japanese bistro zen 禅

superb food and amazing service with an authentic charming interior (worth a visit on it's own) - what is there to not like about this place? standards are consistently high, the dishes come out one after a tantalising other, and no matter what you choose on the menu, you can't really go wrong! i like the mid service announcements (birthdays etc) and the reveal of the chefs, adds a bit of mystery. definitely my favourite japanese restaurant in the vicinity of the viaduct!

industry zen is japanese with a difference. with most japanese restaurants in auckland, they all bring similar menus, with a range from sashimi, tapas and bento meals etc. alike is industry zen, but they present their food in such innovative ways.

from what we received looks pretty standard but as we were dining, we think the lunch combos we saw, are served in replicas of the traditional japanese huts, or with japanese bridges. japanese is one of the best cuisines to share with others. i almost always order soft shell crab, whether it is its own dish or comes in the form of sushi, its just that something else you don't get from other cuisine's. this one really stacks up, whilst being served on mustard sauce - sounds weird but it really works and just enhanced the flavours of the dish. 

takoyaki was hot and fresh, but there was less octopus than i would have liked. these yum yum prawns really were yum yum - sorry thats cheesy. but delivered on this hot sizzling plate and probably not the most healthiest dish with all the sauce it was coated it, but omg, good.

the service is efficient and friendly but the atmosphere was a let down. although its well themed inside, there was an annoying loud noise from the air conditioning unit on the roof i think and the inside is a bit dated. its a shame because the food is almost top notch! just a few hiccups but overall a decent meal.

rating
food: 8.5/10
service: 8/10
value for money: good

104d customs street w, auckland central
opening hours: mon-sun 12pm-3pm, 530pm-11pm

great place nestled in the viaduct. i went here with my family and had a $49, 5 course set menu. i was blown away, the presentation of each dish was unique and amazing. the 3 level sushi house was a highlight for me. all the food was delicious and fresh. wait staff were good, but could have been a bit more attentive. our waitress had trouble understanding some of our requests and also forgot our miso soup. overall, would definitely recommend if you are looking for lovely japanese restaurant with good value for money (set menu).

food = awesome

service = awesome

price = pretty high considering the portion sizes.

this place is pretty epic in regards to decor and presentation of food, this is probably why the meals themselves are priced quite high.

the staff speak japanese which is nice and everything tasted great.

will be back here for sure, perhaps to try the lunch menu!

my friends and i had lunch here the other day as we heard great things about this restaurant. the place was quite busy when we arrived and were told to sit where we liked. the food came out rather fast and we all really enjoyed it. the guys in the group didn't find it very fulling but i was satisfied. only negative point is that it is slightly over-priced but most japanese food is, especially in the city. beautiful presentation and the toilets were really clean!

great ambience, gorgeous food presentation and attentive staff. the food is japanese with a modern slant and exceptionally fresh. even the wine glasses were changed for each variatel.

i was ere last night for a work xmas function. i thoroughly enjoyed myself. we all dove into the 7 course set menu which was absolutely divine. i have never had such impeccable japanese in my life. service was outstanding, with little english from the front of house staff things were slightly difficult but they never ceased to try and understand. amazing food, great service. i'll be back here soon!

have been here for lunch and dinner, both times food was really good, service okay.

the lunch bentos are huge and presented very well.
dinner is good if you go is a large group and get lots of little dishes to share.

they had a little show when we were there for dinner - was cool and something different.

theatrical take on japanese. if like me, you are sick of boring and predictable meals out - head to industry zen. food is outstanding and the atmosphere is imaginative to say the least. its not cheap but try the 7 course special. and around 8 there is a taiko drum intro to the kitchen staff worth experiencing if you have not seen it before...

a very busy place on a friday night with a great atmosphere and selection of sake.

we found the service very good and each dish presented perfectly. hard to go past the sushimi on salt and ice.

well worth hunting this place out in the back of the viaduct.

what a great experience. we will be back whenever we visit auckland. quality food, great presentation. yes, it wasn't always easy understanding the staff, but hey, it felt like i was in japan for the evening...can't wait to return. a wonderful restaurant that really delivered for me as a vegetarian.

thank you yoshi & manami; this is easily the best japanese restaurant in auckland! fantastic food and service! the half-time entertainment is amazing! highly recommended for anyone whether family, function or date-nights! - ken & annie

i visited this place the food was average but not worth the money. the amount is very small considering the price that we have to pay.
the waitresses could not understand english and we had problems communicating with them which is one of the aspects that we regard as part of the service (price) and experience.

**amazing experience!!** my partner and i walked in off the street for a meal on a monday night. the service was very friendly, the food was fresh & delicious with excellent presentation! i rate this restaurant very highly!! truly magical dining experience. i'm so happy we choose this restaurant & definitely will be back :) thank you industry zen!

fantastic! food, ambience and service all memorable for the right reasons. the set meals are superb and suitable for those both old and new to japanese food. it is a little pricey for the portion size but i will certainly go back time and time again without hesitation.