Zen Asian Bistro and Sushi in McAllen

Probably one of my now go to spots. I love the fact that its all you can eat and they dont shy away from the portion size. I was warned several times that they arent small portions and that I should be careful with how much I order, as theyll charge a fee if all the food isnt finished. "OH, make no mistake" I replied, "Im smashing everything". And smash I did. The food was super hot and fresh, clearly made to order. It took a bit, which was worth it. Sushi was fresh and tasty. Ramen was solid, not my favorite, but still very good. Overall, a perfect meal. My server Paulo was very cordial and did a great job accommodating me and my lady as first timers. Ill definitely be back!

Had a new waitress, but still manager was assuring everyone was being served. Food was excellent and cant wait to go back again. 😋

My waiter Isiah, was a solid 5 star. He general love for what he does is top notch. On the other hand, my Tempura was more like a bad batter and/or dirty grease, just not the Tempura Im accustomed to. The Ika salad was superb along with the Hawaiian Roll although I would perfer it not be cut like sushi since it was wrapped in rice paper but it was so delicious! The Spider Roll seemed to have been rapped by an newbe it fell apart each time we picked it up and thats why only 4stars. Overall, I will definitely be back to try other things. The cheesecake was also 5 Star. If you are in the area stop by you wont be disappointed even with the mishaps the food was delicious. $$

The food was okay but we didn’t get the service we wanted. Waiter talked to much and kept forgetting the order.

Ok so the five star rating is a combination of things taken into account. For the people who just want a quick “overall” cliff note review of my experience: if you can make it there during the hours of their pick as you please menu this place is worth every buck and some.Ok the detailed narrative: Please take into mind this was the only time I’ve dined there.(Disclaimer:Everything pretty much in this review my wife and I shared so we wouldn’t leave anything to wasteThe place itself seemed pretty clean even the bathroom. Which in my book is def gonna get some points. My wife and I dined at the sushi bar instead of at a table.We had the pan fried gyozas(slightly over fried but still good), vegetable spring rolls(coulda used a tad bit more veggies but still goodand some miso (right on point and hit the spotto start off.Next we got a dragon roll (pretty bomb if you ask me- the unagi was fresh and the eel sauce amount they used was just right, no need to even ask for more to add to the roll).We also got one of my made up concoctions that I devised while working at a few other local sushi restaurants back in the early 2000s. A bowl of regular steam rice (can be subbed for fried ricewith the prepped crab in mayo they have in the display case. Rice was fresh and the crab mayo mixture was great!We also ordered the steak teriyaki (I’m a rare to med rare guy but my wife’s a med girl so I ordered it med). The stuff was pretty good and the only real thing ide change about it is maybe to add some mushroom to the veggies they use.I ordered four pieces of nigiri: tuna, yellowtail, white tuna, and salmon. Everything except for the regular tuna was super fresh. The regular tuna was a bit too pink but I still ate it and lived to do this review so it was probably 3/5 stars. Also I could if swore I only saw massago on the menu, but they do have Ikura, and I’ll def be trying it next time I go back. Also if they had uni that would spectacular but i forgot to ask about that one.Overall in retrospect everything in this review that I found slightly subpar were very minuscule “first world problems” kind of things so they in no way decreased from my dinning experience. I’m just a nip picky ocd kinda dude sometimes lolThe staff was very friendly and that’s hard to find and the ambiance was great.Wanted to try more but my kids called and hr earlier than expected and needed to be picked up so I had to cut the meal short.Will definitely be having more date nights with my wife at this spot again!

Delicious, delicious, delicious. Servers were great, food was amazing, lots of choices. Highly recommend the all you can eat.

My new favorite sushi place!My wife and I did the all you can eat and everything was amazing. Great variety of different options and everything was fresh and tasty.Special shoutout to Paolo our server. He was very friendly and attentive.Can wait to go back soon for another delicious meal!

Try thier kobe roll its my favorite went for the ayce lunch they had other good rolls just cant remember the names If the soy sauce is too salty for your taste the waiters can bring you thier house sauce i think one is called paun. I did prefer thier uncooked rolls vs their fried but that is a matter of taste. The price is well worth it. And I love that everything is served to you at the table. Apart from the food the service was great.

