The philosophy of Zen Gardens is to bring health to people, to harmonize our life, and to return balance in nature. In addition, our philosophy strives to perpetuate the co-existence of human beings and creatures as part of the universe.
Food is alright. But my boyfriend and I had a really bizarre experience when we visited the restaurant. We were the only customers. The owner's children were hanging out in the dining room watching TV. It felt like we were intruders in someone's house, not like we were in a restaurant. This family should stop doing this, it's weird.
I love the staff and I love the atmosphere. The food, for the most part is great but a lot of it is made at another location and it shows. Despite this I would go back for the sushi and the sticky rice as well as other items on the menu.
We've visited this restaurant several times now, and always enjoyed great food, and helpful and attentive service. The only "problem" we've had, is trying to decide between so many attractive vegetarian options on their extensive menu! The atmosphere is very calming, quiet and peaceful. Whenever we're in Guelph, we try to plan the day around a visit to Zen Gardens.
We've visited this restaurant several times now, and always enjoyed great food, and helpful and attentive service. The only "problem" we've had, is trying to decide between so many attractive vegetarian options! On our most recent visit, there were a number of new dishes added to the menu, so we had to try some of them. The stir fry yam noodles and veggie fish casserole were delicious, and the tea was also delightful. Whenever we're in Guelph, we try to plan the day around a visit to Zen Gardens.
We've visited this restaurant many times now, and always enjoyed great food, and helpful and attentive service. The only "problem" we've had, is trying to decide between so many attractive vegetarian options! It has a very pleasant atmosphere as well - calm, peaceful and quiet. Whenever we're in Guelph, we try to plan the day around a visit to Zen Gardens.
This is one of my favourite restaurants!!! The people are friendly, the food is sooooo good! I even take their cooking classes!
I've been going here for years and I am never disappointed. I was so excited when they came to Guelph and I was not disappointed!. It's so flavourful and there are so many choices on the menu! I'm usually the type that picks ones dish at a restaurant and sticks with it, but this place I've tried about everything and it takes me forever to order because I love it all so much.
I really can't ever get enough.
Admittedly it has been at least 6 months since we ate here last time BUT we used to be die hard fans. I think I even previously wrote a good review. Tonight we got around 50 dollars in takeout and we just through most of it out. Honestly it was really disgusting everything was dried out and chewy. We definitely will not be getting take out again...we will have to think about whether we ever dine here again!
I have to agree with akb. The restaurant looks has a good atosphere and the service is good but the food is just mediocre. I am writing the review not because it was bad but I want to let people know it's not as great as the reviews. Enjoy the meal but don't expect what a lot of these reviews tell you.
I love Zen Gardens. It is a branch from Kings Cafe- a Kensington Market (TO) landmark in terms of vegetarian food. The atmosphere at this restaurant is relaxing and the food is delicious. Order the Kung Pao Soy "Chicken," its the best thing ever!! The Bento boxes have a little bit of everything, which is often a good place to start.
I became a vegeterian a while ago, and Zen Garden has the best vegeterian food I have ever had! I even went with my mom who eats meat and she enjoyed it a lot! Everything tasted just like it would, they also have dim sum which I have had trouble finding vegeterian. Overall, great, affordable food that will even satisfy non vegeterians! They also have cooking classes once a month for 5 dollars!
I tried this restaurant recently after meaning to...
I tried this restaurant recently after meaning to try it for quite some time. It was a bit disappointing. The staff is really friendly and the restaurant itself is gorgeous, but the food is wheat meat/junk food for vegans & vegetarians.
I had the spicy szechwan tofu. It was kinda cornstarchy and featured vegetables that came out of the freezer for sure.
I really liked the purple rice, though -- a mix of brown rice, red rice & wild rice I think. Yummy!
I won't be going back because Guelph has a lot of other great vegetarian and vegan options, and Zen Gardens is mediocre at best. I'm actually a bit miffed that people love it so much!
I just got back from lunch at Zen Garden. As a vegetarian in Guelph, I can't believe I hadn't been before. The food was amazing. We shared the steamed bun and pan fried dumplings. I had the lunch combination of the tofu casserole and my friend had the teriyaki tofu and veggies. Everything was great and I will definitely return soon. An awesome restaurant all around.
I first went with my mom after reading such good...
I first went with my mom after reading such good reviews for vegetarian food, and we both loved it.
The Organic Green Tea is so good, and the pot is adorable! The Soy Drumsticks are to die for, as well as the Soy Chicken Balls, Spring Rolls, Wonton Soup and Kings Noodle (or something like that) soup.
I actually went back on the 28th of November with my meat-loving, ketchup adoring boyfriend for our appetizer section of our anniversary dinner.
Once again I had to order those drumsticks, and yet again they were awesome! He enjoyed them too. We also ordered soy nuggets (I quote "they taste like chicken!!"), Crystal Rolls (amazing!), Spring Rolls, and a pot of Zen's Organic Green Tea.
My burger-loving boy can't wait to go back there again and try some more vegestuff!
Zen Garden...how appropriate. Enter into a calm environment that is tastefully designed - clean, contemporary, but with character. Soft zen-like music meld in the background. Menu selection is fantastic - all vegetarian - with vegan & non-vegan options clearly labelled. Service was a bit slow, especially considering there weren't many people there at the time I went but courteous. Dumplings ($7 for 8 pieces) were fantastic. Would definitely order again, and come back specifically for it. Then the next came a soy beef noodle dish with bean sprouts, which was disappointing. Lacked strong flavour, very few pieces of "beef", too much noodles, and thought there would be more veggies other than bean sprouts. Definitely can be passed on. Ginger tea was standard fare, but good nevertheless.
Parking is on a residential street, and not difficult to find a spot.
Would love to come back and try another main dish, and definitely get the dumplings again. FYI, this appears to be a local chain - about 6 locations all west of Mississauga. Recommended for lovers of Chinese food and vegetarians.
Zen Garden is a real treat for vegetarians as it is a very beautiful restaurant where we're able to order anything off the menu (a rare occurance when dining out)! We were a large group of vegetarians and non-vegetarians and everyone loved the assortment of dishes we ordered. The restaurant itself is in a renovated turn-of-the-century home that is decorated in bold, modern orange with minimalist artwork on the walls, but at the same time retains a refined traditionalist decor with focus on the solid wood fireplace and the original hardwood floors thoughout. The place settings are all modern, white ceramic and tea is served in especially beautiful glass teapots and small glass tea cups.
We were well taken care of by our server who went beyond great service by even graciously spliting our bills evenly and taking a group picture of us outside the restaurant!
The food itself was delicious. We shared an assortment of dishes and could not beleive that some of the dishes could taste the way they did. My only cautionary note would be that the Black Bean "Fish" dish is quite salty, and upon returning I would not order that dish again. Other than that, Zen Garden is highly recommended as eveything was wonderful and I am planning to return very soon!
I would have to start by echoing the previous posting, the decor is very beautiful - stylish and 'zen' like! They do have a patio. The only drawback to this restaurant is that it doesn't yet have a licqour lisc. - They do however, have many tasty teas to choose from. The food we enjoyed here was so delicious, I am dreaming of going back! The food was unique and my meat eater friends enjoyed all these veggie dishes as well...no one left hungry! The service was also very attentive and patient with our large group. I would highly recommend this restaurant!
My first impression of zen gardens was that the decor is absolutely fantastic. such a lovely place to go and pass the time. I got take out and although I wasn't there for very long the waitress was kind and helpful. The food I had was amazing. incredible really. I couldn't believe that i could have such yummy asian-style appetizers sans meat, but they've done it.
