Izakaya Zest Introduce
In the bustling and dynamic culinary landscape of New York City, finding a restaurant that combines authenticity, quality, and a welcoming atmosphere can be a real find. For those in the know, Izakaya Zest is precisely that place. Tucked away on Eldridge Street in the vibrant Lower East Side, this Japanese restaurant has quickly become a local favorite for its incredible food and friendly vibe. An izakaya, for those unfamiliar, is a type of informal Japanese bar that serves a variety of small, casual dishes and drinks. Izakaya Zest perfectly embodies this concept, offering a menu that’s both extensive and approachable, making it a go-to spot for everything from a quick lunch to a leisurely dinner with friends.
The atmosphere inside Izakaya Zest is a perfect blend of casual comfort and trendy New York City style. It's a cozy space that invites you to settle in and enjoy your meal, whether you're dining solo or with a group. The warm and welcoming environment is ideal for unwinding after a long day or catching up with friends. The restaurant's reputation for fast service means you won't have to wait long to indulge in their delicious offerings, a major plus in a city that moves at a hundred miles an hour. With a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods, Izakaya Zest delivers a truly authentic Japanese dining experience right here in the heart of NYC.
Located at 112 Eldridge Street, New York, NY 10002, Izakaya Zest is situated in a prime spot in Manhattan's Lower East Side, just steps away from the bustling energy of Chinatown. This location makes it incredibly accessible for locals and visitors alike. Public transportation is readily available, with several subway lines within easy walking distance. The Grand Street station (B, D) and the Delancey Street-Essex Street station (F, J, M, Z) are both just a few blocks away, providing a simple and convenient commute from various parts of the city. The central location also makes it an excellent choice for a meal before or after exploring the Lower East Side's vibrant art scene, unique boutiques, and historical sites.
Beyond its convenient physical location, Izakaya Zest offers a variety of service options to fit your needs. For a relaxed dining experience, you can enjoy their table service in the restaurant’s comfortable and cozy setting. If you're in a hurry or prefer to eat at home, they also offer efficient takeout and delivery services. The fast service is one of their main highlights, ensuring that even on the busiest days, your order is prepared and ready in a timely manner. This makes Izakaya Zest a reliable and accessible choice for any dining occasion, whether it's a planned group dinner or an impromptu lunch.
Izakaya Zest provides a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for all patrons. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in the range of options available.
- Dine-in: Enjoy a full-service dining experience with table service in a casual and cozy setting, perfect for a meal with family or friends.
- Takeout: For those on the go, the restaurant offers a quick and easy takeout service, allowing you to enjoy their delicious food wherever you are.
- Delivery: Partnered with various delivery platforms, Izakaya Zest ensures their authentic dishes can be delivered directly to your doorstep, making it a convenient choice for a night in.
- Happy Hour: A notable feature is their happy hour, which offers an excellent selection of drinks and small plates at a very affordable price, making it a perfect spot for post-work gatherings.
- Full Bar Service: The restaurant has a bar onsite and offers a full selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor, to complement your meal.
What truly sets Izakaya Zest apart from the many other Japanese restaurants in New York are its unique features and commitment to quality.
- Authentic Izakaya Experience: As a traditional Japanese izakaya, the restaurant specializes in small plates and a casual dining atmosphere. This style encourages sharing and trying a variety of dishes, from sushi and sashimi to hot appetizers and ramen.
- Fast Service: One of the most praised aspects of Izakaya Zest is its remarkably fast service. Whether you're dining in or taking out, your order is prepared quickly and efficiently, a definite plus in a city where time is of the essence.
- Extensive and Diverse Menu: The menu is a highlight in itself, featuring a wide array of options to suit every palate. From classic sushi and sashimi to unique special rolls like the "Zest Roll" and the "Noname," there's always something new to try. The kitchen menu is equally impressive, offering traditional ramen, fried rice, and Japanese comfort food like Chicken Karaage and Takoyaki.
- High-Quality Ingredients: The restaurant is dedicated to using fresh, high-quality ingredients, particularly evident in their sushi and sashimi. The offering of items like Wagyu, Uni, and Toro showcases their commitment to providing a premium dining experience.
- Popular for Groups and Solo Dining: The combination of a cozy atmosphere and a diverse menu makes Izakaya Zest popular with both groups and solo diners. It's a great spot for a casual get-together with friends or a quiet, delicious meal on your own.
- Happy Hour Specials: The happy hour is a major draw, offering great value on a variety of food and drinks. Customers rave about the affordable options, including classic small plates and beverages, making it a fantastic deal in the city.
To make a reservation, place a takeout order, or inquire about catering, you can reach Izakaya Zest at the following contact details.
Address: 112 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Phone: (212) 226-2801
Mobile Phone: +1 212-226-2801
With a menu as extensive as Izakaya Zest's, deciding what to order can be a delightful challenge. For those new to the restaurant, starting with some of their most popular items is a great choice. The Omakase Sushi Set is a fantastic way to sample the chef's best selections and get a taste of their highest quality fish. For a truly indulgent experience, the Wagyu Uni and Toro Foie Gras sushi are culinary masterpieces that are well worth the price.
From the appetizer menu, you cannot go wrong with the Pan Fried Gyoza, which are a classic for a reason. The Chicken Karaage, with its crispy exterior and juicy interior, is another fan favorite. For a quick and savory bite, the Pork Belly Bun and Fried Chicken Bun are perfect.
Those in search of a hearty meal should definitely consider the ramen. The Tonkotsu Ramen is a rich and savory classic, while the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen adds a kick for those who enjoy heat. The Gyudon, a traditional beef bowl, is another comforting and filling option.
The special rolls are a creative and flavorful highlight of the menu. The Zest Roll, with its unique combination of ingredients, and the Noname, a mysterious and delicious creation, are highly recommended. Finally, don't miss the chance to take advantage of the happy hour specials, which offer an affordable way to enjoy great food and drinks in a fantastic setting.
Izakaya Zest Menu
Sushi
- Salmon $7.00
- Eel $6.00
- Toro $12.00
- Scallop $8.00
- Botan Shrimp Uni $16.00
- Uni Aburi Toro $18.00
- Botan Shrimp $10.00
- Salmon Foie Gras $13.00
- Yellowtail $8.00
- Sea Urchin $15.00
- Toro Foie Gras $16.00
- Wagyu Uni $19.00
- Tuna $8.00
- Wagyu $12.00
- Wagyu Foie Gras $17.00
- Madai $6.00
- Ikura $9.00
Cold Appetizers
- Yellowtail Jalapeño $18.00
Kimchi sauce.
- Black Pepper Tuna $17.00
Ponzu sauce.
- Scallop Ceviche $19.00
Yuzu kosho dressing.
- Salmon Dream $17.00
Yuzu sauce.
- Ankimo $15.00
Monkfish liver in onion dressing.
- Crispy & Spicy $15.00
Spicy tuna on crispy rice.
- White Tuna Jalapeño $17.00
Sushi Bar Entrée
- Omakase Sushi Set $48.00
- Sake Don $39.00
Salmon sashimi & ikura over rice.
- Kaisen Don $42.00
Minced Toro, Ikura, scallion, over rice with side of nori.
- Tuna Lover $38.00
4 pcs sushi, 4 pcs sashimi, spicy tuna roll.
- Tri Color Don $39.00
Salmon, tuna, yellowtail over rice.
- Sashimi Feast $58.00
- Kaishin Don $48.00
Minced Toro, uni, Ikura, scallion, over rice with side of nori.
- Chirasmi $39.00
Chef's selection of sashimi over rice.
- Toro Don $38.00
Minced toro, scallion over rice with side of nori.
- Tekka Don $39.00
Bluefin tuna sashimi & scallion over rice
- Sushi & Sashimi Combo $58.00
6 pcs sushi, 8 pcs sashimi, Toro roll.
- Salmon Lover $36.00
4 pcs sushi, 4 pcs sashimi, spicy salmon roll.
- Zest Seafood Don $48.00
Minced Toro, Ikura, sweet shrimp, scallop, over rice with side of nori.
Special Roll
- Noname $19.00
Pepper tuna, cucumber, avocado top with seared salmon, scallion, roe, spicy mayo & yuzu dressing.
- Rock N Roll $18.00
Spicy tuna roll, top with slice avocado & spicy mayo.
- Zest Roll $28.00
Salmon, yellowtail, avocado top with torch toro, scallion.
- 112 $19.00
Shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber top with spicy tuna.
- Happy Year $19.00
Spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber top with torch mayo on salmon, roe, scallion.
- Fantastic Eel $19.00
Shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber top with eel.
- Dragon $19.00
- Rainbow $19.00
- Fiery $19.00
Spicy tuna, crunch, top with yellowtail, white tuna jalapeño with sriracha sauce.
- Fire Island (Deep Fried) $17.00
Salmon, white fish, kani, avocado, roe scallion, eel & spicy mayo.
- Ocean Lover $22.00
Salmon, tuna, yellowtail, avocado, scallion, tobiko.
Hot Appetizers
- Pan Fried Gyoza $9.00
- Pork Belly Bun $7.00
- Edamame $8.00
- Thai Shrimp Roll $9.00
- Shrimp Shumai $9.00
- Chicken Karaage $9.00
- Ika Karaage $9.00
- Takoyaki $10.00
- Fried Chicken Bun $7.00
- Jalapeño Chicken Wings $10.00
- Fried Oyster $10.00
- Purple Fries $8.00
Kitchen Entrée
- Fried Rice $17.00
- Pineapple Fried Rice $23.00
Thai style fried rice with shrimp, chicken, pineapple, onion, pea, carrot, egg.
- Beef Udon $22.00
Beef, shrimp tempura, scallion, truffles, chicken broth, poached egg.
- Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen $19.00
Pork belly, half soft boiled egg, bamboo shoot, scallion, black garlic oil, pork broth, thin noodles.
- Tonkotsu Ramen $18.00
- Shoyu Ramen $19.00
Pork belly, half soft boiled egg, bamboo shoot, scallion, truffles, seaweed, chicken broth, wavy noodles.
- Chicken Katsu Don $18.00
Chicken katsu over rice, egg, onion, scallion.
- Gyudon $19.00
Slow cook beef, onion over rice, poached egg, scallion, sesame.
Soup & Salad
- Miso Soup $4.00
- Avocado Salad $10.00
- Salmon Avocado Salad $16.00
- Seaweed Salad $8.00
- Mixed Green Salad $7.00
Classic Roll
- Philadelphia $10.00
- Spicy Kani $10.00
- Spicy Tuna $10.00
- Salmon Avocado $11.00
- Toro Scallion $13.00
- California $9.00
- Tuna $10.00
- Salmon $10.00
- Spicy Salmon $10.00
- Yellowtail Scallion $10.00
- Eel Avocado $10.00
- Tuna Avocado $12.00
- Eel Cucumber $10.00
- Spicy Yellowtail $11.00
- Avocado $9.00
- Cucumber Avocado $9.00
- Yellowtail Jalapeño $12.00
- Shrimp Tempura $10.00
Sashimi
- Toro $12.00
- Scallop $8.00
- Eel $6.00
- Sea Urchin $15.00
1 pc.
- Tuna $8.00
- Yellowtail $8.00
- Wagyu $12.00
- Madai $6.00
- Ikura $9.00
- Salmon $7.00
Izakaya Zest Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Izakaya Zest Photos










Izakaya Zest Location
Izakaya Zest Reviews
happy hourspicytonkotsu ramenoystersbrothpork bellyappetizersmiso ramenbunssquid
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This place is a great Japanese restaurant! 🇯🇵 Izakaya Zest serves a wonderful selection of delicious 🤤 dishes 🍽️ - definitely try the Pan Fried 🍳 Dumplings 🥟, Fried ♨️ Chicken, and Sushi! 🍣 They have a very affordable happy hour 🕓 with lots of great options (including oysters 🦪) for $6! 💵 The staff 👨🍳 is friendly and welcoming and the service is quick. ⏲️ I wish I knew about this place earlier!
August 16 · Alon GrinshpoonI randomly found this place years ago and came back for the first time in awhile and the food is just as good as the first time I tried it. The tonkatsu ramen is so good. Honestly my groups tried a few other items and they were just as amazing. The oysters are also delicious and not filling.
May 03 · AllisonI love love love this place a lot! The food here is amazing and delicious, it's not the best ramen I ever had but it's still really good! I got the Shoyu ramen and the broth was warm and flavorful, the pork belly was perfect, and the bamboo shoots were crunchy and very yummy. I also liked the katsu(I stole some from my friend), it was crunchy and flavorful. I'll definitely get that next time I come. The only thing I'll have to say is that my ramen wasn't slurpable. Like it was choppy? The service was really quick, gave us water refills as soon as we finished, and was very patient and kind to us when I had to get a new receipt for my 10% off for sharing on any platform. They also cleaned up very nicely. The atmosphere was so cozy and warm. It's a small restaurant so it feels compact and cute. The decor was very nice and in general, the store is very clean and well-kept together. I hope to come here again ! :)
November 23 · Winnie JiangExcellent spot for Ramon soup. Be aware the spiciness is quite hot with the spicy miso, I went with mild and it was hot but very good. Appetizers were on point, jalapeno wings. Shrimp suimai and pork gorza were excellent. Service is friendly and fast.
February 15 · H LWe were very happy to find such a cute spot! It's small and cozy, the staff is very friendly, and the food was amazing. Excellent place to end up on a cold night. We'll definitely be coming back ♡
March 08 · Chelsea Sykes
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