Zest: A Roswell Gem for Exceptional Sushi & Asian Small Plates on Canton Street

Zest Introduce

Hello, Georgia food enthusiasts! If you're strolling down Roswell's lively Canton Street and looking for a dining experience that truly brings flavor and excitement, you absolutely must make a stop at Zest. This highly-rated Japanese restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, celebrated for its "delicious Asian small plates and sushi" that consistently meet or exceed expectations. From the moment you're "greeted with kindness" to the last bite of a "spectacularly created" roll, Zest promises a memorable culinary journey. Get ready to indulge in fresh ingredients, creative dishes, and stellar service that will make you wish you'd discovered it sooner!

Introduction / Overview: A Vibrant Culinary Hub on Canton Street

Zest stands out as a dynamic and welcoming Japanese restaurant located on Roswell's bustling Canton Street. It has garnered a loyal following for its exceptional blend of fresh sushi, innovative Asian small plates, and a vibrant atmosphere. Customers consistently praise the "wonderful" food and the genuine "kindness" of the staff, making every visit a pleasant one. Whether you're a long-time resident or just exploring the area, Zest offers a chic dining experience with a modern feel.

The menu at Zest is designed to excite the palate, offering a diverse selection that goes beyond traditional sushi. Reviewers highlight popular items such as the Pork Belly, Veggie Tempura, Bonsai Brussels, and Lettuce Wraps, all of which are noted for their delicious flavors and quality. Sushi lovers will find their favorites, including the "Dragon Roll" and the "Roswell Roll," both receiving high marks. The restaurant is also known for its "assortment of sake" and hand-crafted cocktails, perfectly complementing the food offerings. The stellar service, from the friendly bartenders like Allie and Adam to the attentive General Manager Anthony, creates an inviting environment that encourages diners to return and explore more of their dishes and daily specials.

Location and Accessibility: Right in the Heart of Roswell's Culinary Scene

Zest is ideally situated at 957 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075, USA. This puts it squarely in the heart of Roswell's vibrant Canton Street, an area renowned for its charming boutiques, art galleries, and diverse culinary offerings. Its central location makes it a prime spot for both planned dinners and spontaneous lunch outings while enjoying the downtown Roswell ambiance.

Parking on Canton Street can sometimes be a consideration, as it's a popular area. However, Zest is well-situated with various options. There is often a paid parking lot directly across the street. Additionally, limited metered parking is available behind the restaurant and along other parts of Canton Street. Visitors can also utilize the larger free parking lots available throughout downtown Roswell, such as at City Hall or the Green Street Parking Lot, which are a short walk away. Despite the bustling nature of Canton Street, these options ensure that finding a spot is manageable, allowing you to easily access and enjoy your Zest experience.

Services Offered: A Comprehensive Asian Culinary Experience

Dine-In Service: Enjoy a chic and lively dining experience within Zest's modern interiors, or opt for their charming outdoor patio. It's perfect for both intimate meals and group gatherings.
Sushi Bar: Indulge in a wide array of fresh sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls, expertly crafted with high-quality ingredients. Popular rolls include the Dragon Roll, Roswell Roll, Kiss of Death Roll, and Firecracker Roll.
Asian Small Plates (Graze, Surf, Handhelds): Explore a diverse menu of shareable appetizers and small plates with Asian-inspired flavors. Options range from Bonsai Brussels, Tempura Veggie, and Pork Belly to Yuzu Crab Cakes, Bang Bang Shrimp, and various tacos (Soft Shell Crab BLT, Thai Shrimp Tacos, Pork Belly Tacos).
Entrees: For those seeking larger plates, Zest offers delicious entrees such as Shaking Beef Tenderloin, Soba Noodle dishes, Karaage Chicken Tenders, Green Coconut Curry, Lamb Lollipops, and Zest Ramen.
Lunch Service: Zest is an excellent choice for midday dining, offering a "Lunch time bento box" and other options perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Full Bar & Beverage Program: Enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including an assortment of sake, beer, wine (including half-priced bottles on Wednesdays), and a creative list of hand-crafted cocktails.
Private Events & Catering: While not explicitly detailed in the reviews, restaurants of this caliber often offer options for private events or catering, which could be explored by contacting them directly.
Takeout and Delivery: For added convenience, Zest offers takeout service, and their menu is available for delivery through popular platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Live Music: On certain nights, Zest features live music, adding to the vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

