Located in the heart of Van Nuys, Lemón Zëst offers an extraordinary dining experience that combines fresh, vibrant flavors with an innovative culinary approach. Renowned for its zestful dishes that celebrate citrus and bold ingredients, the menu at Lemón Zëst Van Nuys captures the essence of modern, health-conscious dining without compromising on taste.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor seeking something uniquely refreshing, the restaurant’s offerings promise to tantalize your palate and invigorate your senses.
From appetizers to desserts, Lemón Zëst’s menu showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes that emphasize seasonal produce and creative flavor combinations. The balance between light, zesty elements and rich, comforting ingredients makes it a standout destination for food enthusiasts who appreciate both quality and innovation.
Every dish feels like a celebration of freshness, carefully crafted to deliver not only nutrition but also a feast for the eyes.
The following sections will walk you through the key highlights of the Lemón Zëst Van Nuys menu, exploring the diverse categories that make this restaurant a must-visit spot for anyone craving a refreshing and sophisticated dining experience.
Fresh Starters and Appetizers
The appetizers at Lemón Zëst Van Nuys are designed to awaken the palate with bright, invigorating flavors. These starters set the tone for the meal, offering a variety of textures and tastes that range from crisp and tangy to smooth and savory.
Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, the appetizers reflect the restaurant’s commitment to freshness and creativity.
Each dish incorporates fresh herbs, citrus zest, and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a vibrant start to your dining experience. The use of lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits in marinades and dressings is a hallmark of these dishes, bringing a natural brightness that complements the other components superbly.
Popular choices include the Zesty Avocado Tartare, featuring ripe avocado combined with lemon juice, diced tomatoes, and a hint of chili pepper. Another favorite is the Citrus Glazed Shrimp, where succulent shrimp are marinated in a tangy glaze and served with a refreshing microgreens salad.
Signature Appetizers
- Zesty Avocado Tartare: Creamy avocado, lemon, tomatoes, and a subtle chili kick.
- Citrus Glazed Shrimp: Juicy shrimp marinated in lemon and lime glaze with microgreens.
- Herbed Lemon Hummus: Classic hummus infused with fresh lemon zest and Mediterranean herbs.
- Roasted Beet Carpaccio: Thinly sliced beets with a drizzle of orange vinaigrette and toasted nuts.
“The appetizers at Lemón Zëst are a masterclass in balancing bold flavors with subtle, fresh ingredients.”
Hearty Salads with a Twist
For those seeking something nutritious yet satisfying, the salads at Lemón Zëst Van Nuys offer a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and exciting flavors. These salads are far from ordinary; each bowl is a vibrant mosaic of colors, textures, and tastes that make healthy eating both delightful and indulgent.
The menu features salads that incorporate a variety of greens, fresh fruits, nuts, and proteins, all expertly tossed in house-made citrus dressings. The emphasis is on layering flavors and creating contrast—crisp greens meet sweet oranges, creamy avocado contrasts with crunchy seeds, and tart lemon vinaigrette lifts every bite.
Many salads are customizable, allowing diners to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an added protein boost. The focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients means the salad selection often changes, reflecting what is available locally and sustainably.
Popular Salad Options
- Sun-Kissed Citrus Salad: Mixed greens with orange segments, candied pecans, and lemon vinaigrette.
- Superfood Power Bowl: Kale, quinoa, avocado, blueberries, and toasted almonds with a zesty lemon dressing.
- Roasted Chicken & Avocado Salad: Grilled chicken breast, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens with citrus dressing.
- Vegan Harvest Salad: Roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, arugula, and pomegranate seeds with a tangy dressing.
| Salad Name | Main Ingredients | Protein Options | Price Range |
| Sun-Kissed Citrus Salad | Mixed greens, orange segments, pecans | Chicken, Shrimp | $12 – $16 |
| Superfood Power Bowl | Kale, quinoa, avocado, blueberries | Tofu, Chicken | $14 – $18 |
| Vegan Harvest Salad | Sweet potatoes, chickpeas, arugula | None | $13 |
Enticing Main Courses
Lemón Zëst’s main dishes are a celebration of culinary craftsmanship, blending international influences with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The mains cater to diverse palates, offering options from seafood to plant-based dishes, each infused with the signature citrus zest that defines the restaurant’s identity.
The chefs take pride in balancing complex flavors with straightforward presentation, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine. Whether you prefer a hearty protein or a vegetarian delight, the mains promise to deliver satisfaction without feeling heavy or overdone.
Signature dishes like the Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon and the Zëst-infused Vegetable Risotto capture the essence of Lemón Zëst’s philosophy—vibrant, nourishing, and creative.
Chef’s Picks for Main Courses
- Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon: Fresh salmon marinated in lemon zest and herbs, served with seasonal vegetables.
- Zëst-infused Vegetable Risotto: Creamy risotto with asparagus, peas, and a hint of lemon peel.
- Citrus Marinated Chicken: Tender chicken breasts marinated in citrus and garlic, served with quinoa salad.
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: Filled with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and goat cheese, drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
“Every main course at Lemón Zëst highlights a perfect harmony between fresh ingredients and zesty innovation.”
Decadent Desserts with a Citrus Kick
Ending your meal at Lemón Zëst Van Nuys means indulging in desserts that are as thoughtfully prepared as the savory dishes. The dessert menu showcases the versatility of citrus, transforming it into luscious, sweet creations that offer a refreshing finish to your dining experience.
From light sorbets to rich lemon tarts, the desserts balance sweetness and acidity to avoid overwhelming the palate. The chefs incorporate natural sweeteners and fresh fruit to keep the options feeling light yet indulgent.
