House Of Zen
If you're looking for an Asian fusion dining experience by the sea with a splash of modern flair, House Of Zen in Seaburn, Sunderland is the kind of spot that makes you forget you're still in the UK. Located on Whitburn Road, this stylish restaurant blends sleek interiors with warm hospitality, creating an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and laid-back. The moment you walk through its wheelchair-accessible entrance, you’re met with elegant décor, flickering fireplace vibes, and the inviting aroma of sizzling delicacies.
What really elevates the House Of Zen experience is its versatile menu. It’s not just another Pan-Asian restaurant tossing in a few dim sum and calling it a day. Here, the Honey Chilli Chicken comes perfectly crisped on the outside, coated in a sticky, fiery glaze that dances between sweet and spicy. The Salt and Chilli Chicken offers that addictive crunch, while the Sweet and Sour Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t rely on generic sauce-it's zesty, nuanced, and served piping hot.
Seafood fans won't want to skip the Teriyaki Salmon-tender, flaky, and glazed with that deep umami flavor. And if you're in the mood for something indulgent, the Peking Duck delivers in both presentation and flavor. It’s the kind of dish that’s great for sharing, especially when paired with house-made pancakes and spring onions.
Dim sum lovers can rejoice: House Of Zen's dumplings and spring rolls are executed with the kind of finesse that’s usually reserved for Hong Kong street vendors or high-end bistros. The Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ-style beef) offers a different vibe-grilled with precision and served alongside delicate dipping sauces that add depth rather than overwhelm.
There’s no shortage of drink options, either. Whether you're sipping on a Passion Fruit Martini, enjoying a crisp Heineken or Corona, or exploring their great wine list, the bar offerings are as carefully curated as the food. The cocktail menu stands out with bold blends and balanced flavors-definitely a highlight if you’re stopping by for a leisurely evening.
And while most people come here for dinner, lunch is just as rewarding. The Nasi Goreng, a fragrant Indonesian fried rice dish, is packed with flavor and comes loaded with protein options. It’s great for a quick bite or a relaxed afternoon meal. If you're more of a night owl, House Of Zen has you covered with late-night small plates, from pork belly to roasted duck, satisfying those midnight cravings with elegance.
As for accessibility, the restaurant ensures comfort for everyone. Wheelchair-accessible seating and toilets make it a welcoming place for all guests. While there isn’t a dedicated accessible car park, the thoughtful interior layout and staff attentiveness more than make up for it.
There's a nice outdoor seating area for sunny afternoons, where the seaside breeze pairs beautifully with a chilled beer and a couple of plates to share. And for those on the go, takeaway is available, allowing you to enjoy House Of Zen’s flavors from the comfort of home.
House Of Zen isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, but it excels in the things it does best: bold flavors, thoughtful presentation, and a tranquil dining atmosphere that brings a slice of modern Asia to Sunderland’s coastline. Whether you’re flying solo or gathering with friends, it delivers that perfect balance of casual indulgence and upscale polish.
Reviews
First time trying this place and it was great. Service incredible, food delicious, cocktails great, atmosphere wonderful, views stunning… however, the price is a tad on the expensive side. £8 for a small plate of shredded beef is slightly too much in my opinion. Having said that, I will definitely be returning as everything else is perfection! My only feedback is to think about pricing of some dishes.
Booked the window area for 47 people for a wedding celebration. Food excellent, atmosphere excellent and the service outstanding. I was consulted on timing to faciliate a speach and then the food came out with military precision All of my guests commented on how much they enjoyed House of Zen.
We came to celebrate our friend’s 30th birthday. The food was exceptional. Portions were big enough to share. Service was a little slow as the restaurant was quite busy. This is the perfect place to try new dishes and share dishes between family and friends. I would come back again.
I only wemt on a lunch time so it was relatively quiet. There was only a lunch time special menu and tbh the food was lovely tasting but the portion sizes were quite small but im not sure if it was like said due to the lunch time menu. The view of the beach is brilliant though on a nice day if you manage to get a window seat.
Enjoyed our time and meal at Zen. Two of party had starters which they enjoyed. All 4 of us had mains which we all thoroughly enjoyed and 3 had desserts which they also enjoyed. The place was spotless and we were given a table near the windows looking out onto the beach. We parked our car about 2 or 3 minutes walk away in the large carpark straight opposite near to the Seaburn Stack. The main reason for not giving 5*s was the added service charge. If the service deserves a tip it should be up the the customer to decide.