Review and ratings by Paul Rutledge
Sometimes you discover a restaurant because you planned ahead. Other times, you find one because you are simply trying to get out of the rain.
After a productive meeting with our new agency, Torch Internet Services, I stopped at Zen Dumpling on State Road 60, across from Brandon Exchange. Escaping the weather may have gotten me through the door, but the food and service made the visit worthwhile.
My first impression was extremely positive. The dining room was clean, bright and inviting, with light wood finishes and a comfortable atmosphere. The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. Even though I was dining alone, they gave me a great table and immediately made me feel welcome.
The menu offers plenty of choices, including sushi, dumplings and a broad selection of Asian-inspired dishes. For my first visit, I stayed with something traditional: beef and broccoli served with white rice.
It was a good choice. The beef was tender, flavorful and clearly of good quality. The broccoli was cooked properly and still had a satisfying crispness. The sauce was a little heavier than I generally prefer, but it was tasty and brought the dish together nicely.
The price was also very reasonable. My dinner came to approximately $14 to $15 before the tip. I left a good tip, partly because the service deserved it and partly because I prefer that no one throw anything at me on my next visit.
I arrived for an early dinner at about 5 p.m. The restaurant was relatively quiet and easy to navigate when I walked in, but it began filling up soon afterward. The growing crowd suggested that plenty of other diners have discovered it, too.
Zen Dumpling occupies an end-cap space in Regency Square, making it convenient and easy to reach from State Road 60. The restaurant’s official website lists the address as 2420 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511.
One confession: Despite the restaurant’s name, I did not order the dumplings during this visit. That gives me a perfectly good reason to return.
Paul’s Ratings
- Food quality: 4.5 out of 5
- Service: 5 out of 5
- Atmosphere: 4.5 out of 5
- Value: 4.5 out of 5
- Convenience: 4.5 out of 5
- Overall: 4.5 out of 5
- Google Rating: 4.8 Stars out of 1.8k Reviews
The Bottom Line
Zen Dumpling offers quality food, friendly service, an appealing dining room and fair prices in a convenient Brandon location. If you are shopping nearby, traveling along State Road 60 or simply trying to get out of the rain, it is well worth a stop.
Zen Dumpling
2420 W. Brandon Blvd.
Brandon, FL 33511
(813) 315-8434
