The story
Zaru’s homepage greets visitors with a simple, proud announcement: the restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in the 2026 selection. It’s a fitting recognition for a place that puts Sanuki-style udon — the chewy, wheat-noodle tradition from Japan’s Kagawa prefecture — at the center of its kitchen. The team’s gratitude is clear: “有難う御座います.”
The restaurant calls itself “Sanuki style udon found in the heart of Orlando.” The phrase “Sarah dreams of udon” hints at the personal drive behind the project. On the menu, a standout is the Cold Nikutare Udon: thick, chilled noodles topped with an onsen egg, sliced beef, scallions, tempura flakes, and nori. It’s a bowl that balances temperature, texture, and umami.
Beyond udon, Zaru’s bar offers seasonal cocktails built around Japanese ingredients. The Sake Old Fashioned uses Nama Genshu sake and fortified wine with aromatic bitters. The Shiso Sake pairs red shiso cordial with a Spanish aperitif and lime. There’s also a Fig 6 Spice, made with berry melange tea, fig jam, lemon, and sake — a sip that bridges sweet and savory.
The space at 1114 E. Colonial Drive shares a parking lot with Tien Hung Market, and street parking is available. With lunch and dinner service, air conditioning, outdoor seating, and a full bar, Zaru fits comfortably into Orlando’s dining scene as a destination for thoughtful Japanese comfort food. The Bib Gourmand nod confirms what regulars already know: this is good cooking, honest and worth seeking out.
Recognition
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