Our Story
Fresh Food. Great Vibes. Everyone Welcome.
Our Story
Sushi That's
For Everyone
Zen Sushi & Bar started the way the best ideas do: with a kid's suggestion. Owner Ken T.'s nine-year-old daughter, a devoted sushi fan, told him they needed to open their own sushi place. When the Barkley Village entertainment complex was taking shape, Ken saw the perfect opportunity: a fun, family-friendly spot where moviegoers and neighbors could grab fresh sushi in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Ken and his family hit the road to explore, sampling sushi restaurants and shaping a vision. What they came back with was a concept built on respect for Japanese cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere, and a whole lot of personality. Zen Sushi & Bar opened its doors in Bellingham and has been the neighborhood's go-to spot ever since.
Whether you're rolling in with the whole family, grabbing a quick bite after the movies, or catching the game at the bar, this is your spot. Kids are welcome, first-timers are welcome, sushi obsessives are definitely welcome.
The Giant Buddha
A One-Ton Journey
Across the Sea
The first thing you notice when you walk into Zen Sushi is the towering bronze Buddha rising from a tranquil pond in the center of the restaurant. Standing floor to ceiling and weighing over a ton, it's the largest Buddha statue in Washington State.
Ken reached out to his mother in Bangkok, who tracked down the massive bronze statue in Thailand. It had to cross the Pacific by container ship, but it was too tall to fit inside, so it rode on top of a container with its head exposed to the open sky and sea spray the entire voyage. A faint patina on the Buddha's head from the salt air is the only mark from its ocean crossing.
Once it arrived in Seattle, the next challenge was finding a truck low enough to clear every bridge and overpass on I-5 up to Bellingham. Getting it through the restaurant doors required even more creativity: when tilting it on its side didn't work, Ken's landlord cut two structural steel beams so the entire storefront could open wide enough for the Buddha to reach its final home.
禅
What We're About
Walk in and you'll notice it immediately: the energy, the giant Buddha, the conveyor belt loaded with colorful plates dancing past, the big screen at the bar. Zen is lively, vibrant, and genuinely fun to be in.
We use fresh ingredients and keep a huge variety on the menu: classic California rolls, bold specialty creations, teriyaki, and a full bar. There's always something new to try, and the regulars never get bored.
Bellingham is our community and we love it. Whether you're a regular at the bar, bringing the kids for their first conveyor belt experience, or just grabbing a quick lunch, you're always welcome here. Lively, fun, and ready to roll.
Straight From Our Guests
What People Are Saying
Samantha P.
Dine-in
“I went by myself and sat by the track. The waitress was so sweet and checked on me often. The quality felt significantly better in the plates that I ordered. Would definitely go back.”
Rory
Dine-in · Dinner · $10–20
“We enjoy grabbing sushi here because of the great experience it is for the whole family. Zen supplies such a wonderful variety of rolls, apps and desserts that everyone in my family finds what they need.”
Jessica M.
Lunch · $20–30
“The restaurant was beautiful and the service very attentive. She refilled drinks quickly and asked often if we'd like anything from the kitchen. A great atmosphere - quiet, easy to talk.”
Join Us Daily
Open Daily · 12 PM – 9 PM · 3001 Cinema Pl, Bellingham, WA 98226