The place is almost always fully packed during lunch and dinner. I've visited Zensho on several occasions and I see the same scenario every single time. They serve lunch from 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM and dinner from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. In my experience, it's best to visit during lunch, around 11AM and even without a reservation 'cause you're guaranteed a seat. If you're not a risk taker on the other hand, better proceed to get a reservation. If I remember correctly, the grace period is 15 minutes. Parking is a bit limited since there are also other establishments that occupy the same parking area. 

One of the things they can improve on, and this is something I've echoed over the years of my patronage, would be their service. Although they've improved through the years, I find their service still slow compared especially when they serve the first batch of orders you write down on your order list. Another tip, don't come in if you're feeling famished because you'd have to wait for a good 10-15 minutes before they serve the first batch of food.  

The Food

Ahhh, I don't know where to begin! Okay, first off you're handed a check list, so all you practically have to do is put a check mark on everything that you want! What I normally do is go with a few items first so they can start preparing it already, then contemplate more on the other things I want to order as they're preparing my food--no time wasted! Every time I go to Zensho, of course it's a given that I eat a lot, but here's a list of my non-negotiables aka list of food items I have to have! First would be Salmon and Tuna Sashimi. Y'all know I'm a sucker for Salmon sashimi and the guys over there always know how to pick the best kind; same goes for tuna. Second, their Salmon Head Teriyaki. Man, I don't know what's so special about it but the salmon head meat is so tender and it is perfectly complemented by the sweet teriyaki sauce. Third would be the Oyster Motoyaki. I love my Oysters raw and going to Zensho is one of the rare occasions I actually enjoy having it cooked. Until now, I haven't discovered the recipe to their Oyster Motoyaki but my god, it is so heavenly. The freshness of the oyster is just the perfect bomb diggity, and topping it off with melted cheese or butter or I don't really know what they put up there, it's just pure perfection. I feel like crying every time I finish off a piece.

You know how you still crave for home cooked meals despite having access to your office pantry, Jolly jeep, your friendly neighborhood carinderia or any other establishment that offers home-cooked meals? That's how Zensho feels like. It's simple but special. You're not always going to have it but you know it's something you'll always go back to. It's the home of my Japanese cuisine addiction and I couldn't be more happy to be sharing it with each and every one of you. If you ever try it in the future, hope you find home in it as much as I have. And PS, this is not a sponsored post. I just really love the place--you know how I get mildly obsessed with places that I love, yeah? Happy weekend, warriors!

 
ZENSHO 

Budget : P899/person

11AM-2:30PM and 6PM-10:30PM

168 Tomas Morato Corner Roces Avenue, Sacred Heart, Tomas Morato, Quezon City