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Japanese Restaurant Reviews
Zen Sai Reviews List
Zen Sai
Zen Sai is a Japanese-inspired restaurant in the heart of South Beach at the Essex House Hotel. Zen Sai brings a unique social dining experience to South Beach with small plates and large sharing plates of fresh seafood and robata-grilled items from Chef Mike Hiraga accompanied by a robust sake and cocktail list.
Signature items at Zen Sai include Fried Bok Choy, Black Cod with Yuzu Miso Sauce, Scallion Wrapped Ribeye, Pork Belly with Asparagus, Octopus Salad, Miso-Mustard Glazed Sea Bass, and Rock Shrimp Tempura with Serrano Aioli and Worcestershire Sauce.
Zen Sai also features an extensive wine list, fine sakes and specialty sake cocktails to complement menu items.
See more Zen Sai details
49 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 49 reviews
5 stars
(36)
4 stars
(9)
3 stars
(2)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for outdoor dining(39)
- fit for foodies(32)
- romantic(22)
- special occasion(18)
- neighborhood gem(17)
- good for groups(15)
Zen Sai Reviews List
Review 1 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Honestly I can not remember the last time we has service this good. The host, our server, the buser, all were fantastic!"
Dined on 4/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 2 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What a gem! so glad we learned about this place through Gilt City Miami. Fantastic food, super friendly service, good Miami Beach scene and reasonable prices. Will go back!"
Dined on 4/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The seating is out doors on
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The seating is out doors on the patio of the historic Essex house hotel. The ambiance is nice tucked back between Washington and Collins. The food was excellent. We tried the squid jerky, tuna tartar, bacon wrapped scallops, prosciutto roll, and finished with bread pudding. Along with some excellent sake to wash it down."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 4 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Try something from each part
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Try something from each part of the menu!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 5 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
5 stars for food mbience and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"5 stars for food mbience and service"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 6 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
WE ARE WOWED by this GEM
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"WOW. WHAT A GEM. Took us over an hour to get there, but it was really worth it. FAB FOOD, DELISH DRINKS, REALLY knowledgeable staff, cute place in the middle of SoBea. Am excited to go back and share this gem with friends"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 7 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The best "West Coast" sushi
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The best "West Coast" sushi option in Miami."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 8 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Good food, god awful service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
"We were sat outside by a pool next to the shrubbery. Fair enough, he restaurant was busy, ususally a good sign. However, the overly causal approach of all of the staff except Andrew made it feel like I was at my lazy buudy's house to watch a game and eat some snacks. The food was actually pretty good but they managed to get our order wrong no fewer than 3 times (small plates).
Improve the service and this place could be a gem."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2010
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Review 9 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food at Zen Sai
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food at Zen Sai was outstanding. The fried bok choi was crisp and not greasy at all. The Sea Bass with Black Bean Sauce just melted in your mouth. The King Crab roll was very flavorful. Service was attentive. Would definitely recommend."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 10 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic service and superb
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fantastic service and superb food. Will definitely be back."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Booked the restaurant using
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Booked the restaurant using a Gilt special to try it out - food was very good and service was exceptional - our waiter was very attentive and accomodating to ensure we had a great experience"
Dined on 03/12/2013
2011
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Review 12 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had. Great time, the food was delicious & our waiter was friendly & very knowledgeable"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Some of the best service on
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Some of the best service on the beach. The food was out of this world! We went 2 days ago & we are still thinking about the food."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely loved Zen Sai!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Absolutely loved Zen Sai! I really enjoyed the small plate style so that I was able to try a handful of different dishes on the menu. Not only was the food delicious, but the service was excellent. We got our food fast, the waiters were friendly and knowledgeable and we did not feel rushed at all. Overall, our meal at Zen Sai was an excellent experience."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 15 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
EXTREMELY SMALL PORTIONS FOR THE PR
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This restaurant tries. The food is good and inventive, but the portions are shockingly small. Ordered the miso cod. Four tiny pieces of fish for $16 No sides, no rice included. The service is good, but we were the only people there."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2010
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Review 16 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was fabulous! Every dish
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was fabulous! Every dish we tried was interesting and delicious. Our waiter was great -- knowledgable, friendly, and spot on with his recommendations. Nothing bad to say about this place!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 17 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great restaurant around the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great restaurant around the corner from all of the noise and action of Ocean Drive.
Interesting and delicious menu. Order something from each section and sample a variety of things.
Especially liked the garbanzo spring rolls, organic chicken skewers and spicy tuna rolls.
Great discount if you are staying at the Essex Hotel where it is located."
Interesting and delicious menu. Order something from each section and sample a variety of things.
Especially liked the garbanzo spring rolls, organic chicken skewers and spicy tuna rolls.
Great discount if you are staying at the Essex Hotel where it is located."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 18 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was my favorite place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was my favorite place on our trip. our server was amazing. we ordered multiple things he requested and I was not unhappy. the food was great! lots of great selections. it definitely caters to seafood lovers and has a Japanese theme with everything and everyone. I will for sure be returning to Zen Sai."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 19 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Casual dining - good food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food! Restaurant is in a boutique Miami beach hotel so a little casual but the menu items really make the place pop out. The garbanzo spring rolls with creamy curry cilantro were amazing. I saw a few recommendations for the soy glazed cod fish so tried it out. It was a little too fishy for my taste. Very casual restaurant and atmosphere. I would definitely like to try the place out for happy hour."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved it. Purchased a special from Gilt. Our waiter Zack was amazing. The coord and drinks were better than expected. Really wonderful experience"
Dined on 02/12/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 21 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food is great but the service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food is great but the service was the best."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic experience in south beach
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went with three couples. Lots of small plates, great variety, terrific saki as well...
What was the most pleasant surprise was then super staff attitude and efficiency. This combined with a fantastic environment and a noise level that made it possible to enjoy conversation with our friends. Highly recommend this if you are in South Beach"
Dined on 01/31/2013
2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 23 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic experience! Cozy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fantastic experience! Cozy and comfortable, in a great environment. Quiet enough to have ongoing conversation. Right next to the beach and several party spots for after dinner. AMAZING FOOD. Servers are all friendly and helpful. A little pricey but worth it especially if you want to impress. Loved the ambiance. Check out the Pics online, it's exactly how it looks. Small but very nice."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything was excellent,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was excellent, from the scenery to the service to the food. The staff and servers were all friendly and professional. The food.wad so good I had endorphins afterwards, seriously! The only downside is that it is pricey, but you know what they say... You get what you pay for!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 25 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food is amazing and the specialty
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is amazing and the specialty cocktails are outstanding. Service is great and the ambiance is beautiful too. You don't need much more from a restaurant!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Zen Sai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our experience at Zen Sai
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our experience at Zen Sai was fantastic. Our daughter gave us a groupon certificate for Christmas which we used and it was perfect! The food was delicious and the service was great!"
Dined on 01/24/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Zen Sai
Based on the average of (23) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic