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Zen Box

Zen Box Izakaya

Japanese Restaurant, Gastropub, and Noodle Restaurant$$$$
Downtown East, Minneapolis
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8.8/10
270
ratings
  • Stars
  • Tips
    Daniel H.
    "Without a doubt the Kimchi Ramen is the best and spicer"(4 Tips)
    Chee Yi O.
    "Try the Tonkatsu Tonzen ramen with a side of chicken gyoza!"(5 Tips)
    Dhila B.
    "The Tonkotsu ramen is THE best in town."(2 Tips)
    Adam B.
    "Try the octopus balls."(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon62 Tips and reviews
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  • Lisa S.heart icon on user image
    Lisa SosaOctober 10, 2017
    The tonkatsu ramen was delicious! Great flavor, generous portion.
  • Albert M.heart icon on user image
    Albert MMarch 14, 2015
    A fantastic little gem! My service was prompt and personal and the food was fantastic. Also Sapporo/Kirin Ichiban/Coedo and Asahi on tap!! Great sakes too!
  • Paul B.heart icon on user image
    Paul BangeJune 7, 2016
    Tako Yaki is nice and crispy, Kara-age is on point, possibly best I've ever had. Fish quality is excellent. Japanese draft beer choice = unparalleled. This is a world class authentic Izakaya.
  • Chee Yi O.heart icon on user image
    Chee Yi OngApril 4, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    Love this place! Absolutely one of the best ramen in downtown Minneapolis. Try the Tonkatsu Tonzen ramen with a side of chicken gyoza!
  • Bradheart icon on user image
    BradApril 15, 2016
    This is quickly becoming one of my favorite restaurants in the TC. The food is delicious and the service is amazing. What else do you want?
  • Shelly Z.heart icon on user image
    Shelly ZordichNovember 30, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    The takoyaki is very delicious but very hot, so give them a minute before digging in. Also the kimchi ramen is the way to go!
  • Nina B.
    Nina BrownJune 13, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Lunch bento for only $12.50! Korean short ribs, edamame, Gyoza, cabbage salad and a cup of miso soup. Definitely worth the price!!!
  • Daniel H.heart icon on user image
    Daniel HoeffelSeptember 14, 2017
    Without a doubt the Kimchi Ramen is the best and spicer
  • Emily J.heart icon on user image
    Emily JohnsonAugust 18, 2015
    The yakisoba was very good as long as you mix the pickled ginger in to cut the sweetness a little.
  • Bradheart icon on user image
    BradNovember 3, 2015
    A delicious and memorable meal across the board. We worked our way through the menu and didn't have a single flaw.
  • Drew W.heart icon on user image
    Drew WJanuary 21, 2016
    Walked a mile in the snow for their Ramen...wasn't disappointed. And they carry some interesting imported Japanese beers.
  • Jody K.heart icon on user image
    Jody KoenigSeptember 18, 2014
    Can't list all the things I love about this place. The staff is amazing and the food is superb!
  • Lisa T.heart icon on user image
    Lisa TsuchiyaMarch 21, 2017
    Avacado tenpura is awesome. Also can't go wrong with any of the ramen bowls
  • David S.
    David StevensJanuary 31, 2020
    Been here 10+ times
    Always get the Tonkotsu Ramen! One of my favorite dishes of all time
  • Enrique G.heart icon on user image
    The best ramen I’ve ever tried! It was an absolute revelation.
  • METRO magazine
    METRO magazineMay 24, 2012
    They recently adjusted their menu so everything is under $12, consisting of many dishes to share, so bring friends and have a feast! Read more
  • Lane P.heart icon on user image
    Lane PelovskyFebruary 28, 2017
    Loved the Miso Ramen and Gyoza!
  • Micah S.
    Micah SpielerAugust 21, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Huge happy hour menu, but it's only 5-6 or late night. The food is so good here.
  • Dhila B.
    Dhila BackstromMay 4, 2012
    Every time we come here we always order the Octopus balls and chicken Kara Age. The Tonkotsu ramen is THE best in town.
