Zen

The story

Zen Japanese Restaurant in Markham | Michelin Recommended Japanese Cuisine

Since 2000, Zen Japanese Restaurant has been a steady presence in Markham, committed to preserving the traditional culture of Japanese cuisine. The restaurant’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that dining is a form of entertainment—achieved through attentive service, beautiful presentation, and genuine flavour. That approach has earned it a Michelin Recommended distinction, a recognition of the care poured into every meal.

The Zen Commitment

The kitchen relies on premium ingredients sourced directly from Japan. For their sushi, they use top-tier rice from northern Japan, artisan soy sauce from a historic brewery established in 1688, sea salt from Okayama, and Johakuto sugar from Osaka. This dedication to authenticity extends to the omakase menu, where the chef’s choice courses showcase the best of what’s in season.

Omakase and Beyond

The omakase sushi course presents a progression of chef’s choice nigiri, beginning with six pieces, then four, then three, finished with a negi toro hand roll. For those who prefer variety, the omakase sushi and sashimi course combines six pieces of sashimi with the same nigiri sequence. A full sashimi course offers sixteen pieces of the chef’s selection. All omakase courses include seasonal appetizers served in two courses, a Japanese wagyu dish, miso soup, and homemade dessert.

Beyond the omakase, the à la carte menu features A5 Hida gyu striploin steak and A4 wagyu steak, available as a steak or as suki-nabe cooked in a hot pot. Other dishes include roasted duck, deep-fried homemade tofu in broth, chawan mushi (steamed egg custard, available only Friday and Saturday), and tempura of seasonal seafood and vegetables.

The Setting

The restaurant offers both counter seating and table seating. The counter is the preferred spot for those who want to watch the sushi chefs at work, while the private room and outdoor seating provide quieter options for groups. Lunch and dinner service runs Tuesday through Saturday, with the restaurant closed Sunday and Monday.

Whether you are new to Japanese cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, Zen Japanese Restaurant delivers a refined, welcoming experience that stays true to its roots.