We were told we could sit where ever. After we chose a location we were given the menu and told they would be right with us. My cousin and I waited 15 maybe 20 minutes. We had servers walk past ignoring us. After impatiently waiting, we decided to leave and go elsewhere with better service.

Its the best. Sushi. Done the real way food. Cooked the real way. OMG. Its mouth drueling. Wow. The best Asian Chinese food. In the valley so far to me

10/10!! We did the all you can eat sushi, we had the San Antonio, Earth, and Kobe roll. highly recommend the San Antonio roll! We also had the chicken egg rolls, crab puffs, and my favorite, spicy edamame and how to forget the general tso chicken. Everything was amazing and freshly prepared.

Im not the type of person who writes bad reviews but this is the exception. This is the second occasion I’ve visited the location and have had an unpleasant experience no complaints on the quantity of food but the customer service. Independent of the amount of customers the food is delayed excessively between orders. Yes I understand the food is made fresh but 20 to 30 minutes between servings is ridiculous when the advertised special is unlimited / all you can eat and arrive with an appetite in a party of 3. The servers lack knowledge of the menu for starters. Secondly we’re exposed to extreme paint fumes to what they claim to be remodeling from next door, Servers in the beginning played dumb to the issue but acknowledged only after other diners agreed after overhearing the complaint. After the long delay they bring out the remaining food to our table that is nauseous to the fumes and have the audacity to want to charge us for full price on the the roll for 4 remaining pieces of a sushi roll. What a childish attempt to up charge the bill. We should have never sat down in that restaurant with the fumes alone and still have to put with this type of customer service.

Snobby is the air that was present. Walked in and the servers/hosts acted as though the air seemed to have opened the door. You are better off going somewhere else.

Wish I could give this five stars I can’t because the food either takes forever to cook or service is bad unique experience kind of pricey for the area but worth every penny some things you will never have tried before I’m a foodie and I hadn’t. Owner is a very nice upscale and professional person a gentleman and very understanding would definitely recommend for a unique upscale Asian experience. Highly recommended

The food here is really good, you have many options to choose from and they even have Takoyaki one of my favorite Japanese street food dishes.The dishes are made fresh to order with the all you can eat option, the steak fried rice was incredible and also the Takoyaki is a must try, the sushi was okay it wasnt my favorite dish from here but I wouldnt say it was bad but I preferred the other dishes instead.

Unfortunate, thats was our experience,. We entered at 1230 for lunch where seated. And approx 20 minutes for our drink order to be taken. By this time the people we entered with had already received their food. So after 30 minutes total even after I let them know that we had not placed our order yet we stood up and walked out. My only complaint is that the wait staff at least on this visit seem unprepared. It was an unfortunate first impression.

this place was a 10/10. me and my husband absolutely loved everything. the sexy roll was fckn BOMB. we totally forgot out waiters name but he was so kind and recommend everything and nothing disappointed. we forgot our leftover and we had to call to save it, he took his time to go outside and hand it to us. he was amazing. yall gotta give it a try.

Customer service is ridiculous here. Due to the kids working here its hard to get service. The 2 older men servers did take care of us finally but someone needs to teach the younger servers that they work on tips and could earn a lot more if they pay attention to whats going on and whats needed to serve their customers better. I wont go back for a while if I do return thats if they survive with service like this.

Good food. We had the unlimited lunch. A bit a wait to be served. My order was not correct but it was corrected immediately.

I hate to edit, AGAIN, but this is not good. They gave our order to another table, brought wrong tool, and no silverware, chopsticks, Chile oil or ginger. I give up on this place. Hate to edit, but bringing the dumpling appetizer AFTER everyone gets their food is a big no-no! Also, missing silverware and napkins. It was crowded, I know, but little things matter. Lots of variety of dishes, lunch specials, and the food tastes great! Lunch plate was a large portion (dinner size at some fancier oriental restaurants). Service was great and the place was very clean. Highly recommend!

This place was awesome. First time here. My brother and his wife brought me hereSashimi was cut nice and thick. Just the way Im used to having. Seaweed salad was so delicious. I even ate the regular greens. So fresh.The employees were very friendly.Will definitely be coming back.Keep up the great work.

