place for revolving sushi, but it has gotten a bit more expensive over the years and the quality of the food as dwindled along with that. The plaza that it’s located in was crowded as it was before, but after they open a Gen KBBQ along with a few other places. it’s a nightmare. parking hasn’t increased so even if underground parking you’ll still find it hard to find a spot. Besides that. I love this place! It’s my new favorite for revolving sushi.

I was craving sushi at 9:30−10pm at night and there was NO WHERE open. Ok this was a spur of the moment, saw it open on Unilocal,and decided to give it a shot restaurant but I’m glad I did. I haven’t been to a sushi train restaurant in awhile so it was kind of exciting! I love the concept of seeing food and grabbing what you want. The restaurant is very traditional with your hot water stations and NO TIPPING policy (because you don’t tip in Asia, but here’s a tip, come here LOL)
Honestly the nigiri quality is mediocre, but I love the everything is $ 1.50 rule, it’s so cool, like everything from sashimi to nigiri to rolls are $ 1.50! Don’t go crazy now, a roll comes in 3 – 4 pieces depending on which one, sashimi comes in 3 slices, and nigiri 2 pieces, except for some special nigiri like sweet red shrimp and salmon belly.
My favorite was the sweet shrimp, I loveeee sweet shrimp. But one piece for $ 1.50…i don’t know how bang for your buck that is. My boyfriend really liked the eel, but don’t get the hand roll, it’s literally 80% cabbage and a sad piece of eel.3 slices of sashimi is pretty good for $ 1.50 though. The servers were nice, they seemed pretty rushed since they were about to close. It’s nice that you eat however much you’re hungry for, since I was hungry and my boyfriend wasn’t he got to choose a few select plates he wanted to try. No waste!

Beware !! Do not believe the $ 1.00 special !!
The holiday special sign state if you be charge at $ 1.00 plate from 2:30 — 5:30, they did not honor that instead they said you must arrive at 2:30 and obtain ticket but there is no sign saying so, only said payment made by 5:30. They are misleading their customer and the worse part is their manager attitude, when we ask for a manager, a non English lady (trainee Nina on her tag) came out with poker face, did not explain nor apologized just said «you go talk to my boss!!! «This is USA, if you want run promotion, set the rule clear and explain it clear no one will complain. Using Asian scam to mislead customer is such a shame!

Better than Kula, imo. its like the sushi never runs out, but what i meant by that, you can hardly see an empty conveyor belt, no matter how many people there are, the sushi chefs kept the belt filled. there was a time when the plates are overloaded bec. the sushi got stuck at the end of the belt. there are also lots of things to choose from.
you also get 1 free handroll when you check-​in. its nice that they’re doing this once in a while, they currently have a special for everything in $ 1 every monday and thursday, starting 230pm-​530pm, and most of all no tip!
i ate just about how much i eat in an all you can eat sushi resto. i love this place! everything is clean, but i wish we dont have to line up in the cold, they should at least check-​in specially when there’s 1 or 2 people waiting outside, when there’s like 6 people in the front waiting to get seated. thats the only disadvantage of this place. but then again, it wouldnt be fair to the people waiting in line first.

Came at 1:30 and was seated immediately! :)
Good customer service.
It’s a clean and spacious restaurant.
Love how it’s a revolving sushi place :) Everything on the menu is $ 1.50! With water you pour yourself and the tea bags are free!
It’s a cute place to go with friends~
5 Stars because I haven’t found anything wrong with the establishment! Sure the sushi isn’t A+. but you’re only paying $ 1.50 for a single plate! You can always order items that you don’t see on the conveyor belt from the menu. Would come again^_^

Having been introduced to Zensen by my friends up in NorCal, imagine my surprise when I found out there was one super close to me back home!
Same setup, $ 1.50 for each plate. Obviously at that price, you get what you paid for. Top-​notch quality is not the name of the game, but it’s definitely better than what you would expect. Plus it’s not like you are limited to a small amount of choices… literally there is so much available that it would easily take you a few times to go through the entire menu (unless you’re one of those that is intent on crushing everything in one go). And perfect for me now since I don’t really eat as much as I used to, so my meals here can be REALLY cheap.
Definitely will keep Zensen in the rotation.

Zensen Sushi really reminds me of places in Japan where there are no other tables or boots to sit in but around the revolving belt of variety of sushi plates. So if you have not been here yet you really must check this place out because everything is only $ 1.50 plus they do not accept tips which in Japan is very common practice.
If you are looking for a sushi spot and you don’t want to spend a lot of money this is what I would consider a great place to have for lunch or dinner. Just don’t come here when it is rush hour because the wait time can be quite excessive.
With so many different sushi choices to pick from I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of eating here. Fast and quick for a meal and you pay once you finish at the cashier in the front. Everything is really well organized.
If you want miso soup just let them know and they will bring it to you and for the green tea well you just get it on your table from this dispenser. Just don’t burn your fingers. Hands down a really good spot to eat sushi at and feel seriously satisfied.

