Zen 5

### Introduction / Overview

For Californians, especially those calling San Diego's lively Pacific Beach home, **Zen 5** stands out as a beloved local gem for authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine. This popular sushi spot has garnered a loyal following for its commitment to fresh ingredients, flavorful dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit a pleasure. Zen 5 offers a diverse menu that goes beyond just sushi, ensuring there's something to satisfy every craving, from classic rolls to hearty entrees.

What truly makes Zen 5 a standout in the bustling Pacific Beach area is its dedication to providing a consistent and enjoyable dining experience. Patrons frequently praise the freshness of the fish and the overall taste of the food, indicating a kitchen that prioritizes quality. Beyond the culinary delights, the friendly and welcoming service contributes significantly to its charm, making it a comfortable and reliable choice for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night sushi fix – a rare find in San Diego. For locals seeking a dependable and delightful Japanese meal, Zen 5 is undoubtedly a top contender.

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### Location and Accessibility

Zen 5 is conveniently located at **1130 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA**. This address places it directly on Garnet Avenue, one of the primary and most vibrant streets in San Diego's iconic Pacific Beach neighborhood. This central location offers excellent accessibility for residents across San Diego and visitors exploring the coastal communities of Southern California. Being situated on such a prominent thoroughfare ensures that the restaurant is easy to find and reach, whether you're traveling by car, bicycle, or on foot.

As for parking, Garnet Avenue, being a main street in a popular area like Pacific Beach, typically offers a mix of street parking, which can be busy, and potentially nearby public or private lots. While specific parking details are not explicitly highlighted in customer reviews, the general nature of this bustling area suggests that finding parking might require a bit of patience, especially during peak dining hours. However, the sheer convenience of its central location within Pacific Beach makes it an attractive destination. For those relying on public transportation, various San Diego MTS bus routes frequently service the Garnet Avenue corridor, providing a convenient way to access Zen 5. Its lively setting in Pacific Beach ensures it's an accessible and appealing choice for a delicious Japanese meal.

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### Services Offered

• **Extensive Sushi and Roll Menu:** Zen 5 offers a vast selection of sushi, including both traditional and specialty rolls. Popular options include the California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Philly Roll, Alaska Roll, and various more creative choices like the Hawaiian Roll, Extreme Roll, Ginza Roll, and many "Crunchy" (tempura-battered and deep-fried) rolls. They are noted for offering a wide range of options, with over forty types of sushi combinations available.
• **Sashimi and Nigiri:** Diners can enjoy chef's choice sashimi (e.g., 15 pieces of chef's choice sashimi) and individual Nigiri pieces.
• **Appetizers:** A diverse array of appetizers is available, including Baked Spicy Green Mussels, Baked Spicy Oysters, Baked Spicy Scallops, Agedashi Tofu, Asparagus Sticks, Gyoza, and Hamachi Kama (Yellowtail Collar).
• **Soups and Salads:** The menu features traditional Japanese soups like Miso Soup (plain, mushroom, vegetable, chicken udon soup) and various salads, including House Salad, Seaweed Salad, and Pacific Seafood Salad.
• **Kitchen Entrees:** For those preferring cooked dishes, Zen 5 offers a selection of entrees such as Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, Sesame Chicken, Chicken Katsu, Pork Katsu, and Hot Spicy (beef or chicken with spicy sauce), often served with steamed rice and a choice of salad or miso soup.
• **Teppanyaki:** The restaurant also provides Teppanyaki options, including Vegetable Stir Fry, Chicken With Vegetables, Beef With Vegetables, Shrimp With Vegetables, and Shrimp With Chicken, served with fried rice and a choice of salad or miso soup.
• **Desserts:** To complete the meal, patrons can enjoy Japanese desserts such as Green Tea Ice Cream and Mochi Ice Cream Bon Bons (vanilla, mango, strawberry, green tea).
• **Beverage Selection:** A variety of beverages including soft drinks, iced tea, and green tea are available.
• **Dine-In Experience:** Zen 5 offers a casual dining experience with a "fun and authentic setting" and a "low-key atmosphere."
• **Takeout and Delivery Options:** The restaurant facilitates convenient takeout and delivery services through platforms like Grubhub, allowing customers to enjoy their Japanese favorites at home.

