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I didn't normally like Udon but this place is amazing. It's fresh and has good texture. The best thing here, though, is all the tempura, especially the shrimp tempura. The ambiance is nice but chill. Service is great.
Absolutely loved this place. The ordering experience was super fun, the food was delicious and flavorful, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. It got pretty packed, but honestly, I love to see that for a great restaurant, just get there early.
Me and my friend udon is both really salty, We couldn't finish the entire bow, service was and ambiance was nice at least.1 star for ambiance and for service, 1more star for dessert it pretty good. food is meh for 3 star mechellin
First off, I have to say that the service here was some of the best. We were greeted as soon as we walked in, sat within 10-15 minutes, and both the server and the owner chatted with us about the menu as it was our first time there! The restaurant is on the smaller side but they have it organized to fit quite a few people. The area is clean as well. The soup was so beautiful I almost didn't want to eat it! I've never had cold soup before but I definitely will be trying the other options throughout the summer. It was so refreshing!
UDON WANT TO MISS OUT ON ZARU | my first visit was during their soft opening a few years ago so I ventured in again after they received their Michelin Bib Gourmand accolade to see how they've changed, aside from the slight price markup in one year. Of the zensai (appetizers), I've tried the Tatsuta-Age, which was pretty tasty. Hot and crispy with good flavor. The udon is also top notch. They make it in house. Perfect chewy texture, what Taiwanese would call "QQ" I realized after my second visit that I still have not tried an udon with hot broth. I've tried the Spicy Miso Tan-Tan Udon, which was quite tasty, although a little on the richer/heavier side. I have also tried the Mentaiko Tsukimi Udon which was refreshing in the cold broth. I paired it with an add-on of sliced beef, which was delicious, they serve it on the side so you can add to whatever dish on your own. What I wouldn't recommend... The Viet Coffee with sesame foam and crushed sesame seeds was hard to drink. I loved the initial flavors but the foam got a little greasy and clumpy when mixed with the crushed sesame seeds, particularly toward the second half of the coffee. I wouldn't order it again. I would be interested to see any updates they've made recently but with so many new restaurants on Mills, I may choose those first.
Stopped in for dinner over the weekend. I was told there was a 40 minute wait. I put my name on the wait list and we sat down 20 minutes later. The waiter was fantastic. He explained most dishes on the menu. The udon noodles were fabulous. The sauce on the uni udom was outrageous. I recommend the Japanese eggplant too. Nice firm pieces of eggplant in a delicious sauce.
I brought a friend that had never been here before and the server explained the menu and gave some recommendations that he took. I ordered the tomato crab udon under the specials and it did not disappoint. I don't usually order crab but I had a feeling it was going to be good.
Udon during a cold night definitely hits the spot just right. I've been wanting to come to Zaru for some time now, but have been hesitant since I've always seen lines out the door. But luckily I was able to come with a friend on a Monday night and there was no line! We were able to sit where we wanted and the staff was so kind to explain their menu to us since it was our first time. All of the food was so flavorful! When our server explained what their mocktail of the day was, I couldn't pass up a mango drink! It was fruity, bright, and refreshing. For our appetizer, we shared the yaki nasu (Miso grilled eggplant) which I was pleasantly surprised by since I don't normally gravitate to eggplant, but I wanted to try it since it was something new. My friend got the nikutama udon, while I got the shrimp tempura udon. I loved the crispiness of the tempura and the chewiness of the udon. I would definitely love to come back and try more of their menu, especially their cold noodles.
TL;DR: really good tempura, okay udon, diverse/unique menu Came here for an early dinner and was easily able to get a table. Interior is very welcoming and cute. Service was very nice, but it was a little slow for us but nothing terrible. FOOD: ~Yaki Nasu (3.7/5): eggplant was cooked nicely, but the sauce was a little too sweet. If I ate this with rice or as a side dish when eating meat, it would have been very good. ~Ikura Onsen (4/5): what a unique dish! It was like a steamed whole egg with ikura (salmon roe), beans (tasted like edamame to me?), and crispy garlic. I thought it would taste muddled, but it was really nice. Portion size is a little small at $12. ~Mentaiko Tsukimi Udon (3/5): this is a cold noodle. solid amount of mentaiko comes with it. It comes with ice, which keeps it nice and cold, but can water it down. They bring you some soy sauce to add as it gets watered down, but I felt that it killed the flavor of the broth. Additionally, I think they might make noodles in house. The texture was fantastic, but I think the shape/size was a little too thick for my liking. ~Hokkaido Uni Udon (4.1/5): Really enjoyed the flavor of this one. Comes nice and hot but smaller portion of uni. Same issue with the noodles for me, but could be fine for most people. ~Tempura (5/5): we got shrimp and sweet potato. The batter was so crispy AND flavorful on it's own. It didn't come with any tempura sauce, but it honestly didn't even need it. Overall, this place is a cute spot. If I ever visit Orlando again, I would definitely come back here just for the tempura.
Amazing experience during my first visit to Zaru! I first discovered cold noodles during a trip to Asia a few years ago, and was so excited to find a place that serves this authentic dish here in Orlando! It's the perfect lunch to beat the summer heat. I ordered the Yamakake Udon, which the waitress said was one of the most niche items in the menu, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. This specific dish was definitely unique and maybe not for everyone texturally, but prepared expertly and the flavors were amazing. The presentation was also beautiful. Service was also outstanding, explaining everything thoroughly and happily answering any questions. I can't wait to come back and try some of their other dishes!
Sometimes I worry about going to places that are really highly rated, wanting to try something that I don't understand and being afraid I won't like it. This experience was so nice! None of my worry was necessary! The server asked if we were new, it was a cold day and she went over all the options with us assuming we would want hot soup but also asking us! Then when the food was delivered a different server asked if she could go over everything on our plates and what it's for! Thank goodness for that because I would have been lost! I loved my noodles, so fresh. I also liked the space, although if Mills is busy it's hard to park...but hey, what real city doesn't have parking problems! I'll be back.
Homemade udon must be a rarity in Florida, but Zaru paves the way with its udon-centric offerings. The flavors are very traditional yet modern - even the beverage and cocktail options utilize Asian flavors with some elevated applications. As for the most important part - the udon - they are fat, thick, and firm; it could be perfect if it had a little more chew. The noodle length is quite long, so you must bite some noodle while drawing a spoonful of soup separately! I like that each udon set comes with its own small plates of tempura bits, kombu tsukudani (seasoned kelp), grated ginger, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions. - Viet Coffee It's a foamy and creamy Vietnamese coffee and black sesame hybrid, and was surprisingly earthy and tasty! Because of the cream, it was a little filling and hearty on its own. If you need caffeine, this is great. It's much better than a lot of the new Viet coffee places I've been trying out in San Jose, CA (which says a lot). - Tatsuta-age I was disappointed by this fried chicken because it wasn't crispy whatsoever, nor did I think it had too much flavor. I think the chicken meat was also just okay. It needed the lemon and roe mayonnaise that came with it. If I ever came here again, I imagine any other appetizer would have been better. - Shrimp Tempura Udon I just wanted some simple tempura with my udon, and that's what I got. The dashi was nice, subtly sweet and smooth, though not something I've never had before. The tempura was fresh and meaty. I think it's a good introduction if you're trying udon for the first time, or if you want a simpler and cleaner meal. While I enjoyed this, I think I should have been more adventurous since I can get the same flavor at home. - Nikutama Udon They are very generous with the sweet slices of beef. We liked that it was mostly beef more than onion, too. It's a good dish if you want a meaty, sweet and soy-flavored broth with your udon. The onsen egg was cooked perfectly, and added a great creamy texture when broken. I would be curious to come back and try other unique flavors, though I am spoiled by great udon establishments near my hometown and do prefer those. It is pretty admirable for Zaru to introduce authentic udon to Orlando, and you can taste their utilization of better ingredients and effort in all their offerings.
