ZenCha Cafe & Tea

ZenCha Cafe & Tea

2396 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43209, United States

+1 614-237-9690

Asian restaurant, Tea house
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About This Place

ZenCha Cafe & Tea is a delightful Asian restaurant and tea house located at 2396 E Main St, Columbus, OH. This charming spot offers a unique fusion of traditional Asian flavors and comforting cafe fare, perfectly suited for those seeking an inviting dining experience combined with an exceptional tea selection.

Step inside ZenCha, and you'll immediately notice the warm, tranquil ambiance, the kind that invites you to relax and savor every bite and sip. Their menu is an exciting blend of thoughtfully crafted dishes and artisanal teas that bring an international flair to your table. From hearty starters like the Crispy Shrimp Spicy tossed in a zesty mayo sauce, to the tender Black Pepper Seared Tuna with a bold spicy soy glaze, each plate promises a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors.

One cannot talk about ZenCha without mentioning their standout tea offerings — a paradise for bubble tea lovers and a treat for anyone curious about global tea cultures. Choose from fruity favorites like Strawberry Bubble Tea or Passionfruit Bubble Tea, or indulge in creamy delights such as Vanilla Bubble Tea and Thai Bubble Tea. The bubble tea here balances sweetness and texture perfectly, with fresh, chewy pearls that elevate every sip. Customers like Jennisa Islas have praised the attentive service and the generosity of free tea samples, reinforcing how this cafe goes the extra mile to create a welcoming experience.

Mealtime at ZenCha is a celebration of diverse tastes. The Herb Potato Hash with Cheese is a savory delight, crispy on the outside and comforting within, while the Masala Chai Waffle offers an unexpected but harmonious marriage of Indian spices and fluffy waffle goodness. The Okonomiyaki—a savory Japanese pancake—is a fan favorite, hearty and generously filled, paired wonderfully with a refreshing Passionfruit Green Tea as Ashley Welch shares from her visit.

If you’re craving something with a regional twist, the Thali provides a curated sampler of flavors, a perfect introduction to Indian cuisine’s rich layers. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Grilled Shrimp and Shrimp and Grits dishes, each delivering succulent textures and balanced seasoning. Vegetarian options like the Tofu Udon and Vegetable Fried Dumplings bring earthy, satisfying flavors that don’t skimp on heartiness or taste.

Atmosphere-wise, ZenCha maintains a quaint yet energetic vibe. Popular among locals for years, it does get busy, which speaks volumes about its quality and charm. Regular visitors, such as Kateland Kirk, express deep loyalty, noting that the service and ambiance have continued to improve, elevating ZenCha to a must-visit culinary destination. The mix of comfortable seating and a serene environment makes it equally ideal for quiet afternoons or lively catch-ups with friends.

ZenCha Cafe & Tea is much more than a restaurant; it’s a cultural journey around the world’s vibrant tea traditions combined with delicious meals that invite you to linger and enjoy. Whether you come for the expansive tea menu or to sample their creative, flavorful dishes, ZenCha leaves a lasting impression that keeps customers coming back for more. For anyone looking to discover new taste sensations in Columbus, ZenCha is a refined yet approachable gem worth your time.

Service options
-contact delivery Delivery On-site services Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Great tea selection Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Comfort food Healthy options Quick bite Small plates Vegan options Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Quiet Romantic Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Locals University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Jennisa Islas
    3 week ago

    Waiter is great. Came here for tea and they gave us free samples. I ordered a vanilla boba tea with cheese rangoos. Great place the Tea

  • Mz Lisa Putsitdwn4real
    1 month ago

    My first time eating at this restaurant, the ambience was very nice. The food was different for me. I did taste the banana waffles. The tea is nice with a large selection. It taste pretty good. I will go back and maybe try something different. It does get a lot of customers. Maybe I have to try a few more. Stop In & give it a try for yourself!

  • anastasia shishlo
    1 month ago

    Warning!!! This is NOT just another good cafe, this is a cultural trip around the world and the place for you to spill your tea in peace!(pun intended) This is no doubt one of my new FAVORITE places for the most soothing, bursting with flavor tea and fresh delicious meals!!! There is a huge variety of teas from Africa, India, Germany, Japan, etc.! If you come here for lunch, I highly recommend the lunch special which includes a delicious good-sized sandwich, salad with the BEST dressing, and a scrumptious soup of choice! Can’t help but keep coming here whenever a hangout pops up. I wouldn’t even get started on how beautiful and relaxing the interior design is! Well worth every penny!!!

  • Ashley Welch
    1 month ago

    Very quaint and quiet cafe! I had the okonomiyaki and passionfruit green tea with boba. The okonomiyaki was very good and filling! I also appreciated the tea sample :)

  • Kateland Kirk
    2 month ago

    I’ve been a Zen Cha loyalist for over a decade, regularly visiting their Short North location. But this weekend, I finally tried their Bexley spot—and I was so impressed that it might become my new go-to. Right away, I noticed that the service and atmosphere in Bexley are a step up from the Short North location. The tea selection is just as expansive, and I ordered my longtime favorite: cinnamon mint chai—which, as always, did not disappoint. We were a little bummed to find out that the Bexley location doesn’t serve tea scones like the Short North does. But we opted for the cinnamon waffle instead, and honestly? It was out of this world. Topped with flambéed banana, candied walnuts, and whipped cream, it was a perfect substitute for the scones. Overall, Zen Cha remains a must-visit for any tea lover or sweet tooth, and I’ll always be a fan. But going forward, I might just switch my loyalty to Bexley—especially since it’s in a charming, walkable area with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. Highly recommend!

  • Grace Marquis
    3 month ago

    I LOVE ZEN CHA BEXLEY!!!!! Hands down favorite Columbus restaurant. Amazing staff. Amazing food. Peaceful atmosphere. The food and tea is so yum dot com. I can never get enough and Ive been coming for like 8 years. Tuna avocado sandwich and fruity boba are my favorite but god everything else is amazing too. You guys really know how to do it

  • TXExplorer
    3 month ago

    The tea selection is vast and reasonably priced. Service is closer to a coffee house vibe; you won’t be checked on like a normal restaurant. Staff is friendly and attentive. The food selection is small but mighty. Loved my ahi salad. Atmosphere would be perfect for a casual afternoon date or just a solo outing.

  • Ra'Nesha Springer
    4 month ago

    I am all about experiences. Brunchin’ vibes at ZenCha Café Salon in Bexley Sippin’ on specialty teas + indulging in some delicious eats. The perfect cozy spot for a slow Saturday morning or catching up with friends. Shrimp and Grits yes! Chicken and Waffle yes!

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