Zento Japanese Restaurant

zento japanese, zento restaurant

For discerning palates in Virginia seeking an exceptional Japanese dining experience, Zento Japanese Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria stands as a charming and consistently praised culinary destination. This intimate sushi restaurant has garnered a loyal following among locals for its unwavering commitment to freshness, the artistry of its chefs, and an inviting atmosphere that makes every visit a delight. Whether you’re a long-time sushi enthusiast or looking to explore the vibrant flavors of Japanese cuisine, Zento promises a memorable meal that consistently exceeds expectations.

Zento Japanese Restaurant is conveniently located at 693 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA. This prime address places it within the desirable Old Town Alexandria neighborhood, making it highly accessible for residents throughout Northern Virginia and beyond. Its location on N Washington Street, a main thoroughfare, ensures easy navigation by car. A significant convenience for diners is the abundant parking available in the same building, just behind the restaurant, eliminating the typical stress of finding parking in a popular urban area. For those relying on public transportation, Zento is also well-situated. It's a manageable distance from the King Street-Old Town Metro station (Yellow and Blue Lines), and numerous DASH and WMATA bus routes operate in the vicinity, providing excellent connectivity for anyone in Virginia looking to enjoy a fantastic Japanese meal without the hassle.

• Dine-In Service: Zento offers a cozy and intimate dining experience with around 10-15 tables, creating a charming atmosphere perfect for enjoying their expertly crafted dishes. The attentive staff ensures a delightful experience.

• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: The core of Zento’s offerings includes a wide variety of fresh nigiri, sashimi, and maki sushi options. They are particularly known for their "expertly crafted special rolls" which are highlighted for their burst of flavors and chef's creativity, such as the Godzilla Roll, Mango Salsa Roll, and the popular Red Dragon roll. Classic rolls like Spicy Tuna and California rolls are also available.

• Traditional Japanese Entrees: Beyond sushi, Zento offers a diverse menu that includes various Japanese staples. You can find delicious Teriyaki dishes (Chicken, Beef, Salmon, Fried Tofu), flavorful Ramen bowls (Chashu Pork, Japanese Fried Chicken, Pork & Chicken Gyoza, Steamed Tofu), Udon noodle dishes, Tonkatsu (pork cutlet), and Japanese Curry Rice dishes.

• Appetizers and Small Plates: The menu features a range of tempting appetizers, including popular choices like Gyoza (pan-fried Japanese pork dumplings), Edamame (salt or garlic soy glazed), various Tempura options (Shrimp & Vegetable, Salmon & Vegetable, Mixed Vegetables), and salads like Hokkaido Chicken Salad and Seaweed Salad.

• Lunch and Dinner Box Specials: Zento offers convenient and value-packed lunch and dinner box specials, which typically include California rolls, Japanese dumplings, fried tofu, salad, and miso soup, alongside your choice of protein like Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura & Chicken Teriyaki.

• Takeout and Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Zento provides excellent takeout service, with orders "carefully packaged" to maintain freshness. They also partner with popular delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats, allowing you to enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home or office.

• Happy Hour: Zento offers appealing happy hour specials on select sushi rolls, appetizers, beer, wine, and hot sake, providing great value for an early evening meal.

• Unmatched Freshness and Quality: This is consistently highlighted by customers. Every dish, especially the sushi, is praised for its "remarkable freshness" and "high-quality fish," elevating the entire dining experience. Patrons gladly state they would "gladly pay 20% more for this type of food."

• Expertly Crafted Special Rolls: The chef's skill and creativity shine through in their special rolls, which are described as a "burst of flavors" and are a favorite among regulars. Rolls like the Godzilla Roll and Red Dragon Roll are highly recommended.

• Intimate and Cozy Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, Zento maintains a charming, small size with around 10-15 tables, creating a warm and intimate ambiance that's "perfect for enjoying the expertly crafted special rolls" and a relaxed meal.