Even in an area with phenomenal food, Zaru stands out for its high-quality ingredients, balanced flavors, and smooth service in a beautifully designed restaurant. I ordered the Hokkaido Uni Udon and was so incredibly happy with the selection. The noodles were the perfect texture, the Hokkaido uni was deliciously sweet, and the briny salmon roe was complemented by the shiso and creamy sauce. The tempura flakes stayed fairly crispy when mixed in, and the marinated seaweed on the side was a nice touch. Really loved that service was friendly and efficient for a quick lunch stop-in on a work day. They made sure to explain the menu and check in several times. Convenient parking is also in the back. I hope to stop in again in a future Orlando trip, as it seems you can't go wrong with their menu.
1 month ago
2 months ago
Food 4/5 Service 4/5 Ambiance 5/5 It was our 2nd time eating at Zaru and it wasn't anything memorable, which was what we thought the first time as well. We got their mocktail of the day, Nikutama Udon, and Spicy Miso Tantan Udon. The Nikutama broth was rather bland and the sliced beef was too chewy for my liking. I added the toppings on the side but still found it underwhelming overall. The Spicy Miso had much better flavor. They best thing was their mocktail, it was refreshing for a hot day! Service was mediocre, it was Saturday lunchtime so it took a little to get acknowledged/order and there was some waiting for the boxes/check too. Ambiance is superb/clean and the decor is modern. it's not the biggest restaurant but utilized the space with bench seating against the wall. I feel there are better options in the Mills50 area, but it's worth trying if you haven't since its a Michelin bib restaurant. read more
Amazing vibes in this modern eatery-it instantly reminded me of Japan. It's the perfect place to slow down and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed- as each dish is thoughtfully prepared and presented. In addition to their incredible udon (cold and hot options), the miso eggplant was the standout. The texture was perfectly cooked and paired with an incredible miso sauce. As a big tea lover, I had to try their Horjicha panna cotta and it did not disappoint. Not overly sweet with subtle nutty notes that made a perfect ending to the meal. Definitely a must visit when in Orlando! read more
15 days ago
I didn't normally like Udon but this place is amazing. It's fresh and has good texture. The best thing here, though, is all the tempura, especially the shrimp tempura. The ambiance is nice but chill. Service is great. read more
Absolutely loved this place. The ordering experience was super fun, the food was delicious and flavorful, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. It got pretty packed, but honestly, I love to see that for a great restaurant, just get there early. read more
15 hours ago
Me and my friend udon is both really salty, We couldn't finish the entire bow, service was and ambiance was nice at least.1 star for ambiance and for service, 1more star for dessert it pretty good. food is meh for 3 star mechellin read more
First off, I have to say that the service here was some of the best. We were greeted as soon as we walked in, sat within 10-15 minutes, and both the server and the owner chatted with us about the menu as it was our first time there! The restaurant is on the smaller side but they have it organized to fit quite a few people. The area is clean as well. The soup was so beautiful I almost didn't want to eat it! I've never had cold soup before but I definitely will be trying the other options throughout the summer. It was so refreshing! read more
UDON WANT TO MISS OUT ON ZARU | my first visit was during their soft opening a few years ago so I ventured in again after they received their Michelin Bib Gourmand accolade to see how they've changed, aside from the slight price markup in one year. Of the zensai (appetizers), I've tried the Tatsuta-Age, which was pretty tasty. Hot and crispy with good flavor. The udon is also top notch. They make it in house. Perfect chewy texture, what Taiwanese would call "QQ" I realized after my second visit that I still have not tried an udon with hot broth. I've tried the Spicy Miso Tan-Tan Udon, which was quite tasty, although a little on the richer/heavier side. I have also tried the Mentaiko Tsukimi Udon which was refreshing in the cold broth. I paired it with an add-on of sliced beef, which was delicious, they serve it on the side so you can add to whatever dish on your own. What I wouldn't recommend... The Viet Coffee with sesame foam and crushed sesame seeds was hard to drink. I loved the initial flavors but the foam got a little greasy and clumpy when mixed with the crushed sesame seeds, particularly toward the second half of the coffee. I wouldn't order it again. I would be interested to see any updates they've made recently but with so many new restaurants on Mills, I may choose those first. read more
