My first visits to Zen Bento were at their downtown location when I worked nearby. I think I've gotten the salmon bowl every single time. It's so good, why order anything else? I have always experienced a very good service at this location. Sometimes, however, they are out of something. That happens when you are served fresh ingredients. There is a small but lovely patio area out front that is covered by nice shade trees.
(4)
Amber G.
As a clean, healthy eater this is my next best choice for eating outside my own kitchen. Fresh, delicious and satisfying! The chicken is great but my favorite it the ahi poke!
(5)
Cass C.
Excellent for lunch! Only three minutes away from work. Quick service, great food. I ordered the salmon bento w/ the ginger soy sauce, delish! Would highly recommend, and am now definitely looking forward to the West State street location closer to home.
(5)
Peter S.
I ordered a low-carb salmon bowl. Pros: - I got what I ordered - Clean eating area Cons: - The ordering workflow was silly. Order at one cash register, then they tell you to walk to the other cash register where they can take your payment. - It took way longer than I expected. I was expecting a fast casual restaurant (a la Chipotle) - While waiting for my order I'm 90% I heard someone in the back using a microwave. I sincerely hope I'm wrong because charging $12 for a microwaved meal would be an awful thing to do. - THE FOOD WASN'T GOOD! I can excuse almost anything else, but after everything I else, getting a lukewarm bowl of watery, soupy, limp veggies with a flavorless filet of salmon perched on top was too much to take. Three-quarters of the bowl was liquid. It was disgusting.
(1)
Marlon M.
The first thing I ever ate here was the salmon with brown rice, vegetables and ginger soy sauce (called a brown salmon in Bento lingo). Years later and I've never found the need to try anything else on the menu, though I understand they have other things, like chicken. The salmon portions have always been big and cooked to perfection, so why give up on a sure bet? The steamed vegetables are always killer, too. They have other sauce options and white rice, too. This place only has a few seats inside, but the outdoor seating rocks. Perfect for a bike ride to on a nice day and you won't leave feeling bogged down by grease gut wishing you brought your car instead. Did I mention that the salmon bento is epic?
(5)
Lee L.
This is a terrific concept restaurant and I crave their food and eat here regularly. I would give it five stars if only all their dishes were good, but you have to order the right thing to have a good experience. That thing is: Steak Bowl, whatever rice you like or no rice, and Soy Ginger sauce, with extra sauce. You won't go wrong with this delicious, fairly healthy and lean lunch option. Every time I stray from this option I kick myself, like ordering anything but orange chicken at the Panda Express. You know what I mean.
(4)
Wm D.
Love the Zen Bento. This is my go-to meal the day before any big race/ride, ... or, well, anytime really.
(4)
Kevin K.
Best lunch ever! Try the salmon bento with genger soy and zin sauce, it is the bomb!!!
(4)
Rebecca C.
One of my favorite places to eat out when I'm too tired to cook dinner. Always consistent. I particularly love the salmon bento bowl.
(5)
Garrett K.
My good friend Vance Beeson is the manager here, so I try to drop in as much as I can. The service is great, the location is super convenient, and most importantly the food is sooooo good and healthy! Careful eating at this place, cuz you'll get hooked :)
(5)
Frederic W.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." There is a duality to this review: the food and the folks. The food is of a standard I've come to expect from Zen Bento: it's hella good. For that, it's four stars. The ingredients seem fresh, the taste is heavenly and the presentation is fetching enough. The folks who work there, now there's a howler. These teeny boppers are so dizzy, it's a wonder they remember to take payment. I've had to remind them to add the veggies once and another, to add the soy ginger sauce. OMG! If this is a take-out, great thing: you won't be annoyed too long. Sit in however, and take in the sights and sounds of America's future as it sinks in an ocean of silliness.
(3)
Whitney S.
I had lunch there today because it's very close to my office and I know I will get a healthy, filling bowl of zen quickly! Why YOU should go: 1. They are QUICK - even during the lunch hour. 2. They are FRESH 3. They are friendly - this works for me for a few reasons, namely because I can turn into a shedevil when I am hungry for lunch and they don't even get snippety with me when I'm a little "hurried" with my order ;) Thanks guys. 4. They have two locations - downtown Boise and downtown Eagle. Nice. What they could work on: 1. They are a little on the HIGH priced end of the spectrum - I always get the Low Carb Chicken Bento Bowl (no rice and 3x the veggies). But they charge you an extra $1.69 to go "low carb". Fine! Ding the people who want to eat healthier why don't ya...
