Zen 5 Sushi

Gone her multiple times. Good service, great sushi.
Hot saki yummy!
I’m the group we had:
Kamakazie roll–
Baked pizza roll–
Jalapeño roll–
Shrimp crunch roll–

The sushi there was nothing special. It was good, just not the good I was looking for. The chef put too much wasabi on many of my wasabi pieces and the rolls had little flavor and too much rice. I wasn’t really thrilled on the prices but then again, I’m not sure how sushi is usually priced. Other than that, the service and ambience were great, but I don’t think we’ll be coming back again.

Worst sushi for the price, ever. Only giving it 3 stars because of how nice the staff were. My sushi kept falling apart, it was so poorly made. AND they brought all the rolls out on one container instead of one by one. I will not be eating here again

I’m writing this review as a direct reflection on the TERRIBLE customer service received and the disintegration of this establishment since the change of ownership/​staff. I have been a frequent customer for 2 years now, and after tonight I will never return.
The customer service I received was horrendous. I placed an order for 2 rolls and was told that it would take 15 – 20 minutes. After sending my boyfriend to go pick it up, he had to wait 40 more minutes because they forgot to make it. He paid for a beer while he waited, so he didn’t mind. Finally, when he got home we came to the realization that they gave us the wrong order. I called Zen 5 and explained to the girl what happened and she asked if I wanted my order to be re-​made. I explained to her that I indeed would like to receive the food I paid for since I can’t eat the food we were given (it was shrimp, I’m allergic). She said that they can remake it but it would be 20 more minutes and we would have to pick it up (even though they have delivery). She refused to offer any credit towards my next order or visit if I came all the way back to get my correct order even though I offered to bring back all the sushi they gave me in error/​still pay for my original order. A free roll/​beer/​any small credit would have diffused this situation. She was extremely rude and condescending on the phone, giggling as I expressed my dissatisfaction. I explained how disappointed I was in her tone and customer service service and she proceeded to tell me «it’s not like I can deliver it to you myself». Long story short, simply won’t be returning to this establishment for their mediocre food again.

When I called to ask if takeout is possible, the answer was YES, I have mentioned that I will be calling later and asked if that won’t be a problem and the answer was «Not a problem». What happened when I’ve called back to order? I was told there is no takeout !!

Best sushi place in pb :) the Hawaiian and Timmy roll are my go-to’s! They always have a great happy hour specials!

As a tofu fan, I’m always looking for a good sesame tofu dish, something that I have almost never seen on SD menus. Went to Zen 5 precisely because they do have it, and I wanted to upload a pic so future diners could check it out.
Ambiance was cozy and friendly in this PB spot – almost full yet seated right away, good service, prices were reasonable ($ 9 – 12 for entrees/​rolls we ordered) and diverse crowd at 8 pm on a Fri night – and the sesame tofu was light and delicious! Served on a generous bed of crunchy broccoli and greens, flavorful sauce, colorful orange slices on the side – could have a been a bit crunchier but I’m not complaining since I can’t find this dish anywhere else in the city (and funny that it turned up at a Sushi spot of all places).
Also ordered the spicy calamari and shrimp tempura roll, which were fine but Zen 5 gets 4 stars because they satisfied my sesame tofu craving!

I’ve been here numerous times but this experience was not as good. I usually like to come here for quick and cheap sushi. My favorite is the Timmy roll which is always solid. However this trip, our waitress was not very friendly or attentive. The sushi took much longer than usual — even though there was no crowd and it was 4 pm. My friend ordered the fried crab appetizer and it literally came out as fried shelled crab. Unless you are ok with eating the shell this is not very appetizing. Even though she expressed a dislike for the appetizer the waitress seemed unconcerned. Even the edamame came out luke warm. I’d recommend sticking with the sushi and avoiding the appetizers.

Excellent quality sushi. Service was great too. Must try rob’s roll. Also had the spicy tuna and the super salmon. Highly recommend it.

Typical PB sushi place; it’s not bad, but it’s not great. It tastes fresh, but it’s not super flavorful.
They have good happy hour specials — half off special rolls Monday and Tuesday, 30% off rolls on Wednesday and Thursday all day, and weekend specials as well.
My most recent visit was to grab a quick bite with a friend before yoga. We shared edamame, which was half off, and then each got a roll. The rolls with lemon sounded intriguing and fresh, so she got the Citrus roll and I got the Lemondrop. I wanted to have spicy tuna inside so I asked the waitress if I could sub the spicy tuna for the spicy albacore that comes with the roll, and she looked at me confused and said she would charge me for a Citrus roll but add avocado because they are basically the same thing. But they weren’t — the Lemondrop also had ponzu. I wish she had just brought me the Lemondrop roll with the subbed spicy tuna instead of changing my order to something else.
Food was prompt because we went at about 6pm before the big dinner rush. The rolls were good, but I could barely taste the tiny pieces of avocado in my roll. I have had similar citrus flavored rolls, and the execution could have been a lot better at Zen if they would have put less lemon on top. You shouldn’t overwhelm the taste of the fish like that unless there is something to hide.
All in all, it was a nice quick meal. The price was right and the service was decent. I didn’t expect much, and that is what I got.
That being said, this is one of the better sushi places in PB… so I will probably be back.

