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Zest Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Zest Sushi
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Zest Sushi is a busy Thai-Japanese spot that doubles as the neighborhood’s dependable everyday sushi workhorse, backed by a deep menu of rolls, hot appetizers, and happy hour deals. It’s less about quiet omakase ritual and more about plentiful platters, cocktails, and value.
Must-Try Dishes:
249 Roll, Rock N Roll, Salmon Dream Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: High-volume Thai-Japanese hub where consistent sushi and generous specials anchor the menu.
Who should go: Friends wanting casual sushi, drinks, and long menus
When to visit: Early evenings for happy hour and shorter waits
What to order: 249 Roll, Rock N Roll, Salmon Dream roll
Insider tip: Check current happy hour specials; many signature rolls run at a discount.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; meters open up slightly more on side streets east of Allen but become difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual; anything from jeans and a tee to slightly polished for group nights out fits the room.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak evenings; conversation is doable in smaller parties but not ideal for intimate chats.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak rush, especially around happy hour turnover.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection of veggie rolls, tofu dishes, and Thai-inspired vegetable appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; a few maki options and vegetable starters, though sauces may need confirmation.
Gluten-free options: Some sashimi and simple rolls can be made gluten-free; soy sauce substitutions available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than intimate first dates; the energy leans lively and social rather than quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Arrive early evening for fastest seating; larger groups may face a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably; the menu breadth works for families, though the room can get loud and space for strollers is limited.
Best For
Better for: Value-driven sushi nights, happy hour roll deals, and groups who want variety without spending heavily.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase-level fish quality or a quiet, chef-led sushi experience—other LES spots specialize in that.
Zest Sushi
8.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Zest Sushi is a Thai-Japanese hybrid on Broome Street known for its long list of creative rolls, happy hour specials, and fast delivery. Regulars lean on it for well-priced specialty rolls like the 249 Roll and Rock N Roll that balance playful sauces with solid fish quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
249 Roll, Rock N Roll, Happy Year Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A busy fusion spot where specialty rolls and happy hour dominate the playbook.
Who should go: Groups wanting creative rolls without blowing the budget.
When to visit: Weeknight happy hour or weekend early evenings before peak rush.
What to order: 249 Roll, Rock N Roll, Crispy & Spicy appetizer.
Insider tip: Stack the lunch or happy hour roll specials for the best value-to-variety ratio.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broome and surrounding blocks is limited, especially after 6pm; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages on Allen or Ludlow.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans and sneakers are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate – energetic but controlled enough for conversation at normal volume.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak 7–8pm rush, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with quick seating even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie rolls, avocado-based options, and Thai appetizers work well.
Vegan options: Limited — a handful of vegetable rolls and standard apps, but sauces may contain mayo or fish.
Gluten-free options: Some rolls can be made gluten-free if you request no soy sauce–based dressings; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual, affordable, and upbeat; the room isn’t intimate, but the creative rolls make it fun and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — walk-ins are common. Arrive slightly before peak dinner hours for the fastest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi or noodles; service is fast, but the small room and busy rush periods may be less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Creative specialty rolls at strong value, fast service, and dependable delivery compared to more formal sushi spots in the area.
Skip if: You want premium fish cuts, omakase-level quality, or a quiet, date-night atmosphere.