(410) 532-0022
438 E Belvedere Ave
Baltimore,
MD
21212
39.3642
-76.6111
Neighborhood: Rosebank
What People Are Saying About Cafe Zen
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – Just two blocks down from Baltimore's treasured Senator Theater, this little gem is a city favorite. The friendly staff is surrounded by lemon-colored walls splashed with shades of orange covered with Chinese characters and American phrases painted overhead. Chinese standards are well done but Café Zen originals are even more impressive. A must try is the Zen Curry, which mixes 16 spices into a sauce that's light, flavorful and just a touch spicy.
09/16/06
Good corner restaurant
by aaront31
My partner and I went here on our first night visiting Baltimore and thought the food was fairly good, while not outstanding. The service was good, the food was definitely not the most flavorful Chinese food we've ever had, but it was a good value for the price. I had the Kung Pao beef and some Egg Drop soup and the whole bill for my share was about $10. The portions are generous and the atmosphere friendly and low key. They seem to do a lot of take out business.
- Pros: Great Value
- Cons: Average Food
10/25/05
Fun place to eat w/excellent fresh food
by jeffheins
I have eaten here a dozen times. It is a fun place to eat, with consistently good food, fresh vegetables, hand made dumplings and the freshest Chinese food you will ever find. Not your typical Chinese restaurant decor- more a west coast look. A great variety on the menu, even some sushi. Everything is well prepared with big portions and a superb value. They seem to have a large regular following of locals who bring their own wine. The Senator movie theater is one half (1/2) a block away, not 2 blocks. This is a real winner.
- Pros: delicious food, fresh ingredients, fun environment
01/22/04
All Look, No Taste
by dali626
Cafe Zen is like a very cute girl who's absolutely boring to talk to. The food is incredibly bland pseudo-Chinese food. While it's moderately priced, similar dishes cooked authentically run much cheaper. If you just want a comfortable place to hand out, fine. If you want to eat good food especially Chinese food, go elsewhere.
- Pros: decor, convenience
- Cons: food, prices
The Details on Cafe Zen
Save Time:
Cafe Zen does a brisk takeout business, offering every item on its sit-down menu.
Know Before You Go:
If you are heading to the Senator Theater after dinner, remember that reservations are not accepted at prime weekend dinner times, so plan for a wait.
Follow Us on Twitter