Zest Sushi & Small Plates

Set on the ground floor of downtown Cary’s Rogers mixed-use development, Zest Sushi & Small Plates pairs a chic, polished dining room with attentive hospitality. Since its debut, the full-service restaurant has resonated with locals, capturing Best New Restaurant honors in the 2025 Cary Magazine Maggy Awards.

The expansive sushi program runs from playful specialty rolls like the Two If by Sea with garlic chili crunch to luxe sashimi flights and towering raw bar platters, while small plates showcase yuzu crab cakes, Polynesian pork belly, salmon poke crunch, and the interactive Tabletop Tenderloin seared at the table.

Guests can book online reservations for lunch or dinner, gather a party in the private dining room for up to 30, or order takeout alongside craft martinis, mules, and other creative cocktails. Limited semi-covered outdoor seating plus a central downtown address make Zest a lively spot for sushi cravings day or night.