Planning a date night in Midtown usually means picking between two extremes: an overpriced tourist restaurant near Times Square, or something forgettable that doesn’t feel special enough for the occasion. There’s a better option a short walk from Times Square, Bryant Park, and the Empire State Building — one that locals actually go back to.
What Makes Zen a Good Date Spot
The atmosphere feels intentional. With a renovated second floor, Zen Ramen & Sushi offers a more spacious, comfortable setting than the typical grab-and-go sushi counter — ideal for conversation without shouting over a crowd.
Sharing food is part of the fun. Sushi is one of the most naturally shareable cuisines. Ordering a few rolls to split, along with an appetizer or two, keeps the meal interactive instead of two people staring at separate plates.
There’s something for both adventurous and cautious eaters. If one of you wants to try something new and the other prefers to stick with familiar flavors, a menu spanning ramen, nigiri, rolls, and cooked appetizers makes it easy to order for two different comfort levels.
Building the Ideal Date Night Order
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple approach that works well for two people:
- Start with something to share — a sushi roll or two, chosen based on how adventurous you’re both feeling.
- Add one warm dish — a bowl of ramen split between shared appetizers, or ordered individually if you’re both hungry for a full bowl.
- Don’t skip dessert — mochi or green tea ice cream is a light, sweet way to close out the night without feeling too heavy.
- Time it around happy hour — if you’re starting your date between 4 PM and 8 PM, you can stretch the evening with discounted rolls and drinks before your main meal, or make it a full happy-hour date on its own.
Perfect Before or After Everything Midtown Has to Offer
Because we’re just minutes from Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Fifth Avenue, Zen works well as either:
- A pre-show dinner before catching a performance
- A post-shopping wind-down after a Fifth Avenue afternoon
- A standalone destination for couples who want good food without tourist-trap prices
Make It Official
Great date nights don’t happen by accident — they take a little bit of planning, starting with a reservation so you’re not stuck waiting on a night that’s supposed to feel effortless.
Reserve your table for date night at Zen Ramen & Sushi, or check out our happy hour menu to plan the evening.
150 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018 (646) 870-7509