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.
