Zen Sushi

For those of us living in North Carolina, especially in the vibrant city of Asheville, finding a truly exceptional sushi spot is always a high priority. We look for freshness, flavor, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit a pleasure. Zen Sushi, located conveniently on Merrimon Avenue, has established itself as a beloved destination for many locals seeking top-notch Japanese cuisine. It's a place where you can count on a delicious meal, whether you're dining in or grabbing a quick take-away.

Zen Sushi prides itself on offering a wide variety of expertly prepared sushi and other Japanese dishes. From traditional nigiri and sashimi to creative specialty rolls, they focus on using fresh ingredients to ensure a superior taste experience. Beyond sushi, their menu includes savory soups, crisp salads, and various kitchen entrees, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving. As one satisfied local put it, "The sushi was good and the service went smooth and pretty fast, no waiting line at all even if there were a lot of other people there!" This efficiency combined with quality is a hallmark of Zen Sushi.

What truly resonates with us North Carolinians about Zen Sushi is the consistent quality and speed of service, even when the restaurant is busy. Locals appreciate that they can come in, enjoy fantastic food like the "savory and taste really good" miso soup or an "amazing" Scorpion Roll, and have a smooth experience. It's become a go-to for many in Asheville for a reliable and delightful Japanese meal, making it a highly recommended spot for our community.

Zen Sushi is conveniently located at 640 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, USA. This address places it in a highly accessible area of Asheville, particularly for residents in North Asheville and those traveling along Merrimon Avenue. Being just two miles from downtown Asheville and two blocks from the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA), Zen Sushi is a practical dining choice for students, faculty, and local residents alike.

Merrimon Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare in Asheville, making Zen Sushi easy to find. For those driving, the location typically offers parking options, contributing to a hassle-free visit. While some seating, like the sushi bar, might be near the door and a little busy, the overall accessibility and convenience of the location make it a favored spot for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. Its position allows for easy takeout and delivery, further enhancing its accessibility for the local North Carolina community.

Zen Sushi offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a flexible and high-quality Japanese dining experience for its patrons:

• Dine-In Service: Guests can enjoy a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere within the restaurant. Zen Sushi provides a sushi bar where diners can watch their meals being prepared, as well as cozy wooden booths. It's described as a "good sushi place" with a comfortable ambiance.
• Lunch Service: Zen Sushi is open for lunch daily. On Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, lunch hours are typically from 11:00 AM to 3:15 PM. On Friday and Saturday, lunch is also available from 11:00 AM to 3:15 PM. They offer specific lunch specials, including sushi combos (choose 2 or 3 rolls), sushi bar lunches, and bento boxes.
• Dinner Service: Dinner hours are available daily, typically from 4:30 PM until 10:00 PM on Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and extending to 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.
• Takeout: For customers who prefer to enjoy their meals at home or on the go, Zen Sushi offers efficient takeout service. Reviewers note that the service is "smooth and pretty fast" for takeout orders.
• Delivery: Zen Sushi partners with major third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats, allowing you to conveniently order your favorite sushi and Japanese dishes for delivery to your location in Asheville.
• Extensive Menu: The menu features a wide array of options beyond just sushi, including appetizers (such as Takoyaki, Age Tofu, Gyoza, Rock Shrimp), a variety of fresh sushi and sashimi, classic and "superbly imaginative rotating specials" like the "Scorpion Roll" and various "Crunchy Rolls," kitchen entrees (Teriyaki, Tempura, Katsu), Donburi (rice bowls), and Noodles.
• Vegetarian Options: Zen Sushi is known for having a good selection of vegan options, including various vegetarian sushi rolls (e.g., Avocado Roll, Veggie Lover Roll) and tofu dishes, catering to a wider range of dietary preferences.
• Soups and Salads: They offer popular Japanese staples like Miso Soup (praised as "savory and taste really good"), Seaweed Salad, and other refreshing options.

Zen Sushi distinguishes itself in the Asheville dining scene through several key features and highlights that make it a favorite among locals:

• Consistently Good Sushi and Miso Soup: Customers frequently praise the quality of the sushi, describing it as "good" and even "amazing." The miso soup is also consistently highlighted as "savory and taste really good," making it a popular starter.
• Efficient and Fast Service: Despite often being busy with "a lot of other people there," Zen Sushi is noted for its "smooth and pretty fast" service, with "no waiting line at all" for takeout and quick seating for dine-in. This efficiency is highly valued by patrons.
• Diverse and Imaginative Menu: Beyond classic rolls, Zen Sushi offers a variety of specialty rolls like the "Scorpion Roll" and "Crunchy Rolls," which are highly recommended. Their menu also includes a wide range of appetizers (such as crispy takoyaki with a "satisfying amount of octopus inside"), kitchen entrees, and traditional Japanese dishes, ensuring a broad appeal.
• Fair Prices: Customers report that "the prices are fair for the amount of food," indicating that Zen Sushi offers good value for the quality and portion sizes of their dishes.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant provides a "relaxed and comfortable atmosphere," featuring cozy wooden booths and a sushi bar. While the sushi bar might be "a little busy" being near the door, the overall vibe is positive and inviting.
• Convenient Location: Its placement on Merrimon Ave, close to UNCA and just two miles from downtown, makes it easily accessible for a large portion of the Asheville community.
• Reliable Quality: Zen Sushi is seen by many locals as a consistent choice for sushi in Asheville, a place they "can't wait to have that again" or "will come back" to.
• Vegan-Friendly Options: The availability of a variety of vegan sushi rolls and tofu dishes is a significant highlight, catering to dietary needs and preferences.