Features / Highlights: What Makes Zest Shine

Exceptional Food Quality: Customers consistently praise the "delicious" and "amazing" food, with dishes meeting or exceeding expectations due to fresh ingredients and expert preparation.
Creative & Diverse Menu: Zest offers a broad range of options, from traditional sushi and sashimi to innovative Asian small plates and substantial entrees, catering to various tastes and preferences.
Stellar Service: The staff, from bartenders to the general manager, are noted for their "stellar service," kindness, and attentiveness, creating a warm and welcoming dining environment.
Vibrant Canton Street Location: Being situated on popular Canton Street adds to the restaurant's appeal, making it a great spot for people-watching and enjoying the lively downtown Roswell scene.
Hand-Crafted Cocktails & Sake Selection: A robust beverage program, including an assortment of sake and creative cocktails, perfectly complements the culinary offerings.
Daily Specials & Promotions: Zest runs attractive daily specials (e.g., Two for Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, Sake Sundays) that offer excellent value and encourage repeat visits.

Promotions or Special Offers

Zest is well-known for its engaging daily specials, which provide excellent value and encourage locals to return frequently. These promotions add extra incentive to try their diverse menu:

Martini Mondays: Enjoy $7 Ketel One Martinis.
Two for Tuesdays: Get two specialty rolls for $28 (dine-in only) – a fantastic deal for sushi lovers.
Wine Wednesdays: Enjoy half off bottles of wine, perfect for pairing with your meal or unwinding mid-week.
Thursday Power Hour: Indulge in $1 Gulf oysters from 4 PM - 6 PM, often accompanied by live music from 6 PM - 8 PM.
Friday & Saturday: Look forward to Chef-inspired features nightly, showcasing the culinary creativity of the kitchen.
Sake Sundays: All sake bottles are half price, and you can enjoy $5 Sparkling Sake Mimosas, making for a perfect weekend cap.
Lunch Bento Box: A popular lunchtime option, providing a convenient and delicious meal at a great price.

These recurring specials, alongside their enticing regular menu, ensure there's always a reason to visit Zest.

Contact Information

Ready to experience the vibrant flavors and stellar service at Zest? Here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 957 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075, USA

Phone: (678) 461-6788 (also available as +1 678-461-6788 for mobile contact)

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

It is always recommended to check their official website (zestoncantonstreet.com) or call ahead for the most current hours, especially around holidays, as schedules may vary.

Conclusion: Why Zest is Suitable for Locals

For Georgia residents, particularly those in and around Roswell, Zest offers an exceptional and dynamic dining experience that makes it a perfect fit for the local community. Its prime location on bustling Canton Street provides a lively atmosphere, ideal for both casual lunches and vibrant evening outings. The combination of "delicious Asian small plates and sushi" with "stellar service" from a genuinely kind and attentive staff ensures that every visit is enjoyable and memorable.

Zest's commitment to culinary creativity, evident in their unique specialty rolls and diverse small plates, means there's always something new and exciting to try. Furthermore, the attractive daily specials – from "Two for Tuesdays" to "Wine Wednesdays" and "Sake Sundays" – offer fantastic value and encourage repeat visits, making it an affordable luxury for regular diners. Whether you're seeking a quick bite, a fun night out with friends, or a delightful family meal, Zest delivers on all fronts, cementing its status as a must-visit destination in Roswell's vibrant culinary landscape.

Zest Menu

Small Plates - Graze
Tempura Veggie US$14.00
Flash fried, asparagus, green onions, zucchini, mushrooms, onion rings, togarashi, ponzu sauce
Blistered Shishito Peppers US$10.00
Sesame oil, spicy togarashi, herbed ranch.
Bonsai Brussels US$15.00
Crispy Brussels, bacon, goat cheese.
Spinach & Artichoke Dip US$14.00
Diced tomatoes, parsley, fried pita.
Parmesan Truffle Fries US$8.00
Wasabi mayo, ketchup.
Edamame US$7.00
Steamed soy beans, kosher salt.
Japanese Avocado Dip US$14.00
puréed avocado and edamame, fresh lime and ginger, diced red peppers, seasonal vegetables, crispy wontons
Veggie Spring Rolls US$9.00
Deep fried, cabbage, carrots, ginger, mushrooms, peanut sauce.

