Reserve now:
Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake BarReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs Restaurant Reviews >
Philadelphia Restaurant Reviews >
Old City Restaurant Reviews >
Japanese Restaurant Reviews
Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar Reviews List
Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
*Free Validated parking located at Sky Park (Indoor Garage) 37 S 2nd St on the NE corner of 2nd and Chestnut St
Sexy and trendy two-story spacious establishment with a full liquor and premium sake bar. The main dining room welcomes you with a 10 ft long sushi bar, attended by our talented and skilled chefs. Then few steps away is the full liquor bar fills with good selections of top shelf liquors and premium sakes for all preferences. The warm table setting welcomes our guests to enjoy a fine meal. The 2nd floor dining room is also occupied by a full liquor and premium sake bar, overlooking the dining room on the first floor. This stylish room can be used for large private parties or special events.
See more Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar details
Sexy and trendy two-story spacious establishment with a full liquor and premium sake bar. The main dining room welcomes you with a 10 ft long sushi bar, attended by our talented and skilled chefs. Then few steps away is the full liquor bar fills with good selections of top shelf liquors and premium sakes for all preferences. The warm table setting welcomes our guests to enjoy a fine meal. The 2nd floor dining room is also occupied by a full liquor and premium sake bar, overlooking the dining room on the first floor. This stylish room can be used for large private parties or special events.
105 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 105 reviews
5 stars
(29)
4 stars
(42)
3 stars
(25)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(6)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(48)
- neighborhood gem(31)
- romantic(29)
- special occasion(22)
- hot spot(17)
- good for groups(15)
Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar Reviews List
Review 1 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Sushi Experience in Philly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The family and I went here for mother's day dinner. All of the entrees (Chirashi, Sushi Combo, a few specialty rolls) were incredibly fresh and beautifully-presented. When we first sat down it was a bit drafty, but we mentioned it to our server and he immediately fixed the problem. The motto at Zento seems to be 'Above and Beyond'. Definitely my favorite sushi restaurant in Philadelphia."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a great first sushI and sake experience only thing I would change is where I was seated it was upstairs next to the ice machine and sink"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great Service and Sushi. Drinks were better than most upscale bars."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best sushi in the city!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The sushi was amazing. Have eaten at the top sushi restaurants in the city and think this one is the best based upon sushi quality and selection, cocktails, decor and service."
Dined on 3/28/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great space, great food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My friends and I wanted to try a new sushi place with good food and lots of room to enjoy (our favorite joint is way too small). The decor here is so cool, and the staff put our orders in, but waited to make them until our friend, who was running late, arrived! I stuck with the basics (spicy tuna and yellowtail rolls), while my friend got the Volcano roll.Definitely worth a taste!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious food and sultry
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious food and sultry ambiance"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Wont be back
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The hostesses were very cold/unpleasant/unaccommodating; we were sat next to the bar and for most of our meal some employees were hanging out with some guests basically right over our table, loud and too close to us; I had a special request on my order for no cucumber that I took care to explain clearly and I was not accommodated. The host abruptly came to our table half way through our meal and let us know that there is a $45.00 minimum in credit cards. (That is a greedy policy on the restaurant's part, for one thing.) Finally, gratuity was already added to my bill, though we were only a party of 3 and our bill was under $50.00. Gratuity should not be automatic, it should be given for good service to maintain a high standard of service."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The 7 course "chef's choice"
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The 7 course "chef's choice" meal isn't really a true chef's choice. I've had it twice and it was the same series of dishes. C'mon, even Morimoto asks you if you've ever been there before and tries to serve you different things each time you go. I tried to get a substitute for the chicken teriyaki but the server said no. It would be nice if they were more accommodating."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We tried the 7 course tasting
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We tried the 7 course tasting menu. This was more like a fusion meal. The soup was good, the crab cakes were average. The white fish dish was excellent, but the slivers were paper thin, left me unfulfilled. The sushi and teriyaki chiken were average.
The service was excellent.
The service was excellent.
Probably better to stick to traditional sushi here."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always fresh. The staff is
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always fresh. The staff is excellent. The only complaint I ahev is that the dishes all came out so quickly that we did not have an excuse to linger."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
BYOB. Very knowledgeable staff.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"BYOB. Very knowledgeable staff. Excellent selection, with unique specialty roles. The crab-miso-soup was delicous."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food and Service are great,dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food and Service are great,dining area is really small,you feel like eating elbow to elbow with people from the other table."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
6 1/2 course meal not 7
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The 7 course meal wasnt worth the price at all luckily I got it from groupon. Even the amount I paid still not really worth it. The food is good but it's very tiny portion and we have to share the dessert. so technically its 6 and a half course meal not 7. I asked a regular cosmo cocktail instead of white peach cosmo that they have and the waiter said it's on the cocktail manu we can't make it. really? you can't make me a cosmo? the place is nice food is good service is ok. I will go back to try their specialty sushi."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2005
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, late-night find
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
My husband got his dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband got his dinner after we were all done eating."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service was generic E althoufhmfri
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was generic
E althoufhmfriemdlhy 0 our cocktails came out fcsfodwmfouer first course ofcjwds t"
E althoufhmfriemdlhy 0 our cocktails came out fcsfodwmfouer first course ofcjwds t"
Dined on 03/13/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
First off, our waiter, Jeffrey,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First off, our waiter, Jeffrey, was awesome; friendly and knowledgeable. 7 courses were amazing! Best miso ever,white fish was awesome, chicken & spinach wonderful & I don't ever eat chicken breasts, sushi fantastic. How do YOU spell FRESH?! Bronzini sushi? OH YEAH!! Tofu cheesecake & mochi were the perfect ending to this delightful experience. We me Darren, one of the owners and he was great."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not worth the time and money
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"While the sushi was good, we had a Living Social deal for a chef's tasting menu. The other food items were weak: calamar salad bland, crab cakes were over breaded little pucks and we could not even finish the dessert. The service was brutally slow, granted it was Saturday night...but there was barely an acknowledgement by our server....several occasions, one of us got up to retreave our cocktails from the end of the bar.
