Zenbu Lounge

4.6 ( 397 reviews )
Checking... 4:30 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
$20–30
8609 SE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, United States
+1 503-206-8780

Zenbu Lounge, nestled in the heart of Portland, is a hidden gem renowned for its exquisite sushi and inviting ambiance. Patrons rave about the serene back patio, designed like a traditional Japanese garden, providing a tranquil escape for dining. Adam G-Mann praises the array of delicious rolls, affirming that the spot lives up to its hype. Mallory J. emphasizes the restaurant's cozy yet upscale vibe, highlighting the exceptional happy hour items, particularly the green beans and California rolls that are hailed as the best in town.

The culinary experience continues with friendly staff who create a welcoming atmosphere. Mallory Nomura Saul notes the innovative cocktail selections and generous sake pours, enhancing the overall enjoyment of dishes like crispy chicken karaage. Leo Crespo-Cervantes compliments the freshness of sushi and unique weekly specials, including must-try items such as their homemade ice cream.

While some note a slight wait for food, the vibrant environment and delectable offerings make Zenbu Lounge a worthwhile visit. With ample street parking and an inviting outdoor seating area, it stands out not only for its food but also for the sense of community it fosters. This spot is a must-try for sushi lovers and anyone seeking a cozy dining experience in Portland.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Serves great cocktails
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves happy-hour drinks
    • Serves happy-hour food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Romantic
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Zenbu Lounge

Adam G-Mann
Jul 15,2025
A really close friend of mine recommended Zenbu Lounge to us because he has been coming to Zenbu before it was cool and popular. His recommendation did not disappoint. The back patio is set up like a Japanese garden beautifully. We ordered a handful of rolls, and they were all very delicious.
Mallory J.
Jul 5,2025
I have to say I've passed by this little gem that's nestled so well into the neighborhood many times, it's easy to miss but A MUST TRY for sure!! From the peaceful outside seating with water feature backgrounds to the beautiful ambiance inside, this place feels so welcoming and upscale cozy, if you know what I mean! We tried out the majority of the happy hour menu. The green beans and California rolls are hands down the best I've ever had. Everything we tried on the menu was delicious and the prices are super typical for happy hour. The rest of the menu appeared to be pretty affordable as well. Can't wait to go back!!
Mallory Nomura Saul
Jun 13,2025
What a wonderful Japanese restaurant disguised as a neighborhood bar! From the moment we walked in we were enveloped in their friendly welcome. The staff treated each other like old friends, because they are; they moved from Ashland to Portland years ago and continued to work together. The cocktail menu was innovative and the sake pours were generous. We enjoyed the fresh fish and crispy chicken karaage.
Leo Crespo-Cervantes
Jun 12,2025
Hidden Gem in portland. Some of the freshest sushi and best food you can find in the city. All the staff is wonderful and the owners are such cool people with tons of experience in the industry. There is a rotating cocktail menu (make sure to check out the shrubs) and happy hour starts at 8 and goes until close ( 5 musubi is a must !) The real draw and what keeps me returning is the weekly specials which are regularly switched out and always unique, fresh and delicious. The homemade ice cream which makes its way on the menu occasionally is some of the best i’ve had. There’s also a great outdoor patio which opens up for the sunny months and it’s lovely. This place does not disappoint!
Emily Hemenway
Jun 11,2025
Very good food, a little slow, but the bartender is fantastic and very amiable. Loved their whiskey cocktail, perfect for the holiday season. Definitely get the curry special and the spicy tuna poppers. The cucumbers went well with everything else we had. Easy to get to in Sellwood with ample street parking on a Sunday afternoon.
Kate Boyle
May 25,2025
This place is incredible! It was unusually calm for opening time on Friday (they usually have a line) so we didn't have to wait and sat at the bar. The bartender was super sweet and helpful in suggesting her recommendations. We got the seared ahi tuna wontons, the green beans, a tofu roll, and a funky tuna roll. The Japanese whiskey list was impressive and I got their seasonal shrub spritzer. All of it was perfect. They make everything fresh from scratch. Good atmosphere. And again, super lovely staff! A gem in SE Portland
Ric Wallace
May 7,2025
This is a very good small restaurant serving Japanese cuisine with a twist. Classic dishes and homemade specials with an emphasis on local ingredients. They have a really nice selection of sakes. It was impressive! It’s a small place but very cozy. No sushi bar to sit at, but there is a nice Bar with really friendly staff. I can’t wait to come back again. Zenbu by has that special vibe that’s really hard to find in any restaurant. Character, great food and a really relaxed atmosphere!
i Park
May 3,2025
Update: Been back many times and honestly the food and service just keeps getting better. Cannot say enough about the wait staff here and the owner. Everyone is so friendly and sitting outside feels like a brief refuge from PDX static. Must order: Tuna Poppers, Salmon Skin Roll, Nigiri set, anything off the specials board! Bartender provided awesome service. Sushi was pretty good, appreciated the suggestions and specials. Had order envy not getting the salmon collar. Tofu sushi was quite good. Will be back.

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