Del Mar’s Sky Deck has a new anchor, and it comes with a backstory that’s pretty special. Zen Modern Asian Bistro just opened its flagship location in Del Mar Highlands Town Center, bringing upscale Chinese cuisine that spans Cantonese, Szechuan, and Pan-Asian dishes.

What makes this one different and special is the family story behind it – three generations of chefs who’ve spent decades refining their craft.

The Family Behind the Food

At the heart of Zen Modern Asian Bistro is Head Chef Henry Yang, who’s approaching 70 and has spent over 40 years mastering Chinese cooking. He grew up in Taiwan and worked across Thailand and various regions of China before landing in San Diego, where he ran Mr. Charlie’s Fortune Cookie in Rancho Bernardo.

In 2016, he launched Zen Modern Asian Bistro in Sabre Springs with his two sons.

His son Ethan, a third-generation chef, learned from both his grandparents and his father before striking out on his own.

If you’ve spent time at Sky Deck, you already know Ethan’s work – he operates Glass Box, the award-winning sushi spot that’s been one of the food hall’s original anchors. Now he’s Executive Chef at Zen, while his brother Jonathan co-owns the business.

For Henry, this new location is his “last hoorah before retirement,” which adds some weight to the opening. He’s handing off a legacy while still being present to see it through.

Recipes Passed Down Through Generations

The menu pulls from recipes passed down through generations, but it’s not stuck in the past. Sichuan Dumplings come with sesame butter, peppercorn, and chili broth.

Xiao Long Bao and Egg Drop Soup cover the comfort food bases. Kung Pao Chicken and Chow Fun Noodles hit familiar notes, while Kurobuta Pork Char Siu gets a sweet soy and honey glaze treatment.

Then there’s Taiwanese Ribeye with an Asian bordelaise sauce and Kimchi Fried Rice made with egg, chicken, shrimp, onions, scallions, peas, and gochujang sauce. It’s the kind of menu that respects tradition while still making room for innovation.

The drink menu is worth paying attention to. The Ube cocktail combines dark rum, taro, coconut cream, lime, and pineapple. The Green Lantern mixes vodka, matcha, yuzu, and lemon. The Tokiloupe Sour uses Suntory Toki, cantaloupe, lemon, and bitters, while the Passionfruit Martini leans bright and tropical.

There are also four variations on the Old Fashioned, including one infused with oolong tea that sounds particularly interesting.

The Space Itself

The 2,255-square-foot restaurant features a large dining area with 56 seats, a full-service 23-seat bar, and television screens for sports. Ethan describes the vibe as striking a balance between stylish and modern while staying warm and welcoming – equally suited for a quiet dinner or a night out with friends.

Sky Deck has become a legitimate culinary destination in Del Mar, and Zen adds another strong option to the mix. The fact that Ethan already runs Glass Box there means he understands the audience and the space.

See you there!

Family-run restaurants that span three generations are increasingly rare, especially ones where the food quality matches the story. Zen Modern Asian Bistro brings both, and we’re here to support it!

Head to Sky Deck, settle into the bar or dining area, and experience Chinese cuisine that’s been refined over decades by a family that genuinely knows what they’re doing.

📆 Now open | Sunday – Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM | Friday – Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM
📍 12841 El Camino Real STE 206, San Diego
ℹ️ More info: Website | Instagram

See you there, San Diego!