This coupon has been circulating for over 2 months their happy hour according to the website was 3 to 9 as it states on the coupon the times that I used it I was given a hard time and told it was not correct a few weeks ago went again and was told happy hour was from 3 to 6 I was embarrassed at my table by the manager or owner..the coupon clearly stated 3 to 9 … today my wife went at 3 for happy hour and again was told happy hour was from 6 to 9 …it’s not the money it’s the principal get your story straight stop misleading people.. if there are places to eat it’s here in McAllen and you are not on my list of choice anymore very bad service rude staff so what is it ?? 3 to 9 ? 3 to 6 ? Or 6 to 9 ? Will never set foot there again and I’ll be sure to spread it to my friends and family.. I understand economy is bad right now but it’s hard on us too shame on you

The staff was friendly, so far the best sushi we’ve had in the area. However, the menu is limited. I’m still trying to figure out how to screen cheese in them and sushi.

A little hard to find. But the food is very good. The sushi could be a little more refined. As far as the roll being cut into even pieces and being rolled up a little tighter so they dont fall apart as you put it in the lemon-soy.

The sushi is pretty good, I didnt like the hibachi. The noodles are good too.

The food is cooked well, but the sauce tasted weird (Hibachi Steak). The sushi roll was over stuffed with spicy crab that was very dry. The egg roll, pan fried dumpling, and lo mein were great. Service was good, but you do have to finish each plate you request in the buffet menu or there is a charge for unconsumed food.

The food is delicious, the service is great. Food is made to order. I recommend this place!!!

The food quality was superb. The buffet is served small portions at time because everything is made fresh. The blonde/black haired waiter was a bit rude/snotty, but was super friendly when his personal friends arrived, he even sat down with them. His demeanor with the regular clients made us feel a bit unwanted. The other waiter was cheerful.

Roland was extremely unpleasant and had a bad attitude from the moment we walked in. He didn’t greet us at all, just flatly said “two?” We sat down and he threw the menus on the table and demanded our drink orders before we even had a chance to open the menus. Any questions we asked him seemed like an inconvenience. We almost left but I wanted to try the ramen based on the good reviews. The broth was bland and the noodles were cheap. My husbands sushi roll had stale Cheetos on top. Very disappointing.

First time visiting. Good food, good service! Went during the lunch hour and had food and all ready promptly. Good menu selection too!

The good was great, with large portions which was good to eat later...but it is one of those places Thursday was not playing Asian music they were playing classic rock and in my opinion why not give the full experience? So Im taking one star off flor their music selection.

Absolutely delicious and beautiful meal. I travel for work and have eaten sushi 3 times this month - this meal was memorable, beautiful, and perfect.

I’ve been addicted to the Crunch Roll & Sexy Roll ever since the first time I tried them a year ago never disappoints been my go-to place ever since ! Best customer service which is is a bonus Richard is the BEST 🙌🏻

Really nice place to eat sushi at. The waiters are very attentive and always take care of your needs. The lighting and music make it feel very relaxing and comfortable to dine in. I had a voucher and had not realized I had only spent 13 and the bartender told me I still had 7 dollars left.

I really enjoyed and appreciated the classy decor and atmosphere theyve set up at this establishment. And of course more importantly, the food was right on point and the customer service was super friendly. 100% recommend the ramen!

Huge fan of Zen. The sushi and sashimi is on point! So delicious. Also the presentation of my take out is so noice!!

This is a great place to grab sushi. You also have some options for Chinese food as well.The atmosphere inside is very relaxing. They have seats at the bar too. There are lots of parking spots outside.Customer service is good. They gave us some snack (chips and duck saucewhile waiting for our food. I ordered a salmon don, 10 pieces of fresh salmon with white rice and a choice of soup. The salmon was fresh. I chose hot and sour soup, which is really good.My friend ordered teriyaki chicken and steak. They were super delicious. The sauce with the rice was amazing. Chicken and steak were marinated really well, soft and juicy. He chose a wonton soup.We also ordered a sweet potato sushi rolls, it was crunchy inside and soft on the outside, pretty interesting!Overall, it is a great place for either lunch or dinner.