• Exceptional Value for Money: Customers frequently point out that the "quantity is very good" and you get "very good value for money," making it an affordable luxury for high-quality Japanese cuisine in Alexandria.

• Attentive and Sweet Staff: The service at Zento is consistently praised. Staff members are described as "attentive and sweet," contributing significantly to the "delightful experience" and making guests feel well cared for.

• Abundant and Convenient Parking: A rare and highly valued feature in Old Town Alexandria, the availability of "abundant parking in the same building, just behind the restaurant," is a major convenience for local diners.

• Consistently Exceeds Expectations: Regular customers note that each order, whether dine-in or takeout, "consistently exceeds our expectations," speaking to the reliability and quality of Zento's offerings.

• Clean Facilities: The restaurant maintains clean restrooms, with the added convenience of a diaper changing station, demonstrating attention to customer comfort.

Zento Japanese Restaurant is well-known among Alexandria locals for its enticing Happy Hour, offering fantastic value on both food and drinks. The happy hour typically runs from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays (Monday to Friday). During this time, diners can enjoy specials on a selection of popular items, making it an ideal choice for an early dinner or after-work gathering.

• Happy Hour Food Specials: These often include discounted prices on select sushi rolls and appetizers. For example, some past specials have offered a choice of two rolls from a list of six varieties for a set price, providing a better deal than ordering them individually. Popular items like spicy tuna roll and tuna avocado have been noted as part of these specials.

• Happy Hour Drink Specials: To complement your meal, happy hour also features deals on beverages, including hot sake and Sapporo beer, along with other discounted beer and wine selections.

While specific happy hour offerings may vary, the consistent presence of these deals makes Zento a highly attractive option for savvy Virginians looking for quality Japanese cuisine at a more accessible price point. For the most current happy hour menu and any other special promotions, it is always recommended to check Zento Japanese Restaurant's official website or inquire directly with the restaurant.

To experience the fresh and expertly crafted Japanese cuisine at Zento Japanese Restaurant, you can reach them at:

• Address: 693 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA

• Phone: (703) 566-3695

Zento operates with consistent hours for both lunch and dinner services. It's always a good idea to confirm their current schedule on their official website or by calling ahead, especially for holidays. General operating hours are:

• Monday - Friday: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Lunch) & 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Dinner)

• Saturday - Sunday: 12:00 PM - 9:30 PM (No break in service on weekends)

Their popular happy hour runs from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays.

For residents of Alexandria and the wider Virginia area, Zento Japanese Restaurant is an undeniable hidden gem and a perfect fit for local dining preferences. Its location in Old Town, coupled with the highly convenient abundant parking available right behind the restaurant, makes it exceptionally accessible and stress-free to visit – a significant advantage in any bustling urban area. This practical convenience is just the beginning of what makes Zento a local favorite.

The core appeal lies in its unwavering commitment to freshness and quality, particularly evident in its sushi. Locals consistently praise the "remarkably fresh" ingredients and the "expertly crafted special rolls," highlighting the skill and creativity of the chefs. This dedication to culinary excellence means that every visit, whether for a quick lunch or a celebratory dinner, consistently "exceeds expectations." Furthermore, Zento offers an exceptional value for money, with generous portions that make their high-quality offerings surprisingly affordable, especially given the caliber of the food. This affordability is further enhanced by their popular happy hour, providing a fantastic opportunity for Virginians to enjoy premium sushi and Japanese dishes at a discounted price.

The intimate and cozy ambiance, combined with the attentive and welcoming staff, creates a delightful and comfortable dining environment that feels like a true neighborhood treasure. It's a place where you can relax and savor each bite, knowing you're receiving top-notch food and service. For Virginians seeking a reliable, high-quality, and value-driven Japanese restaurant with easy access and a charming atmosphere, Zento Japanese Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria is truly a must-try destination that you'll want to revisit again and again.

Zento Japanese Restaurant

693 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA