ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in Astoria
Master Critic Review
Zen Astoria
8.1
A late-night-leaning Japanese-fusion room where the best move is to focus on the ramen-and-small-plates core rather than treating it like an everything menu. Go with one rich noodle bowl plus one shareable starter and you’ll get the most reliable experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tantanmen ramen, Char siu bone marrow, Pork soup dumplings
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Late-night ramen-and-shares energy in a more elevated dining room.
Who should go: Night-owl diners and date-night crews
When to visit: Later dinner for the full late-night rhythm
What to order: Tantanmen ramen, char siu bone marrow, soup dumplings
Insider tip: Keep it tight: one ramen each, plus one shared starter—stop there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable earlier in the evening but tight after 7pm. Allow extra time or plan to walk a few blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressed-up for the room and date-night vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can talk comfortably early; later hours skew louder with music and crowd energy.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak late-night hours
Weekday lunch: No wait typically (if open for lunch); dinner is usually easier before 7pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a few ramen and small-plate options can work for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but not a strong vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited – rice-based dishes and some small plates may work, but ramen is not gluten-free.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dining with a more polished, date-friendly atmosphere than most ramen counters, plus shareable starters that work well for groups.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional Japanese meal, a strict ramen purist experience, or strong vegan/gluten-free options.