Bottom line, it was not worth the expense for middle of the road sushi."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
7 course meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had the 7 course chef menu and we had a wide variety of tastings. Just a few notes:
Mussels miso soup could have been a bit more seasoned otherwise came hot, calamari salad was fantastic just the right spices on the fried calamari and the dressed sald light and clean,the small 2 disc like crabcakes resembled a 50 cent piece and definatey not real crab,the whitefish carpaccio just fine, the chicen was very good along with the saute spinach and mushrooms but the best of all was the 4 sushi rolls and the 4 sushi pieces!, dessert was a shared 1 plate which I thought should have each had dessert served!
The 2 tvs had Asian program on not very interesting but the background music was nice!"
Mussels miso soup could have been a bit more seasoned otherwise came hot, calamari salad was fantastic just the right spices on the fried calamari and the dressed sald light and clean,the small 2 disc like crabcakes resembled a 50 cent piece and definatey not real crab,the whitefish carpaccio just fine, the chicen was very good along with the saute spinach and mushrooms but the best of all was the 4 sushi rolls and the 4 sushi pieces!, dessert was a shared 1 plate which I thought should have each had dessert served!
The 2 tvs had Asian program on not very interesting but the background music was nice!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Big let down. Used to be great
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Big let down. Used to be great sushi place. Will not return."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice 7 course menu. Very reasonable
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice 7 course menu. Very reasonable drink prices. White fish carpaccio was excellent."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, questionable $ value
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a living social "coupon" for $70 for chef's tasting menu for two. The normal price for the chef's tasting menu for two was supposedly $140 according to the living social deal. For $70 I think it was worth it, but I would never have paid $140 for the meal. It was a good meal, 7 courses - which of course includes the miso soup and salad courses, and dessert course. There were 2 raw fish courses, one crabcake course, and one chicken teriyaki course. The food was very good, just wish there was a bit more of it! The service was excellent, very attentive, but the seating was cramped and we were put right near the front door (feeling blasts of cold winter air every time the door opened). Also, the floor was vibrating (HVAC below us??)"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was excellent. We had
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was excellent. We had a group of 8 and everyone loved the sushi."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Zento
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant is very good. The atmosphere is casual, but the service couldn't have been more attentive or friendly. The food was of excellent quality and would recommend to couples and groups!"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The 7 course tasting was via
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The 7 course tasting was via the groupon was good, however I would not go back for that. I would go back to try some more of their sushi menu as the one roll that came with the tasting was pretty good and we did not get to try as much of the sushi as I would have liked."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
we had a 7 course tasting
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"we had a 7 course tasting through living social, which was super! the food was awesome and the saki options were really a thrill. the only drawback was the service, which was a bit slow especially to start-- though all the servers were quite nice. the seating was also a tad tight, though we managed to survive squeezing between two tables to seat ourselves! the hostess was very accommodating though, and shifted out seating away from the bar once we requested it. very nice of her and management!!!!
s we plan to trying Zento out again, and trust we'll enjoy it!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We got the shrimp dumplings
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We got the shrimp dumplings and 4 different sushi rolls...all were outstanding!
The white peach cosmo was very tasty!"
The white peach cosmo was very tasty!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was astonishingly good.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was astonishingly good. We got the chef's tasting menu and while the portions were small (as expected since it was 7 courses) everything was cooked to perfection. The night we were there, the menu included miso w/ mussels, calamari, crabcakes, chicken teriyaki, 2 sushi dishes and dessert. The sushi was the freshest I've ever encountered. Only lowlight was dessert -- it was fine, but nothing special.
Service is very fast and friendly. The space itself is beautiful, although the tables are packed in tighter than is really comfortable.
