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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Zenbu Sushi Bar & Restaurant Review (Cardiff by Sea Restaurants))




Pricing:
Ridiculous for what you're getting.  They clearly feel justified in charging you extra for the hip atmosphere.  The cheapest sushi you can purchase here is $8-10.  Yes, it's $8 for California or Philadelphia rolls.  To give you perspective, standard rolls such as these are $4.50-6 at pretty much every other sushi place.


Distance:
Right on the corner of San Elijo Ave and Birmingham.  So very close to most Encinitas residents.  A 5-10 minute picturesque drive.


Thoughts:
I was thoroughly unimpressed with this place.  Unless you walk in looking like a high-roller, don't expect your water glass to be refilled.  Ever.  Or even a polite, "May I get you anything else?"

With an extremely sparse sushi menu (you call yourself a sushi bar) that contains all over-priced items, the only thing really going for this place is the atmosphere.  They definitely did a good job making it feel like you're at a party "scene."  The large fish tank is cool and it's fun having both bar and cozy VIP-like booths.

But you know what?  I came to this place to eat, not party.  I feel like it would actually be better if they just advertised themselves as a bar and they happened to have some sushi snacks you could buy.  Because that's essentially what you're getting.

The food was fresh but not exactly flavorful.  At these prices I expect at least a signature dish or sauce.  Sometime to make me go, "Well, that was expensive but so good!"

After ordering three rolls and a bottle of sake, my boyfriend and I were out $65 and still feeling hungry. I feel like there are just too many other sushi options out there to make Zenbu a worthwhile dining experience.

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