Hana Zen: Satisfying Elegance and Comfort from the Interiors to the Food

The first thing anyone notices upon entering any of the two branches of Hana Zen, one in Union Square and the other in Pier 39 is that the place is quite spacious and very swanky. At first glance, you would already conclude that the Pier 39 location, with the cool breeze and the scintillating atmosphere is the perfect venue for an intimate dinner at the water front . But the entire atmosphere is something that won’t intimidate you just because of the classy interiors. The elegance of the restaurant extends to its patio where diners may also choose to sit in any weather as it is covered, where anyone from couples to large groups can enjoy dinner by the bay.

Not to be outdone is the Union Square restaurant, which has a more urban vibe to it. The design is spacious yet cozy, with booths that can sit couples or small groups, a bar and a main dining room which radiates a sexy warmth emanating from lanterns that play with the warm hues of the decor. There’s something elegant yet comfortable about the entire ambiance of the restaurant that it can be the perfect location for anything from a romantic dinner, a small after-work celebration or a casual dining treat with someone from outside San Francisco can be regaled with.

The interiors alone are a good reason to visit the place, and the parking is a zilch. Once inside, servers maintain a pleasant and perky manner. Once you’ve settled, of course there’s the issue of food. The food is a perfect complement to the entire atmosphere of the place – a seamless combination of comfort and elegance. The menu is prepared fresh, which is a must for Japanese food. The menu is a play of fresh local ingredients and tried and tested Japanese fare, which lends to a result of offerings that would satisfy any restaurant goer, no matter what the appetite or budget is.

Of course, as with any Japanese restaurant, sushi is the main draw of Hana Zen. Customers have time and again come back to Hana Zen and have poured praise on the freshness of the Japanese restaurant staple, Hana Zen style. No matter how early or how late you go to Hana Zen, expect the sushi to have that fresh and tangy flavor that will absolutely keep you coming back for more. Diners are also regaled with the extensive options for salads, appetizers, noodles, side dishes, and rolls. Particularly popular among the patrons of the restaurant are the Rainbow Roll, which contains five kinds of fish outside with avocado, and crab inside and the Dragon Roll, which contains a delectable and hearty combination of shrimp tempura, daikon, sprouts, tobiko, unagi, avocado, and unagi sauce.

For those who want to have a good time, there is no need to change venues as both Hana Zen restaurants have their own bar. The sake-infused cocktails are a sure hit among regulars and new visitors, so don’t miss a chance to have one!

Japanese Comfort Food in Style at Hana Zen Restaurant

When one thinks of Japanese cuisine, or for that matter, any restaurant serving Japanese food, images of uncooked, grilled, or meticulously prepared food with lots of exotic flavors come to mind.  Most people may find this totally delicious and reason enough to go to a restaurant.

However, there will always be people who may think that this kind of cuisine is a bit too adventurous and foreign to their taste and therefore should be avoided.  Good thing, not all restaurants that serve Japanese have that intimidating and all too-foreign ambiance.  A number of restaurants in San Francisco do serve cuisine that’s not too strange for the American palate and yet high on the flavor factor.  One of these restaurants renowned for serving indisputably sumptuous Japanese fare is Hana Zen Restaurant.

Hana Zen Restaurant brands itself as a restaurant that serves its regular San Franciscan crowd and out of towners an alternative to the usual family restaurant fare of burgers and steaks.  Their menu is obviously influenced by authentic Japanese recipes, but very much suited to American tastes.  Moreover, certified foodies are assured that the ingredients that are fresh and in season.  With the freshness of the local ingredients and the excellent ambiance, Hana Zen is a perfect place for any occasion – from a cozy dinner at the water front at its Pier 39 branch to a casual dining night with friends or family at the Union Square branch.

With the thought of fresh ingredients being served, one usually has the perception of the restaurant adapting a Zen-like modern ambiance.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised to see tasteful interiors welcoming you in the restaurants’ dining room.  The streamlined feel of both branches is reinforced by the sleek wooden and warm tones that decorate the place.

Hana Zen Restaurant at Pier 39 has only been around fairly recently, but it has already garnered praise and a loyal following not only because of its delectable offerings, but also because of the special events it hosts.  From blue and white parties to private functions, Hana Zen has been a venue to consider because of its strategic locations.  Just last week, diners were treated to a front seat view of the 4th of July fireworks at the Pier 39 branch, letting them enjoy a dinner by the bay experience they’ll likely not forget for a long time. Hana Zen at the Union Square branch is almost integral establishment around Union Square as it has been there for over a decade, and it is a perfect setting for more cosmopolitan yet laid back affairs like business lunches or romantic dinners for two. 

But of course, any talk of Hana Zen always comes back to its main crowd drawer – the food.  The most popular options are rainbow rolls and Hotate Bacon Maki.  If that’s not enough, party goers frequent Hana Zen for its exquisitely luscious sake-infused cocktails.  Talk about drinking in style with a kick of exotic culture!

The place is relatively packed often, especially when the restaurant hosts special events showcased with talented musicians and singers.  There’s the bar where drinks are concocted right in front of everyone’s eyes.   Consider sitting there and make some friends; there’s no need to feel that you’ve missed out – the full menu is also served there.

The Sights, Sounds, and Tastes in Hana Zen This 4th of July

In any city, you’ll find restaurants that everybody goes to mainly because it’s a force of habit.  The place just reeks of history and tradition that you wouldn’t really mind if the food prices are a bit steep or if service runs a bit slower than usual.  You just want to brag to all your friends that you’ve actually gone there.  The bragging rights and the wonderful experience do make it worthwhile to go to this restaurant that has become a landmark of some sorts.  In San Francisco, Hana Zen is one of those restaurants. 

Since starting operations, Hana Zen has indeed become one of San Francisco’s culinary landmarks, particularly known for its two beautiful locations, impeccable service, and delectable seafood.  If you were to ask any native of the city of San Francisco of where good sushi can be eaten in the area, chances are Hana Zen would come up in the conversation.  Its reputation as one of the best Japanese restaurants not only in the city but in the state is actually well-supported.  In terms of food, the main drawers are the various rolls, yakitori, poke, and salmon fillets, which should be perfect for either casual dining with the family or an intimate romantic dinner for two.  

The crowd in Hana Zen is usually composed of people who want to enjoy a beautiful scenic place, business people who do business lunches, groups of friends, lovers, tourists and visitors who want to try the Hana Zen experience.  Yes, this is a type of restaurant that San Franciscans would dine and entertain their visitors to (at least, if they want to impress them). If you are looking for a place to hold a party with a dinner at the water front in SF, then the restaurant is definitely a welcome and discriminating option, as it has party rooms available.  You may also request for a specialized menu to accommodate special occasions.

Dinner by the bay at Hana Zen this 4th of July would be a sight to behold because the breathtaking sky scenery will be alight with fireworks.  You can certainly get the front seat of the dazzling display at Hana Zen’s Pier 39 restaurant.  Of course, the food is always very elegant too, with plate presentation classy enough for the ordinary Joe to sometimes think twice before eating something so pretty.  The attention to detail is obvious in every plate, prepared in almost clinical precision depending on the diner’s preference.  As for what to drink, visitors are particularly amazed at the restaurant’s full bar.  The sake-infused cocktails have earned the rave of both regulars and visitors to both the Union Square and Pier 39 branches.  

Be sure to check out, or better yet, request to be seated at the front area of the Pier 39 restaurant on the 4th of July.  You will surely be regaled by the fireworks, the sumptuous food, and the scintillating sea breeze.  Celebrate our nation’s independence by doing something different – eating exotic Japanese food in one of San Francisco’s culinary institutions. 

A Special Fourth of July Dinner Celebration at the HanaZEN Restaurant

Fourth of July is always known for picnics and outdoor barbeques with friends and capping the day with a great spectacle of fireworks that light up the night sky.  This day is definitely a fun-filled one especially if you have kids, as this is one time that you can get out, let them loose, run around, play to their hearts content, and not worry about them at all.  However, if you are one of those who are not yet blessed with kids, then a romantic dinner with a great view of the fireworks may be something that you would want to try out this time. It is one of those times that you would want to celebrate Fourth of July in your unique kind of way.

 

Since Fourth of July is coming up fast, it is best that you get yourself a reservation in a restaurant that can offer you the best seat in the house to watch the grand fireworks display that is the main spectacle of this joyous occasion. If you are in the Pier 39 area, you might want to consider Hana Zen Restaurant along Pier 39, M209, by Beach and Embardadero.   This restaurant offers high quality delectable Japanese cuisine without breaking your budget. 

Aside from the usual sushi, sashimi and tempura dishes, it is also a Yakitori restaurant, which is perfect for those looking for casual dining to unwind after a stressful day at work.  Yakitori is little pieces of meat and vegetables skewered on barbeque sticks and then grilled and basted with their special sauce.  Eating one stick is not enough, as they have perfected the grilling of the meats to make them succulent and tasty. 

Japanese cuisine has very high standards when it comes to food preparation and most especially presentation so they would like to maintain that.  They make sure that they only serve the freshest seafood for their sushi dishes, and have high quality meats like chicken, lamb and the highly acclaimed kobe beef for their other cooked dishes.   This makes Hana Zen Restaurant one of the most sought after dinner places by the bay.

If eating dinner at the waterfront is not your thing, they also have a branch at the Union Square along 115 Cyril Magnin Street.   They serve lunch and dinner at this location too with the same quality of standard maintained as the one at Pier 39.  If you are in the downtown area and is looking for a great place to dine, then this is the perfect place to go to with your friends.

If you decide to spend dinner at the Hana Zen Restaurant, call early so that you will have a chance to reserve any of the tables by the window that looks out into the sea.  Their location is perfect and romantic because you have an breath taking view of San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.  You will surely have a great time having dinner by the bay while watching the fireworks from a great vantage point.  For sure, your special someone will not forget how romantic and special this coming Fourth of July will be.