Zen Ramen & Sushi

For New Yorkers constantly seeking that perfect blend of authentic flavors, inviting atmosphere, and incredible value, Zen Ramen & Sushi in Midtown emerges as a true culinary find. In a city where Japanese dining options are plentiful, Zen Ramen & Sushi carves out its own niche by consistently delivering on all fronts, making it a beloved spot for locals. Whether you're craving a comforting bowl of ramen on a chilly day or fresh, vibrant sushi, this restaurant promises a satisfying and delightful experience that feels both genuine and accessible.

Many New Yorkers discover this place by chance, perhaps "stumbled across this place on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend," only to realize they've found a "gem!" The immediate impression is often one of authenticity, with a "casual yet nice" vibe, the tell-tale "scent of the food as we walked in," and "simple decor." As one reviewer put it, "I immediately knew it was going to be good... I think the words we used were, ‘this place is legit.’" This initial feeling is consistently reinforced by the "incredibly friendly" staff and the consistently high quality of the food. It's a place where you might "forget about my self-control for a moment and ate everything in one sitting because it was that good," proving that Zen Ramen & Sushi is not just a meal, but an experience that leaves you "very full and satisfied!"

Zen Ramen & Sushi boasts an excellent Midtown location at 150 W 36th St., New York, NY 10018, USA. This address places it just "steps away from Penn Station," making it incredibly convenient for a vast number of New Yorkers. Whether you're commuting through one of the city's busiest transportation hubs, working in the surrounding corporate buildings, or exploring the vibrant Garment District and nearby tourist attractions like Times Square, Zen Ramen & Sushi is easily accessible.

Its proximity to Penn Station means direct access to numerous subway lines (1, 2, 3, A, C, E) and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), as well as being a short walk from Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W lines). This extensive public transit network makes Zen Ramen & Sushi a hassle-free dining destination for anyone in the greater New York City area. The fact that it's "hidden in plain sight" only adds to its charm as a discovery for locals, offering a respite from the bustling streets without requiring a long journey.

Zen Ramen & Sushi offers a diverse menu that caters to various tastes within Japanese cuisine, focusing on both ramen and sushi with a commitment to freshness and value.

• Dine-in Experience: The restaurant provides a "casual yet nice" and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. Reviews highlight the "friendly" and "attentive" staff who contribute to a pleasant dining environment.

• Extensive Sushi and Sashimi Selection: Patrons can choose from "preset combos or create your own" sushi rolls. The menu includes classic rolls like Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, Yellowtail, California, and many more. They also offer a la carte sushi and sashimi options, as well as larger sushi and sashimi entrees like Edomae-Style Sushi, Chef's Inspiration Sashimi, and various "Lover" combos (Tuna Lover, Salmon Lover).

• Authentic Ramen Bowls: As part of its name, Zen Ramen & Sushi offers a variety of ramen dishes. While specific types aren't detailed in reviews, the overall "scent of the food" and impression of being "legit" suggests a focus on flavorful broths and quality ingredients. Menu research confirms popular ramen options like Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Miso Ramen, and spicy variations like Spicy Miso Ramen.

• Hot Japanese Appetizers: A range of traditional Japanese appetizers are available, including Takoyaki, Gyoza (pork), Shumai (shrimp), Edamame, and Shrimp Tempura. One reviewer particularly enjoyed the Takoyaki.

• Bento Boxes and Rice Dishes: For a complete meal, Zen Ramen & Sushi offers a variety of Bento Box options (Teriyaki Chicken, Salmon, Sushi, Sashimi, Katsu, Tempura) and Rice Dishes (Japanese Curry, Teriyaki, Gyu Don, Katsu, Unagi Don), providing diverse choices for lunch and dinner.

• Beverage Selection: The restaurant offers a selection of Japanese beverages, including various sakes (hot and cold), Japanese beers (Sapporo, Kirin Ichiban, Orion), and soft drinks.

• Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, Zen Ramen & Sushi offers online ordering for pickup and delivery, making it easy for busy New Yorkers to enjoy their food at home or work.

What truly makes Zen Ramen & Sushi a beloved spot for New Yorkers?