Small Plates - Turf
Polynesian Pork Belly US$14.00
braised pork belly, pineapple-citrus soy glaze, carrot-red onion nes
Gyoza Dumplings US$9.00
Pan seared Japanese pork, ponzu sauce.
Double Fried Wings US$17.00
tossed in choice of:
Thai Lettuce Wraps US$16.00
Chopped chicken, water chestnuts, red bell pepper, red onion, sesame seed, carrot nest, Thai plum sauce.
C.A.B Steak Skewers US$18.00
beef tenderloin, grilled red peppers, onions, zest sauce, sesame seeds

Sides
Asparagus US$7.00
House Fries US$6.00
Kimchi US$6.00
Jasmine Rice US$5.00
Citrus Asian Slaw US$5.00
Snow Peas Stir Fry US$8.00

Specialty Rolls
Dynamite Roll US$20.00
Fresh tuna, yellowtail, striped bass, asparagus, topped with masago, tempura flakes.
Oceanic Roll US$19.00
Spicy tuna, topped with seared salmon, scallions, masago, spicy mayo.
Firecracker Roll US$21.00
Spicy crab and shrimp salad, avocado, topped with fresh tuna, spicy sesame oil, soy glaze, sesame dressing, masago, scallions.
Super Crunch Roll US$16.00
Masago, tempura flakes, spicy mayo topped with steamed shrimp. Soy glaze.
Canton Street Roll US$18.00
Crab stick, cucumber, avocado, flash fried, topped with spicy crab salad, soy glaze.
Rainbow Roll US$18.00
Crab stick, avocado, cucumber, topped with fresh tuna, salmon, yellowtail, striped bass.
Scorpion Roll US$21.00
Spicy tuna, avocado, cream cheese, tempura flake, topped with yellowtail, jalapeño, sriracha.
Spider Roll US$22.00
Fried soft shell crab, crab stick, cucumber, avocado, masago, topped with spicy mayo, soy glaze, nori wrap.
Caterpillar Roll US$22.00
Spicy crab and shrimp salad, eel, topped with avocado, spicy mayo, soy glaze, sriracha.
Yummy Roll US$17.00
Salmon, yellowtail, fresh tuna, cream cheese, flash fried, topped with spicy mayo.
Kiss Of Death Roll US$17.00
Spicy tuna, cucumber, topped with masago, tempura flakes, sriracha, wasabi cucumber sauce.
Pacific Roll US$21.00
Spicy salmon, cucumber, topped with snow crab salad, avocado, tobiko, spicy mayo.
Roswell Roll US$18.00
Spicy yellowtail, scallions, topped with albacore tuna, fresh tuna, wasabi cucumber sauce, sriracha.
Volcano Roll US$20.00
Crab stick, cucumber, avocado, topped with torched spicy crab salad, soy glaze.
Zest Roll US$20.00
Snow crab salad, fresh tuna, cream cheese, tobiko, avocado, cucumber wrap, citrus ponzu sauce.
Allyson Roll US$18.00
Shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, topped with baked eel, spicy mayo, soy glaze, tempura flakes, masago.
Ashleigh Roll US$18.00
Shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, topped with spicy tuna, wasabi-cucumber sauce.
Dragon Roll US$17.00
Shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, topped with steamed shrimp, soy glaze.

Beverages
Iced Tea US$3.50
Sweet, unsweetened.
Soft Drinks US$3.50
Coke products.
Saratoga Water US$4.00
Still, sparkling.
Red Bull US$5.00
Regular, sugar free.

Entrées
Zest Ramen US$15.00
Traditional ramen noodles, pork broth, mixed veggies, charred corn, carrots, hard-boiled egg, seaweed flakes, fish cakes and bean sprouts. Add your choice of protein for an extra charge.
Karaage Chicken Tenders US$18.00
Teriyaki chicken tenders, jasmine rice, asparagus, red peppers, green onions.
Green Coconut Curry US$21.00
Chicken breast, coconut milk, lemon grass, snow peas, red onion, tomato, basil, white rice.
Fish & Chips US$20.00
Tempura battered, wild caught cod, tartar sauce, house fries.
Firecraker Fried Shrimp US$26.00
jasmine rice, red peppers, citrus asian slaw, zest aioli
Soba Noodle US$21.00
Shrimp or salmon, spinach, red onion, mushroom, edamame.
Lamb Lollipops US$29.00
Rosemary and garlic lamb chops, herbed potato cake, crispy onion straws, jus gravy, demi-glace.
Shaking Beef Tenderloin US$21.00
Sautéed beef tenderloin, red onion, mushrooms, mixed greens, tomato slices, white rice.
Pork Belly Don US$29.00
braised chashu, steamed white rice, kimchi, marinated soft boiled egg, asian sesame sauce, green onions

Zest Specialties
Tri Color Sushi Or Sashimi 28 US$32.00
Ahi tuna, salmon, yellowtail, 3 pcs each.
Scallop Crudo US$17.00
Hokkaido scallops, orange segments, passionfruit pure, ponzu, evoo, lemon
Chirashi Rice Bowl US$32.00
2 pcs sashimi of each crab, salmon, ahi tuna, yellowtail, striped bass, seasoned rice, masago, tobiko, scallions.
Yellowtail Jalapeño US$20.00
Yellowtail sashimi, sliced lemon, sliced jalapeño, citrus ponzu sauce, sriracha.

