When I came to Louisville for work, I had a sort of closed mind about it. I was worried that there wouldn't be any fun restaurants to try (outside of greasy spoon diners). So Zen Garden was a real treat! And since I was traveling with a vegetarian, I made sure that we came here for dinner. Everything was very tasty, and as others have said, you could tell that the veggies were nice and fresh. The Zen Garden maki roll was very delicious - a lovely medley of veggies arranged in a sushi roll. But my favorite appetizer was a special they had that night - according to our receipt, the "T n A Roll." And what wasn't to love - the crispy wonton wrapper was a great contrast to the soft texture of the T n A. Of course I'm talking about Tomato and Avocado, which were a perfect pairing in that crispy spring roll! The three of us shared three entrees: The Singapore Noodles, the Kung Pao Tofu, and the Pan Fried Noodles. We had originally considered getting some stir fried veggies for our 3rd entree, but our server September gave us the right advice: "You should get the Pan Fried Noddles, because it comes with the same veggies as the stir fry, but it's yummier." And, sold!! All three dishes were very tasty. The Kung Pao Tofu was particularly interesting - a bit of a burn, but also a nice citrus flavor. And again, everything tasted very fresh and delicious. Big portions, low prices ($20 / person for tea, 3 appetizers and 3 entrees), and awesome, friendly service. Even if I wasn't traveling with a vegetarian, I would still come back next time I'm in town!
(5)
Mary H.
Just dropped in for a very late lunch on a Sat. It was fresh and awesome. I wanted to go back the next day.............
(5)
Nick G.
- Pad Thai: Below average. Other places can do better for this price. Maybe Zen Garden's is healthier. I don't know. I don't see nutrition facts on their web site. - Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry: ok. - Spring rolls: good.
(3)
Amelia P.
So far I have eaten here twice and I can't seem to get past the curry eggplant. very, very yummy. I'm not a vegetarian, but my bf is. He loves the BBQ vermicelli. Honestly, I generally despise fake meats but whatever they have going on here is pretty stellar and the freshness of the food is noticeable. I have not dined in, but the carry-out both times was ready in 10 minutes! (maybe I just got lucky??)
(5)
Lanie V.
Dined here twice in the last month. It is easily becoming my favorite comfort food spot on Frankfort Ave. Heat level is on point, especially because I always request my dishes be made with more kick. Anything with tofu or mushroom is a winner. Faves include the soft tofu with black bean sauce, crispy shiitake mushroom, and orange tofu.
(5)
Carolyn C.
We stopped at Zen Garden after a long day of driving from Tennessee. It was so nice to have a quality vegetarian restaurant after vacationing in the land of biscuits and sausage gravy. We tried the veggie potstickers, crispy shitake mushroom entree, and a really lovely vegan chocolate pie. It was satisfying the the flavors were complex. Everything that was coming out of the kitchen looked and smelled great. If I am ever in the Louisville again, I will be returning.
(5)
Sofia B.
Vegan Asian heaven. Curry soup is amazing. Sandwiches are tasty. Cross country road trip stop. Would come back if we are ever this way!
(5)
Angela D.
I've never been disappointed at Zen Garden! I'm not even a vegetarian, and I'm not usually crazy about tofu. But today, I had the egg roll and noodles (my favorite dish on their menu), my husband got the Singapore noodles, and we shared an order of spring rolls. It was all fabulous! I only gave it 4 stars because the spring rolls could have used a little mint (in my opinion), and the bathroom seemed dingy to me. But the service and food were great!
(4)
Kellyo O.
They can do no oil! Hubby and I embarked on a no: animal product, no oil, no nut "diet" for the health of our hearts. I was very worried about eating out ever again when I started it. And I had been tricked by a different restaurant in town that said they could do no oll in my dish so I was nervous. No need! The owner/waiter was FANTABULOUS!! He made us feel very welcome and never seemed put out with our kazillion questions or requests. Both of us were so very happy with our meals that day. I had the Singapore noodles and hubby had the Eggplant curry. We also had a rice paper veggie wrap app that was yummy! Will be back for sure!
(5)
Laura C.
The Zen Garden is a place I will absolutely return. Louisville is not exactly a hub of good Asian food. But this place is tasty and fast. A nice thing about the restaurant is that it is a really comfortable atmosphere. Simple. There is a parking lot, which is nice in this area. I had the tofu and black bean sauce. I ate that whole thing. It was total comfort food. My conclusion: not great, but really good. Solid vegetarian food.
(3)
Sarah B.
Zen Garden is on my list for favorite places to eat. Their Roasted Rice veggie soup is the best soup ever!! Love the Pad Thai, Sweet and Sour Tofu, salads, veggie sushi, veggie soup and more! The sweet and sour tofu is too sweet for me but you can ask them to put then sauce on the side. The service is always wonderful and they are super fast. Thank you Zen Garden for an amazing place to eat!
(5)
Carolyn H.
Good spot to stop in for lunch if you're plant-based. Vegan and vegetarian menu has a variety from the fresh and light to savory and satisfying. A few nit picky things add up to this being just OKAY. The atmosphere needs an upgrade. it's a little low and cheap feeling. My salad was good but the spring rolls came with a sauce that, frankly, tasted pre-fab and not very high quality. My friend had the Singapore Noodles we usually love at the sister location, Roots, in the Highlands. But here they tasted like a dirty grill/wok. I'd stop in again because I can get decent, plant-based food but there is not a strong draw.
(3)
Geo R.
Need a break from meat for a night? Check this place out, I ordered the Eggplant with curry sauce/tofu, it was so good, I ate the whole plate. Nom Nom. There are so many choices to pick on their menu which is a plus. When a friend and I came in, there was only one table is served and the rest were empty and yet I had to get up to ask for some water. Before the plate was served, a glass of water was out already and no one came until I was half way through the plate. I was way too thirsty and tired of waiting. So I got up looking for the waiter, he was on the computer next to the cashier behind the wall. That's okay, school comes first.
(4)
Thao T.
My favorite vegetarian restaurant in Louisville! Great for the leaf eater but not so much the meat and potato people. So chances are the restaurant will be empty when you walk in. But don't take that as a bad sign. The food are always filled with flavor and very filling. If you like something sweet and tangy, the orange tofu is a safe start. But it's the crispy shiitake mushroom that keeps me coming back, the mushroom is chewy on the inside but crunchy on the outside, and flavored to perfection. I also like the green beans and mock duck when I want my veggie fix. I've always like whatever I chose in the past. I think the clay pot was the only thing I didn't like because it was a bit salty. So vegetarians, welcome to paradise. Meat eaters, keep an open mind!
(5)
Scott M.
Love, Love, Love this place. Even when we ate meat my wife and I loved coming here. Now that we are Vegetarians, it's one of few places we will eat at! Everything I have ever tried on the menu, almost everything, has been very good! The curry is Great! The HOT POT is fun and very good as well. On our first visit we were met by the owner with "Nice" Chopsticks and was told to keep them...I still us them today! Very nice people, have NEVER had a bad experience! If your a Vegetarian, this is on your top 5...if your a meat eater, it should be in your top 10! Give it a try, you will love it!
(5)
Kate G.
This place is a gem... and actually very zen indeed. From the lovely space and music to the patient staff and amazing food, my bacon-loving family and i really enjoyed this veggie break. The spring rolls were perfect and the udon soup and curry soup were just like the ones we enjoyed in SE Asia a couple of months back. Authentic, simple flavors and excellently balanced. Would definitely go back on a regular basis if we lived anywhere near. Highly recommended!
(5)
Mona P.