Loved the service, and the food! Our waiter was very nice, and gave us great suggestions for our first time! Will be coming again

I love the Zen environment. Food is well prepared. Well served portions. Friendly & courteous staff. I decided to try the orange chicken with a side of steamed rice & Lo mein. The egg rolls are delicious! All in all I recommend this place.

Server Eric was extremely knowledgeable on the menu and gave strait forward suggestions based on his own tasting of the menu, refreshing to hear. The spicy edamame was a really cool spicy twist on the classic, and was fantastic.The chicken egg rolls were delightful. Buddy Lance, went with various sushi rolls that he said were all very fresh and very creative in their flavors. Says chef did a super job and he could have ordered more. Lance also raved about the generous portion of fresh wasabi. The Jasmine hot tea, was quite soothing. Now here is the secret star of the show... Eric suggested the home made Lemon Soy sauce... this stuff is worth the trip alone, simply AMAZING.The Ramen was flavorful and a solid soup. No complaints at all. Would come back anytime.UPDATE: Went back for round 2 and wasn’t disappointed... went with the Sexy Roll and it was amazing.

Service was great , good atmosphere, social distancing followed, WONDERFUL FOOD ..sad part was the wait for our appetizers and food ...we waited over an hour and a half

Great food at affordable prices. I had the Scorpion sushi roll and the presentation was beautiful and tasted amazing with just the right spiciness.

Its been our second visit to ZEN and we are very satisfied with the full service. The staff goes above & beyond in all details; from the menu to custom request they are always on point. The Itamae of Zen is absolutely a most excellent individual. The environment is comfortable in which you may have a great conversation amongst some awesome food!

NOT nice anymore.We were told to pick a table that was not dirty. We have visited twice in a month. This place may be getting ready to close. No Sapporo beer, no mixed drinks.We had to ask for soy and ginger.Some fish was not sushi grade and not chewable. I told server and she said she doesnt eat sushi??Seaweed salad served on top of mixed greens (used as a filler).We will not return.

Great food! We ordered appetizers, calamari, crab cakes, veggie rolls and (from the cheffried salmon skins.... As our main entrees, almond chicken, sushi and sashimi, and kids sweet and sour chicken with fried rice. Everything was delicious! The salmon skins (chicharronesare a must! I, also love the fried rice! An important factor in our decision to return to a restaurant is service, service service. Our waiter, Martin gave great service, always made sure we had everything we needed, he was awesome!

Came here for dinner. It’s been on my list of “Must Try” restaurants in the valley. I ordered the Ramen Noodle soup, and the San Antonio Roll.The only thing I have to compare the ramen @ Zen’s, is to the ramen from Dragon Warrior Noodle. I liked Zen’s ramen better. The broth was good, I liked the toppings, and the noodle were thinner that DWN’s. I ate all of the noodles and pork, and left only some soup and some toppings at the bottom of the bowl. If anything it just needed a bit more flavor.The San Antonio Roll was REALLY good, and fresh. I would definitely recommend it. I don’t do raw fish, so this roll was perfect for me.The service was really good here. My only complaint was upon walking into the restaurant I noticed a strange smell. Almost like a smelly bathroom smell. But thankfully it didn’t smell like that where we were seated. I guess they used a SMELLY mop in the entrance area.

REVISED So they bring you Wonton chips to snack on that are delicious (Not consistent on the chips, 2nd visit no chips). We ordered the Ramen Noodle Soup and it is very good... totally recommend it. We also got the Scorpion Roll and its delicious as well. Very beautiful atmosphere and great customer service (2nd time customer service not good). I also had a Michelada and it was delicious. Not very pleased with the 2nd visit... if their is something I look for its consistency and this place doesnt have it.

This is one of my favorite sushi restaurants. The quality of their dishes is simply outstanding. The food tastes fresh, it is full of flavor and they give you good portions of it. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the service was excellent. It is very comfortable to sit inside and enjoy a nice meal here. I will definitely be coming back and trying out different items.

I really enjoyed the food here. Ordered the General Tsos and it came with a soup. Got the wonton soup and it was excellent. Also tried the pan fried dumplings and they were tasty. Tsos was good and fried rice was flavorful. Definitely want to come back and try more items :-D

I loved their chicken teriyaki and everything else. Great service also all of the food is made fresh. Clean tables, tasty food, drinks, and all at a decent price.