Zento is one of my favorite spots in the city for sushi. Their takeout is always spot on and cheaper if you order directly from their website vs a delivery app. Last time I ordered they forgot our miso soup which was annoying but not a huge deal. Tonight I came to pick up my order and was double checking that everything was there. The hostess asked if anything was missing and I mentioned last time our miso soup was left out and she went to the back and grabbed an extra for us to make up for it. Amazing customer service!! And the sushi is also so good. The Godzilla Roll is one I always order but you literally can't go wrong
I never realized this place existed. Normally the go to sushi is Momo, but they have been difficult and different as of late. This is a small shop somewhat hidden off of Washington St. parking is a bit rough but it's old town. Entering the restaurant, the service is friendly, prompt and smooth; carrying through the rest of the meal. The place was busy but quiet. Service was responsive and direct. The food was fantastic, the spicy tuna roll has some kick to it. The speciality rolls like the dragon roll are great as well. The portion spices were good for the cost. They have much more on the menu as well but I was looking for easy sushi and got what I wanted. A small non-assuming sushi place on the edge of old town may just be the go to for me.
This tiny restaurant packs a big punch with its exceptional sushi and Japanese cuisine. Though the space is compact, it is a testament to the quality of food they serve. The sushi here is consistently fresh and vibrant. Whether it's a simple roll or a more elaborate creation, Zento never disappoints. Their carryout service is efficient and reliable, making it my go-to choice for enjoying top-notch sushi at home. The attention to detail in packaging ensures that the food arrives just as delicious as when it left the restaurant. If you're in Old Town and looking for amazing sushi, Zento Japanese Restaurant is a must-visit. Its combination of quality, flavor, and convenience makes it stand out among the rest.
Quick service, easy menus, food came out super quick! $4.95 for 2 nigiri pieces during HH Quiet place, one of my favorites!
Stopped back for edamame and ramen and continue to enjoy the food here. Service is pretty prompt and a good place to hang as long as you're not stuck next to a group and very loud couple. Learned about the parking garage in the back, which is really convenient since it's near the Trader Joe's too. Happy hour has been dropped to 7 pm, which is still reasonable.
Decided to try out Zento after seeing lots of glowing reviews about it and wanted to check it out myself! I went during lunch time, before they close mid day at 2:30 (kitchen closes at 2:20) and they open back up at 5:30. There was only one other person there when I arrived, so service was quick. The wait staff were very helpful and pleasant! I got the roll special, which to my surprise came with a salad and miso soup! Loved the food and that it was reasonably priced! I'll definitely be coming back!
A great value Japanese restaurant near Old Town Alexandria. Parking will be the typical street parking (metered Mon-Sat, free Sun). Nice quaint small restaurant. Certain items on their menu are great - calamari, sushi. Ramen is just ok, still good amount for the price, just taste isn't as good as say Marumen in Fairfax. Food: 4/5 Value: 4.5/5 Ambience: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Parking: 2/5 Calamari: well worth it, some of the best I've tried. Came nice and hot and crispy. Appreciated the presentation, nothing overlapped to prevent sogginess. Sauce drizzled on appropriately Chashu ramen: Meat was cooked well, could use more flavor. But you do get 3 slices which is more than most ramen places these days. Broth is good, not too salty. But everything else included: noodles, rice cake, egg, corn, bamboo shoots, spinach, seaweed just taste like themselves, no infusion of the broth as if they just quickly placed everything together and served it. The bamboo shoots especially were way too sour as if they were straight from a can. Did came with a side salad to start.
This is a small neighborhood sushi shop with very fresh offerings. We came for Happy Hour and tried some delicious choices including hot sake and Sapporo beer. We then switched to the daily specials. The Red Dragon role was superb. Our server was attentive and sweet. The music was (meh) regular pop music. Plenty of free parking in the garage under the restaurant. A relaxing dinner in the neighborhood, give it a try.
I have dined at this restaurant more than 5 times. It's a charming sushi restaurant with around 10-15 tables, and the experience was always delightful. The small size created an intimate atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the expertly crafted special rolls. Each bite was a burst of flavors, showcasing the chef's skill and creativity. The freshness of the ingredients elevated the overall dining experience. The quantity is very good and the you get a very good value for money. I will gladly pay 20% more for this type of food. The attentive staff and cozy ambiance make this hidden gem a must-try for sushi enthusiasts. Restrooms are clean and diaper changing station is available. Abundant parking available in the same building, just behind the restaurant.