My husband and I are regulars at Zen Garden. Despite being an all vegetarian restaurant, their menu offers a variety that even my husband, "the meat eater" seems to enjoy. On busy Frankfort street, they have a enough parking for their guests (which makes it easy to get in and out for pick up or dining,) great for a weeknight that you just don't feel like cooking. Service is always prompt and attentive. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable. Their food always hits the spot. I usually start with thier crispy egg rolls and usually pair it with sweet and sour crispy tofu, orange tofu or thin rice vermicilli with barbequed bean curd. For those like my husband who do not care for tofu, the crispy shiitake mushroom is a great alternative. We usually don't do dessert, but they usually have plenty of vegan varieties of pie. At the end of our meal, we are fully relaxed and satisfied to finish our night.
(5)
Megan F.
When I found out that the awesome city of Louisville fills the restaurant niche of affordable vegetarian Asian fusion after recently moving here, I was psyched. In my hometown there is a restaurant of this genre that I relied on for quality healthy, yet tasty food any given day. However, I mostly depend on a good vegetarian soup when I'm sick. So, after I came down with a bad cold/potential sinus infection last week, I went to Zen hoping to find a soup that measured up to the perfect mix of cellophane noodles, onion (plus scallions), mock chicken, carrots, portabello mushrooms, snow peas, cilantro, and whatever other mildly spicy goodness was in the soup. I ordered the Hot Pot Soup, which said it was for two (I figured the leftovers would get me through the rest of the evening before the next round of decongestants). I figured it would be close to what I wanted since it said it was a chicken-flavored broth with noodles, tofu and mixed vegetables. Vague, but could be amazing. It came out so majestically in a dark ceramic bowl that towered over an area to light a candle to keep the soup warm. That candle was absent. Pineapples, clearly a not a vegetable, were not missing--and their juices overwhelmed the savory flavors the soup on the menu promised me. The soup was still alright, while it was hot, but it wasn't the soup I had in mind. I'll keep searching for that soup that takes chicken noodle a step above the rest but doesn't cross the line into other food groups besides vegetables and grains. I have high hopes that this restaurant has other better options on their menu, which I'll be back to try when I'm well. My boyfriend loved the curry he ordered and I've heard such good things. I just wanted to write this review about the soup in case there's another soup fiend like me out there whose sick this winter and in need. Good luck.
(3)
Merritt G.
A nice, quaint Vegetarian restaurant in an old home on Frankfort Ave. I have tried their Pad Thai, and the Egg Roll with Noodles. Both were good, although I feel there are better Asian restaurants in Louisville. The Egg Roll with Noodles was satisfying, but a little bland. The Pad Thai is better. This is one of those places that I will go to on occasion, however it is not first on my list when thinking of dining out.
(3)
Sowmya U.
Good place for vegan and vegetarians .. delicious menu .. My favourites were spring rolls, Singapore noodles and orange tofu. Best orange tofu I ever tasted .. Decent portions and fast service.
(5)
Vanessa V.
An unexpected treat! A locally owned Asian restaurant where the people actually care about the food and know how to cook it. And the vegetarian menu was just an added bonus. M and I shared the fake duck with mixed vegetables and the fried rice. Both were delicious. The girl sitting next to us got a giant bowl of soup and it looked SO good. If I lived in Louisville, I'd be here every week. What some other people have said about ambiance is right... there isn't much of it. This isn't a fancy date place. It's a house that looks like it's about to fall down, and the decor is nonexistent. But if the food is good, that stuff stops mattering.
(5)
Jules Wolfers D.
I keep kicking myself that I had overlooked this place for 3 years before sampling its delishy plates last month! Now that I had tried some of their food, I keep coming back, looking forward to try the rest of the menu. I could even bring my friends who dig steaks- they like some of the dishes here- believe it or not! The dishes- Lemongrass Soy Satay And Noodles, Singapore Noodles, and Sesame Soybeans, oh my. The design is simple- so if you expect decorations as usually seen in a Tibetan temple, don't. I appreciate the minimalist theme, more easier for you to savor and focus on the food.
(5)
Kim S.
Several years ago, I was here and had the Singapore Noodles. I have wanted to have them again, many times. Today, I got the chance. I was worried that they wouldn't live up to my memory of how great they were--or that somehow the recipe got changed. No problems! They were fantastic--every bit as good as I had remembered. I don't live in Louisville--if you do, you owe it to yourselves to go to Zen Garden and try the Singapore Noodles. If you like spicy deliciousness, you'll love these.
(5)
Dawnita S.
Excellent vegetarian food. In fact, it's so good your non-veggie friends won't know they are eating hippie food. Some of my favorites are the fried rice, crispy sweet & sour soy and the egg rolls. The food is always consistent, quick and the service is great.
(5)
Sofia J.
The food is tasty and the portions are large. I've loved the summer rolls, crispy mushroom entree, and the singapore noodles. The pad thai, on the other hand, was a little bland. Nevertheless, I will come back again, as a lot of the other dishes also looked promising.
(4)
Sarah L.
Zen Garden is a restaurant that you may overlook if you are driving down Frankfort Ave or because its a vegetarian restaurant or because it doesn't have snappy, fancy decor, but you've gotta open your eyes up. This place is the best. I crave it. Like seriously, if I think about wanting asian food or tofu, all I think about is their crispy tofu. I want to learn their secrets to their crispy tofu. How do they make it so perfect!? It even reheats up crispy. Even if they did give me the recipe, Im sure I couldn't recreate it though. They also have crispy soybean, which appears to be battered seitan. I think you can only get it if you order sweet and sour, which I dont like. But I could eat those nuggets like candy. Maybe Zen Garden is reading this? My request is to be able to get the crispy soybean or crispy tofu for any entree? Deal? I really enjoy their Cucumber and Peanut Salad, it is a pickled vegetable salad, with tofu, and peanuts, in a light asian oil/vinegar dressing. All the vegetables are still crisp, it is so refreshing. When it comes to their entrees, I have a hard time venturing away from sesame tofu or orange tofu. They are just that good. Everything here is so fresh tasting! The only thing I've ever only sort of liked was their Kung Pao Tofu. The tofu is soft small squares, not that crispy tofu that Im head over heels infatuated with. Im certain its cooked traditionally, so this is totally a me problem. Another bonus, is Zen Garden has a huge parking lot, which is a luxury in this area. It makes picking up take out a little toooo easy for me...
(5)
Kelly Y.
This omnivore is totally impressed! I finally got around to trying this vegetarian restaurant. I even brought along another omnivore friend just to be sure. I am glad to say that their food is as good as I had hoped. I ordered the Eggplant in Curry Sauce and my friend ordered the Northern Noodle Soup. We were both impressed by our dishes. The eggplant is first steamed until soft, then smothered with a mild curry sauce with soybean, shiitake mushrooms and tofu. The dish is not a "meat dish minus meat" kinda disappointment. It was savory and satisfying. I don't miss the meat at all. My friend also enjoyed her noodle soup. We both agree that there was not a pronounced MSG flavor in the dishes, like some restaurants will do when meat is absent from a dish. I also ordered a Vietnamese coffee. It was as good as any I have had. We will be happy to return.
(5)
Joseph T.
Had a visitor from California. She's a vegetarian. Needed to figure out what to do. Where to go. Get on Yelp. Look up vegetarian restaurants. Find Zen. Looks promising. Like the area. We go. I get the Singapore Noodles. She gets eggplant. We both love. Everyone was happy. Nice people work here. Would visit again. Would recommend. Also near good dessert places. This is a plus. Great area. You should visit.
(4)
Joe D.
I have been going to Zen Garden for years and have never been disappointed. If you love meat don't despair order crispy shiitake mushrooms and you will satisfy your carnivore urges. Try their soups and you will think you are in Hanoi. Appetizers are also good...try the crepe, its so good.