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### Features / Highlights

• **Fresh Fish and Tasty Food:** Customers consistently highlight the "fresh" quality of the fish and describe the food as "tasty" and "delicious," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and culinary execution.
• **Reasonably Priced Rolls:** Many reviewers find the rolls to be "reasonably priced," offering good value for the quality and portion sizes, making it an accessible option for regular visits.
• **Friendly and Welcoming Service:** The staff is frequently praised for being "friendly and welcoming," contributing to a positive and enjoyable dining experience. Specific mentions of "good service" are common.
• **Convenient Late-Night Hours:** Zen 5 stands out by being "opened till 10 pm on Fridays" (and later on weekends), which is noted as "hard to see that in San Diego," offering a convenient option for late-night cravings.
• **Wide Variety of Sushi Options:** The restaurant boasts an extensive menu with "more than forty types of sushi combinations," catering to a broad range of tastes and preferences.
• **Popular Local Spot:** Described as a "favorite sushi spot in PB" by regulars, indicating a strong local following and consistent satisfaction.
• **Casual and Authentic Setting:** The dining environment is characterized as "fun and authentic" and "low-key," providing a comfortable and genuine Japanese restaurant experience.

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### Promotions or Special Offers

Zen 5 is noted for offering "reasonably priced" rolls, which in itself provides a form of value to customers. While specific, regularly advertised promotions like a dedicated "Happy Hour" aren't explicitly detailed in the most recent customer reviews, older mentions and industry common practices suggest that such establishments often feature:

• **Lunch Specials:** Many Japanese restaurants offer special lunch menus or combos during weekday lunch hours, providing a more economical way to enjoy their dishes.
• **Daily Specials:** Rotating daily specials might highlight seasonal fish or unique chef creations, though these are typically premium offerings.
• **Value-Oriented Combos:** The comprehensive menu itself, with its wide array of rolls and entrees, allows customers to find options that fit their budget. For example, their menu includes various set pricing for sashimi platters.

It's important to note that the positive sentiment around "reasonably priced" items suggests that the standard menu itself offers good value. For the most current and specific information on any promotions, seasonal offerings, or potential happy hour deals, it is highly recommended to contact Zen 5 directly by phone or to check their official website or social media pages, as menus on third-party sites may not always be up-to-date.

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### Contact Information

To enjoy the fresh sushi and diverse Japanese cuisine at Zen 5, or for any inquiries regarding their menu and hours, you can reach them using the following contact details:

• **Address:** 1130 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
• **Phone:** (858) 490-0121
• **Mobile Phone:** +1 858-490-0121

Zen 5 is known for its extended hours, particularly on weekends. Typical operating hours are:

• Sunday - Thursday: 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
• Friday - Saturday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

These hours are a distinct advantage for those looking for a later dinner option in San Diego. It's always a good idea to confirm directly with the restaurant for the most current information, especially during holidays or for large group inquiries.

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### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Californians, particularly those in San Diego's lively Pacific Beach neighborhood, Zen 5 stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for Japanese cuisine. Its prime location on Garnet Avenue makes it easily accessible for locals, providing a convenient and dependable option for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or even a late-night sushi fix – a noteworthy advantage in San Diego with its extended Friday and Saturday hours.

The core appeal lies in the consistent quality of its offerings; patrons rave about the "fresh" fish and the overall "tasty" food. Zen 5 strikes a desirable balance by offering a wide variety of sushi rolls and other Japanese dishes, many of which are "reasonably priced," making it a great value for regulars. The "friendly and welcoming" service further enhances the dining experience, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that keeps locals coming back. As a proven "favorite sushi spot in PB," Zen 5 embodies the ideal neighborhood Japanese restaurant: reliable, delicious, accessible, and welcoming. For San Diegans seeking a go-to place for fresh, flavorful, and conveniently available Japanese food, Zen 5 is an excellent choice that consistently delivers on its promise of a satisfying meal.

Zen 5

1130 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA