Zengo, which translates to "give 'n take", merges flavors of Chef Richard Sandoval's heritage with his passion for Asian cuisine. This melding of flavors and cultures results in intriguing shareable dishes.
"Food was very good, especially appetizers/small dishes. Main problem in terms of qualify of experience was that it was a Sunday evening and there were relatively few diners, and the food came out too quickly, rushing the meal."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"This was my third visit to Zengo. Maybe my last. Food was only fair. Seemed like the kitchen really did not care or no one was watching. No flavor, and only warm to cool, certainly not hot. With the concept of bringing out the food items when ready, hard to wonder why the items would not be hot. Service was very nice, food and ambience only average."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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"Zengo has wonderfully creative and tasty food. The noise level is NOT energetic. It's obnoxious. It is way too loud and unsuitable for dinner. Too bad cause the food and service are great. The light at the tables is a bit too low too."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"We had been to Zengo a few months after it opened. We liked it but didn't have a chance to return until now. This time we let our waitress choose a significant selection of small plates. Each was excellent. The bar downstairs is energetic and noisy but fun. The restaurant upstairs is eclectic and comfortable. While the restaurant was full and vibrant, it wasn't loud. Highly recommend Zengo. It is surprisingly good. Now we are going to try other Richard Sandoval restaurants."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Just a great restaurant!! The greeter at the door was especially welcoming, engaging and extremely pleasant!! I was happy before I even was seated at my table! Wish I knew his name; young African Anerican!! Give that man a raise !!
-Lynda Rothschild"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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"A group of friends and I attended brunch at Zengo recently. It was a great deal! It is a prix fixe price so bring your appetite and order everything on the menu (plus a swathe of bottomless drinks). Everything was really delicious (the plantains stick out most in my memory). To get the most bang for your buck, be hungry and order lots of fun, small plates."
Dined on 4/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch
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"I went here because the client wanted to meet here for lunch. It struck me as a late night spot for 20 somethings and probably a lot of fun. Possibly not the best spot for a business lunch, but the food was good and the wait staff very attentive and fast."
Dined on 5/03/2013
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"We have been to Zengos several times, this was even better than some of our past times. The server went out of his way to point out some parts of the menu that we hadnt noticed before. The crispy calamari salad was wonder, the fried rice was great and we tried the fried yuca plate (recommended) and it was so good we ordered another one. Finished off with one of our favorites desserts - churros with chocolate."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"My sister and I went here for dinner, and walked away extremely pleased. The ceviche is excellent, as was the rockfish. We also loved the bok choy kimchee - the bok choy is grilled and then spiced with kimchee flavors. Delicious. The bar/lounge downstairs was a bit noisy, but the upstairs dining area was a little quieter - still an energetic scene, but we could definitely hear ourselves talk. Good value for the price."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene
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"The food here is amazing and unlike every other restaurant in China Town, you can actually get in here without making a reservation 3 weeks in advance. There aren't any beers on draft here, but there's a good selection of bottles, cocktails and wine. The food is also great for sharing around."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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"We really enjoyed the small plates at Zengo, every one of which was a surprise and absolutely delicious. And then the desserts were incredible too - we shared three of them and they were all great, but the mango mousse topped them all. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, hot spot
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"We started out the evening with Zengo not being my first choice. Wow, was I glad I as wrong! Make reservations if you plan to go, they were packed. But with a reservation, we showed to our table the moment we arrived. The food is an odd choice of Asian Hispanic fusion and it WORKS. Everything we had was wonderful. For a drink, I highly recommend the Saki Sangria martini. Delicious! The food was great. Their miso soup was the best I’ve ever has as was the stone cooked beef dish Simply “WOW.” We ordered about 6 different things for 3 of us and couldn’t eat it all. Next time we’ll save room for dessert . Can’t wait to go back (Oh and they are close to the Verizon for you sports fans!!)"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
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"I went to Zengo for my 2 year anniversary with my boyfriend. We both thought that it was the perfect place to have our date night because the ambiance was great. We're pretty adventurous with food so we though that the Latin Asian fusion was interesting and something we should try. Zengo serves in small portions which is pretty understandable because the flavor is different that one cannot eat a pig portion of it in one meal. The presentation of the food is awesome and really looks like work put into it. If you're in the mood to explore and dine fancily, I recommend Zengo."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"It was a fantastic Brunch experience. It is well staffed, so service is prompt and fast. You cannot beat the brunch price fix deal. It is $35 all you can eat small plates and all you can drink of a very good selection of drinks. Highly recommended."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2008
Special Features: great for brunch
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"Cod and salmon entrees were delicious. Very noisy. Good spot if you're not in a hurry. When they get busy it's hard to get the attention of your server."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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"This is one of my favorite restaurants. It's right above the Gallery Place Metro on the Red Line, so it's really convenient. The food is AMAZING! There is a separate menu for vegetarians, vegans and also those who can't eat gluten. We went on a night when the Caps were playing, so it was noisy. It is usually quieter. HIGHLY recommend for foodies!"
