Zen Ramen & Sushi is the premier Midtown Manhattan restaurant for corporate events and parties featuring authentic Japanese food. Located at 150 W 36th St, we provide flexible catering, private dining, and a diverse menu of ramen and sushi. This guide covers how to plan your office event, select the right cuisine, and utilize our private spaces for a seamless business lunch or celebration.
Corporate Catering Services
Ordering the same sandwich platters and pizza boxes for every office lunch gets old fast. If you are planning a client meeting, an all-hands lunch, or a birthday celebration in the office, Japanese catering from Zen Ramen & Sushi is an easy way to upgrade the standard spread without upgrading the budget. We are centrally positioned to deliver to offices throughout Midtown, including near Bryant Park, Herald Square, and Penn Station.
Why Sushi and Ramen Work for Office Events
Japanese food is inherently crowd-friendly. Sushi rolls appeal to a wide range of tastes, from classic California rolls to spicier options, and they are easy to serve buffet-style without much setup. A well-arranged sushi platter instantly elevates a conference room table, requiring no chafing dishes or serving staff. Between vegetable rolls, cooked options, and lighter appetizers, there is usually something for guests who are vegetarian, avoiding raw fish, or simply picky eaters.
Ramen can be catered too. For smaller gatherings or executive lunches, individually portioned ramen bowls make a comforting, memorable alternative to the usual boxed lunch. The warm broth and fresh toppings provide a satisfying meal that keeps your team energized for the afternoon.
Occasions for Japanese Catering
Our catering services are ideal for a variety of corporate needs. We frequently serve client meetings and pitch lunches where first impressions matter. All-hands or team lunches benefit from the variety of a Japanese spread, ensuring everyone finds something they enjoy. Office birthdays and corporate holiday parties also see a boost in morale when the menu moves beyond standard deli fare. Post-event wrap-up meals for nearby conferences and trade shows in the Garment District are another common use case for our delivery services.
Tips for Ordering Office Catering
Order ahead. For groups larger than 10 to 15 people, give us as much lead time as possible so your platters are fresh and ready when your meeting starts. Mix rolls with cooked options. Balancing raw sushi with cooked rolls, edamame, and gyoza ensures everyone at the table has something they are comfortable eating. Ask about portion guidance. If you are not sure how much food your group needs, we are happy to help you estimate based on headcount and meal timing. Do not forget dessert. A small tray of mochi or green tea ice cream is a simple way to end a business lunch on a memorable note.
Private Dining Options
If you would rather get your team out of the office, Zen Ramen & Sushi also works well as a sit-down business lunch destination. We are an easy walk from most Midtown offices, with lunch specials designed for guests who need to be in and out without sacrificing quality. Our location at 150 W 36th St places us five minutes from Penn Station, making it a convenient stop for clients arriving by train.
The Midtown Advantage
Our restaurant is close enough to walk to from most of Midtown's biggest draws. It is near Bryant Park, perfect for a lunch break or an after-work bowl before heading home. It is near Herald Square, allowing you to grab ramen or sushi after a shopping trip at Macy's or the surrounding stores. It is near Penn Station and Madison Square Garden, letting you beat the pre-train or pre-game rush with a warm, filling meal. It is also near Times Square, just a short walk away for anyone catching a Broadway show or exploring the area.
Seating and Atmosphere
We offer seating on two floors, providing a welcoming atmosphere for both intimate client dinners and larger group reservations. The space is designed to be comfortable yet efficient, allowing for conversation without the noise of a crowded bar. Whether you are meeting friends for dinner or enjoying a lunch break near Bryant Park, Zen offers a menu designed to satisfy every guest. The environment is professional enough for business discussions but relaxed enough to foster team bonding.
Reservations and Group Dining
For groups, we recommend reserving in advance to ensure the best seating. Our team can help you plan the timing of your visit to align with your schedule. If you are planning to catch a show, a game at the Garden, or a train home, tell your server; New Yorkers respect a deadline, and so do we. We can coordinate your order to be ready exactly when you need to leave.
Japanese Cuisine for Business
Understanding the menu helps you make the right choices for your event. Authentic Japanese cuisine offers a balance of flavors, textures, and nutritional profiles that are ideal for business settings. At Zen Ramen & Sushi, we blend traditional Japanese cooking techniques with a modern approach to flavor and presentation.