(4)
Kevin H.
A little beatnik but the quality and taste of the food is excellent. As long as you are OK with insolent, distracted (oblivious even?) service persons ... who, like others have said are too busy dealing with personal conversations, text messages, or ignoring the customers ... then you'll love this place !! ;-) I like to come here for lunch, to eat delicious/healthy bento bowls and read my Boise Weekly. I don't come here for the service or atmosphere unless I'm feeling destructive and need some disdane along with my chicken bowl. I still give them 4 stars because the food is that good. Also, they have some cool / shaded outdoor seating right on State Street in Eagle, so that can be a cool Zen experience for 'ya also.
(4)
William S.
Some people are pretty hard on their reviews. They give low stars but what's the complaint. Food is fresh, really good, and they serve you quick. We will go back!
(5)
Drew B.
Good concept, cute place, but the sauces lacked flavor and overall the food was unoriginal. I think this place has potential but needs to improve.
(2)
Doug S.
Went today and yep the food was good (very limited menu), but had to shower as soon as I got home to wash the hippie off me....
(3)
Scott D.
Fantastic refreshing food...
(4)
Lauren J.
It hurts to write this, really. Zen was a favorite place for "healthy" on the go. My hubby & I tried to satisfy that craving today (Saturday, 1:10pm) & stood at the counter & waited. Waited. Waited. The help (cute brunette) was TOO BUSY TEXTING ON HER PHONE to help us. Hubby knocked loudly on the counter, I waved & called out to her--"excuse me, are you still open for lunch?" She never even looked up. We could see her clearly--how could she have not noticed us? With all the people out of work, it is sad to see small businesses putting up with such bad help. I wonder if the owners know how their customers are not being served when they are not in their store? Sadly, we left hungry & won't be back.
(1)
Bradley C.
Zen Bento is a locals paradise. A small unassuming building that puts out some wonderful food. Simply prepared grilled items Beef, Chicken, fish both Ahi and Salmon plus tofu. Served with either white or brown rice or noodles plus steamed veggies. With a wide selection of sauces to complement the dishes you can't go wrong.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No
Kim R.
My first visits to Zen Bento were at their downtown location when I worked nearby. I think I've gotten the salmon bowl every single time. It's so good, why order anything else? I have always experienced a very good service at this location. Sometimes, however, they are out of something. That happens when you are served fresh ingredients. There is a small but lovely patio area out front that is covered by nice shade trees.
(4)Amber G.
As a clean, healthy eater this is my next best choice for eating outside my own kitchen. Fresh, delicious and satisfying! The chicken is great but my favorite it the ahi poke!
(5)Cass C.
Excellent for lunch! Only three minutes away from work. Quick service, great food. I ordered the salmon bento w/ the ginger soy sauce, delish! Would highly recommend, and am now definitely looking forward to the West State street location closer to home.
(5)Peter S.
I ordered a low-carb salmon bowl. Pros: - I got what I ordered - Clean eating area Cons: - The ordering workflow was silly. Order at one cash register, then they tell you to walk to the other cash register where they can take your payment. - It took way longer than I expected. I was expecting a fast casual restaurant (a la Chipotle) - While waiting for my order I'm 90% I heard someone in the back using a microwave. I sincerely hope I'm wrong because charging $12 for a microwaved meal would be an awful thing to do. - THE FOOD WASN'T GOOD! I can excuse almost anything else, but after everything I else, getting a lukewarm bowl of watery, soupy, limp veggies with a flavorless filet of salmon perched on top was too much to take. Three-quarters of the bowl was liquid. It was disgusting.
(1)Marlon M.
The first thing I ever ate here was the salmon with brown rice, vegetables and ginger soy sauce (called a brown salmon in Bento lingo). Years later and I've never found the need to try anything else on the menu, though I understand they have other things, like chicken. The salmon portions have always been big and cooked to perfection, so why give up on a sure bet? The steamed vegetables are always killer, too. They have other sauce options and white rice, too. This place only has a few seats inside, but the outdoor seating rocks. Perfect for a bike ride to on a nice day and you won't leave feeling bogged down by grease gut wishing you brought your car instead. Did I mention that the salmon bento is epic?
(5)Lee L.
