Zaru in Orlando, Florida
Zaru is a Japanese restaurant located in the Mills 50 district of Orlando, specializing in udon noodles, specifically the thick and dense Sanuki style udon from Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture. The restaurant’s name, Zaru, is a reference to the Japanese bamboo colander often used to drain and serve noodles.
What Makes it Unique:
- Handmade Udon: Zaru’s primary unique feature is its commitment to making scratch-made udon noodles, crafted from premium Japanese wheat sourced from the Kagawa Prefecture. They utilize specialized equipment from Kagawa to ensure authenticity.
- Michelin Bib Gourmand: Zaru was awarded the prestigious Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand award in the 2024 selection, recognizing its high-quality cooking at a good value.
- Ambiance and Concept: It has a small, sleek, and attractive 25-seat dining room with modern decor, an open kitchen, and a playlist featuring hip-hop and R&B. The experience is designed to be intimate, stylish, and comfortable.
- Interactive Menu: Diners use a paper menu to check off their selections, including hot or cold udon, zensai (appetizers), and various add-ons, allowing for a customized meal.
History and Ownership:
- Zaru opened in the Mills 50 district, next door to the Tien Hung Market.
- The restaurant is from the James Beard Award-nominated restaurateur sibling team, Jimmy Tung and Johnny Tung.
- Its opening followed a change in plans after Top Chef Season 3 winner Hung Huynh passed on opening a different noodle concept in the space.
Customer Feedback and Menu Highlights:
- Highly Praised Udon: The handmade, chewy, and bouncy texture of the udon noodles is frequently praised.
- Signature Dishes: The Nikutama Udon (hot soup with sliced beef and onsen egg) is a crowd favorite and one of Zaru’s most popular menu items.
- Recommended Appetizers/Add-ons:
- Shrimp Tempura: Frequently mentioned as exceptional.
- Tatsuta-Age: Japanese-style fried chicken.
- Yaki Gyoza: Pork and cabbage dumplings.
- Yaki Nasu: Spicy grilled eggplant (sometimes called garlic grilled eggplant).
- Ikura Onsen: Softly poached egg crowned with marinated salmon roe (ikura) and crispy garlic.
- General Feedback: Customers appreciate the flavor and authenticity of the food, the attractive ambiance, and the knowledgeable staff. Some feedback has noted that some items can be considered a bit pricey or that the music volume can sometimes be too loud, but overall, it is seen as a must-visit in Orlando.
Significant Events:
- 2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand Award: This is the most significant event, showcasing its recognition for quality and value.
- Collaboration: Zaru has had collaborations, such as with its neighbor, Tien Hung Market, offering a Japanese Viet Iced Coffee.
Location and Contact Information:
- Address: 1114 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 (located in the same strip as the Tien Hung Market).
- Phone Number: +1 407-271-8512
- Website: https://www.zarufl.com/
- Social Media/Email: While a direct social media link is not provided, the website is available and the email for catering inquiries is [email protected].
- Reservations: Zaru does not accept reservations and operates on a walk-in-only basis, though they offer private event experiences for parties larger than six.
