Zenon — Review by KSIĄŻULO
Poznan, Poland — Japanese - Ramen, Udon, Asian Fusion
Zenon in Poznan is a Michelin-recognized ramen and udon restaurant that delivered impressive appetizers and noodle dishes. While the pork dumplings, spring rolls, and sweet potato fries were standout starters, the ramen and udon showed mixed results with excellent noodle quality but varying broth appeal.
What was great: Dumplings with beef were excellent with elastic dough and well-seasoned filling. Spring rolls had crispy, non-greasy coating with flavorful meat. Sweet potato fries with wasabi mayo were very good. Udon noodles were springy and perfectly textured. The Devolai udon with butter and young cabbage was creamy and flavorful. Marinated egg was perfect. Restaurant has three Michelin Guide distinctions.
What could improve: Bao bun with duck was too dry despite being fresh, lacking sauce intensity. Fish broth in first udon lacked appeal. Asian kimchi burger was underwhelming despite good meat quality. Portion sizes were extremely large.
The Dishes
The meal began with exceptional starters. The pork dumplings arrived with elastic, thin dough wrapped around intensely seasoned beef filling that was tender and flavorful. The spring rolls featured a thick, crispy exterior without any greasiness, containing a rich meat filling with subtle umami notes and accompanied by wasabi mayo, kimchi, and pickles. Sweet potato fries with wasabi mayo provided a perfect balance of sweetness and spice at 21 zloty. Bao buns with roasted duck were served with pickled red cabbage, marinated ginger, hoisin sauce, preserved plums, red onion, and peanuts, though the duck proved slightly dry and the overall composition felt too light compared to the superior dumplings.
The noodle dishes showcased Zenon's technical skill. The Kake udon with dashi broth featured springy, perfectly textured noodles with shrimp in panko, tempura vegetables including sweet potato, zucchini, and broccoli at 49 zloty. While the noodles were excellent, the fish-based broth did not appeal to all diners. The Devolai udon with butter, young cabbage, cilantro, and ginger in a soy-based preparation proved more successful, offering a creamy sensation with rich butter and balanced flavors. The Tantanmen ramen, priced at 48 zloty, featured a nutty, meaty broth with marinated egg, sesame seeds, scallions, nori, and pork and beef. The ramen noodles were perfectly cooked and the overall composition resonated with the reviewers' preferences for complex, layered flavors.
The Asian kimchi burger with hand-ground beef, buttered bun, cheddar, marinated dashi, kimchi mayo, red onion, and marinated ginger cost 43 zloty. Despite the well-done cooking method potentially drying out the meat, the burger remained juicy due to its thick patty and complementary toppings. The kimchi mayo was excellent, though the kimchi itself proved polarizing.
The Experience
The restaurant accommodated the filming request by allowing the reviewers to eat outside at their own table rather than inside where music and crowds presented challenges. Staff members were attentive and helpful, even offering delivery of dishes to the outdoor seating area. A staff member enthusiastically took photos of dishes for social media. The restaurant maintains a welcoming, professional atmosphere befitting its Michelin recognition, with a diverse menu extending beyond ramen and udon to include burgers, bao buns, appetizers, salads, and desserts.
Value and Pricing
Pricing proved reasonable for a Michelin-recognized establishment. Appetizers ranged from 21 zloty for sweet potato fries to 31 zloty for three dumplings. Main dishes, including udons and ramen, cost between 48-49 zloty, comparable to well-regarded ramen restaurants in Warsaw. The portion sizes were notably generous, with servings large enough to challenge even experienced eaters. Value for money was solid given the quality of ingredients and preparation.
Notable Moments
Nie jest to takie zwykłe miejsce, ponieważ ich restauracja jest w przewodniku Michelin wyróżniona aż trzy razy. Trzy lata z rzędu od 2023 do 2025 zdobywali właśnie te wyróżnienia (This is not an ordinary place because their restaurant has been recognized in the Michelin Guide three times. Three years in a row from 2023 to 2025 they received these distinctions)
Dumplings proved so meat-packed that the reviewers felt they contained as much filling as an entire meal from another restaurant
The reviewers discovered the spring rolls featured an unusual preparation style they had rarely encountered, with thick, crispy fried wrapper rather than delicate rice paper
The Verdict
Zenon deserves its Michelin recognition, particularly for its dumpling preparations, spring rolls, and noodle quality. The restaurant excels as a destination for ramen and udon enthusiasts, though the burger option falls outside the kitchen's strengths. Best for diners seeking authentic Asian noodle dishes with premium ingredients and technical execution. The generous portions and reasonable pricing relative to quality make it a worthwhile destination in Poznan, though visiting during off-peak hours would provide a more comfortable dining experience.