ZEN Sushi

05/14/2026

May is AAPI month, where we reflect on the contributions of Asian folks throughout American history and its culture. We're sharing a photo of Executive Chef and owner Michelle Carpenter before she was a chef. If you look closely, she's holding a bag filled of candies and treats. Who knew then that she would grow up to be a rare woman Itamae and open Oak Cliff's first sushi bar? Who knew then that she would open a second restaurant celebrating Cajun/Creole culture and her father's heritage?

From the East to the West, from Tokyo to the swamps of Louisiana, an Asian American woman brought authentic culture and flavor to Dallas, along with new paradigms of sustainability for the region. We bring well over 50 desserts and over 100 different menu items on our menu at Beatrice every year. North Oak Cliff residents consider the Xalapa Roll at Zen Sushi a staple that has never been copied anywhere else.

We can be more than one thing. And we can stand on principles of how to operate.

Thank you to those supporters who have considered these positions. There are many many places to dine in Dallas. We try our best to respect diners who have chosen us and continue to choose us.

Check out the article in D Magazine this month: about Michelle's story:https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-ceo/2026/may/dallas-restaurateur-michelle-carpenter-reflects-on-how-food-shaped-her-journey/?brid=YWdncwFiy7EfPS_gALdFCzPoRMQK

05/13/2026

Your resident Oak Cliff Itamae shares a little part of her history with D Magazine, starting in Tokyo to eventually the best neighborhood in Dallas.

A childhood spent on military bases exposed the chef and owner of Restaurant Beatrice and Zen Sushi to a wide range of cuisines and cultures that influence her approach to food today.

04/05/2026

Happy Easter. Our staff are spending time with their families this evening. Please come in tomorrow for our Half Price Menu.

01/29/2026

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Since 2007, Chef Michelle and her team have served our diners a special Valentine's Pre-Fixe Menu for love birds and friends.

We are pleased to host you next month. Scroll to see a slightly updated menu for a steal: all drinks and 6 courses are included for just $229 per couple.

Call 214-946-9699 to make a reservation or just text 469-708-6430. We have the following times available: 5:30pm, 6pm, 7:30pm, and 8pm.

01/27/2026

We are open tonight for service from 5pm to 9pm.

For the first hour, we are running our $5 Handroll Happy Hour. Come in and get scratch-made Japanese-American foods. Whether you want sushi or fried rice or gyoza or hot sake or a cold martini, our team is ready to take care of you. No more dishes, no cabin fever, no artificial flavors/additives.

See you soon, Oak Cliff. We are ready for things to get back to normal.