Zen Modern Asian Bistro

Zen Modern Asian Bistro is a great choice for anyone looking for well-prepared Asian cuisine with a versatile menu.The vibe inside is intimate and simple, definitely a place I'll stop back again for a possible lunch date.The pork potstickers were a highlight--thick, savory, and served piping hot. Each bite was a piece of Heaven!It's not always easy to get the spice level right for dishes, but the drunken noodles were also spot-on. I can't wait to come back and try more!Until next time, I'll be dreaming of those potstickers...

Sorry didn't take pictures but here is what we got... beef egg roll- absolutely like nothing we have ever had before but damn delicious!!! Even after my husband drove it home about 30min awayEgg drop soup: thick, flavor spot on and reminds me of how I had it as a kid. 100% one of the best ones I have hadHot and sour--- my husband only had and he says really good Spicy wontons: dense filling so not as light as some but so much flavor and heat. Really really goodChicken pad Thai: not spicy good flavor just not that peanutty as some. Still worth getting thoughIsland roll: def def would get again. Nice light, fish delicious. Ponzu nice touchEgg Fried rice: one of the best ones I have had as a replacement to white rice. Not greasy great tasteAnd the best thing..... Mongolian beef: what can I say beef tenderest I have had no gristle, mushrooms perfect, onions nice carmelization, sauce perfection! Trust me it's worth the price.Seriously some of the best Chinese food in the states I have had at least in SD. More authentic flavors (I have stayed in China for a month) just delicious!! My husband got our food to go so can't say anything about the ambiance but the ordering through website super easy!

Ordered takeout from this spot and got the mandarin fried rice. Agree with other reviews that it's unique and delicious! It's more of a soy sauce based fried rice versus the paler fried rice common at other Chinese spots near by. I will definitely be back to try other items.

Hidden Gem alert! Yes, I've been keeping this a secret too long and this review is long overdue! On our very first visit, we just happened upon Zen after being in the area and wanting to grab a bite after our massages. We fell in love this place for so many reasons... keep reading to see why! First of all, the delicious food! You can't go wrong with anything you order here. If you love spice, you will definitely love many dishes here. (I can't handle spice and a few dishes got me good!) We've tried many dishes here, see which ones have become our favorites: - Mongolian beef - Flavorful, perfectly cooked tender beef. No chewy pieces of meat here! This is probably one of my favorite dishes here and I could eat this everyday! - Drunken noodles - another fav, if you love rice noodles, try it! - Beef chow fun - the hubs favorite dish. Zen is our new go to for beef chow fun. - Salt & pepper wings - flavorful, very crunchy! - Spicy wontons / chili oil on side - wontons are good, sauce is too spicy for me. Hubs loves the spicy sauce! I like my rolls without cucumber, absolutely hate it and I always have to remember to have it taken out. These two rolls have shrimp tempura and don't have cucumber...yay! Love love love! - North Shore roll - absolutely delish! - Super Dragon roll - combine the crunchy and dragon roll without cucumber and yum yum yum! Other items we've tried...- Zen wings - these had a spicy kick! My hubs loved them! I could only have one, tasty, but it was too spicy for me. - Beef egg roll - this is different, not bad. - General Tso chicken - tasty chicken dish, thankfully not spicy! - Pot stickers - these are huge! You get four and you are stuffed! - Tidal roll - this came out interesting looking, not like a regular roll. It was huge, tasty and very filling. They have Stubborn soda and also offer boba milk teas. I love their Thai tea without boba. They also offer a variety of Asian beers. Not a huge restaurant, they do stay busy with lots of to go orders and regular customers. Each time we've visited, we never had to wait. I love that they know you by name and remember you! Server Jonathan remembered us from our first visit which is nice. Reminiscent of a family Chinese restaurant where the employees remember all their costumers. It's nice to know that these businesses still exist! I used to live right down the street from here long ago. I wish I did again just so I can walk here whenever I wanted! Zen is no where close to where we live now, but the food and service is exceptional! So we'll make the drive from Mission Valley! Just a note: They also own Glassbox located at the Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, another must try! Nothing but good things here!!! Thanks for the deliciousness! We'll be back!2024:1

Love the Taiwanese beef noodle soup and Pork Gyoza such huge portions and the staff is so friendly, I am also glad this is so close to me so I can keep coming back for delicious eats.Some other things are the rolls and as well and the stir fries too check them out

Delicious! I don't know why I haven't tried this place sooner. I went an hour before closing and ordered zen wings and Taiwanese beef noodle soup. I really liked the flavor of both items. Service was also nice and friendly! Will def be back to try more from their menu!

I love Zen Modern. From the fresh food, to the excellent entrees. Each item on the menu is worth ordering. We have tried many of the entrees and we really do not have a favorite since it is too hard to choose.I always go with a group so we can share the different dishes here. The service here is excellent along with the ambiance of the restaurant.When I am in San Diego Zen is on my short list.

Food is so good & fresh! The service was quick. I was pleasantly surprised to see the variety on the menu! I definitely will be back!

Ahhh, fantastic place. I know a relative of the people who run it, but that doesn't even matter. I had a Zen sushi roll, my son had the wanton soup, and my wife had the drunken noodles, and my daughter had something else. All of it was really good, and big portions. I like that they have a wide selection of different things and some non-std sushi roll combos.

Worst service rvetWanted to use the bathroom prior to ordering something,since i have type 2 diabetes,i could barely hold it or talk. The tall asian guy stood between me and the bathroom,which was my heaven destination at that moment,snob ,erect and determined that i have to order first. I had to leave the prmises for the corner over to take a long number one rather than doing it in my pants. People should destinguish between humanity and business,mainly the first one can make people happy and rich,if they ever care about taking care of their co- humans piss. This place is not as Zen as it pretends to be.