Hana Zen Resataurant – Not Just Your Usual Japanese Restaurant

When people think of Japanese cuisine, stereotypes of diners sitting on the floor, sipping tea from tiny cups and using their chopsticks to eat raw food abound. For most of us, this means getting out of our comfort zone of burgers, fries, and for fine dining, steaks and red wine. Isn’t there a place in San Francisco that presents a more familiar Japanese dining experience where the food and ambiance are exotic and yet something everybody can enjoy?

Actually, there isn’t only one, but two places in San Francisco that presents a perfect balance of elegant Japanese food and Western warmth. The good thing is, both of these places are branches of the same restaurant, Hana Zen. For years, Hana Zen Restaurant has established a reputation of offering the most authentic Japanese dishes prepared in traditional style of using Binchotan charcoal, but with a Western twist. First time visitors don’t need to feel out of place in a stuffy quaint ambiance as the two branches set a distinctly San Francisco tone to feasting on Japanese fare.

Families setting to try out something new to their weekly casual dining affair and associates looking for a place to hold their business lunches would certainly find Hana Zen’s location on Union Square ideal. Located right in the center of San Francisco, first time visitors to the city should also consider dropping by Hana Zen a must-do. On the other hand, for those who want a breezier experience, the Pier 39 restaurant of Hana Zen is perfect. This location is idyllic for couples who want to have a quiet romantic dinner or for anyone who feels the need to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown SF for a relaxed dinner at the water front. With the calming sea winds to the scintillating view of the ocean ahead, dinner by the bay has never been more appealing to the senses than in Hana Zen.

What’s great about Hana Zen is that it dispels all stereotypes of Japanese restaurants the average Joe may not be too comfortable with. For one, the interiors of both locations are impeccably done, with lacquered chairs and high tables for guests. If all the tables are occupied, one can have a sake-infused concoction in the well-stacked bar. There’s no need for guests to transfer to another bar just to enjoy some cocktails with friends. The distinct blend of Japanese and standard bar drinks Hana Zen serves has become something a lot of guests have time and again returned to the restaurant for.

As for the food, Hana Zen offers variety a lot of people jaded with the notion of Japanese food will find pleasantly surprising. Of course, Hana Zen serves the Japanese restaurant staples of sushi and sashimi. But more than that, the restaurant’s menu offers so many other sumptuous Japanese dishes, from delicately-fried tempura to various intricately-prepared rolls, from noodles to rice dishes.

So, if you’re looking for a place that’s not your typical Japanese restaurant, Hana Zen is your best bet.