Stopped in for dinner over the weekend. I was told there was a 40 minute wait. I put my name on the wait list and we sat down 20 minutes later. The waiter was fantastic. He explained most dishes on the menu. The udon noodles were fabulous. The sauce on the uni udom was outrageous. I recommend the Japanese eggplant too. Nice firm pieces of eggplant in a delicious sauce. read more
2 months ago
I brought a friend that had never been here before and the server explained the menu and gave some recommendations that he took. I ordered the tomato crab udon under the specials and it did not disappoint. I don't usually order crab but I had a feeling it was going to be good. read more
8 months ago
Udon during a cold night definitely hits the spot just right. I've been wanting to come to Zaru for some time now, but have been hesitant since I've always seen lines out the door. But luckily I was able to come with a friend on a Monday night and there was no line! We were able to sit where we wanted and the staff was so kind to explain their menu to us since it was our first time. All of the food was so flavorful! When our server explained what their mocktail of the day was, I couldn't pass up a mango drink! It was fruity, bright, and refreshing. For our appetizer, we shared the yaki nasu (Miso grilled eggplant) which I was pleasantly surprised by since I don't normally gravitate to eggplant, but I wanted to try it since it was something new. My friend got the nikutama udon, while I got the shrimp tempura udon. I loved the crispiness of the tempura and the chewiness of the udon. I would definitely love to come back and try more of their menu, especially their cold noodles. read more
7 months ago
TL;DR: really good tempura, okay udon, diverse/unique menu Came here for an early dinner and was easily able to get a table. Interior is very welcoming and cute. Service was very nice, but it was a little slow for us but nothing terrible. FOOD: ~Yaki Nasu (3.7/5): eggplant was cooked nicely, but the sauce was a little too sweet. If I ate this with rice or as a side dish when eating meat, it would have been very good. ~Ikura Onsen (4/5): what a unique dish! It was like a steamed whole egg with ikura (salmon roe), beans (tasted like edamame to me?), and crispy garlic. I thought it would taste muddled, but it was really nice. Portion size is a little small at $12. ~Mentaiko Tsukimi Udon (3/5): this is a cold noodle. solid amount of mentaiko comes with it. It comes with ice, which keeps it nice and cold, but can water it down. They bring you some soy sauce to add as it gets watered down, but I felt that it killed the flavor of the broth. Additionally, I think they might make noodles in house. The texture was fantastic, but I think the shape/size was a little too thick for my liking. ~Hokkaido Uni Udon (4.1/5): Really enjoyed the flavor of this one. Comes nice and hot but smaller portion of uni. Same issue with the noodles for me, but could be fine for most people. ~Tempura (5/5): we got shrimp and sweet potato. The batter was so crispy AND flavorful on it's own. It didn't come with any tempura sauce, but it honestly didn't even need it. Overall, this place is a cute spot. If I ever visit Orlando again, I would definitely come back here just for the tempura. read more
Amazing experience during my first visit to Zaru! I first discovered cold noodles during a trip to Asia a few years ago, and was so excited to find a place that serves this authentic dish here in Orlando! It's the perfect lunch to beat the summer heat. I ordered the Yamakake Udon, which the waitress said was one of the most niche items in the menu, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. This specific dish was definitely unique and maybe not for everyone texturally, but prepared expertly and the flavors were amazing. The presentation was also beautiful. Service was also outstanding, explaining everything thoroughly and happily answering any questions. I can't wait to come back and try some of their other dishes! read more
Sometimes I worry about going to places that are really highly rated, wanting to try something that I don't understand and being afraid I won't like it. This experience was so nice! None of my worry was necessary! The server asked if we were new, it was a cold day and she went over all the options with us assuming we would want hot soup but also asking us! Then when the food was delivered a different server asked if she could go over everything on our plates and what it's for! Thank goodness for that because I would have been lost! I loved my noodles, so fresh. I also liked the space, although if Mills is busy it's hard to park...but hey, what real city doesn't have parking problems! I'll be back. read more