(4)
David C.
Wonderful vegetarian entrees, prepared quickly and good portions. Crispy Shitake Mushroom, and Sesame Tofu are favorites, but lots of great choices.
(5)
Lauren J.
Aww man. If I lived in Louisville, I'd eat here pretty much every day. The restaurant is clean and has a relaxing ambiance. And the food. Oh, the wonderful, healthy, vegetarian food. The spring rolls with peanut sauce are amazing. The orange tofu is fresh, healthy, and yummy. The tofu's texture is perfect, and the fresh orange slices that accompany it are some of the best oranges I've ever had. I love that you have the option of brown rice for just a buck extra. For dessert, try the rich, creamy vegan chocolate peanut butter pie. I look forward to eating here again and trying more of their menu!
(5)
Ryan C.
It's been a long time since I've been to Zen Garden, but it is a wonderful place to go. Comfortable atmosphere, excellent vegan food and wonderful staff. I always got their spring rolls, which are wonderful. Also recommend the Vietnamese Crepe. This is one of the best Vegan restaurants you will find in Louisville. On a note outside of their food, I support them for their humanitarian efforts as well. I believe the owner donates much of the profits for specific charitable organizations.
(5)
Rachel A.
My daughter and I had dinner here yesterday for the first time. We had aimed to visit for some time, and since we were in the neighborhood, the timing was right. We had an excellent meal and the service was great. The Vietnamese coffee was just the pick-me-up that we needed. We had two appetizers, the egg rolls and the Vietnamese crepe, and both were delicious. The crepe was our favorite, very savory and full of flavor. We shared an entree, the vegetable fried rice, and every bite was delightful. Next time, we want to try the soups and the curry dishes. The decor was very relaxing, making the experience all that much the better. Thank you all for a great meal. We'll definitely be coming back!
(5)
Sarah B.
Stopped here for lunch during a day trip to Louisville. We were pretty excited about checking out an all-veg Asian restaurant (there was a similar one in Wichita, where we used to live, and we were big fans). My boyfriend's dish, Sesame Soybeans, was delicious - big chunks of tofu, crisp vegetables and yummy sauce, aka pretty much exactly what you'd want in a stir-fry. I got the Kung Pao Tofu and was surprised that the veggies and tofu were diced, stew-style, instead of being in larger pieces. The dish was just OK, and we didn't love the potsticker appetizer either. But I'd definitely go back if I were in town again and order something different. The service was great.
(3)
Beth M.
Saw some of the reviews for this place on here and decided I had to go and tell my vegetarian friends about it. In short, I loved this place. Pricing is around $10-14/person for a meal and drink and it is worth it. It's ALL vegetarian but even meat eaters will leave happy. I tasted four different things on the menu and all were great. I will definitely will go back to try out more!
(5)
Rain T.
My children and I always travel and we make it a point to stop at Zen Garden to grab a bite to eat! We found this restaurant while doing a search for vegan/vegetarian restaurants in KY. To my surprise this place exceeded my expectations and I will keep this place on the list of restaurants to frequent! :-)
(4)
Kami T.
I had very high expectations of this place, known for its vegan asian food. However, I was very disappointed. The dish I had was pretty revolting. This is coming from someone that always finishes whatever I order or takes leftovers home. The appetizer we order was pretty good, though. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing, but I wasn't impressed with the other dish I tried either. The only reason I'm giving this place 2 stars is that I love the concept and the appetizers were. Perhaps it's deserving of another try. I would HIGHLY recommend the Zen Teahouse, though.
(2)
Joe Y.
We stopped and ate here based on previous Yelp reviews. Very tasty, huge portions, inexpensive. For vegetarians, this place is perfect. Even though we are just visiting Louisville, we will definitely be back. In a very cool part of town too. We loved the pot stickers, Orange Tofu, and spring rolls. If we lived close, we'd go every week.
(5)
Jeff S.
I can't say I was a big fan of this restaurant but then again I AM NOT a veggie! If you are a veggie maybe its way awesome. The spicy Singapore noodels weren't that spicy and it was tofu overload. The food was fine i guess but nothing seemed that special
(2)
FromScratch M.
Really good and I am only a part time vegetarian. Food is very fresh and carefully prepared to order. Mostly tofu entrees but then it's Japanese.
(5)
Joan O.
was visiting a friend in lousiville. the food here was super fresh! really enjoyed the northern noodle soup, perfect with the fall weather. friendly service and because we were in seated at a corner table we did not feel cramped at all.
(5)
K B.
Im vegan and absoltely love this place! My meat eating friends adore this place too. Spring rolls, fried rice, and anything with tofu is amazing. GO!
(5)
M Y.
Fantastic! Loved the food, and the tea. The only slight negative was the price- a little pricey for lunch, but I'm going back!
(5)
L. R.
We loved this cozy little vegetarian place. My husband had soup for his dinner and I had the Sesame soybean. Both items were delicious. We weren't rushed, the service was a bit slow but there were only 2 waitpersons there to wait on the entire restaurant (which really isn't big but was hopping that night). The potstickers were great, too. We met two carnivores there and they loved the place, need I say more?
(5)
Rachel S.
Zen Garden is a flavor haven. Their food is always fresh and and their service is always pleasant. It has a peacful atmosphere. The crispy shitake mushrooms and sesame soybeans are heavenly. One of my favorite places in town!
(5)
Thommy B.
The food is good but I wish the service was faster.
(3)
Magen L.
Zen Garden is without a doubt my absolute favorite restaurant in Louisville! As a vegetarian it is refreshing to find a restaurant here with a menu from which I have the option to order any item. Yet, even omnivores will be pleased with the fresh, flavorful, and beautiful dishes they're served. My husband and I always get the spring rolls accompanied by the just thick enough, just salty enough, tasty peanut sauce. Also time and time again I find myself drawn to the Singapore noodles and their slow to hit spiciness. My husband (non-vegetarian) claims that the mock duck and string beans has the closest consistency to meat of any dead animal replacement he's had, plus he likes the spicy black bean sauce.
(5)
Miranda P.
I'm not vegetarian in any way, but I love this restaurant. I've only eaten there once, but I've been dying to go back ever since! The food was great, the tea tasted wonderful. My server was nice. Just an all-around good restaurant.
(4)
Penelope C.
This is my first post-airport stop on each and every visit to my home state. I love sitting on the porch in the summer. I love the tomato dill soup and vietnamese crepe. I love you Zen Garden. (Almost in the creepy way.)
(5)
Brian K.
Amazing food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Zen Garden is an all-vegetarian Asian restaurant, and all profits go to charitable causes. Service was very friendly and quick. My wife and I shared the sweet & sour soup, spring rolls, and the Zen garden (sushi) roll. The soup was thicker than what you usually get at Chinese restaurants, but the flavors were balanced perfectly. The spring rolls were fresh and delicious, but pretty standard - although the peanut sauce they came with was delicious and almost caramel-like in texture. The garden roll was outstanding, with the white radish providing just a little bite of sharper flavor to contrast the cucumber and creamy avocado. I had the Orange Tofu, as many reviews indicated it as a favorite entree. It's as good as everyone says - the texture of the tofu is perfect, with a lightly crispy outside and a creamy interior. The sauce is excellent, providing just a hint of sourness to go with the bright citrus. My wife's Sesame Soy had the same amazing texture, with a lightly spicy brown sauce that delicately clung to the tofu and broccoli. Don't forget the tea - both the green tea and jasmine tea were excellent, too.
(5)
Jim G.
It would be hard to praise Zen Garden too much. The vegetarian Asian cuisine has a breadth and depth that is impressive. Everything is right on at this place--taste and texture and atmosphere. You can take your non-vegetarian friends here and guaranteed they will like it, too. Service can be er...zen-like, don't be surprised if it's a bit spacey as such. That single drawback doesn't even begin moving my fifth star to four.
(5)
Ann W.
I've eaten here a dozen times and it is my favorite Louisville restaurant. The variety of foods makes it difficult to choose, since they all sound wonderful. I love the concept of healthy foods and giving back to the community. I am always amazed that the place isn't full of people since I find the food and atmosphere so incredible. The service is also great, no one is in your face butting into conversations, but rather there to serve you, a welcome change from so many other places. If you've not been, please check it out.
(5)
ninja p.
i really wanted to like this place but the food is just not yummy. it was edible though... the tables are sticky- that is pretty gross.
(2)
Darryl S.
Pretty great. I was shocked to see it so empty when I visited (Louisville doesn't like veggie only joints?) but the food was great. I had the singapore noodle dish, which had a great curry flavor and delicious tofu. My friend had the BBQ vermicelli which was also pretty great. Definitely worth giving a shot.
(4)
Maggie H.
Wonderful, perfect for vegans and those open to veggie meals. My husband is a carnivore and he still loves it.
(5)
Nate S.
Oh my gosh, this place is amazing. As a pre-cursor, I am not a vegan or vegetarian, but I do eat vegetarian meals on occasion. I would highly recommend this place to anyone, especially omnivores such as myself, wanting to be adventurous in their eating selection. I order a bowl that was identified as spicy, and was preparing for the worst (as you usually have to do, when they say 'spicy'), but much to my surprise, there was just enough spice to make it hot, but not so much that it rips your throat to shreds. Two thumbs up!! I feel a little bad that we were the only customers in there the entire time that we were there, but I tell you what, it means that the service was phenomenal (I'm guess it's like that anyways). They were extremely pleasant too. So, please visit this place, I'd hate to see it go if it just doesn't get enough customers!
(5)
Jim B.
I went with my Mom around 3 in the afternoon one Saturday and we were the only people in the restaurant! But our exclusive dining experience was excellent. The potstickers were fantastic, but the real star was the Egg Roll and Noodle entree. It was so delicious! I got the Pad Thai Noodles which were okay, but didn't taste like the Pad Thai I was used to (it was spicier and not as peanuty).
(4)
Pam S.
We found this restaurant on a list of top 10 Louisville restaurant during a day visit to Louisville. As it was listed as vegetarian, I had a bit of a preconceived notion and wasn't expecting Asian food. We arrived in the mid afternoon on a Sat and the place was empty which concerned me a bit. All my concern melted away once the food arrived. We started with some pot stickers and they were delicious. However they paled in comparison to the Eggroll with Noodles. This dish was fabulous. The eggroll was quite possibly the best I've ever had. And the Vietnamese sauce was divine. The service was great and the meal was not too pricey. I will definitely be returning on future trips.
(5)
Shelby V.
I live so close and always wondered what this place was like. I'm not a vegan or even close to a vegetarian so I was nervous but it is awesome! Great prices and great service. I ordered to go and it was prepared quickly and with no issues- peanut cucumber salad and curry soup were bursting with flavor and portioned appropriately for the price. I will be back!
(5)
Claire B.
Delicious, Fresh and Healthy!!! This place is amazing! Last time we went we ordered the Soft Spring Rolls and Zen Garden Roll as Appetizers. We ordered Pad Thai Noodles and Shiitake Mushroom Lomein as our entrees. Everything was super yummy (absolutely addicting) and we received our order very quick! Overall wonderful experience!
(5)
Francesca H.
This has to be the best vegetarian/vegan resturant around I love there food. I would eat there every day if I could.
(5)
Jess A.
I was uber excited to try Zen Garden. I love Asian cuisine, I'm alright with tofu, and veggies have a special place in my heart. These guys are owned by Roots and have been much abuzz. This is going to be good. I walked away feeling...not so much. The ambiance, while Zen-trending, was lacking in detail. And, literally no one else was there for lunch despite a gorgeous warm walking-weather kind of day on Frankfort Ave. It felt a bit odd dining all by our lonesome. My lunch date and I tried the Eggroll (delicious), Vegetarian sushi (unmemorable) and split the Vegetable Stir Fry and the Mock Duck & Green Beans lunch entrees. The ingredients are fresh and I loved the crispy sauteed green beans but the rest of my dish was overly salted and the Stir Fry was bland. With no one else in the place it's not like the chef didn't have time to attend to our dishes properly, they just didn't quite work. When I, a carnivorous creature, opt for a vegetarian meal I feel like it's a success when I walk away fully satisfied despite the no-meat theme. I didn't feel that way at Zen Garden and likely won't be back. PS - We skipped dessert at ZG and walked next door to the Pie Kitchen. Best part of our meal. But that's for another review...
(2)
Andy C.
Good to see a local vegetarian resteraunt. Points there. I wasn't sure what to expect having grown up a carnivore. Ive always just ordered from the usually small list of veggie options at an omnivore resteraunt. It's a pretty quaint little place among a street of culinary hot spots- but it held its own for me. The first time I got the curry- loved every oz of it! I went back for a crack at a noodle dish that I was craving that particular day, and it was tasty, but remains the reason I only give the place 4 stars. Maybe I had it built up in my head to be something a noodle soup dish can never be- no idea. So I highly recomend the curry and the noodle dishes are pretty good too. And to top it all off- you can walk away knowing that you don't have a big chunk of animal inside you!
(4)
Sophia T.
A peaceful, unassuming ambience where people look happy to be there eating. We were psyched about the vegan options. I ordered lemongrass satay and bf ordered crispy shitake mushroom. OMG the mushroom dish was outstanding. just delicious and creative way to prepare my favorite fungi. my dish was very tasty as well with an array of soy goodness. we also shared a vietnamese pancake. We would most likely visit this eatery again.
(4)
Tom R.
Three and a half stars. As some others experienced, there was hardly anyone in the place despite it being a Friday night during normal dining hours. As a matter of fact, for about a five minute stretch my family and I were the only ones there. The restaurant itself is very classy, but not in a suit-and-tie kind of way. Casual classy. It's in an old home on Frankfort. You can enter through the side door or through the front door via a small porch where a couple of alfresco tables are located. You eat in what used to be the living room, complete with beautiful fireplace and and actual zen garden. My 9-yr old had a fine time drawing hearts in the sand. I went in August, but it would be even better if the fireplace is operational and has a roaring fire in it on a cold January night. The only blight to the attractive dining area was an ugly soda refrigerator that should have been tucked away in the kitchen or a back corner. We began with the crispy tofu appetizer. Lightly coated and gently fried, creamy on the inside. Not a ton of flavor, but a pleasant way to warm up to the meal. Served with a nice sauce -- might have been peanut, but not enough flavor to tell for sure. I had the eggplant curry for my entree. It had huge chunks of eggplant in it, along with edamame, mushrooms, and little strips of tofu. Everything was bathed in a dark sauce that really didn't taste like curry to me, but was good. My daughter had the pad thai. She enjoyed it but thought it could be more peanutty. I should add, though, that when I make pad thai at home I put a big ol' dollop of peanut butter in it, so her view may be skewed. I wrestled with giving Zen Garden three or four stars. The restaurant itself is very handsome and the service was attentive. They have their own parking lot which is a big plus on this crowded stretch of Frankfort. The food was...good. It (the food) just didn't seem very special or interesting. It seemed no different from any other oriental restaurant's fare. I wish the food had had more flavor, or spice, or...something to make it stand out. Nevertheless, it's still a good restaurant and I recommend it.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Zachary Sam Z.