Dined on 04/23/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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"I have to say, I had no expectations for brunch, but whether it was the guava mimosa or the passion fruit mimosa, or the endless selection of tapas plates from which to choose, my guest and I left feeling full and satisfied in more ways than we could count. The food was so flavorful and a delightful change from the traditional brunch. If you are new to the City, you should definitely check this out. If you are a regular to the various haunts for Sunday brunch, Zengo DC venturing into the brunch market is an adventure every foodie and human benefits. To match the eclectic food offerings the staff were equally personable and added to the level of completeness."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, hot spot
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"If you are seeking fusion, I recommend Zengo. The atmosphere is great for lunch or dinner. It is hard for me to choose between dishes. So, we get them all and share :-)"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
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"Absolutely amazing food! MG, our server, made phenomenal recommendations. I can't say enough good things about experience. The flavors were vibrant and unique, and everyone's food was exception."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This was our second time at Zengo and the food, again, was awesome. Everything we ordered was delicious (won ton tacos, crispy tofu, rockfish, and steak) but the dessert wasn't very good (Mexican chocolate tart...dry and flavorless). The drinks were good too but not very strong. But if you like interesting and very tasty fusion food, you can't go wrong with this place!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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"Our evening at Zengo was very enjoyable and I look forward to going back. The host greeted us so warmly. We had a lovely table by the window. The service was prompt and efficient. I enjoyed my Riesling, my water glass was always filled and the dishes my beau and I shared were terrific -- tuna tataki salad, veggie tacos (3 small tacos, but very tasty) and mushroom pastries. And the chocolate mousse cake was a delicious sweet ending. Three shared dishes and a shared dessert left us satisfied, and not overly full. All in all, I have only nice things to say and we'll be back."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
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"Zengo has wonderful Asian-Latin fusion small plates, great combinations of flavors. This was my second visit, and just as good as the first. It is a keeper."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Our waiter was much more interested in the party of three single women at the next table than my husband and I, and as a result, our service was not good. We ordered a variety of dishes from both the regular and the vegetarian menu. We told the waiter when we ordered that we had theater tickets; he responded that "the food was designed to be shared" and would be delivered as it was ready. Based on that philosophy, we were almost late for the performance. Of the six dishes we ordered, not a single one was memorable, and the flavor profiles were disappointing. The predominent taste of the green papaya salad was "cold." The portion sizes were quite small given the prices. We would never eat here again, nor recommend the restaurant."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2006
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"Good menu for brunch. Interesting mix ranging from sushi to empanadas. The all you can drink includes all brunch cocktails which is great. Not going to be a regular brunch spot at $35 a person but good atmosphere for a special occasion."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, special occasion
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"Zengo is the perfect place for all occasions! The ambiance is upbeat and trendy, the service is impeccable, and most importantly, the food is outstanding every time. Delicate flavors of apple, duck confit, and daikon radish mixed into one unforgettable taco - Zengo's food will unquestionably impress foodies and non-foodies alike. This is an unforgettable dining experience in a reasonable price range."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"This is quickly becoming our favorite "pre Caps game" restaurant. Service is quick so you can get in and out in around an hour if you are trying to make the beginning of a Verizon Center event. The food is excellent. Loved the Black Cod and the Short Ribs."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Overall, an enjoyable meal. The waitress was very friendly, though she disappeared towards the end of the meal; it was busy, but we (just like everyone else!) were heading to the Caps game and wanted to settleup our bill, which took a long time. There was a solid selection of food and it was all pretty good; the only thing we weren't crazy for was the beef with yucca (way oversalted). Would go here again before an event at the Verizon Center; not sure I'd go back if it wasn't for the location, though."