Ramen: The Comfort Food Choice
Ramen is a noodle soup dish that serves as a hearty, standalone meal. Not all ramen is created equal, and once you know what separates a great bowl from an average one, you will never settle for mediocre noodles again. The broth is everything. A proper ramen broth is not thrown together in twenty minutes. At Zen, our broths are slow-simmered for hours to pull out deep, layered flavor and that smooth, almost silky texture that coats every noodle. If the broth tastes thin or one-note, the kitchen cut corners.
The noodles should have bite. Overcooked, mushy noodles ruin an otherwise great bowl. Look for noodles with a slight chew, which is the sign of proper timing and fresh preparation. Toppings matter as much as the base. Chashu (braised pork or beef), soft-boiled eggs, scallions, menma bamboo shoots, and corn are not just garnish; they build flavor and texture into every bite. Our most-ordered bowls include the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, which features a rich, deeply savory pork-style broth with a kick of heat, and the Beef Ramen, which is a hearty beef broth loaded with roasted chashu beef, menma bamboo, sweet corn, and arugula.
Sushi: The Elegant Option
Sushi is a dish of vinegared rice combined with ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, or eggs. It is a popular choice for business lunches because it is light, fresh, and visually appealing. Our menu features fresh sushi rolls, expertly prepared nigiri, and signature Japanese dishes. Guests visit Zen Ramen & Sushi for fresh sushi rolls, expertly prepared nigiri, and signature Japanese dishes. Whether you are meeting friends for dinner or enjoying a lunch break near Bryant Park, Zen offers a welcoming atmosphere and a menu designed to satisfy every guest.
Menu Variety and Dietary Needs
Our menu features rich, slow-simmered Tonkotsu Ramen, flavorful Shoyu Ramen, spicy ramen, handcrafted sushi rolls, fresh sashimi, poke bowls, rice dishes, and Japanese appetizers. Every dish is prepared with quality ingredients to deliver the authentic flavors our guests come back for. We also offer vegetarian options, ensuring that dietary restrictions are not a barrier to participation. The variety allows for a customized experience, whether you prefer the bold flavors of ramen or the delicate nuances of sushi.
Key Takeaways
- Zen Ramen & Sushi offers corporate catering in Midtown Manhattan, delivering fresh Japanese food to offices near Bryant Park and Penn Station.
- Sushi and ramen are ideal for business events because they are crowd-friendly, visually impressive, and accommodate various dietary preferences.
- Our private dining space offers two floors of seating, making it suitable for both intimate client meetings and larger team gatherings.
- The restaurant is located at 150 W 36th St, five minutes from Penn Station, providing a convenient location for clients and employees.
- Authentic ramen broths are slow-simmered for hours, ensuring deep flavor and a high-quality dining experience.
- For groups larger than 15, advance ordering is recommended to ensure freshness and timely delivery.
- The menu includes vegetarian options and a wide range of appetizers, sushi, and rice dishes to suit all tastes.
- Happy Hour runs daily from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, offering a casual after-work option for team bonding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Zen Ramen & Sushi offer delivery for corporate events?
Yes, we offer catering delivery to offices throughout Midtown Manhattan. We are centrally located at 150 W 36th St, making it easy to deliver to buildings near Bryant Park, Herald Square, and Penn Station.
Can you accommodate vegetarian guests?
Absolutely. Our menu features vegetable rolls, cooked options, and lighter appetizers. We ensure there is something for guests who are vegetarian or avoiding raw fish.
How far in advance should I order catering?
For groups larger than 10 to 15 people, we recommend giving as much lead time as possible. This ensures your platters are fresh and ready when your meeting starts.
Is the restaurant suitable for client meetings?
Yes, our private dining space and professional atmosphere make it an excellent choice for client meetings. We offer seating on two floors and can help you plan the timing of your visit.
What are the most popular ramen dishes?
Our most-ordered bowls are the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen and the Beef Ramen. Both are hearty and flavorful, making them great choices for a satisfying lunch.
Do you have a happy hour?
Yes, we have a daily happy hour from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It is a great way to unwind after work with friends or colleagues.
Where is Zen Ramen & Sushi located?
We are located at 150 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018. We are five minutes from Penn Station and close to Bryant Park, Herald Square, and Madison Square Garden.
Can I reserve a table for a large group?
Yes, we accept reservations for groups. We recommend booking in advance to secure the best seating, especially for larger parties.