When I came to Louisville for work, I had a sort of closed mind about it. I was worried that there wouldn't be any fun restaurants to try (outside of greasy spoon diners). So Zen Garden was a real treat! And since I was traveling with a vegetarian, I made sure that we came here for dinner. Everything was very tasty, and as others have said, you could tell that the veggies were nice and fresh. The Zen Garden maki roll was very delicious - a lovely medley of veggies arranged in a sushi roll. But my favorite appetizer was a special they had that night - according to our receipt, the "T n A Roll." And what wasn't to love - the crispy wonton wrapper was a great contrast to the soft texture of the T n A. Of course I'm talking about Tomato and Avocado, which were a perfect pairing in that crispy spring roll! The three of us shared three entrees: The Singapore Noodles, the Kung Pao Tofu, and the Pan Fried Noodles. We had originally considered getting some stir fried veggies for our 3rd entree, but our server September gave us the right advice: "You should get the Pan Fried Noddles, because it comes with the same veggies as the stir fry, but it's yummier." And, sold!! All three dishes were very tasty. The Kung Pao Tofu was particularly interesting - a bit of a burn, but also a nice citrus flavor. And again, everything tasted very fresh and delicious. Big portions, low prices ($20 / person for tea, 3 appetizers and 3 entrees), and awesome, friendly service. Even if I wasn't traveling with a vegetarian, I would still come back next time I'm in town!
(5)Mary H.
Just dropped in for a very late lunch on a Sat. It was fresh and awesome. I wanted to go back the next day.............
(5)Nick G.
- Pad Thai: Below average. Other places can do better for this price. Maybe Zen Garden's is healthier. I don't know. I don't see nutrition facts on their web site. - Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry: ok. - Spring rolls: good.
(3)Amelia P.
So far I have eaten here twice and I can't seem to get past the curry eggplant. very, very yummy. I'm not a vegetarian, but my bf is. He loves the BBQ vermicelli. Honestly, I generally despise fake meats but whatever they have going on here is pretty stellar and the freshness of the food is noticeable. I have not dined in, but the carry-out both times was ready in 10 minutes! (maybe I just got lucky??)
(5)Lanie V.
Dined here twice in the last month. It is easily becoming my favorite comfort food spot on Frankfort Ave. Heat level is on point, especially because I always request my dishes be made with more kick. Anything with tofu or mushroom is a winner. Faves include the soft tofu with black bean sauce, crispy shiitake mushroom, and orange tofu.
(5)Carolyn C.
We stopped at Zen Garden after a long day of driving from Tennessee. It was so nice to have a quality vegetarian restaurant after vacationing in the land of biscuits and sausage gravy. We tried the veggie potstickers, crispy shitake mushroom entree, and a really lovely vegan chocolate pie. It was satisfying the the flavors were complex. Everything that was coming out of the kitchen looked and smelled great. If I am ever in the Louisville again, I will be returning.
(5)Sofia B.
Vegan Asian heaven. Curry soup is amazing. Sandwiches are tasty. Cross country road trip stop. Would come back if we are ever this way!
(5)Angela D.
I've never been disappointed at Zen Garden! I'm not even a vegetarian, and I'm not usually crazy about tofu. But today, I had the egg roll and noodles (my favorite dish on their menu), my husband got the Singapore noodles, and we shared an order of spring rolls. It was all fabulous! I only gave it 4 stars because the spring rolls could have used a little mint (in my opinion), and the bathroom seemed dingy to me. But the service and food were great!
(4)Kellyo O.
They can do no oil! Hubby and I embarked on a no: animal product, no oil, no nut "diet" for the health of our hearts. I was very worried about eating out ever again when I started it. And I had been tricked by a different restaurant in town that said they could do no oll in my dish so I was nervous. No need! The owner/waiter was FANTABULOUS!! He made us feel very welcome and never seemed put out with our kazillion questions or requests. Both of us were so very happy with our meals that day. I had the Singapore noodles and hubby had the Eggplant curry. We also had a rice paper veggie wrap app that was yummy! Will be back for sure!
(5)Laura C.
The Zen Garden is a place I will absolutely return. Louisville is not exactly a hub of good Asian food. But this place is tasty and fast. A nice thing about the restaurant is that it is a really comfortable atmosphere. Simple. There is a parking lot, which is nice in this area. I had the tofu and black bean sauce. I ate that whole thing. It was total comfort food. My conclusion: not great, but really good. Solid vegetarian food.
(3)Sarah B.
Zen Garden is on my list for favorite places to eat. Their Roasted Rice veggie soup is the best soup ever!! Love the Pad Thai, Sweet and Sour Tofu, salads, veggie sushi, veggie soup and more! The sweet and sour tofu is too sweet for me but you can ask them to put then sauce on the side. The service is always wonderful and they are super fast. Thank you Zen Garden for an amazing place to eat!
(5)Carolyn H.
Good spot to stop in for lunch if you're plant-based. Vegan and vegetarian menu has a variety from the fresh and light to savory and satisfying. A few nit picky things add up to this being just OKAY. The atmosphere needs an upgrade. it's a little low and cheap feeling. My salad was good but the spring rolls came with a sauce that, frankly, tasted pre-fab and not very high quality. My friend had the Singapore Noodles we usually love at the sister location, Roots, in the Highlands. But here they tasted like a dirty grill/wok. I'd stop in again because I can get decent, plant-based food but there is not a strong draw.
(3)Geo R.
Need a break from meat for a night? Check this place out, I ordered the Eggplant with curry sauce/tofu, it was so good, I ate the whole plate. Nom Nom. There are so many choices to pick on their menu which is a plus. When a friend and I came in, there was only one table is served and the rest were empty and yet I had to get up to ask for some water. Before the plate was served, a glass of water was out already and no one came until I was half way through the plate. I was way too thirsty and tired of waiting. So I got up looking for the waiter, he was on the computer next to the cashier behind the wall. That's okay, school comes first.
(4)Thao T.
My favorite vegetarian restaurant in Louisville! Great for the leaf eater but not so much the meat and potato people. So chances are the restaurant will be empty when you walk in. But don't take that as a bad sign. The food are always filled with flavor and very filling. If you like something sweet and tangy, the orange tofu is a safe start. But it's the crispy shiitake mushroom that keeps me coming back, the mushroom is chewy on the inside but crunchy on the outside, and flavored to perfection. I also like the green beans and mock duck when I want my veggie fix. I've always like whatever I chose in the past. I think the clay pot was the only thing I didn't like because it was a bit salty. So vegetarians, welcome to paradise. Meat eaters, keep an open mind!
(5)Scott M.
Love, Love, Love this place. Even when we ate meat my wife and I loved coming here. Now that we are Vegetarians, it's one of few places we will eat at! Everything I have ever tried on the menu, almost everything, has been very good! The curry is Great! The HOT POT is fun and very good as well. On our first visit we were met by the owner with "Nice" Chopsticks and was told to keep them...I still us them today! Very nice people, have NEVER had a bad experience! If your a Vegetarian, this is on your top 5...if your a meat eater, it should be in your top 10! Give it a try, you will love it!
(5)Kate G.
This place is a gem... and actually very zen indeed. From the lovely space and music to the patient staff and amazing food, my bacon-loving family and i really enjoyed this veggie break. The spring rolls were perfect and the udon soup and curry soup were just like the ones we enjoyed in SE Asia a couple of months back. Authentic, simple flavors and excellently balanced. Would definitely go back on a regular basis if we lived anywhere near. Highly recommended!
(5)Mona P.
My husband and I are regulars at Zen Garden. Despite being an all vegetarian restaurant, their menu offers a variety that even my husband, "the meat eater" seems to enjoy. On busy Frankfort street, they have a enough parking for their guests (which makes it easy to get in and out for pick up or dining,) great for a weeknight that you just don't feel like cooking. Service is always prompt and attentive. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable. Their food always hits the spot. I usually start with thier crispy egg rolls and usually pair it with sweet and sour crispy tofu, orange tofu or thin rice vermicilli with barbequed bean curd. For those like my husband who do not care for tofu, the crispy shiitake mushroom is a great alternative. We usually don't do dessert, but they usually have plenty of vegan varieties of pie. At the end of our meal, we are fully relaxed and satisfied to finish our night.
(5)Megan F.
When I found out that the awesome city of Louisville fills the restaurant niche of affordable vegetarian Asian fusion after recently moving here, I was psyched. In my hometown there is a restaurant of this genre that I relied on for quality healthy, yet tasty food any given day. However, I mostly depend on a good vegetarian soup when I'm sick. So, after I came down with a bad cold/potential sinus infection last week, I went to Zen hoping to find a soup that measured up to the perfect mix of cellophane noodles, onion (plus scallions), mock chicken, carrots, portabello mushrooms, snow peas, cilantro, and whatever other mildly spicy goodness was in the soup. I ordered the Hot Pot Soup, which said it was for two (I figured the leftovers would get me through the rest of the evening before the next round of decongestants). I figured it would be close to what I wanted since it said it was a chicken-flavored broth with noodles, tofu and mixed vegetables. Vague, but could be amazing. It came out so majestically in a dark ceramic bowl that towered over an area to light a candle to keep the soup warm. That candle was absent. Pineapples, clearly a not a vegetable, were not missing--and their juices overwhelmed the savory flavors the soup on the menu promised me. The soup was still alright, while it was hot, but it wasn't the soup I had in mind. I'll keep searching for that soup that takes chicken noodle a step above the rest but doesn't cross the line into other food groups besides vegetables and grains. I have high hopes that this restaurant has other better options on their menu, which I'll be back to try when I'm well. My boyfriend loved the curry he ordered and I've heard such good things. I just wanted to write this review about the soup in case there's another soup fiend like me out there whose sick this winter and in need. Good luck.
(3)Merritt G.
A nice, quaint Vegetarian restaurant in an old home on Frankfort Ave. I have tried their Pad Thai, and the Egg Roll with Noodles. Both were good, although I feel there are better Asian restaurants in Louisville. The Egg Roll with Noodles was satisfying, but a little bland. The Pad Thai is better. This is one of those places that I will go to on occasion, however it is not first on my list when thinking of dining out.
(3)Sowmya U.
Good place for vegan and vegetarians .. delicious menu .. My favourites were spring rolls, Singapore noodles and orange tofu. Best orange tofu I ever tasted .. Decent portions and fast service.
(5)Vanessa V.
An unexpected treat! A locally owned Asian restaurant where the people actually care about the food and know how to cook it. And the vegetarian menu was just an added bonus. M and I shared the fake duck with mixed vegetables and the fried rice. Both were delicious. The girl sitting next to us got a giant bowl of soup and it looked SO good. If I lived in Louisville, I'd be here every week. What some other people have said about ambiance is right... there isn't much of it. This isn't a fancy date place. It's a house that looks like it's about to fall down, and the decor is nonexistent. But if the food is good, that stuff stops mattering.
(5)Jules Wolfers D.
I keep kicking myself that I had overlooked this place for 3 years before sampling its delishy plates last month! Now that I had tried some of their food, I keep coming back, looking forward to try the rest of the menu. I could even bring my friends who dig steaks- they like some of the dishes here- believe it or not! The dishes- Lemongrass Soy Satay And Noodles, Singapore Noodles, and Sesame Soybeans, oh my. The design is simple- so if you expect decorations as usually seen in a Tibetan temple, don't. I appreciate the minimalist theme, more easier for you to savor and focus on the food.
(5)Kim S.
Several years ago, I was here and had the Singapore Noodles. I have wanted to have them again, many times. Today, I got the chance. I was worried that they wouldn't live up to my memory of how great they were--or that somehow the recipe got changed. No problems! They were fantastic--every bit as good as I had remembered. I don't live in Louisville--if you do, you owe it to yourselves to go to Zen Garden and try the Singapore Noodles. If you like spicy deliciousness, you'll love these.
(5)Dawnita S.
Excellent vegetarian food. In fact, it's so good your non-veggie friends won't know they are eating hippie food. Some of my favorites are the fried rice, crispy sweet & sour soy and the egg rolls. The food is always consistent, quick and the service is great.
(5)Sofia J.
The food is tasty and the portions are large. I've loved the summer rolls, crispy mushroom entree, and the singapore noodles. The pad thai, on the other hand, was a little bland. Nevertheless, I will come back again, as a lot of the other dishes also looked promising.
(4)Sarah L.
Zen Garden is a restaurant that you may overlook if you are driving down Frankfort Ave or because its a vegetarian restaurant or because it doesn't have snappy, fancy decor, but you've gotta open your eyes up. This place is the best. I crave it. Like seriously, if I think about wanting asian food or tofu, all I think about is their crispy tofu. I want to learn their secrets to their crispy tofu. How do they make it so perfect!? It even reheats up crispy. Even if they did give me the recipe, Im sure I couldn't recreate it though. They also have crispy soybean, which appears to be battered seitan. I think you can only get it if you order sweet and sour, which I dont like. But I could eat those nuggets like candy. Maybe Zen Garden is reading this? My request is to be able to get the crispy soybean or crispy tofu for any entree? Deal? I really enjoy their Cucumber and Peanut Salad, it is a pickled vegetable salad, with tofu, and peanuts, in a light asian oil/vinegar dressing. All the vegetables are still crisp, it is so refreshing. When it comes to their entrees, I have a hard time venturing away from sesame tofu or orange tofu. They are just that good. Everything here is so fresh tasting! The only thing I've ever only sort of liked was their Kung Pao Tofu. The tofu is soft small squares, not that crispy tofu that Im head over heels infatuated with. Im certain its cooked traditionally, so this is totally a me problem. Another bonus, is Zen Garden has a huge parking lot, which is a luxury in this area. It makes picking up take out a little toooo easy for me...
(5)Kelly Y.
This omnivore is totally impressed! I finally got around to trying this vegetarian restaurant. I even brought along another omnivore friend just to be sure. I am glad to say that their food is as good as I had hoped. I ordered the Eggplant in Curry Sauce and my friend ordered the Northern Noodle Soup. We were both impressed by our dishes. The eggplant is first steamed until soft, then smothered with a mild curry sauce with soybean, shiitake mushrooms and tofu. The dish is not a "meat dish minus meat" kinda disappointment. It was savory and satisfying. I don't miss the meat at all. My friend also enjoyed her noodle soup. We both agree that there was not a pronounced MSG flavor in the dishes, like some restaurants will do when meat is absent from a dish. I also ordered a Vietnamese coffee. It was as good as any I have had. We will be happy to return.
(5)Joseph T.
Had a visitor from California. She's a vegetarian. Needed to figure out what to do. Where to go. Get on Yelp. Look up vegetarian restaurants. Find Zen. Looks promising. Like the area. We go. I get the Singapore Noodles. She gets eggplant. We both love. Everyone was happy. Nice people work here. Would visit again. Would recommend. Also near good dessert places. This is a plus. Great area. You should visit.
(4)Joe D.
I have been going to Zen Garden for years and have never been disappointed. If you love meat don't despair order crispy shiitake mushrooms and you will satisfy your carnivore urges. Try their soups and you will think you are in Hanoi. Appetizers are also good...try the crepe, its so good.
