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Zengo - Santa Monica Reviews List
Zengo - Santa Monica
Zengo is a sophisticated blend of Latin-Asian styles and flavors. Chef Richard Sandoval, whose accolades include Bon Appétit Restaurateur of the Year and Mexico’s Toque d’Oro, artfully spins Latin-Asian ingredients into beautifully balanced dishes designed for sharing. To complement the cuisine, Zengo offers a collection of regional spirits, including Rums, Cachacas, Tequilas, Sakes and Shochus. The cocktail menu showcases Latin-Asian classics, as well as creative interpretations, made with hand-muddled fruits and herbs. Buen provecho!
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99 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 99 reviews
5 stars
(37)
4 stars
(45)
3 stars
(10)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for outdoor dining(63)
- fit for foodies(61)
- good for groups(57)
- great for brunch(37)
- scenic view(31)
- hot spot(30)
Zengo - Santa Monica Reviews List
Review 1 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service and food not that great"
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 2 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My friends and I went to celebrate a birthday. Our waiter was a little slow but we loved the place. Food was great! Great margaritas
Latin Asian food, what a great combination."
Latin Asian food, what a great combination."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 3 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food in good setting
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had Sunday brunch here with bottomless drinks and small plates. The location was great - on the roof top of Santa Monica Place (minus the weather). The food was great. The food/service was slower than I am used to but the ambiance makes up for the slow service. Drinks were watered down so be sure you get filled up!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great brunch spot
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love sitting outside for weekend brunch. $35 for unlimited food and drinks is a pretty good deal. Ideal for a nice sunny day in Santa Monica."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 5 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fun Brunch!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food in general was "so-so" however I would go back for the atmosphere and great brunch deal! Request patio seating when making a reservation."
Dined on 4/28/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch
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Review 6 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is our absolute favorite brunch - best in Los Angeles. Food is unique and fabulous - try everything!"
Dined on 3/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 7 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Comparatively Decent
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"There are two restaurants next to each other in Santa Monica Place, both operated by the same Chef. Fortunately, I went to La Sandia first, which was pretty bad and really lowered my expectations. In comparison, Zengo was tolerable and on the verge of enjoyable. Compared to La Sandia, the atmosphere is nicer and quieter, the staff is slightly better (not always attentive, but whenever our server forgot to refill our drinks, the manager was on top of it). We didn't order any cocktails (since our margarita experience at La Sandia had been so awful), so I can't speak to that. The food was interesting. Too many fried foods and not enough lighter fare, but still good variety and presentation. Good price."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
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Review 8 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great tapas, service could
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great tapas, service could use a little improvement"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 9 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fantastic brunch on the weekends.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fantastic brunch on the weekends. Good ambiance, very good for outdoor dining. Gluten free menu is only available at dinner and not for brunch which was kind of a bummer. But out host did point out the items on the brunch menu that were gluten free (not that many)"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 10 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The benefit of Zengo is the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The benefit of Zengo is the open air seating and energy of a crowd. Dining there when the weather is cold, seated inside, and when it's not busy, is a much less appealing experience."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2007
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Review 11 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great 2half hour lunch!,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great 2half hour lunch!, it was a wonderful way to spend our last day in LA. Small plates, full of flavours,structure and excitement.
We paired with a sophisticated Pinot Noir, and a glass to sparkling Rose' with the spicy pork noodles.
Finished with yummy sweets
,
,
Service interactive ,knowledgeable, and personal
All good"
Dined on 04/15/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 12 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Best Sunday Brunch in LA
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is our go to place for birthday celebrations. The Sunday brunch is one of the best for several reasons, one being the variety of exciting flavors offered like empanadas, pot stickers, creative egg dishes like carnitas hash which had plantains and a delicious over easy egg on top of an abundant amount of carnitas. The choice of several coctails also make it unlike your ordinary sunday brunch of mimosa or bloody mary. The mango mimosa and the sangria sakes are a must! I really liked the music they played in the dining room and only realized as we were leaving that there was a DJ out on the patio. Brilliant!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 13 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
tables outside were too low.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"tables outside were too low. Muaic was a little too loud. love speed that food came out. Food was great!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Tasty and Unique food - Great find!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I bought an online deal for Zengo and was very pleasantly surprised by the experience. The reviews were mixed, but we loved it! First, the muddled cocktails were to die for. We're usually wine drinkers, but the drinks were refreshing and inventive so we ended up with a sampling of cocktails with our meal instead! Each course was very flavorful and substantial. We weren't huge fans of the dulce de leche dessert, but we were so full from all the tasty savory dishes that it really didn't matter. We hear that the unlimited brunch with bottomless brunch beverages is amazing. We'll be back!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 15 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Definitely be back!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"All the food was AMAZING! Best edamame I've ever had, crispy tofu was delicious, and the desserts were to-die-for! Cocktails were inventive and flavorful. I went with a party of 6 and we had such a good time no-one wanted to say goodnight!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went for the all-you-can eat
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went for the all-you-can eat and drink brunch on Sunday. Simply amazing! Our server kept the food and drinks coming for a very demanding group of ten. The thai chicken empanadas, the shrimp pot-stickers, the steak benedict and the pan dulce were the favorites. We all had a great time, and when it started drizzling on us, we were promptly moved inside and given a great table and fresh drinks! We will definitely be back."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, hot spot
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Review 17 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great location! The staff
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great location! The staff could have been more attentive. Otherwise, it's a great way to try everything on the menu and not be too full. I will definitely be back. Hopefully the weather will get hotter!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 18 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The music was actually too
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The music was actually too loud to have a conversation without yelling. Other than that the food was amazing and the service was exceptional."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 19 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
underrated. Great food,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"underrated.
Great food, service, location.
AM"
Great food, service, location.
AM"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 20 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
REALLY delicious food, such
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"REALLY delicious food, such interesting combinations."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 21 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was my second visit to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was my second visit to Zengo Santa Monica. We had lunch in the outdoor dinning space June 2012. This past Saturday was to celebrate my birthday. On both occasions the wait staff were great and the food was delicious. At dinner my cousin ordered the tofu dish. It wasn't what she was expecting. The waitress immediately whisked away the dish, asked what my cousin would like instead and was courteous throughout. We will be going back soon to try out the brunch."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was fantastic. Many
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was fantastic. Many dishes to choose from that are small plates to share. We tried several and found each dish as great as the one before."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 23 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Needs a chef who can handle menu
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went on a weeknight so it was very quiet. Too bad the staff thought it meant they could take a nap. We had to go find the manager just to get someone to make an initial table visit.
As far as food, the ideas showed a spark, but either we got a second string cook on a Wednesday night, or the chef has problems in the kitchen. It was about a 50:50 chance on finding food we'd order again.
On the other hand, we sat outside, near a fire, under the warmers...very nice and quiet.
Do I plan on going back...no...too many places in Los Angeles area that have inventive menus and chefs who can back it up."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 24 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The brunch with bottomless
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The brunch with bottomless mimosas was a fun experience. The food was very good and there was a nice variety which helped satisfy the wide range of diets in our group."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 25 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great menu selection; clever
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great menu selection; clever and unique food selections"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food, ambience,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food, ambience, and service. Adrien was our waitress and she was outstanding!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went for lunch this time.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went for lunch this time. There weren't many people there, but the wait staff was attentive and helpful. The food as always interesting and delicious. We sat on the Patio which was perfect, it was a beautiful day in Santa Monica. I have been there before for dinner and the bar, and thought that was great. Lunch was as well. Just sorry there weren't more people there, but gave my group the opportunity to really focus on each other. I would definitely recommend Zengo for lunch as well as dinner, and drinks and tapas."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 28 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We booked a 9:30 reservation
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We booked a 9:30 reservation on Open Table because we had a friend in town and wanted to grab a bite. We were the only customers in the restaurant and towards the end of the meal it was made apparent that it was time to go. If they do not want to give guests enough time to enjoy their meal then they should block out later reservation slots on Open Table. I would have taken my guests somewhere else."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2009
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Review 29 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is our second time for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is our second time for the bottomless brunchand we think it's great! The assortment of small platesto choose from is fantastic and we had amazing service.The outdoor, patio setting on a sunny day is perfect, we'llgo back and tell our friends!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 30 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Extremely overpriced and very
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Extremely overpriced and very slow service. Small bites are very good but main dishes are mediocre."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
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Review 31 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Zengo has some very tasty,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Zengo has some very tasty, very inventive dishes that combine the best of both Latin and Asian cuisine. Everything we had here was exceptionally good."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 32 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing hidden gem!!! I want
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing hidden gem!!! I want to spread the word but I love it soo much I don't want too many people finding out about it. You can't beat this deal :)"
Dined on 02/24/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly
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Review 33 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband took me here after
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My husband took me here after we arrived in LA from Denver for my 50th birthday. What a great place! We love small plates, and the brunch small plates were amazing! Our server Patrick was great! The views from the mall were wonderful!"
