Zen Japanese Izakaya

Absolutely love this place! Food is great, the Karaage and Gyoza are some of the best of these hot dishes I have found in the area, both perfectly crispy and tender. The service from the staff is always excellent, they are so kind and friendly! And the atmosphere is both cozy and elegant. We have been here six times now this year and can’t wait to go again!

Pretty quiet, the waitress comes along often to ask whether we need anything, the rice and noodles are average, but the sushi were pretty fresh and good.

I truly enjoyed my experience at this restaurant. The interior design is beautifully done, incorporating Japanese cultural elements that create a serene and authentic atmosphere. The sashimi was incredibly fresh, and the food presentation was impeccable, showcasing great attention to detail. My only minor complaint is the portion sizes, but I understand the high operational costs in this area and the ever-increasing labor expenses. The staff’s passion and attentiveness, however, more than made up for it. It’s a fantastic spot for a special meal, and I would gladly return.

Found this hidden gen off Shepherds just last Thursday, and today we are back for Mother’s Day lunch. Zen Japanese Izakaya has the best tasting rolls and freshest sashimi in Houston. The Japanese style decos are beautiful, service is excellent. My husband loves the Otoro. They a little pricy, but so fresh and melt in the mouth. I ordered sushi lunch special, Salmon & Salmon, Spicy Tuna. All are excellent. We ordered two bento boxes for our 10 year old kids, they love it. So it’s great that we can bring the kids here even though they are not fun or sushi. The food was beautifully presented too. We will be back.

They have a lot of high quality and lesser known fish cuts flown in from Japan. Everything tasted great. Their chawanmushi was prob one of the best I’ve ever had. It’s a cozy small atmosphere and the service was kinda lacking for me, my table didn’t get refills and the next table was getting their food out so fast vs mine, idk if each table is assigned a different staff member or what 🥲

Don’t let the outside appearance fool you! Zen Japanese Izakaya resides in an older strip of mostly vacant businesses on Shepard, but it is a diamond in the rough! Authentic Japanese cuisine awaits you inside with excellent service! I recommend you give it a try.

I came back after a few years of break and I regret I didn’t come sooner :) This bento is delicious with the Japanese style hamburger as the main feature. The eggplant shigiyaki was hot enough but didn’t burn my mouth. You may not think this as a standard Japanese lunch, but it is very much so and I can’t find many restaurants who serves it, and who cooks it well. The Wagyu burger lunch with all the yummy side dishes for $19. That’s awesome!

I am Japanese. I think Zen is one of the most authentic and reasonably priced Japanese restaurants in Houston. Love Bento box in weekday lunch and Happy hour (4:30-6pm).