(4)David C.
Wonderful vegetarian entrees, prepared quickly and good portions. Crispy Shitake Mushroom, and Sesame Tofu are favorites, but lots of great choices.
(5)Lauren J.
Aww man. If I lived in Louisville, I'd eat here pretty much every day. The restaurant is clean and has a relaxing ambiance. And the food. Oh, the wonderful, healthy, vegetarian food. The spring rolls with peanut sauce are amazing. The orange tofu is fresh, healthy, and yummy. The tofu's texture is perfect, and the fresh orange slices that accompany it are some of the best oranges I've ever had. I love that you have the option of brown rice for just a buck extra. For dessert, try the rich, creamy vegan chocolate peanut butter pie. I look forward to eating here again and trying more of their menu!
(5)Ryan C.
It's been a long time since I've been to Zen Garden, but it is a wonderful place to go. Comfortable atmosphere, excellent vegan food and wonderful staff. I always got their spring rolls, which are wonderful. Also recommend the Vietnamese Crepe. This is one of the best Vegan restaurants you will find in Louisville. On a note outside of their food, I support them for their humanitarian efforts as well. I believe the owner donates much of the profits for specific charitable organizations.
(5)Rachel A.
My daughter and I had dinner here yesterday for the first time. We had aimed to visit for some time, and since we were in the neighborhood, the timing was right. We had an excellent meal and the service was great. The Vietnamese coffee was just the pick-me-up that we needed. We had two appetizers, the egg rolls and the Vietnamese crepe, and both were delicious. The crepe was our favorite, very savory and full of flavor. We shared an entree, the vegetable fried rice, and every bite was delightful. Next time, we want to try the soups and the curry dishes. The decor was very relaxing, making the experience all that much the better. Thank you all for a great meal. We'll definitely be coming back!
(5)Sarah B.
Stopped here for lunch during a day trip to Louisville. We were pretty excited about checking out an all-veg Asian restaurant (there was a similar one in Wichita, where we used to live, and we were big fans). My boyfriend's dish, Sesame Soybeans, was delicious - big chunks of tofu, crisp vegetables and yummy sauce, aka pretty much exactly what you'd want in a stir-fry. I got the Kung Pao Tofu and was surprised that the veggies and tofu were diced, stew-style, instead of being in larger pieces. The dish was just OK, and we didn't love the potsticker appetizer either. But I'd definitely go back if I were in town again and order something different. The service was great.
(3)Beth M.
Saw some of the reviews for this place on here and decided I had to go and tell my vegetarian friends about it. In short, I loved this place. Pricing is around $10-14/person for a meal and drink and it is worth it. It's ALL vegetarian but even meat eaters will leave happy. I tasted four different things on the menu and all were great. I will definitely will go back to try out more!
(5)Rain T.
My children and I always travel and we make it a point to stop at Zen Garden to grab a bite to eat! We found this restaurant while doing a search for vegan/vegetarian restaurants in KY. To my surprise this place exceeded my expectations and I will keep this place on the list of restaurants to frequent! :-)
(4)Kami T.
I had very high expectations of this place, known for its vegan asian food. However, I was very disappointed. The dish I had was pretty revolting. This is coming from someone that always finishes whatever I order or takes leftovers home. The appetizer we order was pretty good, though. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing, but I wasn't impressed with the other dish I tried either. The only reason I'm giving this place 2 stars is that I love the concept and the appetizers were. Perhaps it's deserving of another try. I would HIGHLY recommend the Zen Teahouse, though.
(2)Joe Y.
We stopped and ate here based on previous Yelp reviews. Very tasty, huge portions, inexpensive. For vegetarians, this place is perfect. Even though we are just visiting Louisville, we will definitely be back. In a very cool part of town too. We loved the pot stickers, Orange Tofu, and spring rolls. If we lived close, we'd go every week.
(5)Jeff S.
I can't say I was a big fan of this restaurant but then again I AM NOT a veggie! If you are a veggie maybe its way awesome. The spicy Singapore noodels weren't that spicy and it was tofu overload. The food was fine i guess but nothing seemed that special
(2)FromScratch M.
Really good and I am only a part time vegetarian. Food is very fresh and carefully prepared to order. Mostly tofu entrees but then it's Japanese.
(5)Joan O.
was visiting a friend in lousiville. the food here was super fresh! really enjoyed the northern noodle soup, perfect with the fall weather. friendly service and because we were in seated at a corner table we did not feel cramped at all.
(5)K B.
Im vegan and absoltely love this place! My meat eating friends adore this place too. Spring rolls, fried rice, and anything with tofu is amazing. GO!
(5)M Y.
Fantastic! Loved the food, and the tea. The only slight negative was the price- a little pricey for lunch, but I'm going back!
(5)L. R.
We loved this cozy little vegetarian place. My husband had soup for his dinner and I had the Sesame soybean. Both items were delicious. We weren't rushed, the service was a bit slow but there were only 2 waitpersons there to wait on the entire restaurant (which really isn't big but was hopping that night). The potstickers were great, too. We met two carnivores there and they loved the place, need I say more?
(5)Rachel S.
Zen Garden is a flavor haven. Their food is always fresh and and their service is always pleasant. It has a peacful atmosphere. The crispy shitake mushrooms and sesame soybeans are heavenly. One of my favorite places in town!
(5)Thommy B.
The food is good but I wish the service was faster.
(3)Magen L.
Zen Garden is without a doubt my absolute favorite restaurant in Louisville! As a vegetarian it is refreshing to find a restaurant here with a menu from which I have the option to order any item. Yet, even omnivores will be pleased with the fresh, flavorful, and beautiful dishes they're served. My husband and I always get the spring rolls accompanied by the just thick enough, just salty enough, tasty peanut sauce. Also time and time again I find myself drawn to the Singapore noodles and their slow to hit spiciness. My husband (non-vegetarian) claims that the mock duck and string beans has the closest consistency to meat of any dead animal replacement he's had, plus he likes the spicy black bean sauce.
(5)Miranda P.
I'm not vegetarian in any way, but I love this restaurant. I've only eaten there once, but I've been dying to go back ever since! The food was great, the tea tasted wonderful. My server was nice. Just an all-around good restaurant.
(4)Penelope C.
This is my first post-airport stop on each and every visit to my home state. I love sitting on the porch in the summer. I love the tomato dill soup and vietnamese crepe. I love you Zen Garden. (Almost in the creepy way.)
(5)Brian K.
Amazing food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Zen Garden is an all-vegetarian Asian restaurant, and all profits go to charitable causes. Service was very friendly and quick. My wife and I shared the sweet & sour soup, spring rolls, and the Zen garden (sushi) roll. The soup was thicker than what you usually get at Chinese restaurants, but the flavors were balanced perfectly. The spring rolls were fresh and delicious, but pretty standard - although the peanut sauce they came with was delicious and almost caramel-like in texture. The garden roll was outstanding, with the white radish providing just a little bite of sharper flavor to contrast the cucumber and creamy avocado. I had the Orange Tofu, as many reviews indicated it as a favorite entree. It's as good as everyone says - the texture of the tofu is perfect, with a lightly crispy outside and a creamy interior. The sauce is excellent, providing just a hint of sourness to go with the bright citrus. My wife's Sesame Soy had the same amazing texture, with a lightly spicy brown sauce that delicately clung to the tofu and broccoli. Don't forget the tea - both the green tea and jasmine tea were excellent, too.
(5)Jim G.
