Zen Bistro — Restaurant in Daytona Beach

To write a negative review about this place really sucks. Let me start off by saying, that the food and atmosphere outside are amazing. The servers we have come across were also very friendly. We feel like it is necessary to let others know about our experience with reserving a table for 17 people, because it was everything but amazing.. We picked Zen Bistro for a celebration dinner three months before our reservation date (we are from Orlando and decided to drive to Daytona JUST to try this place and see if it was the spot we wanted to host the celebration at). We fell in love with the outside space, specifically under the pergola outside. On our first visit there, we asked our sever several questions about reserving this table outside under the pergola for about 20 people. She told us it should be no problem, they've sat around that many people outside before, but to make sure we made the reservation a month in advance. Fast forward to two months before our reservation date, we decided to call and see if we could make the reservation - the man on the phone said they usually don't take reservations that far out in advance but that he would write it down for us anyways. While making the reservation, we clarified it was for 17 people, under the pergola, outside. He confirmed that would be fine with them, and that was all. Fast forward ONE month before the reservation, we called again just to confirm the reservation was set for the date/time/and table we wanted. The lady on the phone was SO friendly, mentioned that, yes, she did see the reservation for outside, under the pergola, for 17 people; she also mentioned that they would save a table inside in case the weather wasn't the greatest that day, which we loved that she recommended and accommodated that for us. Now, to the day BEFORE the reservation...... a guy calls us, mentioning how he sees the reservation we have for 17 people under the pergola outside, but that there was a mistake from the person who took our reservation because they were unable to accommodate 17 people under the pergola outside, but they could only accommodate us inside. We were in shock..... simply because we made the reservation TWO MONTHS before the reservation date, and they called us the DAY BEFORE to tell us this information. We were incredibly disappointed and made it clear to the person on the phone. After hanging up and thinking it over, we decided to call back and speak to the manager. We expressed to him how we made the reservation two months in advance, we spoke to SEVERAL people in person while we dined there and over the phone about that specific table and location and no one mentioned it not being possible. The manager went on to say that the staff that confirmed that to us was mistaken, they couldn't fit 17 people under the pergola outside, BUT if we wanted to rent out the space, THEN they would be able to accommodate us.... it seemed very much like a money grab. We let him know how incredibly disappointed we were in their handling of the situation, something that they could have let us know WAY ahead of time, not the DAY BEFORE. The manager just said sorry and that was all. And honestly, if they would have let us know in advance that this was not possible, we would have been okay with it and made a reservation somewhere else... but to call the day before.. that's just not right. We contacted several other restaurants that same day, but of course they couldn't accommodate 17 people so last minute. We ended up taking the reservation, eating inside, and yes, we enjoyed the food and service, but this experience really threw us off. Unfortunately, that is why we are writing this review to let others know about the horrible experience of the handling of our reservation and request. I hope the manager learns from this experience because that's 17 people who will not dine at Zen Bistro again.... which is...

Zen Bistro, nestled in the heart of Daytona, is a culinary sanctuary for those who cherish authentic Thai cuisine. This exceptional restaurant is renowned for its commitment to delivering an unparalleled dining experience that emphasizes quality, flavor, and genuine hospitality.

Upon entering Zen Bistro, guests are greeted by the friendly staff, whose eagerness to serve and attention to detail set the tone for a memorable visit. Their professionalism and warmth make every diner feel like a VIP, ensuring that every aspect of the meal is perfect.

The crown jewel of Zen Bistro's menu is undoubtedly the Seafood Basil dish. This exquisite offering is a testament to the kitchen's prowess, featuring generous portions of different kinds of fish, each cooked to perfection and harmoniously blended with aromatic basil and other authentic Thai herbs and spices. The balance of flavors in this dish is extraordinary, showcasing the depth and complexity of Thai cuisine with every bite.

Not only is the food at Zen Bistro a culinary delight, but the portions are also remarkably generous, providing great value for diners. The presentation of the dishes, including the Seafood Basil, is visually stunning, making the dining experience as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

The ambiance at Zen Bistro complements the exquisite food and stellar service. The restaurant's decor is thoughtfully designed to reflect the elegance and tranquility of Thailand, providing a serene backdrop for the flavorful feast.

For enthusiasts of Thai cuisine and those looking to explore it, Zen Bistro in Daytona is a destination worth visiting. Its unforgettable Seafood Basil, warm hospitality, and inviting atmosphere make it a standout dining experience that beckons guests to return...

Found a dash of ZEN and a true GEM while on vacation in Daytona Beach recently. Very welcoming entry way that opens up to a relaxing and quaint garden patio that incorporates luscious bamboo, wind chimes, fire pit, and a water fountain. While that's a plus....the creamy, rich, and flavor filled Thai food was the STAR! You could taste that it was cooked to order, when it was ordered, with nothing but the freshest ingredients. So you can be assured your food is not sitting on a hot plate waiting to be served! The portion sizes were big enough for 2 people to share and possibly even take home a little extra for a midnight snack. Pricing was even on point! To top things off, the family run establishment treated us like we were some sort of SPECIAL! Everyone we spoke to were informative about the ingredients and cooking process. Even telling us about their favorite dishes! We live roughly 2 hours away and WE WILL travel back just to go enjoy more of their Thai dishes. I want to try EVERYTHING on the menu, and you will too after just one visit! Pics are of the entrance to the garden patio, our appetizer of Fresh Rolls (Rice noodles, tofu, lettuce, and Thai basil leaves wrapped in rice paper, served with the BEST Thai Peanut Sauce I've ever tried and was assured it was made on site), and our main dinner dish of Pineapple with Chicken Curry (Red curry paste cooked with coconut milk, pineapple, bell pepper, green beans, peas, zucchini, Juicy chicken breast pieces and Thai basil). Because we shared, they even split our portions up for us to appreciate...