I gotta admit, when I first heard of Zengo, I didn’t think it’d be so great (the name doesn’t lend itself much to first impressions). That and its dank location (40th and 3rd…I just think…suits…and…buildings…and…and yeah that’s also the first time I ever used “dank” on this blog). Plus the outside pretty much looking like a giant misplaced club made me a little dubious. But walk inside, and you’ll begin to realize all that is misleading (claustrophobics rejoice, this place is huge).
“Zengo,” turns out, is actually Japanese for “give and take.” The Latin-Asian cuisine mix keeps things interesting, as well as the gorgeous interior. It’s one of two locations by chef/restaurateur mogul Richard Sandoval (the other located in DC). We shared almost all of the plates, so let’s start with how I did NOT think I would be digging the seafood as much as I did. The bluefin tuna flatbread and fish tacos were particularly amaze.
But my personal hero was the shrimp ceviche (thai sweet shrimp, aji amarillo, citrus, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, red onion). I love an interesting mix of tastes, and this was fresh, light, and tangy.
We also got an ordered a few steak churrascos (Skirt Steak Churrasco grilled onion, crispy fingerling tostones, mushroom chimichurri sauce, chipotle egg sauce). The sauce made it even a little spicy:
The service was also pretty impeccable and the mix of small round tables makes it a good pick for business meetings and the longer cafeteria-style ones makes it perfect for a large group (like our party of 12). So yeah. We were pleasantly surprised. That’s what I get for pre-judging. NYC-1, Shy-0.
Restaurant Info:
Zengo
622 Third Ave at 40th St
New York, NY 10017
212-808-8110
Midtown East/Murray Hill
x
Shy
“Like” Beauty and the Feast on Facebook
Follow Beauty and the Feast on Twitter
You went!!!! I am glad you liked it! That was definitely one of my go to places for lunch 🙂 Next time try the XO edamame..I think that’s what it was called? basically super spicy flavorful edamame!
Zengo is so good! I went to their DC location (in Chinatown), and it’s delicious. I had their akaushi kobe beef, thai chicken empanadas and I think shrimp potstickers. Can’t wait to go back!
hahahah misplaced club..so accurate!
This is the first I’m hearing of it, and I’m surprised because it’s so big. But good to know, looks like there are more than a few fans 🙂
I admit I didn’t venture out from my nergoboihohd much when I lived there, but this is a great review of key spots. Zengo has an awesome sushi that is a perfect combination of spicy chipotle and sweet soy.