Zen Chinese Bistro

11 recent ratings
$$$ • Chinese Restaurant
Reported to have a gluten-free menu
Reported GF menu options: Beer
Safety Rating
9 ratings

As rated by the community

45 Danforth St
Portland, ME 04101
Collections
In 3 Public Collections

Most Recent Reviews


Hashimoto's

Overall Rating

Review


This is one of the best spots in Portland for gluten free Chinese food. They have fried rice, appetizers, and things like orange chicken. A little on the pricey side but so delicious.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Updated 4 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Very good Chinese food and lots of choices. They brought me some tamari soy sauce without being asked. They were takeout only for a while, but the dining room is open now, sort of, they open the dining room at 5PM on Fridays and Saturdays only.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 9 months ago read full review

This establishment is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. Please contact the establishment directly to inquire about safety precautions.

Gluten-Free Features

  • Beer
  • Gluten-Free Menu

Categories

  • Asian
  • Chinese
  • Dairy-Free Friendly
  • Delivery
  • Dinner
  • Kid Friendly
  • Low-FODMAP Friendly
  • Lunch
  • Online Ordering
  • Restaurant
  • Seafood
  • Takeout
  • Vegan Friendly

Photos


Out door dinning is available in the Summer
2 levels of dinning areas, cozy and beautiful, great place to bring  your friends and families here.
They offer happy hours from 3:00-5:00pm.
Beautiful bar offers large selections of wines and cocktails
Ginger Lemon Drop is fantastic
Add a photo View all photos

More Reviews


Overall Rating

Review


Amazing!!! We got takeout for back at the hotel tonight and had teriyaki beef, boneless spareribs, house fried rice, and orange chicken. All Was fantastic and no tummy issues to report !

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 9 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Lots of GF options. I hadn’t had Chinese food in so long as they are rarely safe. We’ve eaten there a couple of times now and never had an issue. Servings are generous. They were takeout only during pandemic, but think they recently began dine in again.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for takeout
  • Offers delivery
  • Offers online ordering
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I’ve ordered takeout a couple times here and they’ve noted “celiac” on the slip. Really reassuring.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


I’ve been ordering from them for a year now and everything is amazingly delicious. Everything is clearly marked on the menu what’s GF and if ordering through a delivery ap you can apply an allergy to each item. No reactions to their food whatsoever

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


No dedicated gluten free fryer. Lots of items listed as gluten free but have a shared fryer. Buyer beware.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


celiac safe

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


We was in Portland this weekend and I have not had any food like this in 10 yrs do to celiac disease we are in ellsworth I will be making a monthly trip just for it Thank you so much for gf

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


As someone who is gluten intolerant, I have a deep appreciation for Zen and its management. Not only are most dishes gluten-free, but they are also made with high quality, FRESH ingredients (for instance, dishes do not contain MSG).  I order from here at minimum once a week, and I have to say it is the most consistent restaurant in the area. The food is always top quality, the atmosphere is chic and spotless, and the management could not be any sweeter. My recommendations: hot & sour soup, Singapore rice noodles, moo goo gai pan, sweet & sour chicken, orange chicken, Chinese bok choy, Szechuan string beans, and sesame chicken

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Good Chinese.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


They can make almost any dish gluten free! It’s so great to have that option with Chinese food again. It is a little pricey but I love it

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
  • Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Offers delivery
  • Offers online ordering
Updated 3 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Amazing gluten free options! So delicious:)

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Alway a stop when I travel to South Portland....staff is amazing and I always buy so much, just so I can bring home left overs...is a little pricey but what gluten free food isn’t.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


GF items are noted on the menu. Good food, not amazing.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Zen has GF marked items on the menu and a knowledgeable staff, this is our go to for GF Chinese food. I have been going here for years and we have never had problems here.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Lots of options, soy sauce is gluten free

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


food was absolutely delish! waitress was knowledgeable and made sure proper care was tooKen with my order. thought it was a bit costly though.

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Great GF options! Im celiac and didn't get sick. A little pricey but ... Yum, will return!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


My absolute favorite Chinese restaurant. Incredible GF options.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I took my niece who has celiac here... She was thrilled to be able to enjoy all of the dishes we ordered. The menu is clearly marked with many GF selections and the dishes we ordered were all carefully made so NO stomach problems! The food was delicious! We have been to this restaurant numerous times and have greatly enjoyed every meal. I highly recommend the Zen Chinese Bistro!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Their hot and sour soup is GF and amazing!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I have to say, beside having a menu that clearly articulates GF dishes, the food was probably the best authentic Chinese I have had in years. Great staff as well.

Just remember to ask for the GF soy sauce for the table.

Great place.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 9 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Updated 10 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Zen Chinese Bistro is a gourmet, healthy and delicious Chinese restaurant. They offer a HUGE selections of GLUTEN FREE choices. Everything on the menu is well marked for GLUTEN FREE, and it is very helpful. They use a lot of local sources for their entrees so it is very fresh. The food is fresh, healthy and delicious. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 10 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I got glutened. They offer a number of gluten-free items on their general menu (marked GF) but I do not feel it was celiac-safe.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 10 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The hot and spicy soup was to die for! I got the chicken with broccoli and it tasted delicious.

Updated 10 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I love, love, love Zen Chinese Bistro! I've gotten take-out several times, and dine-in once. The GF selection is fantastic, especially for a Chinese restaurant. I've never had a bad reaction here, for which I am so thankful. The staff is so wonderful—always warm and welcoming. Oh, and the Chicken with Ginger & Scallion is to die for!

Updated 11 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Big portions and good prices. I had the Kung Pao Chicken, it was great! Their selection of gluten free is pretty good, though most of it includes items that don't contain gluten in general. But, the fact that they are aware of GF is a big plus! I'll definitely eat there again! The staff was friendly, the service was quick, and the ginger mojito was delicious!

Updated 11 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


fantastic food and very well versed on gluten free

Updated 11 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


GF menu and portions were huge. I had the Cashew Chicken, which was very good.

Updated 11 years ago read full review

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