This is a terrific concept restaurant and I crave their food and eat here regularly. I would give it five stars if only all their dishes were good, but you have to order the right thing to have a good experience. That thing is: Steak Bowl, whatever rice you like or no rice, and Soy Ginger sauce, with extra sauce. You won't go wrong with this delicious, fairly healthy and lean lunch option. Every time I stray from this option I kick myself, like ordering anything but orange chicken at the Panda Express. You know what I mean.
(4)Wm D.
Love the Zen Bento. This is my go-to meal the day before any big race/ride, ... or, well, anytime really.
(4)Kevin K.
Best lunch ever! Try the salmon bento with genger soy and zin sauce, it is the bomb!!!
(4)Rebecca C.
One of my favorite places to eat out when I'm too tired to cook dinner. Always consistent. I particularly love the salmon bento bowl.
(5)Garrett K.
My good friend Vance Beeson is the manager here, so I try to drop in as much as I can. The service is great, the location is super convenient, and most importantly the food is sooooo good and healthy! Careful eating at this place, cuz you'll get hooked :)
(5)Frederic W.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." There is a duality to this review: the food and the folks. The food is of a standard I've come to expect from Zen Bento: it's hella good. For that, it's four stars. The ingredients seem fresh, the taste is heavenly and the presentation is fetching enough. The folks who work there, now there's a howler. These teeny boppers are so dizzy, it's a wonder they remember to take payment. I've had to remind them to add the veggies once and another, to add the soy ginger sauce. OMG! If this is a take-out, great thing: you won't be annoyed too long. Sit in however, and take in the sights and sounds of America's future as it sinks in an ocean of silliness.
(3)Whitney S.
I had lunch there today because it's very close to my office and I know I will get a healthy, filling bowl of zen quickly! Why YOU should go: 1. They are QUICK - even during the lunch hour. 2. They are FRESH 3. They are friendly - this works for me for a few reasons, namely because I can turn into a shedevil when I am hungry for lunch and they don't even get snippety with me when I'm a little "hurried" with my order ;) Thanks guys. 4. They have two locations - downtown Boise and downtown Eagle. Nice. What they could work on: 1. They are a little on the HIGH priced end of the spectrum - I always get the Low Carb Chicken Bento Bowl (no rice and 3x the veggies). But they charge you an extra $1.69 to go "low carb". Fine! Ding the people who want to eat healthier why don't ya...
(4)Kevin H.
A little beatnik but the quality and taste of the food is excellent. As long as you are OK with insolent, distracted (oblivious even?) service persons ... who, like others have said are too busy dealing with personal conversations, text messages, or ignoring the customers ... then you'll love this place !! ;-) I like to come here for lunch, to eat delicious/healthy bento bowls and read my Boise Weekly. I don't come here for the service or atmosphere unless I'm feeling destructive and need some disdane along with my chicken bowl. I still give them 4 stars because the food is that good. Also, they have some cool / shaded outdoor seating right on State Street in Eagle, so that can be a cool Zen experience for 'ya also.
(4)William S.
Some people are pretty hard on their reviews. They give low stars but what's the complaint. Food is fresh, really good, and they serve you quick. We will go back!
(5)Drew B.
Good concept, cute place, but the sauces lacked flavor and overall the food was unoriginal. I think this place has potential but needs to improve.
(2)Doug S.
Went today and yep the food was good (very limited menu), but had to shower as soon as I got home to wash the hippie off me....
(3)Scott D.
Fantastic refreshing food...
(4)Lauren J.
It hurts to write this, really. Zen was a favorite place for "healthy" on the go. My hubby & I tried to satisfy that craving today (Saturday, 1:10pm) & stood at the counter & waited. Waited. Waited. The help (cute brunette) was TOO BUSY TEXTING ON HER PHONE to help us. Hubby knocked loudly on the counter, I waved & called out to her--"excuse me, are you still open for lunch?" She never even looked up. We could see her clearly--how could she have not noticed us? With all the people out of work, it is sad to see small businesses putting up with such bad help. I wonder if the owners know how their customers are not being served when they are not in their store? Sadly, we left hungry & won't be back.
(1)Bradley C.
Zen Bento is a locals paradise. A small unassuming building that puts out some wonderful food. Simply prepared grilled items Beef, Chicken, fish both Ahi and Salmon plus tofu. Served with either white or brown rice or noodles plus steamed veggies. With a wide selection of sauces to complement the dishes you can't go wrong.
(5)