Zen Toro Japanese Bistro - Davis

I called in advance this time to confirm, and while I truly appreciate honesty, I was disappointed to learn that they no longer offer MSG-free options. Perhaps they never did, or maybe the previous levels of MSG weren't high enough to trigger my migraines. Regardless, I feel my trust as a customer has been broken. For a long time, I considered Zen Toro one of my very few favorite restaurants in Davis that I would recommend to friends, but I can't support a business that doesn't prioritize the health of its customers. I’ve tried every other ramen shop in the city and found that they all use MSG, so I really hoped Zen Toro would be different. After reading other reviews, it seems like the restaurant has undergone changes recently and that the quality has significantly declined. It’s disheartening to see a family business, once known for its commitment to quality, deteriorate due to a focus on profits over customer care. While the old Zen Toro may have served meals with MSG that I didn’t appreciate, they still offered clear options without it and provided great dishes and service. Now, it seems there’s no option for MSG-free ramen in Davis, which is truly disappointing. It’s sad to see Zen Toro in this state; I know they were capable of so much more.

This restaurant is one of the hidden gems in Davis. The food is delicious, and they are mindful of gluten, offering several options recommended for those with celiac disease.

Everything just feels off. From the fried California roll to the damp chicken karaage, this restaurant gave me the impression that they attempted an authentic Japanese experience but didn't put in enough effort. On top of that, the waitstaff appeared to be Korean, and there was Korean cold noodles on the menu. If you're expecting even mediocre Japanese food, you might end up disappointed.

I've tried a few different sushi rolls from Zen Toro and I really enjoyed them! Today I had the tuna lover roll 8 pc the fish was fresh and the flavors were nicely balanced. The service and ambiance were pretty good too! I really want to come back and try their lunch specials and their rice specials sometime :

Being in the college town, this restaurant was super pricey! Why?? I came from the big city with high living cost, but there are so many good Asian restaurants in affordable price with good quality of food. I ordered Grilled mackerel, cost me 18, but horrible quality, all dried up and tasteless, which I spent usually 10 in my hometown for 10x better quality.