We'll definitely be back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 29 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good and interesting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good and interesting food. Loved the miso soup with mussels and calamari salad"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 30 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The sushi was actually good.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The sushi was actually good. However, everything else was mediocre at best."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 31 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sushi and mixed drinks were
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sushi and mixed drinks were excellent, everything else was kind of subpar. Reasonably priced for the quality. Service was great and our table was wonderful."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 32 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is really good Sushi,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is really good Sushi, but you do pay for it. We used to go to the old location when it was BYOB. Now with the bar the cost of dining has increased. The food is a little more expensive than normal sushi, but it is top quality. When we went they made me Wagu Beef Carpaccio even though it is not on the menu. That dish is one of the best tasting things that I have ever eaten. The Chef used to work at Morimoto and the food is on par."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 33 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Tried Zento with a Groupon.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Tried Zento with a Groupon. Got a 7-course tasting menu for two people. Some dishes were incredible and some were just forgetable filler. I feel the "retail" value of the menu we got was greatly inflated and would never pay what they say it was worth.
The calamari salad and whitefish carpaccio where incredible and alone, were worth the trip.
Service was extremely friendly and attentive and for that reason I would return for sure."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 34 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service was awful. They messed
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was awful. They messed up our bill, and the food...the food were terrrrrible! The fish was old and the pieces were small and chewy. Don't risk it. Go elsewhere."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
Share:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 35 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
7 Course Tasing Meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had the 7 course tasting meal, which was a Living Social coupon. The first five dishes were brought promptly in succession, then there was a lag. Honestly, at that point we were getting full and the break was kind of welcome. The dishes were: miso soup with mussels, calamari salad, whitefish carpaccio, homemade crabcake, two sushi rolls, and mochi ice cream (two flavors to split). Everything was delicious. The calamari salad was my favorite. Overall, good experience!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 36 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Thank you soo much for accommodatin
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Thank you soo much for accommodating our family for my sister's birthday (I know we were a little loud). The food was fantastic!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 37 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
YUM sushi!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Best Sushi in Philadelphia!! I love this place and I can't wait to go back! My favorite food options: Sweet potato tempura roll, grilled mushroom roll, udon vegetable soup and mochi icecream in vanilla and strawberry flavors.
The staff here is really friendly and courteous, my friend dropped a glass of water on her sushi rolls and the waiter came right away to replace the roll which I thought was really nice! The service is quick...no time wasted.
Can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 38 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Pretty Darn Good
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I like sushi. I wouldn't say I love it. But this place really impressed me. Service was fairly fast although not stellar. Ambiance is nice but a bit cramped. But the sushi makes it worthwhile. We tried a bunch of the specialty rolls so I can't speak of any of the other items. The duck roll lives up to its popularity and the Mexican roll was my favorite. Sushi for the most part often tastes about the same to me but this is the first place where my palate experienced multiple flavors in a single bite. Pricing is definitely $$. I'd definitely come again."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 39 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Yummy and fresh
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Sushi rolls and sashimi were super tasty. Fish was super fresh. Brought my own wine and was charged a $10 corking fee - not too bad. A little close-quarters with other diners, certainly cozy with strangers. A bit on the pricey side, but that's what you get for dining in Old City."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 40 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent sushi, smaller place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Excellent sushi, smaller place with great atmosphere"
Dined on 02/11/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 41 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Worth a Try
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Interesting place, we didn't look at the menu since we had a living social deal for the tasting menu, so not sure about all that is offered or the value/price. We thought what we paid for the 7 course tasting menu was fair, but it was supposedly a "deal" and we thought if it really cost more than that, it would be overpriced.
Although it's really small, and it was crowded, it never got too loud and the service was great."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 42 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The cramp quarters ruined
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The cramp quarters ruined the meal. Who did they bribe at L&I to fit so many seats in such a small place? The food was adequate (if overpriced), the sake decent, but the atmosphere was so bad that I will not return."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 43 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent sushi and excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent sushi and excellent sake bar. Perfect for those looking for high quality sushi alternative to the hyped up experience of Morimoto. Service was fantastic as well, which make the meal even better."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 44 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
very friendly staff, good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"very friendly staff, good food and romantic setting"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 45 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Poor quality of food; slow
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Poor quality of food; slow service; not worth the price they charge you for."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 46 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Free Parking
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This place was surprisingly fantastic. They validate your parking but you must get the sticker before you park. Not a big fan of tvs in the dining room."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 47 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We ate the chefs tasting menu
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We ate the chefs tasting menu through a Groupon deal- it was AMAZING. Every course was delicious and we were very satisfied yet not overly full. Their selection of drinks and sakes was fabulous and we ordered two bottles of sake (the coconut and the leechee) which were both delicious. Such a lovely evening!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 48 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
a bit disorganized. After
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"a bit disorganized. After we were seated the hostess called my cell phone to ask if I was coming for the reservation! The waitress mixed up our order and took a long time to rectify it, and it was only soup. The food was ok but the service needs work....big time!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 49 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Never Disappoints
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have been going to Zento for awhile now and were thrilled when it moved to a larger space with a bar. But the food is what brings is here every time. The Flaming Dragon roll is my favorite. We brought out-of-town friends this time, who are new fans."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 50 for Zento Contemporary Japanese Cuisine + Sake Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Zento is our favorite sushi spot in town - we are here often and the sushi is always delicious! Can't go wrong here."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.