Tenzan

In the vibrant tapestry of New York City's dining scene, a neighborhood staple that consistently delivers on taste and value is truly a treasure. On the Upper West Side, Tenzan has been that reliable Japanese restaurant for years, serving as a go-to spot for countless locals craving everything from fresh sushi and sashimi to comforting hot entrees like teriyaki and katsu. With a reputation for offering quality Japanese cuisine at accessible prices, Tenzan has carved out a significant niche, becoming a part of the daily routine for many New Yorkers in the area.

Tenzan prides itself on its broad menu, ensuring that there's something to satisfy every craving. Whether you're in the mood for classic sushi rolls, a substantial bento box, or a warm bowl of noodles, Tenzan aims to please. This extensive selection, coupled with their commitment to using fresh ingredients, makes it a versatile choice for any meal, any day of the week. Many patrons highlight the freshness of the fish, noting that even for delivery, the quality remains high, a crucial factor for a city that relies heavily on convenient food options.

What often draws and keeps New Yorkers returning to Tenzan is the combination of its approachable ambiance and its dedication to providing a satisfying experience. It’s a place where you can enjoy a casual dinner with family, grab a quick and delicious lunch, or rely on them for a dependable take-out order after a long day. The service is frequently described as fast and friendly, contributing to an overall positive and efficient dining experience. For many, Tenzan isn't just a restaurant; it's a consistent source of delicious and well-priced Japanese food, making it an integral part of the Upper West Side community's culinary landscape.

While individual experiences can vary in any busy New York restaurant, the general consensus among a large segment of Tenzan's customer base points to a positive and reliable dining option. Many praise the perfection of their miso soup, the wonderful taste of their sushi, and the satisfying portions of their kitchen entrees. This broad appeal and consistent positive feedback from its loyal clientele underpin Tenzan's position as a cherished local favorite for Japanese cuisine.

Tenzan is conveniently located at 285 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA. This address places it squarely in the bustling and desirable Upper West Side, a neighborhood known for its residential charm, vibrant street life, and excellent connectivity. Columbus Avenue is a major thoroughfare, making the restaurant easily visible and accessible amidst the array of shops and other dining establishments.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, Tenzan's location offers superb accessibility. It's just a short walk from several major subway lines. The B and C trains, which run along Central Park West, have a station at 81st Street–Museum of Natural History, providing a direct route from various parts of Manhattan. Additionally, the 1 train, which operates along Broadway, has stops at both 79th Street and 72nd Street, both within comfortable walking distance of the restaurant. This robust subway access ensures that whether you're commuting from work, visiting nearby attractions, or simply exploring the neighborhood, getting to Tenzan is quick and straightforward. Numerous bus lines also service Columbus Avenue, adding another layer of convenience for local patrons.

The surrounding area contributes significantly to Tenzan's appeal as a local spot. Being in the heart of the Upper West Side means the restaurant is mere steps away from iconic landmarks such as the American Museum of Natural History and the vast green expanse of Central Park. This proximity makes Tenzan an ideal stop for lunch or dinner before or after visiting these attractions, or simply as a convenient neighborhood eatery for residents. The lively street atmosphere of Columbus Avenue, combined with the ease of access, firmly establishes Tenzan as a highly convenient and central destination for quality Japanese cuisine on the Upper West Side.

• Dine-in Service: Tenzan offers a casual and comfortable setting for dine-in guests, suitable for individuals, couples, families, and groups looking to enjoy an authentic Japanese meal.
• Take-out: A popular option for busy New Yorkers, Tenzan provides efficient take-out services, allowing customers to quickly pick up their orders and enjoy them at home or on the go.
• Delivery: Tenzan partners with major food delivery platforms like Grubhub and Seamless, ensuring convenient and fast delivery of their full menu to homes and offices throughout the Upper West Side and surrounding areas. Many reviews highlight the speed and freshness of their delivery.
• Extensive Sushi and Sashimi Menu: The restaurant offers a wide variety of sushi, sashimi, and rolls, including classic options like California rolls, spicy crunch rolls, and salmon avocado rolls, as well as an extensive selection of "Tenzan Special Rolls."
• Kitchen Appetizers: A diverse range of hot and cold appetizers from the kitchen, such as Gyoza (pork, beef, seafood, vegetable), Edamame, Shumai, Beef Negimaki, Tempura, and unique items like Kobe Pocket and Roasted Shishito Peppers.
• Hot Entrees: Tenzan features a comprehensive selection of cooked entrees, including various Teriyaki (Chicken, Beef, Salmon, Shrimp, Tofu), Katsu (Chicken, Pork), Tempura dishes, Yaki Udon, Noodle Soups, and Hibachi dishes.
• Lunch Specials: Tenzan offers highly popular and value-driven lunch specials, including Sushi Lunch combos, Sashimi Lunch, Maki Roll Lunch combos (e.g., Any 2 or 3 Maki Rolls), and various Teriyaki, Katsu, and Tempura Lunch Specials, often served with miso soup or salad and rice.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Options: The menu includes specific vegan options and a variety of vegetable rolls like Avocado Roll, Cucumber Roll, Sweet Potato Roll, and Vegetable Tempura Roll, catering to diverse dietary needs.
• Beverage Selection: A selection of Japanese beers, sake, and wine is available to complement the dining experience.
• Outdoor Seating: In warmer months, Tenzan offers outdoor seating, sometimes with heated options, providing an al fresco dining experience.