Homemade udon must be a rarity in Florida, but Zaru paves the way with its udon-centric offerings. The flavors are very traditional yet modern - even the beverage and cocktail options utilize Asian flavors with some elevated applications. As for the most important part - the udon - they are fat, thick, and firm; it could be perfect if it had a little more chew. The noodle length is quite long, so you must bite some noodle while drawing a spoonful of soup separately! I like that each udon set comes with its own small plates of tempura bits, kombu tsukudani (seasoned kelp), grated ginger, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions. - Viet Coffee It's a foamy and creamy Vietnamese coffee and black sesame hybrid, and was surprisingly earthy and tasty! Because of the cream, it was a little filling and hearty on its own. If you need caffeine, this is great. It's much better than a lot of the new Viet coffee places I've been trying out in San Jose, CA (which says a lot). - Tatsuta-age I was disappointed by this fried chicken because it wasn't crispy whatsoever, nor did I think it had too much flavor. I think the chicken meat was also just okay. It needed the lemon and roe mayonnaise that came with it. If I ever came here again, I imagine any other appetizer would have been better. - Shrimp Tempura Udon I just wanted some simple tempura with my udon, and that's what I got. The dashi was nice, subtly sweet and smooth, though not something I've never had before. The tempura was fresh and meaty. I think it's a good introduction if you're trying udon for the first time, or if you want a simpler and cleaner meal. While I enjoyed this, I think I should have been more adventurous since I can get the same flavor at home. - Nikutama Udon They are very generous with the sweet slices of beef. We liked that it was mostly beef more than onion, too. It's a good dish if you want a meaty, sweet and soy-flavored broth with your udon. The onsen egg was cooked perfectly, and added a great creamy texture when broken. I would be curious to come back and try other unique flavors, though I am spoiled by great udon establishments near my hometown and do prefer those. It is pretty admirable for Zaru to introduce authentic udon to Orlando, and you can taste their utilization of better ingredients and effort in all their offerings. read more
Even in an area with phenomenal food, Zaru stands out for its high-quality ingredients, balanced flavors, and smooth service in a beautifully designed restaurant. I ordered the Hokkaido Uni Udon and was so incredibly happy with the selection. The noodles were the perfect texture, the Hokkaido uni was deliciously sweet, and the briny salmon roe was complemented by the shiso and creamy sauce. The tempura flakes stayed fairly crispy when mixed in, and the marinated seaweed on the side was a nice touch. Really loved that service was friendly and efficient for a quick lunch stop-in on a work day. They made sure to explain the menu and check in several times. Convenient parking is also in the back. I hope to stop in again in a future Orlando trip, as it seems you can't go wrong with their menu. read more
8 months ago
Everything about this place did not disappoint. From food, to service, to the environment, all of it was really amazing! For the food,, we ordered the recommended apps which were the fried chicken and the eggplant. Solid choices. They did not skimp out on the portions too. Both were great, but if I had to choose, I'd choose the egg plant! Seasoned very well and very balanced! For the udon, I ordered the shrimp tempura with a side of the Shishito. Very delish! Highly recommend and I would definitely come back to try other dishes here. Can't wait to go back! read more
I can't even begin to tell you how delightful it was to dine at Zaru. There is a reason why it's on the Michelin Guide. I have been wanting to try their food for a while now but the times I've come by there's always a line of people waiting outside. This time we came on Saturday around 5:15ish and we only waited about 10 minutes for a table. As first time diners, the waitress was very informative about how they make their noodles fresh, she explained how the menu worked. It reminded of when you go to a sushi restaurant and have to write down what rolls you want; it's something like that. I got the nori udon and added shrimp, and mushroom tempura. Come to find out that the mushrooms they use are maitake... Oh my gosh, I loved it so much. Just all those flavors coming together in the soup; it was perfection. The chewy texture of the noodles, the broth, the tempura. I can't think of how it could've been better. The restaurant itself is cute. It's small so be prepared to have to wait for a table, but it's totally worth it. I want to go back soon! read more
Udon is always one of my go-to's so I was so so excited to try Zaru. And while I've had better, it's pretty good for Orlando! The udon didn't have the same bounciness that I associate with handmade udon, but maybe that's bc it's sanuki style which I associate with grocery bought udon. The broth wasn't as flavorful as I was hoping for either. But they don't skimp on the toppings which is a big plus. I did really enjoy the tastuta-age though. The chicken was really crispy and flavorful, but the highlight for me was the creamy mentaiko sauce that came with it. I'm also intrigued by the cold dishes, would try those next time! read more
