Menu Guide
What to Order on Your First Visit to Kenzo
Kenzo pairs a full sushi bar with a hot kitchen, so first-time guests can mix raw and cooked dishes on one table. Here is a practical order path based on our current menu sections.
Many first-time guests split an appetizer, one or two rolls, and a cooked entree to sample both sides of the menu.
Start With a Shared Appetizer
The appetizer section is the easiest entry point for groups with mixed tastes. Edamame gives everyone something to snack on while deciding on rolls. Gyoza and shumai work well for guests who want a hot starter. Seaweed salad or miso soup adds a lighter opening course before heavier entrees arrive.
Ordering one shared appetizer first keeps the table from over-ordering before the main dishes. It also buys time to scan the sushi and kitchen pages if this is your first look at the full menu.
If You Want Sushi but Are New to Raw Fish
Start on the basic roll and hand roll page. California rolls, shrimp tempura rolls, and cooked eel rolls introduce sushi format without relying on raw fish. Once you are comfortable, move to simple raw options such as tuna or salmon rolls, then to nigiri or sashimi from the a la carte sushi page.
Combination platters listed under sushi entrees on the a la carte menu give you a preset mix of pieces, which is often easier than building a full order piece by piece on a first visit.
For Guests Who Like Bold Flavors
Regulars who want something beyond the basics usually browse the two pages of chef's special rolls. These rolls layer house sauces, tempura crunch, spicy mayo, and multiple fish types. They are a good second or third visit choice once you know which proteins you prefer.
If your group splits one chef's roll and one basic roll, everyone gets variety without committing to a full specialty order on night one.
If You Prefer Cooked Food
Skip the sushi bar entirely and stay on the kitchen side. The entrees page covers wok dishes, fried rice, and noodle soups. The teriyaki, tempura, and hibachi section lists chicken teriyaki, shrimp tempura, katsu, and dinner box specials that include rice and sides.
Chicken teriyaki and shrimp tempura are the most common first orders for guests who do not eat raw fish. Hibachi-style dinners add vegetables and fried rice for a fuller plate.
Lunch vs. Dinner on a First Visit
Visiting at midday? The lunch special section runs at lower prices than dinner and includes bento-style combinations with soup or salad. Lunch is a smart first visit if you want to try multiple items without dinner-level pricing.
Evening service opens the full sushi list plus every kitchen category. Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest dine-in periods, so calling ahead for takeout at 717-263-0076 helps if you plan to pick up instead of waiting in the dining room.
Sample First-Visit Orders
Couple, one eats sushi and one does not: Edamame to share, one basic roll or small sashimi order, plus chicken teriyaki or shrimp tempura from the kitchen.
Family with children: Gyoza or edamame, California or shrimp tempura rolls, and teriyaki or fried rice from the entrees page.
Sushi-focused guest: Miso soup, two basic rolls, and one chef's special roll to share.
Weekday lunch: One lunch special bento with soup, plus an extra basic roll if you are still hungry.
Before You Arrive
Kenzo is located at 1495 Lincoln Way East, Suite 108 in Guilford Square behind Dunkin Donuts. The restaurant is closed Mondays. Kenzo is BYOB, so you may bring wine or beer to pair with your meal. Full hours, parking details, and takeout fax information are listed on our About Kenzo page and in the longer dining guide.