RESTAURANT REVIEW: Zengo

395 Santa Monica Place | Santa Monica, CA 90401 | 310-899-1001 | www.richardsandoval.com/zengosm | Price: $$

A hidden gem in Santa Monica Place, Zengo offers a unique fusion of Asian flavors with a Latin American twist. Chef-owner Richard Sandoval, once named Bon Appétit Restaurateur of the Year, blends these cuisines to create something altogether unforgettable.

Locally sourced produce, adventurous chefs and a hospitable staff make it impossible not to have a good time at Zengo.

With an array of seasonal cocktails, a dark wood bar and a lush patio that overlooks the Third Street Promenade, this place shouts happy hour. We sampled the Jalapeño Margarita and the Gin and Guava on the rocks. Both were deliciously balanced and refreshing. I see a Mojito Monday ($5 mojitos from 4 p.m.–10 p.m. every Monday) in my future.

As we sipped cocktails, a bowl of XO Style Edamame appeared. We enjoyed the charred and spicy-smoky flavors but found it a little difficult to extract the beans from the pod. Perhaps a quick blanch before hitting the wok would do the trick?

Head Chef Stephen Castro welcomed us with an array of lively dishes. It was difficult to narrow down our favorites, but we managed to agree on a few standouts.

The Volcano Roll easily made our list. Avocado, spicy crab and sesame-chipotle aioli wrapped with rice and topped with seared salmon provided just the right amount of heat and would be the perfect introduction for a reluctant sushi eater.

My personal favorite was the Thai Chicken Empanadas. The acidity of the mango-curry salsa toned down the heat of the Chile Poblano. Most interestingly, Chef Stephen used a light puff pastry in lieu of the traditional heavy pastry dough used in empanadas. It made all the difference – and made it easy to enjoy more than one.

Zengo is an ideal small plates restaurant, but if you’re looking for a great entrée, I recommend the Crusted Snapper Escabeche. It was light and fragrant – the cornmeal crust gave it a satisfying little crunch.

The Chocolate Banana Cake appealed to my sweet tooth. Very ripe bananas add sweetness and moisture to the cake, which is served warm and a la mode. It was a perfect ending to our East meets South of the Border culinary excursion.

Dinner, served from 4 p.m. to closing, isn’t the only time to visit Zengo. The eatery also serves a “Bottomless Brunch” on weekends from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. that features live entertainment with emerging DJs and musicians. The main appeal, however, is the fact that you can enjoy unlimited small plates and free-flowing cocktails.

Bottomless Brunch menu items include traditional offerings with a twist. The Steak Benedict includes a kick of kimchee in addition to the usual Hollandaise sauce. Pan Dulce combines Mexican sweet bread and orange agave syrup. The House Ground Beef Sliders come with a lemon sake aioli and Yuzu relish.  

A choice of Bloody Mary, Mango Mimosa, Traditional Mimosa, Sake Sangria and Lychee Bellini are among the cocktails offered. Note there is a two-hour time limit when feasting on the Bottomless Brunch.