Zento Sushi — Restaurant in Southampton

Been here twice this month! Since moving to Southampton I’ve found the Japanese restaurant front to be a bit uninspired, which was why I was excited to see a new place opening in town. I was not disappointed!

In terms of food - for starters I have had tried the chicken gyoza, pork belly. In terms of sushi I have tried the rainbow sushi roll, salmon maki. I have also tried the salmon and tuna sashimi, for mains I have tried the chicken katsu and chicken teriyaki bento boxes. All of which is very very reasonably priced and delicious. I could easily say it is the cheapest sushi in Hampshire and it does not compromise on quality either. The food exceeds all expectations. The plumb wine was so lovely I brought a bottle to take home and it’s easily the cheapest price I’ve ever paid at £4.00 a glass.

In terms of the restaurant, it is clean and clearly newly renovated. The bathrooms were spotless!

In terms of staff, on both occasions staff were friendly and accommodating and on hand to tend to you every need. They bring the food to you quickly, top you up with table water without prompting and check in that everything is okay with your meal in a timely fashion. Always with a warm welcome and friendly goodbye. They add to the atmosphere being very calm and positive l while you dine.

In terms of hospitality the team added a coupon discount to our bill on each visit without us asking and even brought out complimentary dessert!

My new favourite restaurant in Southampton by far; ideal for both those who already enjoy Japanese food and those who are interested in trying something new as they have a wide menu. Even if you don’t like sushi there will be something for you with there range of ramen, donburi and cooked meal...

Food was average - some items too salty others too bland. Worst part is they are sneaky about their prices. BEWARE!!! This is also reflected in many other customer reviews.

Their food menu says 10% is added as service charge. Per UK law, the service charge is not mandatory and when I enquired, they said if we pay by cash the service charge will be taken off.

This was dodgy in itself as it seems THEY ARE TRYING TO AVOID TAX by forcing customers to pay cash. But we agreed as we didn’t want to fuss.

When we went to pay final bill however, the SUM OF THE BILL WAS MORE THAN TOTAL OF INDIVIDUAL ITEMS despite them taking the service charge off!!

When questioned, they said that it’s because we ordered drinks. No other explanation offered. Their drinks menu does not mention any additional/ optional charge.

I asked why should I pay more than the sum total of my items ordered. They said their “SYSTEM MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO EXPLAIN” ! What the h*ll !!!

I put my foot down as said I will not pay anything on top of the total of their menu prices. It was not about the money but a matter of principle for me!

This SHADY PRACTICE OF OVERCHARGING MONEY should not be allowed. I am going to report it and hope they come to their senses.

This is UK after all, not a third world country! So they cannot use such dodgy practices with...

I can safely say that it is no exaggeration when I say- this is literally my most favourite restaurant ever... I have come here on many occasions: Once with my boyfriend for our first date where we both came out feeling so refreshed and joyful after our meal. Good food can really determine your mood for the rest of the day, and even until now, me and my boyfriend still reminisce about that meal ahaha. The food is absolutely DELICIOUS! The staff are so polite and patient with you, the atmosphere is authentic and soothing (Though their music choices is somewhat weird 😂 The first time I went, they were playing pop music whilst another time when I was with my brother, they were playing cantonese music. We were both laughing our heads off as we were so caught off guard to hear music we so often heard in our childhood. But that didn't put me off my food, just thought it was funny). The food is so fresh as well. I've had their sushi, crabshell salad, katsu curry etc etc. and they're all amazing and well presented. It can be a bit expensive but it's the first time I felt that it was so worth the price- for the amazing service, fresh and delicious food, the atmosphere and so much more... truly fantastic!

I also went there for my birthday in March and it was one of my favourite birthdays, just because of that meal :)...