  • Roland F.heart icon on user image
    Roland FigueredoJuly 9, 2019
    Amazing food and service in a great atmosphere!
  • Rebecca M.heart icon on user image
    Rebecca MazzaMay 24, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    Amazing ramen and gyoza
  • Rachelle
    RachelleAugust 25, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Toyo is the best bartender you could ever have! Any questions about Japanese food chances are he has the answer. :-)
  • Neslihan A.heart icon on user image
    Neslihan A.February 5, 2017
    Amazing Umami Ramen, try their Chili oil.
  • Matt E.
    Matt EverhartJune 24, 2012
    The $8 hot sake bottle is the best drink deal on the menu. More than enough to get two people tipsy.
  • Claire M.
    Claire McDonoughJanuary 13, 2017
    Wonderful experience. I lingered and savored a bunch of things I had never tried before.
  • Noah M.
    Noah MiwaSeptember 21, 2012
    Hang out. Have a beer. Order a bit at a time. Enjoy.
  • Tony S.heart icon on user image
    Tony SouJuly 29, 2016
    Ramen is amazing
  • Bill
    BillMarch 1, 2013
    Love the atmosphere. Between the decor and staff shouting, "Irasshaimase!" the experience is an authentic Japanese izakaya. Sadly, can't say the same about the food. Either not authentic or bland.
  • Paolo E.
    Paolo EspanolaFebruary 8, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    If you're lucky enough to catch it, get the sake flavored gelato. Unique!
  • Julie
    JulieSeptember 28, 2013
    They have a separate vegan-vegetarian menu! :-)
  • Channing W.heart icon on user image
    Channing WomackAugust 1, 2015
    Ramen done right makes me happy.
  • Anne B.heart icon on user image
    Anne BugJune 12, 2012
    Drink lots of nigori! And there is a hot guy with with hair tied back and glasses.
  • Generide L.
    Generide LewJune 26, 2018
    Been here 5+ times
    Kimchee ramen is delicious
  • Victoria T.heart icon on user image
    Victoria TDecember 28, 2014
    Their sake flights are great!
  • Mary Jeneverre S.heart icon on user image
    I love the noodle bowl.
  • Mo L.
    Mo LDecember 19, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Lychee Chuhai is delicious and sweet!
  • Rich A.
    Rich AhrensApril 3, 2012
    Been here 50+ times
    I've been craving gyudon for ages. They've added it to the menu! Just one more great reason to visit
  • Chris T.
    Chris TroutmanApril 24, 2012
    Been here 25+ times
    Dogs are welcome on the patio. they have water bowls for your pooch.
  • Loras K.
    Loras KilburgJune 8, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Melissa is a rockstar bartender! Tell her Loras says hi!
  • Marcos L.
    Marcos Lopez-CarlsonSeptember 23, 2011
    Try the Takoyaki, battered octopus with mayo. Absolutely stunning.
  • Tucker
    TuckerMarch 7, 2012
    If you ask nicely they'll sell you a cup of Kamikaze Sauce!
  • Leisha M.heart icon on user image
    Leisha MagsisiJuly 24, 2017
    The ramen is 💯
  • Sujan H.heart icon on user image
    Sujan HongJuly 19, 2019
    Frozen from the package gyoza. 😐
  • Lindsy H.
    Lindsy HallecksonJanuary 28, 2012
    Been here 25+ times
    I could eat the Shumai Tempura every day. Dangerous.
  • Dave C.
    Dave CampbellMarch 4, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Order the beer flight, 2 Surly's and a Hitachino.
  • April R.
    April RoseOctober 7, 2011
    Order the Yakisoba! With a boiled egg & soy sauce, yumm.
  • JetzNYheart icon on user image
    JetzNYNovember 4, 2017
    Ramen & Drinks
  • JetzNYheart icon on user image
    JetzNYNovember 4, 2017
    Drinks & Appetizers
  • Nattapol P.heart icon on user image
    Nattapol PornsalnuwatAugust 15, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Kimchi Ramen plus extra corn
  • Shane
    ShaneJuly 15, 2014
    "Must Try!!" everything 🍚
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