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Zenkichi Reviews List

Zenkichi

Zenkichi quietly entered the scene in late 2006 in a then up and coming Williamsburg food scene. The unique cuisine and dining experience have had restaurant goers and critics catching on ever since. The restaurant offers semi private tables for all of its customers and Tokyo-style Japanese cuisine. The focus is on small plates for sharing and tasting with sake. The menu emphasizes Omakase (chef's tasting menu) which changes every five weeks to incorporate the freshest ingredients of the season. The sake selection includes over 50 kinds of carefully chosen premium sake labels. Zenkichi continues to evolve with a recently added garden. The space is inspired by a Japanese mountain retreat with a glass ceiling that incorporates two 50 year old trees. Which expands the seating space and adds a new dynamic to the already unique décor. Michelin Guide:...a space that feels wonderfully cozy and intimate. A return to the outside world will have you planning your next trip.
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80 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
(80 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 80 reviews
5 stars
(42)
4 stars
(32)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Service 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Ambiance 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Noise Level
1.4 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • romantic(67)
  • fit for foodies(57)
  • special occasion(48)
  • neighborhood gem(34)
  • hot spot(14)
  • good for groups(11)
Zenkichi Reviews List
Review 1 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Amazing gem!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I ate here previously and vowed to come back with my party for the omakase tasting menu. We were not disappointed! I highly recommend getting the sake tasting to accompany your meal. This might be the best value tasting menu in the city."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

GREAT

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"the sashimi and black cod are the best."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Wonderful spot, very romantic with wonderful service."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 4 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Great food/dining, get rid of host

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The actual dining experience was great, similar to every other time that I have been here. Having spent time living in Tokyo, this is the most authentic Japanese Izakaya in New York. That said, I was rather shocked by the aggression of the host, very atypical of Japanese restaurants. The day before my reservation, I received a lengthy voicemail explaining that my reservation would be cancelled if I did not call by midnight and I was told the time of the next reservation and to make sure that I would leave before then. I then received another call the next day, to confirm once again and to tell me when I would have to leave - I didnt even get there and I was already told when to go! I received the same routine when I arrived again!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2006
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Review 5 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Unexceptional

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Ambiance amazing, food underwhelming. We got the Omakase for 2, and were extremely disappointed -- the dishes were small and bland. It's not necessary for food to necessarily be exciting, as long as it's good -- but the food was not exciting and unfortunately not good."
Dined on 04/24/2013
 2011
Special Features: romantic
+1point
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Review 6 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Zenkichi:Great for a date. Bring $$

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Private and pricey. As good as it gets for a date. We had the tasting menu and an accompanying sake tasting. The former was interesting. The latter was a waste for us. High-end sake may work for some people, but we just didn't see what was special. Pass on it."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 7 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Authentic, delicious Brooklyn gem

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Extremely romantic. Don't take someone you aren't close with and comfortable! The prix fixe menu is incredible and gives you a good opportunity to try dished you might not normally order. The miso glazed cod was so tender and delicious. I ordered the black sesame chilled mousse and it was everything I imagined and more. My date had the grapefruit gelée and we were so impressed. A very refreshing dessert as the weather heats up!
Perfect place for the NYC foodie.
"
Dined on 04/09/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 8 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Annoying waitress

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We were happy to read that the waiters would 'respect our privacy' and we would get serviced only if we rang the little buzzer at our table (that was closed off with a curtain). We were very excited about this because we usually don't like having waiters ask 3-4 times throughout the meal: "how is your...?"/"Is everything ok?". Unfortunately our waitress kept coming back - especially when we were in the middle of a course - to check on us. Since she she had to lift the curtain every time, it became very annoying after the 10th time... Also because you're in such a small, intimate space and this girl keeps poking her head in there, you feel like it's the three of you having dinner."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Went here on a date Friday

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Went here on a date Friday night and was thoroughly impressed. The food was fantastic as was the service. Highly recommend eating here."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 10 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had an awesome Dinner at

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We had an awesome Dinner at Zenkicki, loved the food and the romantic atmosphere:)
The Omakase and Premium Sake tasting is an incredible combination!
"
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Transported

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Zenkichi is a unique and wonderful experience transported to another (better time)."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 12 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Amazing, eating at Zenkichi

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Amazing, eating at Zenkichi is more than a meal it's an experience. Excellent food, setting and service. I highly recommend indulging in this worth while delight."
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I have been looking forward

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I have been looking forward to dining here for quite some time. I was blown away by the entire experience. Our server was phenomenal, the food was incredible, and the atmosphere was perfectly romantic.
I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely return.
"
Dined on 03/20/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I highly recommend this place!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I highly recommend this place! I had a wonderful time!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 15 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Tokyo in one night

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Come here if you want to feel whisked away to Japan for a night. The atmosphere is quite authentic and the service is great. I saw some reviews complaining about price, but I felt it was absolutely spot on. There isn't so much as a wine as there is a sake list. Their items pair well with sake and that's the w ay it should be. The food is also a great experience and everything is plated nicely. Here, even vegetarians can rejoice! To the owner of this place, great job!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 16 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Wow!!!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This place is awesome even if you don't know Japanese cuisine. Be prepared for a gourmet extravaganza Japanese-style. They will guide you with regard to the multitude of selections including an incredible list of very fine saki. Don't forego the melt-in-your-mouth potato mochi. They are heavenly pillows of whipped potatoes that will have you begging for more. Seriously. I have now been three times and count it as one of the best adventures in the city. Service is outstanding and the private booths very romantic. Truly, you will feel like a king, or maybe an emperor...."
Dined on 03/06/2013
 2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
0points
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Review 17 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Very poor for Japanese standard!

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Not the best place to go and eat. Service was horrible. Food was not good at all and very tight booths and if you are both tall people then it will be very uncomfortable. Also service when requested was not prompt as we were forgotten to bring us silverware as well as wet towels in the beginning(which was there normal practice). Overall would not go there again."
Dined on 02/17/2013
 2012
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Review 18 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very romantic and intimate.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Very romantic and intimate. Great food."
Dined on 02/17/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
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Review 19 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Date Place!!!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great place for a romantic date. The place is intimate with private seating for you and your guest. The food is great and the service people are willing to help and serve. Great place!!! Went their for my and my boyfriends anniversary."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 20 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Zenkichi is perfect romantic spot

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I was visiting Manhattan for my 13th anniversary and decided to take a chance on Zenkichi because of the private tables. It was a little hard to find but once inside we were not disappointed. The service was amazing and the food was even better than we hoped. We tasted 10 items on the menu, our favorites were the shrimp tempura and lemon chicken. This place gets five stars in my opinion and I'll definitely be back."
Dined on 02/05/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

no kids--no nonsense. great

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"no kids--no nonsense. great food in a quiet atmosphere that allows you to enjoy your company rather than loud counterparts at other tables."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 22 for Zenkichi
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Unique, Exotic, Authentic Japanese

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Wonderful service, great menu, Saki heaven - NOT the place for you if you're there for sushi rolls! The service was wonderful and the concept for semi-private, maze-like seating is unique and innovative. We had a nice time and they are VERY nice here. I enjoyed it a lot."
Dined on 01/23/2013
 2006
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Zenkichi
Based on the average of (58) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
9 out of 9 recommend this product
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Ambiance 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Noise Level
1.4 / 3
Moderate