It would be hard to praise Zen Garden too much. The vegetarian Asian cuisine has a breadth and depth that is impressive. Everything is right on at this place--taste and texture and atmosphere. You can take your non-vegetarian friends here and guaranteed they will like it, too. Service can be er...zen-like, don't be surprised if it's a bit spacey as such. That single drawback doesn't even begin moving my fifth star to four.
(5)Ann W.
I've eaten here a dozen times and it is my favorite Louisville restaurant. The variety of foods makes it difficult to choose, since they all sound wonderful. I love the concept of healthy foods and giving back to the community. I am always amazed that the place isn't full of people since I find the food and atmosphere so incredible. The service is also great, no one is in your face butting into conversations, but rather there to serve you, a welcome change from so many other places. If you've not been, please check it out.
(5)ninja p.
i really wanted to like this place but the food is just not yummy. it was edible though... the tables are sticky- that is pretty gross.
(2)Darryl S.
Pretty great. I was shocked to see it so empty when I visited (Louisville doesn't like veggie only joints?) but the food was great. I had the singapore noodle dish, which had a great curry flavor and delicious tofu. My friend had the BBQ vermicelli which was also pretty great. Definitely worth giving a shot.
(4)Maggie H.
Wonderful, perfect for vegans and those open to veggie meals. My husband is a carnivore and he still loves it.
(5)Nate S.
Oh my gosh, this place is amazing. As a pre-cursor, I am not a vegan or vegetarian, but I do eat vegetarian meals on occasion. I would highly recommend this place to anyone, especially omnivores such as myself, wanting to be adventurous in their eating selection. I order a bowl that was identified as spicy, and was preparing for the worst (as you usually have to do, when they say 'spicy'), but much to my surprise, there was just enough spice to make it hot, but not so much that it rips your throat to shreds. Two thumbs up!! I feel a little bad that we were the only customers in there the entire time that we were there, but I tell you what, it means that the service was phenomenal (I'm guess it's like that anyways). They were extremely pleasant too. So, please visit this place, I'd hate to see it go if it just doesn't get enough customers!
(5)Jim B.
I went with my Mom around 3 in the afternoon one Saturday and we were the only people in the restaurant! But our exclusive dining experience was excellent. The potstickers were fantastic, but the real star was the Egg Roll and Noodle entree. It was so delicious! I got the Pad Thai Noodles which were okay, but didn't taste like the Pad Thai I was used to (it was spicier and not as peanuty).
(4)Pam S.
We found this restaurant on a list of top 10 Louisville restaurant during a day visit to Louisville. As it was listed as vegetarian, I had a bit of a preconceived notion and wasn't expecting Asian food. We arrived in the mid afternoon on a Sat and the place was empty which concerned me a bit. All my concern melted away once the food arrived. We started with some pot stickers and they were delicious. However they paled in comparison to the Eggroll with Noodles. This dish was fabulous. The eggroll was quite possibly the best I've ever had. And the Vietnamese sauce was divine. The service was great and the meal was not too pricey. I will definitely be returning on future trips.
(5)Shelby V.
I live so close and always wondered what this place was like. I'm not a vegan or even close to a vegetarian so I was nervous but it is awesome! Great prices and great service. I ordered to go and it was prepared quickly and with no issues- peanut cucumber salad and curry soup were bursting with flavor and portioned appropriately for the price. I will be back!
(5)Claire B.
Delicious, Fresh and Healthy!!! This place is amazing! Last time we went we ordered the Soft Spring Rolls and Zen Garden Roll as Appetizers. We ordered Pad Thai Noodles and Shiitake Mushroom Lomein as our entrees. Everything was super yummy (absolutely addicting) and we received our order very quick! Overall wonderful experience!
(5)Francesca H.
This has to be the best vegetarian/vegan resturant around I love there food. I would eat there every day if I could.
(5)Jess A.
I was uber excited to try Zen Garden. I love Asian cuisine, I'm alright with tofu, and veggies have a special place in my heart. These guys are owned by Roots and have been much abuzz. This is going to be good. I walked away feeling...not so much. The ambiance, while Zen-trending, was lacking in detail. And, literally no one else was there for lunch despite a gorgeous warm walking-weather kind of day on Frankfort Ave. It felt a bit odd dining all by our lonesome. My lunch date and I tried the Eggroll (delicious), Vegetarian sushi (unmemorable) and split the Vegetable Stir Fry and the Mock Duck & Green Beans lunch entrees. The ingredients are fresh and I loved the crispy sauteed green beans but the rest of my dish was overly salted and the Stir Fry was bland. With no one else in the place it's not like the chef didn't have time to attend to our dishes properly, they just didn't quite work. When I, a carnivorous creature, opt for a vegetarian meal I feel like it's a success when I walk away fully satisfied despite the no-meat theme. I didn't feel that way at Zen Garden and likely won't be back. PS - We skipped dessert at ZG and walked next door to the Pie Kitchen. Best part of our meal. But that's for another review...
(2)Andy C.
Good to see a local vegetarian resteraunt. Points there. I wasn't sure what to expect having grown up a carnivore. Ive always just ordered from the usually small list of veggie options at an omnivore resteraunt. It's a pretty quaint little place among a street of culinary hot spots- but it held its own for me. The first time I got the curry- loved every oz of it! I went back for a crack at a noodle dish that I was craving that particular day, and it was tasty, but remains the reason I only give the place 4 stars. Maybe I had it built up in my head to be something a noodle soup dish can never be- no idea. So I highly recomend the curry and the noodle dishes are pretty good too. And to top it all off- you can walk away knowing that you don't have a big chunk of animal inside you!
(4)Sophia T.
A peaceful, unassuming ambience where people look happy to be there eating. We were psyched about the vegan options. I ordered lemongrass satay and bf ordered crispy shitake mushroom. OMG the mushroom dish was outstanding. just delicious and creative way to prepare my favorite fungi. my dish was very tasty as well with an array of soy goodness. we also shared a vietnamese pancake. We would most likely visit this eatery again.
(4)Tom R.
Three and a half stars. As some others experienced, there was hardly anyone in the place despite it being a Friday night during normal dining hours. As a matter of fact, for about a five minute stretch my family and I were the only ones there. The restaurant itself is very classy, but not in a suit-and-tie kind of way. Casual classy. It's in an old home on Frankfort. You can enter through the side door or through the front door via a small porch where a couple of alfresco tables are located. You eat in what used to be the living room, complete with beautiful fireplace and and actual zen garden. My 9-yr old had a fine time drawing hearts in the sand. I went in August, but it would be even better if the fireplace is operational and has a roaring fire in it on a cold January night. The only blight to the attractive dining area was an ugly soda refrigerator that should have been tucked away in the kitchen or a back corner. We began with the crispy tofu appetizer. Lightly coated and gently fried, creamy on the inside. Not a ton of flavor, but a pleasant way to warm up to the meal. Served with a nice sauce -- might have been peanut, but not enough flavor to tell for sure. I had the eggplant curry for my entree. It had huge chunks of eggplant in it, along with edamame, mushrooms, and little strips of tofu. Everything was bathed in a dark sauce that really didn't taste like curry to me, but was good. My daughter had the pad thai. She enjoyed it but thought it could be more peanutty. I should add, though, that when I make pad thai at home I put a big ol' dollop of peanut butter in it, so her view may be skewed. I wrestled with giving Zen Garden three or four stars. The restaurant itself is very handsome and the service was attentive. They have their own parking lot which is a big plus on this crowded stretch of Frankfort. The food was...good. It (the food) just didn't seem very special or interesting. It seemed no different from any other oriental restaurant's fare. I wish the food had had more flavor, or spice, or...something to make it stand out. Nevertheless, it's still a good restaurant and I recommend it.
(4)