Zen City - Southend-on-Sea

My partner and I visited this restaurant during our weekend getaway in Westcliff. We started with duck pancakes as our appetizer, followed by two chicken dishes, one beef dish, rice, and vegetables. The food was delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal.

I went to a colleague's farewell dinner at this restaurant, and I wasn't sure what to expect due to mixed reviews. However, I was pleasantly surprised! Even though I hadn't been in years, the restaurant was bustling last night, which is always a positive sign. The portion sizes were generous, with plenty to go around. I particularly enjoyed the spring rolls as a starter. I would definitely return to this restaurant. The price of £20 is very reasonable for what you receive, especially in today's climate.

This restaurant was absolutely terrible. They only offered an all-you-can-eat buffet with awful, greasy, tasteless food. We could hardly eat any of it because it was so bad. It was the worst Chinese food we've ever had and we would never go back. I recommend avoiding this place unless you just want to indulge in low-quality, greasy food. Quantity was prioritized over quality at this establishment.

I am gutted, we have visited this place many times before and this was about our 8th visit and so looking forward to it as a family. Arrived 5 minutes early and got seated straight away 8pm. Restaurant wasn’t super busy but abut 60% of tables occupied. It seems as no service took 20 minutes to chase to just to order the drinks then another 15 minutes to get them. Another 10 minutes to chase to order starters. Food came out in 15 minutes so that’s ok and food tasted lovely. Looks as if a manager came over to clear and we asked if we can add the duck not a problem we will pay the additional cost. 20 minutes nothing and was told it was on the way after 35 minutes enough was enough went and asked where is it look like they forgot but how can you if been asked twice where it is. With looking around another couple gave up and walked out. Over 90 minutes just to have starters is embarrassing so we paid for our drinks and left. I honestly so gutted it’s like they don’t care. 2 experience waiters be enough to run it but there is no one there that seems to care just so so poor and we love going here for diner. We don’t believe we would ever go back it’s probably up on the top worst experience in a restaurant ever. Really hope the sort it as won’t be there much longer at this rate with current owners.

I can’t review the food as did not eat there. First time to this restaurant based on reviews but seated in the back of the restaurant outside the toilet and near the kitchen where all you could smell was bleach and where the toilet door was being opened every second, not ideal. I would say avoid.