Dined on 02/24/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 34 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I'm a fan of Zengo. Food is
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I'm a fan of Zengo. Food is excellent, and original. Thai Chicken empanadas are sensational, as are the duck tacos. Zengo has some weird rules about Happy Hour dining. The ensuing confusion about where you can or can't order Happy Hour items (in the bar and on the patio, but not in the dining room) and the division between hostesses, waiters and bartenders was odd and uncomfortable. We sat at a table close to the bar to try the yucca fries (only on the Happy Hour menu; can't get them in the dining room) and the hostess told Open Table we didn't honor our reservation. Seriously. Not very customer friendly. Waiters and bar staff did their best to make up for it. Policies like this may be holding Zengo back. Otherwise, great stuff."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 35 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went for Valentine's Day --
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for Valentine's Day -- excellent Filipino-Argentine fusion food, and impeccable service. Will go again!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 36 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
always pleasing
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I went with family and we had a great time. I have been before and tried some of the new food this time, which was great. The pan dulce was the overall hit of my table. My server was busy, but attentive. The only downside of the experience was when we were informed of $3 per person charge to eat cupcakes at the table that we brought in for 2 birthdays. Also do be aware of the 2 hour maximum on the table."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 37 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Energy! Great Brunch!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was excellent and food was great. My group of 4 was celebrating a birthday at the sunday brunch and we had a great time. We loved everything on the menu except the meatball dish and that was just because it didn't seem to be seasoned as well as the other dishes. For that and the fact that their brunch beverages we couldn't get just straight champagne or sparkling wine, I think it was all premixed, I gave Zengo 4 stars and not 5 on food. I do recommend this place though we had a great time."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, hot spot
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Review 38 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My friends and I went to Zengo
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My friends and I went to Zengo to celebrate my 30th birthday. We LOVED the weekend brunch so much we will try to make it a monthly thing :)"
Dined on 02/10/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 39 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was fabulous!! our server
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was fabulous!! our server recommended dishes and we liked all of them. I will go back."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch
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Review 40 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Clearly overrated. Feels like
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
"Clearly overrated. Feels like a quick food place in a fancy outfit and comlicated names on dishes"
Dined on 01/31/2013
2013
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Review 41 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Take A Pass
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sadly, this was an Epic fail! Some decent food but a terrible experience from start to finish. Service, Food Quality,Timing showed all lack of care.
The gross negligence - from table conditions, missing table settings, poor timing with food delivery, and long wait times, poor service, and some poor quality ingredients, it is clear there is an issue at every level of this operation."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2006
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Review 42 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great outdoor patio, great
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great outdoor patio, great design, but the food was mediocre. Servers delivered our starting plates at different times, one guest waiting about 5 minutes for their plate so getting when the others were done with theirs. Entrees arrived at different times too, and one of them arrived while the last person was still eating their appetizer."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2005
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Review 43 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Can't Miss in Santa Monica
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Zengo has become one of my go to spots for entertaining in Santa Monica. the Asian Latin Fusion is unique. The dishes are tasty and well prepared. Perhaps not the place for the pedestrian diner and there is a bit of adventure in every dish. The Duck Tacos and Shrimp Lettuce wraps are Highlights. But it is the ambiance that is truly the star! Outdoor and semi-outdoor dining over looking the Third Street Promenade, stunning sunsets, street musicians' notes rising from below. Great ingredients for a memorable evening."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 44 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service was a little too fast.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was a little too fast. My entree was brought to me while I was still working on my appetizer. I felt like I needed to hurry. It seemed like the food was a little mass chained produced. The waiter did not ask me how I wanted my ribs cooked. A little more rare would have been tastier.
It was also too dark there. We could barely see what was in our plate. I bit in a piece of fat when eating my meat because I couldn't see. A candle on the table would have been nice, or a bit more light even better.
The temperature was chilly towards the end."
It was also too dark there. We could barely see what was in our plate. I bit in a piece of fat when eating my meat because I couldn't see. A candle on the table would have been nice, or a bit more light even better.
The temperature was chilly towards the end."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view
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Review 45 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Find.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We knew nothing about this restaurant when we booked it, and were happily surprised with how good it was. The quality of the ingredients was impeccable, and portions were quite generous. I had the chicken empanadas for a starter; they brought 3, and the spicy curry sauce dribbled below was to die for. Salmon with achiote was moist, topped with micro greens, and finally a banana-topped individual chocolate cake with ice cream topped it off. A great meal. I'll be back."
Dined on 01/21/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 46 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great for a Sunday brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Brunch was a great find; $35 for unlimited food and drinks - the drinks were to choose from Bloody Mary's (way too much horseradish), mimosas (nice, not strong), bellini (ok), sangria ( was ok), and then any food of the menu; you can order whatever you want for as long as you like (2 hour time limit on the table). Sushi was good, the hash was GREAT, I'd stay away from the chicken satay - wasn't cooked properly, but otherwise, it was a great brunch. They have an outdoor area, which was lovely, not too hot but the breeze was lovely, and there was lots of space. A great place for a bunch of people to meet up, catch up and eat till your hearts content."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 47 for Zengo - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was my first time at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was my first time at Zengo and I really enjoyed it. We ordered a variety of items to share and everything was amazing. The Waygu Beef was exceptional. Great atmosphere, a little dark outside during the evening hours but otherwise everything was great."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Zengo - Santa Monica
Based on the average of (52) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic