Zaru
About
Zaru is listed on FindALoco in Orlando, FL with address, phone, website, hours, and map location. Common services and related keywords include Japanese Restaurant.
Nestled along the vibrant East Colonial Drive corridor, Zaru is an acclaimed Japanese restaurant in Orlando, FL that has quickly established itself as a premier destination for noodle lovers. Located at 1114 E Colonial Dr, this neighborhood eatery specializes in artisanal udon prepared with precision and respect for culinary craft. Boasting an impressive 4.5-star rating from hundreds of patrons alongside a notable mention in the Michelin guide, the establishment draws local food enthusiasts and curious travelers looking for comforting, deeply authentic Japanese dining in a warm, welcoming setting.
The menu at Zaru centers primarily on fresh, house-made udon noodles celebrated for their bouncy, satisfying chew. Visitors often have the unique opportunity to watch the noodle-making process directly, bringing an engaging and transparent touch to the dining experience. The kitchen presents these noodles across diverse preparation styles, ranging from refreshing cold noodles to nourishing bowls served in savory broth and deeply flavorful creamy sauces. Crowd favorites include the luxurious creamy sea urchin (uni) udon, the savory Nikutama udon, and the succulent Wagyu udon featuring thinly sliced, melt-in-your-mouth beef. For those seeking comforting classics, their tender chicken udon delivers delicate, balanced flavors in every bite.
Beyond noodle bowls, the restaurant delivers an impressive lineup of appetizers that set the stage for a memorable meal. Guests consistently rave about the fried eggplant coated in a sweet, savory miso glaze, the delicate onsen egg, the crisp crab salad, and house-made pan-fried gyoza that many visitors praise as some of the finest around. Every dish is served with artistic presentation, blending aesthetic harmony with vibrant taste. Whether guests are trying fresh uni for the very first time or returning for a favorite comforting plate, each order highlights pristine freshness and culinary balance.
The interior is thoughtfully decorated, combining a relaxed ambiance with clean, contemporary design that suits casual lunch breaks, weeknight dinners, or weekend get-togethers with friends and family. Operating on a walk-in basis without reservations, the venue maintains an approachable, energetic community feel. A friendly and attentive service team ensures that guests feel genuinely welcomed from start to finish. Welcoming diners daily from 11:30 AM on weekdays and 11:00 AM on weekends until 9:30 PM, Zaru offers an exceptional taste of Japan right in the heart of Orlando.
Ratings & Reviews
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I’ve been to Zaru twice and tried different appetizers and Udon noodles. I really liked their fried eggplant with miso glaze and the Onsen egg and the crab salad were also great. For udon, I’ve tried the creamy urchin udon, Nikutama udon and Wagyu udon. The Wagyu udon was my favorite, the thinly sliced meat was tender and the soy based broth was flavorful. Their mocktails were also great. I liked the vibe. They played r&b both times I visited. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. As they don’t take reservations, you might have to wait up to one hour on Saturday evenings. I recommend going there early Sunday afternoon. There were empty tables when I went there around 12:30 today.
Last night I went to dinner at Saru, a restaurant with a Michelin mention, and the experience was outstanding. The concept is very interesting: the menu focuses mainly on udon, prepared in different styles cold, in broth, or in creamy versions. We tried three dishes: a chicken udon that our server recommended, a uni udon, and a crab udon. Honestly, I can’t complain about any of them. All three were incredible. If I had to choose a favorite, it would definitely be the uni, but every dish had spectacular flavor. We also ordered a couple of mocktails, some tea, and started with a crab appetizer that was amazing. Everything tasted extremely fresh and clearly handmade. Now I completely understand why they have a Michelin mention. This is definitely a restaurant everyone should experience. I’m sure I’ll be back because the food was absolutely delicious — I’m still craving it today. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience truly memorable flavors. 🍜✨
TOP LOCAL FAVORITE. Zaru has quickly become our "go-to" for a solid neighborhood style comfort food meal. Their uni udon special is easily one of my top favorite meals of all time; and my husband has dubbed their gyoza the best he's ever had. The staff are friendly and welcoming. They don't take reservations, but we've only ever had a wait once (on a Friday at 6:30pm) and we just walked over to Tori Tori for a cocktail. Don't sleep on this place. They also play some bangers.
Can't recommend this enough! Such an unique experience in Orlando. Having uni for the first time and was one of the best culinary experience I've ever had. Can tell everything is made fresh and the service crew was excellent!
Our 2nd time and everything is amazing! The eggplant appetizer was my fave! The Udons were Delicious! Beautifully decorated and the presentation was impressive. We even got to watch how they made the fresh udon noodles! Service very friendly, attentive. We Highly recommend this restaurant!
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