Zen — Restaurant in Belfast

Embarking on a recent adventure to Zen Restaurant in Belfast was a rollercoaster of emotions that left me pondering various aspects of the dining experience. The moment I stepped through the door, the initial warmth of the restaurant's ambiance embraced me, although there were subtle hints that improvements were in order.

Guided by a gracious host, I was led to my designated table. The interior design bore the marks of an Asian-inspired motif, yet there was an air of nostalgia that called for a modern touch. Seating arrangements, thankfully, provided comfort, giving promise to a relaxed evening ahead.

The menu, an extensive canvas of Pan-Asian delights, tempted my taste buds with its diverse array. However, as my culinary journey unfolded, a series of twists presented themselves. The oysters I longed for were an unattainable treasure, a minor heartache within the larger spectrum of flavors to come. My chosen path led me to the sesame prawn toast, crispy duck and pancake, sizzling wasabi monkfish, and king prawn in coconut. The dishes danced with flavors that held my attention, and the service played its role effectively, ensuring the portions were satisfying.

As the final chapter of my meal approached, the Zen cheesecake was the last stroke on this culinary canvas. While not a resounding finale, it beckoned introspection into the nuances of dessert satisfaction.

Yet, an unexpected plot twist awaited with the arrival of the bill. The elusive oysters, a specter of their absence, haunted the document. In a peculiar play, they found their way onto the invoice, casting doubts on the transparency of the establishment's financial practices. The hidden inclusion, cloaked within the digits, prompted me to question the integrity of the script.

Adding intrigue to the narrative was the enigmatic service charge, a phantom that hovered over the scene. A mystique that remained unexplained, leaving me to unravel its true essence. Through conversations with the waitstaff, the truth emerged – a twist in the form of an obligatory 10 percent tip, unspoken on the menu's pages. Attempts to clarify this shadowy charge led to a tête-à-tête with the manager. His demeanor cast a shadow over the evening, as his words dripped with indifference, painting an unfortunate portrait of customer care.

However, amidst the turbulent waters, the staff's performance was an oasis of hospitality. Swift service and the gentle grace of a Chinese waitress softened the edges of the journey.

In retrospection, my voyage at Zen Restaurant in Belfast was colored by contrasting shades. The absence of delicacies, a billing enigma, and the unsettling manager cast shadows that obscured the brilliance of the potential within. While a diamond in the rough, the establishment must heed the critiques and refine its tale to meet the expectations of discerning patrons. Only then can the narrative find its rightful place among the echoes of culinary...

Is this a nightclub or a restaurant? The dance music was something you'd expect from a bar or club and was too loud for dining. This caused all the diners to speak incredibly loud, causing everyone to have to shout to each other to be heard. This was incredibly annoying for a quiet birthday meal. The tables were also packed in tight, so there were no intimate moments to be had.

I ate at Zen in Nov 2018 for my birthday also, and the experience was completely different. It was quiet and calm. There was light music and a chilled atmosphere. I don't remember everything I ate then, but I did have the lobster. It was delicious! Meaty yet tender and juicy. I really enjoyed it and ate every last bit! However, this time, the lobster was mushy. I knew just looking at it that I wasn't going to enjoy it. The meat was so gooey that I was put off the rest of my meal. The taste was a bit sour. The stomach contents of the lobster had also spilled out, so there was a lovely black/green mess. I didn't eat any of it, and the staff members didn't ask why, so I didn't bring it up due to embarrassment. We paid (£135 including £12 service charge) and left.

We had Set Meal B (roughly £40pp + £6pp for lobster & steak 3rd course), and the sushi first course was not as good as I have eaten in other, less expensive locations (try Obento café Belfast for quick, casual, tasty sushi). The sushi was more room temperature, as if the fish had been sitting out for a while. The second course of various spring rolls and prawn toast were nice but nothing special. The third course was the lobster & steak. I was so looking forward to this birthday feast, and the cocktails were the best part!

I don't know if the restaurant has different owners now, but the experience was not to the same standard as before. I...

100% 5 star review - if I could give more I would

Table of 8, including a child, offered a hot towel as soon as we were seated, prompt food and drink service, a few high demands from the young one but not a bother at all for the restaurant staff to which I could not thank enough.

Went above and beyond to cater to everyone’s needs. Food was amazing!! Served hot and to everyone’s likings.

Unfortunately we were seated next to a table where a wine bottle was cracked and the tiniest shard of glass cut the leg of the punter. Obvious misfortune to happen in any place, but potential greedy pleasures seized by the said couple, To which they took the utmost pleasure in milking the situation.

Being front row witness to the incident… the restaurant staff were on the ball in cleaning up and sorting the situation. Couldn’t do enough with level of professionalism, bearing in mind there were several young children in the restaurant and needed to be made a safe environment, but never enough for the couple whose partners “leg was hanging off” and in need of “dire medical attention and an antiseptic wipe” - (I’ve had worse cuts shaving).

They’ll be the lesser few to leave a 1 star review, if not the only one, but don’t let that fool you. Two arses looking a free meal - hope her leg gets stitched back on - if not she’ll be known as sally.

Picked her Bick razor cut.

Genuine review left by a 100% first and definite returning customer, with recommendations to all that I know.

It’s not ten out of ten

It’s...