• Exceptional Value, Especially During Happy Hour: One of the most significant highlights is the incredibly "reasonable prices," especially the "happy hour menu for $5 a roll" available "from 3-8pm any day of the week." This makes high-quality sushi remarkably affordable, a huge plus in NYC.

• Fresh and "Great" Sushi: Despite the affordable prices, the quality of the sushi is consistently praised as "great," with specific mentions of the spicy tuna and spicy salmon rolls being favorites. The freshness of the ingredients is a recurring theme.

• Authentic and Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant projects a "casual yet nice" and "legit" vibe, immediately making patrons feel comfortable. The "simple decor" and overall clean environment contribute to a pleasant dining experience.

• Incredibly Friendly and Attentive Staff: Service is a major highlight, with staff described as "incredibly friendly" and "happy to serve." Personal touches, like a "birthday treat" for a celebrating patron, show a genuine care for customers.

• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While sushi is a star, the positive review for "vegetable ramen" and "takoyaki" indicates that their other Japanese offerings are also of high quality, providing a comprehensive culinary experience.

• Convenient Location Near Penn Station: Its prime spot "steps away from Penn Station" is a huge benefit for accessibility, ensuring that it's an easy stop for commuters and those exploring Midtown.

• Walk-in Friendly: Even on a busy holiday weekend, the ability to be "seated right away without a reservation" adds to the convenience and welcoming nature of the restaurant.

Zen Ramen & Sushi stands out for its fantastic value, notably through its daily happy hour:

• Sushi Happy Hour: A major draw is the $5 per roll happy hour, available daily from 3 PM to 8 PM. This offers incredible value for a variety of popular sushi rolls, making it a prime destination for an affordable and delicious early dinner or late afternoon snack.

• Alcohol Happy Hour: In addition to sushi, Zen Ramen & Sushi also offers an alcohol happy hour from 4 PM to 9 PM, allowing patrons to enjoy discounted beer and mixed drinks (must be 21+).

• Lunch Specials: They feature a dedicated lunch menu available Monday to Friday from 11:30 AM to 4 PM, excluding holidays. This includes various Bento Boxes, Rice Dishes, and Sushi Combos at competitive prices, offering great value for the workday crowd.

• Roll Combos: Various roll combo options allow customers to enjoy multiple rolls at a set price, providing both variety and savings.

These consistent offers make Zen Ramen & Sushi an incredibly attractive option for budget-conscious New Yorkers who still prioritize quality.

Ready to discover your new favorite Japanese spot in Midtown? Here's how to connect with Zen Ramen & Sushi:

Address: 150 W 36th St., New York, NY 10018, USA

Phone: (646) 870-7509

Given their flexible seating and convenient location, it's easy to stop by, but you can also call ahead or check their online platforms for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.

For New Yorkers, Zen Ramen & Sushi is an absolute standout, perfectly tailored to the city's unique pace and demands. Its prime location "steps away from Penn Station" makes it incredibly accessible, whether you're a commuter, a local working nearby, or simply exploring Midtown. This convenience means a delicious and authentic Japanese meal is never far out of reach.

What truly makes Zen Ramen & Sushi suitable for locals is its remarkable combination of quality and affordability. In a city where dining out can be expensive, the "reasonable prices" and, crucially, the daily $5 happy hour for sushi rolls (3-8 PM), make high-quality Japanese cuisine genuinely accessible. This exceptional value doesn't come at the expense of taste; the sushi is consistently praised as "great" and "very fresh," while other dishes like takoyaki and vegetable ramen also receive high marks.

Beyond the food and price point, the welcoming atmosphere and outstanding staff create a dining experience that feels genuinely warm and inviting. The "incredibly friendly" service, exemplified by personal touches like birthday treats, fosters a sense of being cared for, which is a significant draw for regulars. Zen Ramen & Sushi embodies the casual yet "legit" dining experience that New Yorkers cherish – a place where you can get excellent food quickly, feel at home, and leave "very full and satisfied." It’s a true Midtown gem that locals will want to keep coming back to.

Zen Ramen & Sushi

150 W 36th St., New York, NY 10018, USA