Even though it took a minute to be sat, it was well worth the wait! The sushi is so fresh and mondays and tuesdays its 50% off! The server was delightful and attentive. No wonder this place was packed. Loved it!

This spot is a really chill sushi spot in the heart of PB! Enjoy sushi while listening to laid back reggae… Irie! They have an amazing happy hour that runs 7 days a week with apps 50% off and a large beer and sale for $ 6.50…I’ll take that any day!

Loved the place and rolls. Best time to be here is during 50% off specials where you can try many of their special rolls.

Came here for dinner last night with friends! I believe on Monday & Tuesday their rolls are 50% off and they have happy hour every day until 7. I had their edamame, which was pretty average as it didn’t have any seasoning on it. I also tried their hang ten & PB rolls, which are delivered on a cute little sushi boat. Both tasted pretty fresh and I think I preferred the PB roll. They still tasted great as lunch leftovers the next day so that’s a plus. I like that most of their menu is available for their happy hours so there is still a good variety. Service was okay, our server was pretty quiet but not unfriendly. I’m still on the hunt for a favorite, go-​to sushi place!

This (besides Sushi Ota) is my favorite sushi joint in PB. They have the BEST HH.
My favorite part about Zen 5 is that they offer something for everyone. THREE protein style rolls are offered. Most places don’t even have one. The soft shell crab appetizer is SO GOOD. Definitely not diet worthy, but such a light and crunchy tempura coating.
Service is always great! Very friendly staff.
Parking is a semi issue, but they do have a small lot.

Really small rolls for the price. We had a ladybug in our salad the last time we came. I just don’t feel like you get what you pay for here. The fish is high quality but cut pretty thin. The service is always average. I don’t think I’ll be back.

Was in the mood for sushi & happened to stumble along Zen 5 which had a 50% off sushi sign out front which lured us in. The theme is sushi & reggae which is a bit odd but seemed to work. Bob marley played nonstop which gave a chill vibe which was relaxing. Even though it was late on a Monday night, the restaurant was semi-​full which seemed like a good sign. We were seated immediately and greeted quickly by friendly staff. Sushi prices seemed pretty expensive ranging from 10 – 20 $ per roll. Similar rolls at other sushi joints would typically be priced 3 – 5 dollars cheaper which adds up fast. If it wasn’t for the half off special, the prices alone would have scared me away.
We started with the jalapeño poppers which were my favorite part of the meal. I highly recommend them. Lightly fried fresh jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese & spicy tuna. A fun twist on a common appetizer!
For sushi we tried the Hang 10 (recommended by the server), the PB crunchy roll, spider roll and crunchy shrimp. All came to under $ 40 and all of the fish seemed fresh. Sadly, none of the rolls were amazing or seemed to be rolled carefully. They all fell apart as we were eating them.
Overall, good service, decent sushi, comfy atmosphere and high prices. I may return at some point but am still in search for a go-​to amazing sushi joint in san diego! recommendations welcome :)

It’s a restaurant located on Garnet Ave at PB! It’s my first time here, but I think it was a pleasant surprise! I ordered the pork katsu with california roll combo and it came with salad or miso soup, rice, and vege tempura! :) I was so full after lunch! Came with my friends and they have 30−50% deal Happy hour at a little hour during the weekend!!! pretty good deal!

This place has a decent amount of tables. For a Wednesday night, we didn’t have to wait to be seated.
Happy hour is pretty decent. 50% Appetizers. 30% Rolls (with just a couple excluded). I felt the selection was diverse and you had a lot of different options. They’ve got a bunch of TV’s on the wall to watch sports, too.
The food tasted fresh and we left full. I just had the Sashimi and my friend ordered a couple of rolls. Presentation was on point! Everything was served on a fancy boat, even if you ordered just 2 rolls. Made you feel special. I’m a fan.
The only Con? It wasn’t that packed of a restaurant, maybe about 7 tables were filled but MAN it was hot in there. I’m not exaggerating. I even had to take off my sweater, and it was cooler outside. Definitely a little bit uncomfortable.
Try it out!

I came here for a company party. It had been years since I have been to PB.
First Impressions: Cozy place with a cool vibe and great music. They definitely know their audience. Excellent choice on the reggae.
The Staff: Every member of the staff is incredibly kind and communicated really well. We also had an opportunity to meet the owner. Really nice guy, very attentive to his whole establishment.
The Food: Holy wow the food was AMAZING. I have been to a lot of sushi places in my day and this is a great choice. I can’t remember the name of my roll, but it had mango and avocado on it. You wouldn’t think of it, but it is a fantastic combo. I also had the green mussels which were also very tasty.
Unilocal Tips: If you have a big group I strongly urge you to call in advance. This is a small place, and they will make room for you, but it will take a little time for it. I also recommend making you way for Happy Hour. 4pm-​7pm. Discounts on the appetizers and believe me they are good enough to have by themselves. But don’t deprive yourself of the sushi!!!
Overall: I am not often in PB, but the next time I am, this is where I want to go! Loved my experience here!