ZEN Sushi

15 Essential Restaurants in Bishop Arts Where to dine in one of Dallas’s coolest neighborhoods

Join us for our $5 Handroll Happy Hour! 🍣 Every Mond-Fri, 5-6pm. Enjoy your favorite handrolls at an exclusive price. See you in soon!

Located in the heart of the Bishop Arts District, Zen Sushi opened in 2007. Thoughtfully-crafted Japanese-American cuisine. Chef-driven, female-owned and operated by Michelle Carpenter.

Today is Zen’s 17th birthday! Celebrating an extraordinary journey: Meet Michelle, one of only 5 female sushi chef/owners worldwide. Two in California, two in Tokyo, and right here in Dallas.⁠
3️⃣3️6 years of sushi mastery, Michelle’s dedication shines through every dish. ⁠
🍢 Her career spans 9 sushi bars across California, Dallas, and San Antonio, including pioneering work with HEB’s flagship sushi program in San Antonio nearly 30 years ago.⁠
🥢 Before Zen, Michelle honed her craft as Executive Chef at Yamaguchi’s in Park Cities, under Master Itamae Tetsuji Yamaguchi, shaping Dallas’ sushi scene.⁠
🏘️ In 2007, she founded Zen in the heart of Bishop Arts, when it was just Bishop and 7th.

Can you believe we’ve sold over 35,000 Xalapa Rolls?! 🎉 Thank you for your continued love and support on everybody’s favorite roll. Come taste what everyone’s raving about!

Our premium tuna is the perfect starter for any meal.

We have something for everyone! Traditional sushi lovers and vegans alike will be impressed by our incredible vegan sushi menu. Come taste for yourself! 🍣
Roll pictured on the left: Caterpillar Roll
Roll pictured on the right: Vegan Inari Maki Roll

Indulge in our Chicken Karaage! 🍗 Crispy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for any craving.

Have you tried our Pork Katsu? 🍽️ Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Perfect on its own or shared family style. Come and enjoy it today!

Introducing the Tokyo Lemonade! 🍋 A refreshing new drink that’s perfect for summer.

You know what day it is! 🎉 Last day this week for our handroll happy hour, 5-6pm. Dine-in only.

Find us right under the iconic Bishop Arts District sign. See you tonight!

Come try Zen’s Calamari! Our doors open at 5pm. Located in the heart of Bishop Arts. Zen is a thoughtful fusion of Japanese training and technique combined with regional ingredients. See you soon!

Stop by Zen to experience the diverse flavors of traditional Japanese food fused with local Latin American inspiration. Doors open at 5!

After being in the restaurant industry for 38 years, Michelle Carpenter has learned a lot. She wants to share her knowledge with women who desire to be leaders in the restaurant industry. ⁠
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Carpenter owns two restaurants in Oak Cliff — Zen Sushi and Restaurant Beatrice.⁠
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Last fall, she partnered with Dallas College and Steve DeShazo, the Dallas College Workforce Director, to create the Women in Restaurants Leadership Program. The tuition-free, eight-week program was offered in the spring of 2024 and included seminars, training and stagiaire opportunities to anyone looking to advance in the restaurant industry. ⁠

⁠https://oakcliff.advocatemag.com/2024/07/restaurant-beatrice/

📷️: Kathy Tran Photography⁠

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We’re open our normal hours tomorrow, July 4th, from 5-9 PM! Join us for our $5 hand roll happy hour. We can’t wait to see you there!

Another of Itamae Michelle’s creations, savor the fresh flavors of our Jalapeño Roll. The roll features tender octopus, creamy mayo, and vibrant tobiko, all enhanced with a hint of jalapeño for a subtle kick.

Have you tried this roll yet?

Experience the bold flavors of our Zen Martini, a distinctive Southwestern fusion cocktail. Made with New Amsterdam Gin, fresh cilantro, and a zesty citrus blend, this refreshing drink expertly balances herbal notes and tangy zest. It’s no wonder it’s our best-seller!

We’re proud of our ingredient standards here at Zen Sushi. We fly in premium seafood around the world and only use whole fruits and vegetables in the dishes we make. Come by and taste the difference yourself.

Located in Bishop Arts, we’re open:
Sunday - Thursday 5-9:30 PM
Friday - Saturday 5-10:30 PM

It’s heating up Dallas! Cool off with the refreshing taste of summer with our Lychee Sangria.

Combining the crispness of white sake with sweet, aromatic flavors of lychee nectar. This sangria is chilled, making it the ultimate companion for your Dallas summer!

Get to know Chef Michelle Carpenter!

With over 35 years of sushi-making expertise, Michelle trained under master Itamaes in San Diego, achieving the rare honor of becoming an Itamae herself. Seventeen years ago, she brought her unique blend of Japanese and Cajun flavors to Dallas by opening Zen Sushi in the Bishop Arts District.

This year, Michelle has been selected as an Ambassador for Can-Doers campaign, celebrating the city’s maverick, can-do spirit. Spot her on billboards around Dallas, tag her in your photos, and visit Zen Sushi to taste her extraordinary creations!

We’ve served up 35,000+ of your favorite Xalapa Rolls here at Zen Sushi!

This roll is a perfect expression of Chef Michelles Japanese and Southwestern fusion, with fresh tuna, creamy avocado, zesty lime, and a kick of jalapeño. This original creation by Itamae Michelle cannot be found anywhere else!

Try the all-new Shrimp Shumai, succulent shrimp is blended with savory ingredients and wrapped in delicate dough. These perfectly steamed dumplings are a perfect bite-sized starter next time you visit Bishop Arts. 

Happy Hour Alert! Enjoy our $5 hand rolls Monday to Friday from 5pm to 6pm. It’s the perfect way to end your day, and start your evening. See you at the sushi bar!

Not sure what to pair with your sushi? Try g Joy Gunshu Sake. The rich and bold flavors of this genshu style sake stand up well to the flavors of sushi, providing a balanced experience.

Enjoy chilled the next time you dine at Zen Sushi!

Order our thinly sliced Beef Tataki next time you dine with us. Quickly seared on all sides and and served with shaved onions and ponzu, this dish is not one to miss.

In Japanese culture, beef is often prepared and sliced in a way that makes it convenient to eat with chopsticks.

Our new menu is live at Zen Sushi! Come by and try the all-new Aguachile, a vibrant Mexican dish with fresh sea bass, zesty lime, jalapeño, cucumber, and served with wonton chips.

Aguachile is a refreshing and flavorful seafood dish, similar to ceviche, but with its own unique twist.

Visit us at Zen Sushi in Bishop Arts! And yes, it does taste as good as it looks😍

Have you tried the Spicy Pressed Salmon?

This dish is a must! Chef Michelle flies in the best salmon from the Faroe Islands for this roll and you can taste the freshness.

Happy Pride Dallas! 🏳️‍🌈

We’re excited to celebrate love and inclusivity with you. Stop by Zen Sushi in to try our new menu featuring amazing creations from

Zen Friends:
Michelle, Cliffdweller/Itamae/Chef/Owner of Zen and , was selected by for a new campaign highlighting mavericks, trailblazers, and leaders in our city.
You'll see her portrait painted by local Cliffdweller and muralist all over the city: ATT center, DFW Airport, on posters throughout the city, and magazines.
We are especially proud to point out that the tourism board selected two women chefs to represent the dining options in our great city. 🫶🏽 and respect to . (How many women chefs can you name in Dallas?)
There are so many different facets of our city. Michelle is honored to represent women chefs, the LGBTQ+ community, Japanese, Cajun, and American food, Oak Cliff!!!, and be an ambassador for one of the fastest growing cities in the country.