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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"Food was excellent and kitchen was very fast. Take your time ordering your main courses or you may still be working on your apps. I had the strip steak covered lump crab meat and hollandaise it was excellently cooked and flavorful it was a bit over-sauced in my opinion but an excellent choice. The salmon was exceptional served over brussel sprouts, bok choy, shimeji mushrooms, and tom yum broth. Delicate, flaky, and perfectly cooked. It was the best salmon I have eaten in many years. This is a place I will eat at over and over again."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"An Asian-Latin fusion that works. Zengo has a large menu of small plates, and every plate we ordered was fantastic -- an unbelievably tasty combination of flavors an textures. By far, the empanadas are the best. I'm still dreaming about the pear empanada for dessert. Service prior to the Caps game was friendly, efficient, fast but not rushed. We will return."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We celebrated my daughter's birthday and the food was great. The special entree, NY steak with yuca manchego, TK yuca, rockfish, short ribs, carnitas noodles, kobe beef, and the other food we ordered were awesome."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"My girlfriend chose Zengo for her birthday Lunch so off we went. It was my first time attending but she had been several times. The ambiance was amazing. We both ordered the grilled chicken torta with fries. WONDERFUL! All in all it was a great experience. I will be back again."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"We ate at Zengo before the hockey game. The waiter was incredible. We told him we weren't in a hurry, so he didn't rush the courses. We had Angry Zengo, Yuca Con Chicharron, Pan Roasted Rockfish and Char Siu Chicken Breast. All were excellent. For dessert we had Churros Y Chocolate. A perfect ending to a fabulous experience."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Wonderful service and great food. Highly suggested to those who love to eat and enjoy drinks while dining. The service is also second to none. I had one of the best waiters in all of DC for my brunch."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch
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"the food was great. the brunch deal is great. the only issue is that since it is all you can eat the waiters get overwhelmed and it took a long time to get our order and there were some mystery things that ended up at our table that we definitely did not order
but all of the food was great the drinks were great
will go back again"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch
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"Went for dinner after a long day of sightseeing in the DC area. We were tired and thirsty and it was the perfect place!! Service was so wonderful, our waiter made us feel at home and shared stories and recipes with us. They even chopped our coconut after our cerviche to have tableside. Food was all fabulous. We had duck, chicken, shrimp, tuna and everything was a wonderful meld of flavors and spices. All different so had fun trying many different dishes. Can't wait for our next sightseeing Sunday so we can go back. Next time will try the beautiful prickly pear margarita!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"This was my 4th time at Zengo and it just keeps getting better and better each time. The food is so fresh and flavorful, and is presented in creative ways. The service is excellent as well with knowledgeable and friendly servers. I am already looking forward to my next dinner at Zengo!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"I generally enjoy Zengo's but during my last visit, the service was horrid. Waited 45 minutes for food and the waiter could not remember what time the drink specials began. Disappointed."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
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"Fantastic dinner! Went before Wizards game and were able to eat relatively quick. Food was amazing - unusual combinations that really worked. We have never had Latin/Asian fusion and thought each dish was unique. Our server was excellent - she had great suggestions for food as well as drinks. Will definitely go back!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"My friend and I had tickets for a concert at the Verizon center and wanted to eat fairly close to the venue. I found this restaurant on Opentable and thought we should give it a try. What a find! It's very hip and trendy inside with 2 levels for dining and a sizable bar on each. There were so many delicious varieties of food choices on the menu, it took us forever to decide! We ordered a few sushi appetizers, the Edamame (they have an OX version which was outstanding), Spring Rolls and one of the most delicious Black Cod dishes I have ever had (Sorry Nobu!) I can't wait to go back and try a few more that looked and smelled delicious. The wait staff was outstanding and very attentive clearing our plates constantly and checking in."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2002
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"Great place to eat before an event or concert. Tapas style and main dishes allow the dining party to share or not, or to avoid eating too much. Good energetic scene."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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