3 months ago
This is my go-to spot when I'm craving udon. When you first walk in, it's cold, which is perfect for summer days. The warm tone decor makes it seem very cozy and welcoming. It's also a good place to catch up with friends. I'd consider this a small hidden gem. The service is pretty quick. For first timers, the servers do a really good job at explaining. I love that you get to write on the menus, creating that customized experience. They have an open kitchen so you can see them make the noodles from scratch. The broth is amazing. I've always had my udon hot and when I saw that they had cold udon, it sparked an interest. I might come back to try the cold udon. read more
It was really busy when we came in. Tables were packed and we had a 30 min wait. Tables are kinda small. Prices are a little higher than average. The udon here is delicious and fresh. You can see them through the window making the food which I love. Had the Karaage. Which was crispy and so good. Highly recommend Got the beef udon and the Dan Dan and one tempura to try on the side. Food was great but I couldn't justify the price. Serving portion was a little less than normal. They don't expect you to take food home. So you shouldn't either. Overall, it was an okay experience and good food. read more
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. Go to Zaru eat some tempura, slurp some udon! That's really all that needs to be said. The spot is intimate, minimal noodle house vibes, and playlist was fire. The menu is just enough and not at all overwhelming. Cocktails and drinks are limited to beer and wine; I went for a yummy red can sake to pair with my crab udon special in a slightly spicy red sauce. It smelled and tasted amazing. I also had one piece of shrimp tempura on the side just to taste and maaaaaaan, I could've eaten ten! So good, crunchy, cooked and salted to perfection. I also had a taste of their TanTan style udon and let's just say Im glad my friend shared when they did bc that bowl was cleaned in no time flat. Highly recommend. read more
Enjoyed this restaurant! There is not alot of seating but when we arrived we were seated quickly. The restaurant has beautiful colors with dainty plates and bowls. They make their noodles, offering signature cocktails, cold brew, mocktails, appetizers, shrimp, chicken, beef and pork with add-ons for the udon noodles. I had a great tasting cocktail of spiced fig, with wine and sake. We had the fried chicken, the marinated eggplant and crab salad as appetizers. The crab salad was very fresh with delicate slices of avocado and served with nori. The marinated eggplant was delicious, with a slight crunch and a great sauce. The fried chicken was served hot with a nice creamy sauce on the side. The coating on the chicken was a little dusty with a bit too much flour for our taste. The noodles we ordered came with broth with chicken on the side. The broth had good flavor. We had no room for dessert. They offer a couple of choices of mochi and panna cotta. The staff was attentive and it was a very pleasant experience. read more
AUTHENTIC JAPANESE RAMEN IN AN AUTHENTIC-LIKE AESTHETIC! EXTREMELY impressed with Zaru. I had just returned from my Japan trip two months prior to visiting Zaru and I guarantee you that the quality and feel is very true. We of course tried their Ramen and a couple of their sides. Everything was impressive and I remember their delicious and rich broth fondly. It's a small locale on colonial, near many other Asian restaurants. You come in and are seated, you are provided a small menu to check off what food items you would like in your Ramen and any side supplements - just like in Japan. Inside was so cute and nostalgic. Staff was super nice and inside is very clean. I'm very interested in returning when I visit Orlando in the future again. HIGHLY recommend to my foodie peers, especially those who favor Asian/Ramen flavors! Shout out to the creator/owners. They did a fabulous job here. read more
Finally got seated at this recommended spot located next to mills market! Last time we went, the wait was so long but we came right at opening and was seated right away woohoo! Crushed foam sesame foam Vietnamese iced coffee: 4/5, tasty, and delish but didn't pair well with the udon lol.. my mistake. special: Hokkaido Uni Don 4.5/5, Japanese sea urchin, salmon roe, toasted nori, shiso would love more of the uni on top, but that's just a preference. Loved the creamy texture, has a tiny kick of spice but not too crazy Appetizer Chicken was good 4/5, juicy! And the sauce paired was good! HOT BROTH: Nikutama Udon, sliced beef with onsen egg 5/5, super tasty, good for rainy day weathers. I liked how everything carried full of flavor. Tomato crab udon: 3/5, some flavors were overpowering eachother, not so great mixture. Didn't have the craving to eat more.. however, still edible! Service: 2/5- after we got the food, didn't check on us.. etc, didn't ask if we needed any napkins.. still tipped 20% for below average service. Place is beautiful, but tight, not as spacious, waiting area you're staring at the fridges, kinda creepy, and staring at the bathroom? Idk, just wait outside to be called for lol. read more