Zen Sushi offers several value-oriented options, particularly during its lunch hours, and occasionally engages in other promotions. While specific daily rotating specials beyond the core menu are not widely detailed, here’s what locals can generally expect:

• Lunch Specials: This is a key area for promotions at Zen Sushi, providing excellent value for a midday meal. Available daily during lunch hours (Mon, Wed-Sun from 11:00 AM - 3:15 PM):
  • Sushi Lunch Combos: Options like "Choose 2 Rolls" or "Choose 3 Rolls" from a specific selection (including Asparagus Tempura, Cucumber & Avocado, Spicy Crunchy Tuna, Philadelphia, Shrimp Tempura) for a set price, often including miso soup or a green salad.
  • Sushi Bar Lunches: Including "Sushi Lunch" (5 pieces of assorted fish and a California roll) or "Sashimi Lunch" (10 pieces of assorted raw fish with a bowl of rice).
  • Lunch Boxes (Bento Boxes): Various options like Vegetable Tempura, Chicken Teriyaki, or Shrimp Tempura Lunch Boxes, typically served with miso soup, green salad, rice, and a California roll. These offer a complete meal at an attractive price point.
• Seasonal Specials/Chef's Specials: Zen Sushi is known for its "superbly imaginative rotating specials," such as the "Scorpion Roll" mentioned by a reviewer. These special rolls or dishes, while not necessarily "discounted," offer unique culinary experiences that act as a draw for new and returning customers.
• Third-Party Delivery Promotions: When ordering through DoorDash or Uber Eats, customers might occasionally find platform-specific promotions (e.g., free delivery for new users, percentage discounts on certain order totals) that can be applied to Zen Sushi orders.
• Occasional Member Discounts: While perhaps not ongoing, past mentions (from several years ago) indicate a possibility of member discounts (e.g., "20% off your bill excluding drinks on Mondays during January and February" for free sign-up members). It's always worth checking with the restaurant for any current loyalty programs or seasonal incentives.

For the most current information on any daily specials, updated lunch deals, or limited-time offers, us North Carolina locals are encouraged to visit Zen Sushi's official website or their online ordering platforms, or call the restaurant directly.

To enjoy the fresh and delicious Japanese cuisine at Zen Sushi, here's how you can get in touch:

Address:
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804, USA

Phone:
(828) 225-6033

Mobile Phone:
+1 828-225-6033

Website:
www.zen-sushi-asheville.com (This website provides their menu, hours, and online ordering link via DoorDash.)

General Hours of Operation:

• Monday, Wednesday - Thursday: Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:15 PM, Dinner 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
• Tuesday: Closed
• Friday - Saturday: Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:15 PM, Dinner 4:30 PM - 10:30 PM
• Sunday: Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:15 PM, Dinner 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM

It's always recommended to call ahead for any specific inquiries, especially regarding holiday hours or large party accommodations.

For us North Carolinians, particularly those in the Asheville area, Zen Sushi on Merrimon Avenue stands out as an excellent choice for satisfying our Japanese food cravings. Its convenient location at 640 Merrimon Ave, being close to UNCA and easily accessible from various parts of the city, makes it a practical and appealing dining destination for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.

What truly makes Zen Sushi suitable for locals is its consistent delivery of "great sushi and miso soup," coupled with incredibly efficient service. Even when the restaurant is bustling, the ability to get "smooth and pretty fast" service without long waits is a major advantage for our busy lives. This reliability ensures a positive experience every time, fostering a sense of trust and making it a comfortable go-to spot.

The extensive menu, featuring classic favorites, exciting "special" rolls like the "Scorpion Roll," and a variety of appetizers and kitchen entrees, means there's always something new to explore while also offering the comfort of familiar dishes. The "fair prices for the amount of food" also contribute significantly to its local appeal, ensuring that quality Japanese cuisine remains accessible. Zen Sushi embodies what we look for in a local restaurant: delicious food, great value, and a welcoming environment, making it a highly recommended gem for our Asheville community.

Zen Sushi

640 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, USA