Soups
Chicken Coconut US$6.00
Mushrooms.
Miso US$5.00
Seaweed, chives.

Nigiri
Octopus US$9.00
Striped Bass US$8.00
Omelet US$6.00
Eel US$8.00
Salmon Egg US$9.00
Surf Clam US$7.00
Sweet Shrimp US$10.00
Tuna US$8.00
Salmon US$8.00
Smoked Salmon US$8.00
Spicy Scallops US$9.00
Spicy.
Mackerel US$8.00
Crab Stick US$6.00
Yellowtail US$8.00
Albacore Tuna US$9.00

Sashimi
Sweet Shrimp US$21.00
Mackerel US$15.00
Tuna US$15.00
Omelet US$9.00
Salmon US$15.00
Spicy Scallops US$17.00
Spicy.
Octopus US$17.00
Salmon Egg US$17.00
Smoked Salmon US$15.00
Eel US$15.00
Striped Bass US$15.00
Albacore Tuna US$17.00
Surf Clam US$12.00
Yellowtail US$15.00
Crab Stick US$9.00

Small Plates - Surf
Fried Calamari US$15.00
Sweet Thai chili sauce, wasabi mayo, parsley.
Bang Bang Shrimp US$17.00
Flash fried, red onions, sweet Thai chili sauce.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp US$15.00
Asian slaw, teriyaki, sweet Thai chili sauce.
Ahi Tuna Tartare US$18.00
Avocado, masago, zest sauce, scallions.
Ahi Tuna Sliders US$18.00
Sliced, lightly seared blackened tuna, cilantro herb slaw, wasabi aioli, toasted brioche bun.
Crab Wontons US$15.00
Cream cheese, sweet Thai chili sauce.
Mussels US$17.00
White wine garlic cream sauce, toasted crostini.
Salmon Poke Crunch US$17.00
diced salmon, avocado, yuzu tobiko, spicy mayo, green onions, wonton crisps
Yuzu Crab Cakes US$24.00
lump crab, peppers, onions, panko fried, citrus salad, yuzu aioli
Scallop Wontons US$21.00
Shredded spring mix, diced tomato, cucumber, lemon herb vinaigrette, seared scallops, fried wonton crisp, wasabi aioli.

Classic Rolls
Salmon Roll US$12.00
Fresh salmon, maki-style.
Eel Roll US$12.00
Eel, avocado, cucumber.
Tuna Roll US$12.00
Fresh ahi tuna, maki-style.
Spicy Crab Roll US$14.00
Spicy crab salad, avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo
Spicy Salmon Roll US$13.00
Fresh salmon, house spices
Spicy Tuna Roll US$14.00
Minced ahi tuna, house spices.
Veggie Roll US$10.00
Avocado, cucumber, asparagus.
California Roll US$10.00
Avocado, crab stick, cucumber.
Yellowtail Roll US$12.00
Fresh yellowtail, scallions, maki-style.
Shrimp Tempura Roll US$14.00
Shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado topped with masago, soy glaze.
Bagel Roll US$12.00
Smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado.
Avocado Roll US$9.00
Fresh avocado, maki-style.

Entrée Salads
Sesame Ahi Tuna US$25.00
Lightly seared tuna, chopped napa cabbage, diced cucumber, edamame, shaved carrots, tomatoes, bean sprouts, citrus herb vinaigrette, old bay wonton chips, Japanese mustard drizzle.
Seafood Trident US$32.00
jumbo lump crab, lobster meat, shrimp, honey gem lettuce, avocado, tomato, red wine vinaigrette
Chicken Asian Chop Chop US$21.00
Sesame chicken, napa cabbage, roasted corn, edamame, green onions, daikon, carrots, red peppers, water chestnuts, toasted sesame vinaigrette, wonton chips.
Go Go Salmon US$26.00
red pepper bbq salmon, spring mix, purple cabbage, mandarin oranges, matchstick carrots, red peppers, cucumbers, citrus herb vinaigrette, sesame seeds