I've been talking about the Tomato Crab Udon for days! I hope it becomes a staple on the menu, rather than a seasonal item. As a texture person, the fresh udon noodles were incredibly soft and added to the enjoyment of the dish. The gyoza were also delicious; their aroma immediately took me back to my time living in Japan. I loved the Spiced Fig cocktail. I was unsure about me being a fig person, but that drink convinced me that I am. And the Panna Cotta? So good! It was creamy, light, and tasted like tiramisu. The restaurant is quaint and charming. We were seated for dinner without a reservation and zero wait time. The staff was excellent and did a great job convincing me I needed dessert. The music was also a huge plus! My fiance and I enjoyed the R&B. read more
Cute little udon shop that takes a lot of care into both the udon and tempura. I got the nikutama udon and the broth was flavorful and the noodles chewy as housemade noodles should be. I also ordered shrimp and mushroom tempura and they were perfectly fried and lightly seasoned. The tempura impressed me a bit more than the udon. The service was friendly and attentive, with my server explaining the establishment, menu, and the dish when it came out. read more
So I have been to Zaru twice, as many years as they have been a Michelin rated restaurant. It is an intimate space with limited tables and the place is always packed. They don't take reservations so you should expect a wait. The wait will be well worth it. Once we were seated our server found us within a few minutes. Our drinks came out quickly and so did our food. We ordered Udon with an add on of spicy beef and the crab salad. The crab salad came out with petite portions, but it is deceiving because there was rice and dried nori to make your own sushi raps. They play contemporary music, mostly r&b. I really liked the atmosphere, ambiance and vibe. Zaru as a first date or on date night would set the tone for a romantic evening. read more
If you're exploring Colonial Drive in Orlando, Zaru is an absolute must-visit and a Michelin-recognized gem. The house-made udon noodles are the star of the show ...thick, chewy, and perfectly slurpable. My favorite dishes were the Hokkaido sea urchin udon and the spicy miso udon. The sea urchin is seasonal dish, harvested in Japan, had a rich, creamy texture almost like Alfredo sauce but lighter and more refined. The spicy miso bowl packed a kick yet was still incredibly flavorful ...and I usually can't handle much spice, but this one hit the perfect balance. We also got the eggplant appetizer, which was perfectly seasoned and had just the right texture tender without being mushy. Everything we ordered was reasonably priced, especially considering the quality. The restaurant itself is intimate, with about 30 tables, giving it a cozy but lively feel. We arrived a little before opening at 11 a.m. on a Saturday with a party of 14 for a birthday lunch and were seated immediately. Service was prompt, attentive, and efficient, making the whole experience smooth from start to finish. Oh, and the Vietnamese coffee is a must! It was the most delicious I've ever had , rich, and perfectly sweetened. Zaru is now firmly on my cravings list, and I'll happily make another trip back to Orlando just to try more of their dishes. read more
You walk in and the restaurant instantly feels glowing, warm, and elegantly inviting. It's casual, yet every detail is so thoughtfully considered--from the décor and place settings to the glass windowpane separating the dining area from the kitchen, giving you a full view of the chefs at work as they prepare your meal. The service was wonderful, and our server gave a great explanation of the simple yet extensive menu. Even the cocktail and beer list, though small, showcased real creativity. I had the spiced fig cocktail and my husband tried the sweet potato beer--both unique and delicious. Every dish was beautifully plated, and the flavors matched the presentation. We started with the miso-glazed eggplant, which even our toddler loved! For our mains, we both ordered udon dishes, each served with its own set of side ingredients so you can customize every bite. The kelp snack was unexpectedly delicious and acted almost like a palate cleanser--a fun intermission in our meal. I definitely recommend this spot and would happily return again. read more