• Extensive and Diverse Menu: Tenzan is highlighted for its wide variety of Japanese dishes, ranging from a large selection of sushi, sashimi, and special rolls to a comprehensive array of kitchen entrees, noodles, and soups, ensuring options for all tastes.
• Good Value and Affordable Pricing: Many customers consistently praise Tenzan for offering quality Japanese food at very reasonable and "favorable" prices, especially for its Upper West Side location, making it a budget-friendly option for regulars.
• Popular Lunch Specials: Their lunch specials, including various sushi combos and bento-style meals, are a significant draw, providing ample food at excellent price points (e.g., a 3-roll combo for $17 or a comprehensive salmon teriyaki lunch box for $14.95).
• Consistent Freshness for Many Dishes: Numerous positive reviews specifically commend the freshness of the fish, the perfectly hot miso soup, and the overall quality of many sushi rolls and kitchen items, even for delivery.
• Efficient and Fast Service: Whether dining in or ordering out, Tenzan is often noted for its quick service and fast delivery, which is highly valued by busy New Yorkers.
• Neighborhood Staple: Tenzan is described as a "go-to spot," "neighborhood staple," and "reliable favorite" by many long-time patrons, indicating its consistent presence and positive reputation within the Upper West Side community.
• Accommodating for Groups and Families: With plenty of space and a casual atmosphere, it's considered a good venue for groups and families, providing a comfortable environment for shared meals.
• Well-Packaged Delivery: For delivery orders, Tenzan often receives praise for careful packaging, including separating hot and cold items and providing generous amounts of condiments.

Tenzan on the Upper West Side is known for offering consistent value rather than fluctuating, short-term promotions. Their most notable and enduring special offers revolve around their popular lunch and happy hour deals, designed to provide excellent value to their local New York clientele.

• Daily Lunch Specials: Tenzan offers a comprehensive selection of lunch specials available throughout the week. These include:
  • Maki Roll Lunch Combos: Very popular options like "Any 2 Maki Roll Lunch" for approximately $13.75 or "Any 3 Maki Roll Lunch" for around $16.75, allowing diners to choose their favorite rolls at a discounted price, often served with miso soup or salad.
  • Sushi and Sashimi Lunch: Options like a "Sushi Lunch" (6 pieces of sushi and a California Roll) for around $15.75, or a "Sashimi Lunch" (9 pieces of sashimi with rice) for about $16.75.
  • Kitchen Lunch Specials: A variety of cooked entrees like Teriyaki (Chicken, Beef, Salmon, Shrimp, Tofu), Katsu (Chicken, Pork), and Tempura dishes, typically served with miso soup or salad and rice, with prices starting around $13.75.
  • Lunch Bento Boxes: Comprehensive lunch boxes featuring a main entree, California roll, fried shumai, soup, salad, and rice, offering a complete meal for good value.
• Happy Hour: Tenzan offers a daily Happy Hour from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM. During this period, patrons can enjoy:
  • Buy One Get One Free Drinks: Applicable to draft beer, house wine, and selected sake, making it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a drink with their meal.
  • $5 Daily Appetizers: A selection of appetizers are available for just $5, providing an affordable way to start your meal or enjoy a snack.

These consistent offerings ensure that Tenzan remains an economically attractive option for both quick lunches and relaxed happy hour gatherings on the Upper West Side. It is always recommended to check their official website or inquire directly for the most up-to-date pricing and specific menu details for these specials, as menus can sometimes vary slightly.

• Address: 285 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA
• Phone: (212) 580-7300

For New Yorkers, particularly those navigating the diverse and often demanding culinary landscape of the Upper West Side, Tenzan presents itself as a highly suitable and reliable Japanese restaurant. Its enduring presence and loyal customer base are testaments to its ability to meet the practical and culinary needs of the local community.

One of the primary reasons Tenzan is so well-suited for locals is its exceptional value proposition. In a city where dining out can quickly become expensive, Tenzan offers quality Japanese cuisine at genuinely affordable prices. Their extensive lunch specials, including diverse sushi roll combos, bento boxes, and hot entrees, provide generous portions for a reasonable cost, making it an ideal spot for a regular, satisfying midday meal without breaking the bank. This economic accessibility is a major draw for the everyday New Yorker.

Furthermore, Tenzan’s broad and varied menu caters to a wide range of preferences and cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional sushi and sashimi, seeking comfort in a warm bowl of miso soup or flavorful yaki udon, or desiring a hearty teriyaki dish, Tenzan has an option. This versatility means it can be a go-to for different family members or friends with varying tastes, making group dining and frequent visits easy and enjoyable. The inclusion of vegetarian and vegan options further broadens its appeal within the diverse Upper West Side community.

The convenience of its Columbus Avenue location and robust service options solidify its appeal. Easily reachable by multiple subway lines and situated in a vibrant neighborhood, Tenzan is perfect for both spontaneous dine-ins and planned meals. Critically, their efficient take-out and delivery services are highly valued by busy New Yorkers, ensuring that fresh and delicious Japanese food is just a phone call or click away. Many reviews highlight the speed and care taken with delivery, making it a reliable choice for at-home dining.

Finally, despite varying individual experiences (which are common in any high-volume city restaurant), the consistent positive feedback from its loyal clientele underscores its role as a beloved "neighborhood staple." Tenzan is seen by many as a dependable source of good food with friendly service, creating a comfortable and familiar dining experience. For locals seeking consistent quality, diverse options, and excellent value in their Japanese dining, Tenzan on the Upper West Side remains a highly recommended and integral part of their culinary routine.

Tenzan

285 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023, USA