Handhelds
Lobster Tacos US$23.00
cilantro herbed slaw, red onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted corn, avocado, yuzu aioli drizzle, lemon wedge, flour tortilla
Thai Shrimp Tacos US$15.00
Tempura fried shrimp, sweet Thai chili sauce, cilantro herb slaw, shaved carrot, cucumber, yuzu aioli drizzle, fresh cilantro, flour tortilla.
Soft Shell Crab BLT US$26.00
Napa cabbage, sliced tomato, shaved red onion, applewood smoked bacon, yuzu aioli, toasted hoagie, house fries.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich US$18.00
double fried breast, house pickles, red onions, spicy go go sauce, toasted brioche, house fries
Pork Belly Tacos US$15.00
slow roasted, flash fried, citrus asian slaw, zest sauce, fresh cilantro, flour tortilla
Korean CheeseSteak US$22.00
bulgogi-marinated tenderloin, monterey jack and white cheddar blend, sautéed shishito and red peppers, grilled onions and mushrooms, soy garlic, toasted hoagie, house fries

Side Salads
Seaweed US$6.00
Seaweed, carrots, sesame vinaigrette.
Baby Chopped US$7.00
Napa cabbage, cucumber, edamame, carrot, scallions, wonton strips, citrus herb vinaigrette.
Cucumber US$7.00
Crab stick, soy vinaigrette.
Ginger US$6.00
Spring mix, cucumber, tomato, carrot, traditional ginger dressing.

Chilled Seafood - Shellfish
Cocktail US$17.00
Shrimp with cocktail sauce, lump crabmeat with rémoulade sauce or Maine lobster with drawn butter.

Kids Menu
Chicken Quesadilla US$14.00
Cheese Quesadilla US$9.00
Chicken Taco US$12.00
Mac & Cheese US$10.00
Chicken Tenders US$14.00

Zest Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great tea selection
Great wine list

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Late-night food
Private dining room
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Upmarket

Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs

Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid parking lot

Zest Photos

Zest Location

Zest

Georgia Fulton County Roswell Canton Street

957 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075, USA

Zest Reviews

One of my favorite places to go for lunch or a quick bite. I've always been greeted with kindness and the food is wonderful. My favorite is the Lunch time bento box, dragon roll and ginger salad.
May 21 · Mrs. Monestime
We finally made it to Zest and wish it didn’t take us so long to get here!Delicious Asian small plates and sushi partnered with an assortment of sake and STELLAR service from the bartenders Allie and Adam to the General Manager Anthony.We tried the Pork Belly, Veggie Tempura, Bonzai Brussels, Lettuce Wraps and Roswell Roll. All of which met or exceeded our expectations! We will definitely be back to try some of their other dishes and to check out their other daily specials :)
February 01 · Quest and Consume
The atmosphere was steller, the food was average, and the service was below average.The area and the dining atmosphere are beautiful. It's a very romantic area of town with a massive walk-score.Food left a bit to be desired. The lamb was tough, the oysters were flavorless, and the roman was mid; however, the beer was cold, and the sake was hot.Service lacked any attention to detail, and non-alcoholic drinks were left empty most of the meal, and we needed to ask for things several times before they were provided.Overall, for the price, there is much better sushi in the area. Great for drinks and maybe an app at the bar.
December 31 · Bert Hayden
Zest Sushi and Small Plates is average at best, a far cry from high quality Japanese fare. From a strict culinary perspective, Zest deserves 2 stars, in my opinion. But when you factor in the affordable price tag and amiable service, 3 stars is more like it. Here is what we ate, in order of preference:Kiss of Death Roll (A-): Very flavorful, although not spicy at allPolynesian Pork Belly (B+): Nice seasoning, although we’ve had much betterMocktail – Mint Mule (B+): Very refreshingButter Garlic Oysters (B): DecentTempura Veggie (C+): Too soft, almost soggyFish & Chips (C-): The fries were very good, but the fish was terrible (insipid, soggy)Tuna Nigiri (D+): I’ve had better grocery store nigiriSalmon Poke Crunch (D): Just bad poke. No flavor whatsoeverMocktail – Lychee Limeade (D-): Just no flavor, utterly forgettableGyoza Dumplings (F): The worst gyozas ever. Limp and soggyOn the positive side, we only spent $118 for a 3-person meal, before tipping (2 mocktails, water, 7 small plates, 1 larger entrée, no alcohol). We won’t be returning to Zest Sushi.
March 30 · Richard Mingorance
The food and zest has always been delicious and amazing and the service and everyone who works.There are intentive and friendly. I was just there and they have done a beautiful redecoration of the venue with new colors chairs menu, decor and more. It's absolutely beautiful. Anthony, the general manager was here talking with diners to make sure we were having a great experience. If you haven't been before, I highly recommend you check it out.
January 14 · Tracey Newsome