First, let's address the o virus - parking - we lucked out because we went on a late Sunday evening. Keep that in mind if you want to try it. The appetizers were really good. The eggplant with miso sauce is maybe one of the items that I will get the next time I visit. The chicken karage was also good, it was well seasoned and it gave a good balanced flavor when I added some lemon. It was served faster than I expected. I got the spicy dandan noodles with ground pork. It definitely is a twist from an original Chinese dish. The heat helped but four and a half stars because it was way too salty. Had they used the sauce used on the eggplant to that dish, that would have made it a five stars for me. I tried the wagyu udon and the broth was just okay, also way too salty, it would be good to get them adjusted but maybe their market is satisfied with these salty dishes. This is just my preference. The broth didn't appear to have been reduced long enough to get the deeper umami flavor. Will I go back? Definitely will try the other dishes, maybe with the soup base next time. read more
My go to for udon in Orlando. It has a Michelin ranking two years in a row for a reason. Staff is always friendly and today was no different. Food was great. I had the Nikutama Udon (sliced beef and onsen egg) with tempura okra. Very good and enough to have for lunch the next day. Interior is clean and not that large. A lot of two tops. Love this place. read more
Zaru is one of our favorite stops whenever we are in Orlando. This restaurant is on Michelin's bib gourmand list and it is not at all overhyped. They don't take reservations, and it is worth the wait, so long as your group is not over four people. Everything here is amazing. The eggplant appetizer is unreal - smokey pieces of soft, miso covered eggplant bites. The crab salad is excellent - you make little sandwiches with crab, green onion, and rice on a nori sheet. The shrimp tempura udon is my favorite, an incredibly deep broth, perfect crunchy tempura shrimp, and incredible handmade udon noodles. For anyone not into soup, the uni (sea urchin) udon is like a creamy pasta that tastes like the sea. And the togarashi spice they make and have at the table is amazing - so much flavor added by it, I would buy it if they sold it. The restaurant is a great setting, and service is excellent. Their waiting area kind of sucks and could use a renovation to feel less depressing and like a closet, but it's worth the wait. read more
This is possibly one of best Udon shop that I had outside of Japan. First of all the staff service is fantastic, they work well together and deliver great food and service, service felt like fine dining service. The atmosphere is awesome I sat next to kitchen window, I can see how they prepare the food. Then there is the food, not your average udon, it is thicker than most. I like so much the flavor from the broth and texture just excellent. The tempuras are great and it doesn't felt oily. Now I think I will have come back every time I am in Orlando area. read more
Had to check out the famous Zaru while in the Orlando Area. Famous for its Umami flavor, the food was worth it. Soup was flavorful and the chicken was delicious! Unfortunately the wait time to get a table then after ordering was more than expected. Check it out! read more
We had this spot bookmarked for a while and finally found ourselves in the area ready to combat the cold with some warm udon options. I ordered the nikutama udon and ordered the tempura shishito peppers and sweet potatoes. I appreciated the interactive menu so there was time to review and make proper selections. The onsen egg was cooked perfectly and the udon was top notch paired with the beef/broth. I added a bit of spice which was conveniently on the table. The tempura veggies were good but I probably wouldn't need both again. The sweet potato reminded me of yuca. The service was excellent and overall we only had to wait around 20 mins for a table. Overall worth a visit! read more
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More info about Zaru
1114 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32803
Lake Eola Heights, Mills50
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(407) 271-8512
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https://www.zarufl.com
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Ask the Community - Zaru
What service style is this restaurant? (Walk up to the counter and order or table service with wait staff)…
45 minutes is really pushing it. The restaurant has limited seating, and waits can be common, especially on weekends. It's the type of place where you’ll want to savor your meal without feeling rushed.
Are there matchbooks available here?
No I didn’t see a matchbook when I went there.
Are any of the broths for the soups made vegetarian (no fish flakes or animal by products)?
Do they take reservations?
Reservations can be requested through their Instagram page, direct message. But if you walk in around 5pm, the wait is not bad
Is it kid-friendly? I have a one- and 3-year-old.
It's small and intimate but casual. I don't think there's even high chairs, my gut would say no.
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