From Life Plaza to Kula to now Zensen, this place has been changing a few times over the years.
I like the idea of having to see your food before you «order.» With $ 1.50 a plate, I think this place will last longer than Kula, who prices there plate at $ 2-​$ 2.50.
They have a wide range of sushi dishes to choose from and also a few desserts. I personally liked the spicy ama ebi, it actually is spicy.
My mom actually suggested coming here and I said why not. On the first visit, we found out that they charge you for their miso soup (also $ 1.50), they have hand rolls you can order (also $ 1.50), and they don’t receive tip (their explanation being that in Japan, you don’t tip).
As you get seated they ask if you want miso soup and thinking it’s complimentary, I said yes for all three of us. They actually make it with salmon, making it a little oily. My mom and I didn’t really like it, we just put it to the side. There was just too many things in there and the soup was so thick.
I think it’s cool how they have everything set for every other seat. There is a little hot water dispenser, green tea packets, cups, chopsticks, and soy sauce all in an organizer right in front of you. Cold water and napkins are at a little station along the far wall.
They have a big bowl of pickled ginger and wasabi packets going around on the conveyor belt with the sushi plates.
The hand rolls aren’t on the menu but you ask/​tell your server and they will get that order in for you. My mom got the spicy tuna hand roll and it tasted like they used gochujang (Korean red pepper paste). It wasn’t bad but I was just surprised. The rice was on the bottom, then there was cabbage in the middle and the fish was only on the top.
The restaurant it self is clean, the workers are fast and nice, the price is kind, and for the price you’re paying the sushi is pretty good. I mean where else can you get ama ebi for $ 1.50 and not get sick?! lol ok bad joke but seriously.
If you’re not too hungry, come here, eat some sushi, drink hot green tea, and be happy.
Happy wallet, happy stomach.
Good luck with parking on weekend nights though… and no AMEX

Biggest take from this place, NO TIPS! ABSOLUTELY NO TIPS. If you are already sold just based on that. No need to continue reading this review.
For the non believers, let me give it to you straight. This place is just like the 150 yen sushi places that I went to in Japan. Each plate is about $ 1.50 and quality of the sushi is decent (not the best, but not bad by any means), and again NO TIPPING REQUIRED. Just like Japan, this place also has Unlimited free hot green tea. Every plate is $ 1.50, even the desserts and sashimi plates.
This place is best for people who want to get a light bite or just some sushi on the cheap (without stuffing yourself silly at an AYCE place). If you are a big fan of fancy rolls, prepared to be disappointed. They don’t have anything super fancy, just your typical California rolls and other Americanized rolls like that. One of my friends brought to my attention that it would be a great place to go if one your friends has already eaten, but still want to hang out. Said friend can have some dessert, or a drink and you can hang out with your friends without being forced to order something big.
This place is such a great addition to the 626 east. My advice for you when coming to a place like this, lower your expectations[for the food]. It’s not the best sushi in the world. It’s more of a convenience than a luxury. If you see don’t see something on the conveyor belt, flag down a server and just order it from them. They would be happy to help. Tipping in America is ridiculous, I hope this movement catches on.

This girl loves her sushi… so when boyfriend mentioned this place, I was quick to say «okay!» But I was slightly disappointed from the moment I walked in. If you walk in even 15 minutes before closing, they tell you they’re closing soon and ask if that’s enough time for you to eat. Normally this is considered a nice gesture, but when I’m at a good restaurant, they don’t just kick you out when the clock strikes… especially when you’re paying them.
The rotating sushi bar is always something fun and exciting when there are many options to choose from and each turn is a surprise. That was not the case here. The belt was full all the time… with the same items. =\ And when I went for some sashimi, I was disappointed to know it wasn’t that fresh after tasting it. The other sushi (non-​fish) were okay, but there was nothing that struck me as amazing.
There were 2 cool things about this place though: 1) The self-​serve hot tea station right in front of your bar seat. This is so adorable. You take a tea bag, put it in a cup, press the cup again the water machine, and hot water comes out. You never have to bother your server again! 2) No tip! This is a common practice in most Asian places… no tip. They only wish for people to return to the restaurant again in the future.
Unfortunately, this is not my favorite rotating sushi restaurant, nor is it a favorite among any sushi restaurant for me. It’s not the worst I’ve experience, but in terms of taste, freshness, and service, I’ve definitely experienced better. Hopefully I’ll be able to give it another shot eventually, but until then, this place gets 2 stars from me.