Zen Japanese Izakaya

4.5 ( 440 reviews )
Checking... 11:30 AM - 02:00 PM See Hours
$30–50
2015 S Shepherd Dr #700, Houston, TX 77019, United States
+1 346-800-1887

Zen Japanese Izakaya, nestled in Houston, TX, is a gem for sushi lovers seeking a blend of authenticity and a cozy ambiance. Patrons rave about the freshness of the sashimi, with many mentioning the rich, umami-flavored soy sauce that perfectly complements the dishes. The restaurant showcases a diverse menu, featuring lesser-known fish cuts flown in directly from Japan, which is a delightful surprise for adventurous eaters.

Customers appreciate the meticulous food presentation, enhancing the dining experience and reflecting the attention to detail from the staff. The interior design elegantly incorporates Japanese cultural elements, creating a serene atmosphere that transports diners from the bustling streets of Houston to a quaint izakaya in Japan. While some reviews noted fluctuating portion sizes, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many expressing a desire to return for another special meal.

Although service experienced slight inconsistencies, the passion exhibited by the staff and the quality of the food quickly make up for it. Highlights include the chawanmushi, hailed as one of the best around, and their unique approach to sashimi. In short, Zen Japanese Izakaya promises an enriching culinary journey, making it a must-visit for any sushi aficionado.

Amenities and More

  • Service options
    • Delivery
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Fast service
    • Great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings
    • Alcohol
    • Beer
    • Comfort food
    • Happy-hour drinks
    • Happy-hour food
    • Healthy options
    • Small plates
    • Spirits
    • Wine
  • Dining options
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Seating
    • Table service
  • Amenities
    • Bar on site
    • Toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Groups
    • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • High chairs
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Parking

Reviews For Zen Japanese Izakaya

Ken Trieu
Jun 30,2025
I randomly came here on an occasion to explore this adorned place. Even though without a reservation, the host improvised me a good seat during their happy hour. The food splashed my palate with orgasm in fresh and refreshing flavor. Their dipping soy sauce has a very pleasant umami sweet that complemented well with the sashimi.
Aylin Weyh
Jun 23,2025
I truly enjoyed my experience at this restaurant. The interior design is beautifully done, incorporating Japanese cultural elements that create a serene and authentic atmosphere. The sashimi was incredibly fresh, and the food presentation was impeccable, showcasing great attention to detail. My only minor complaint is the portion sizes, but I understand the high operational costs in this area and the ever-increasing labor expenses. The staff’s passion and attentiveness, however, more than made up for it. It’s a fantastic spot for a special meal, and I would gladly return.
Kiran Movva
Jun 11,2025
Feb-9: You know you're in the right place when you hear the sushi chef speak Japanese and several tables had Japanese speaking diners! Diverse menu. All of the dishes were good. They do cut their sashimi quite thick, requiring 2-3 bites per piece. Ask for salmon belly sashimi to be blow torched!
David and Ruthie Wu
May 29,2025
For Tuesday’s lunch, my brother suggested @zenjapaneseizakaya. They had several lunch specials...they all looked really good. Hubby and SIL both had the Tonkatsu Bento. I had the Sashimi Bento, which was so much food! Brother had the Chirashi. Dad had the Unagi Bowl and the Tempura. Everything was fresh and delicious. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!
Tuan Hoang
May 9,2025
They have a lot of high quality and lesser known fish cuts flown in from Japan. Everything tasted great. Their chawanmushi was prob one of the best I’ve ever had. It’s a cozy small atmosphere and the service was kinda lacking for me, my table didn’t get refills and the next table was getting their food out so fast vs mine, idk if each table is assigned a different staff member or what
Dana Cahill
Apr 25,2025
Found this hidden gen off Shepherds just last Thursday, and today we are back for Mother’s Day lunch. Zen Japanese Izakaya has the best tasting rolls and freshest sashimi in Houston. The Japanese style decos are beautiful, service is excellent. My husband loves the Otoro. They a little pricy, but so fresh and melt in the mouth. I ordered sushi lunch special, Salmon & Salmon, Spicy Tuna. All are excellent. We ordered two bento boxes for our 10 year old kids, they love it. So it’s great that we can bring the kids here even though they are not fun or sushi. The food was beautifully presented too. We will be back.
Tiffany
Mar 29,2025
Unagi hitsumabushi is a must try! So so delicious! Also had their karaage and grilled eggplant, the eggplant was flavored so well other than being a bit too oily it was perfect! The waitress was also very nice and attentive, checked in on us after every dish. Definitely need to come back and try other items.
Krishna Paul
Mar 6,2025
One of the best sushi restaurants in Houston! While on the pricier side, this restaurant distinguishes itself by offering some of the freshest ingredients, even some that are unique to Japan. For about 100, we got the eel bowl, takoyaki, fried chicken, chirashi bowl and a piece of nigiri. The appetizers were warm, crispy, and tangy. The fish for the chirashi and eel bowl was very fresh with good sized cuts and rice at just the right texture. For the nigiri, I got the Shimaji fish, which was really fresh and tender with a hint of ocean. Would definitely recommend this place if you want a more unique fish experience!

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