Popular desserts include the Lemon Basil Cheesecake and the Blood Orange Sorbet, both of which highlight the freshness of citrus in unique and delightful ways.
Noteworthy Dessert Choices
- Lemon Basil Cheesecake: Creamy cheesecake infused with fresh lemon zest and basil, on a graham cracker crust.
- Blood Orange Sorbet: A refreshing, dairy-free sorbet made from ripe blood oranges.
- Citrus Panna Cotta: Silky panna cotta with a tangy lemon glaze and candied orange peel.
- Key Lime Pie Bites: Miniature tartlets bursting with tangy key lime filling.
| Dessert | Main Flavors | Texture | Price |
| Lemon Basil Cheesecake | Lemon, basil, cream cheese | Creamy, smooth | $8 |
| Blood Orange Sorbet | Blood orange | Light, icy | $6 |
| Key Lime Pie Bites | Key lime, graham crust | Crunchy, tart | $7 |
Refreshing Beverages and Cocktails
The beverage menu at Lemón Zëst Van Nuys complements the food perfectly with a range of fresh juices, artisan cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. The drinks emphasize the same zestful ethos found throughout the menu, featuring citrus-based concoctions that refresh and invigorate.
Whether you’re in the mood for a revitalizing lemonade twist or a sophisticated cocktail with a hint of lime and herbs, the bar offers something for every taste. The non-alcoholic selections are crafted to be just as exciting, with fresh ingredients and creative presentation.
Signature drinks like the Lemón Zëst Mule and the Citrus Mint Cooler highlight the use of fresh lemons, limes, and herbs, adding brightness and complexity to each sip.
Popular Drink Selections
- Lemón Zëst Mule: Vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and a sprig of mint.
- Citrus Mint Cooler: Fresh lemon and lime juices, mint leaves, sparkling water.
- Ginger Lemonade: House-made lemonade with a spicy ginger twist.
- Herbal Iced Tea: A blend of green tea and herbal infusions with a splash of lemon.
“The cocktail menu at Lemón Zëst Van Nuys elevates citrus to new heights, offering refreshing and innovative drinks that perfectly pair with the food.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Lemón Zëst Van Nuys is committed to catering to diverse dietary preferences, offering a robust selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options are crafted with the same attention to freshness and flavor, ensuring that plant-based diners enjoy a satisfying and vibrant meal.
The vegetarian and vegan dishes feature a variety of legumes, grains, and fresh vegetables, all enhanced with the restaurant’s signature citrus zest. The use of herbs, nuts, and creative cooking techniques brings depth and texture, making these meals both nourishing and exciting.
Popular plant-based dishes include the Quinoa Citrus Salad and the Grilled Vegetable Plate with Lemon Tahini Dressing, both bursting with flavor and nutritional value.
Top Vegetarian & Vegan Choices
- Quinoa Citrus Salad: Protein-rich quinoa combined with fresh citrus, herbs, and nuts.
- Grilled Vegetable Plate: Seasonal vegetables grilled and served with a lemon tahini dressing.
- Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Filled with black beans, corn, and avocado, topped with a light citrus drizzle.
- Chickpea & Lemon Stew: Slow-cooked chickpeas in a fragrant lemon and spice broth.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Dietary Suitability | Price |
| Quinoa Citrus Salad | Quinoa, citrus, nuts, herbs | Vegetarian, Vegan option available | $14 |
| Grilled Vegetable Plate | Seasonal vegetables, lemon tahini | Vegan | $13 |
| Stuffed Sweet Potatoes | Sweet potatoes, black beans, avocado | Vegan | $15 |
Seasonal Specials and Limited-Time Offerings
Lemón Zëst Van Nuys regularly features seasonal specials and limited-time menu items that showcase the best of local produce and culinary innovation. These dishes rotate with the seasons, allowing patrons to enjoy fresh, unique creations that highlight the evolving flavors of the year.
The specials often incorporate rare or unusual citrus varieties, exotic herbs, and creative cooking techniques. This dedication to seasonal freshness ensures that every visit to Lemón Zëst offers something new and exciting to explore.
Past specials have included the Meyer Lemon Tart with fresh berries during spring and a Spiced Citrus Braised Beef in the cooler months, each crafted to highlight the natural qualities of the season’s ingredients.
Examples of Recent Seasonal Specials
- Meyer Lemon Tart: A delicate tart featuring the sweet and floral notes of Meyer lemons, topped with fresh berries.
- Spiced Citrus Braised Beef: Tender beef slow-cooked with orange zest, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Spring Citrus Gazpacho: A cold soup blending lemon, lime, and grapefruit with fresh herbs and vegetables.
- Autumn Citrus & Root Vegetable Medley: Roasted root vegetables glazed with a tangy citrus reduction.
“The seasonal specials at Lemón Zëst highlight the chefs’ passion for innovation and dedication to fresh, local ingredients.”
Conclusion
The Lemón Zëst Van Nuys menu is a vibrant tapestry of flavors that expertly balances freshness and creativity. Each dish reflects a commitment to using high-quality, seasonal ingredients, with citrus playing a starring role in enhancing every bite.
Whether you arrive hungry for a light salad, a hearty main, or a sweet citrus-infused dessert, the menu offers something to satisfy every craving with a distinctive zest.
Beyond just food, the overall dining experience at Lemón Zëst is elevated by thoughtfully paired beverages and an atmosphere that celebrates freshness and innovation. The variety of vegetarian, vegan, and protein-rich options ensures inclusivity, allowing every guest to find a dish that resonates with their taste and dietary needs.
Seasonal specials add an exciting dynamic, encouraging repeat visits and exploration of new flavors.
In essence, Lemón Zëst Van Nuys is not only a restaurant but a destination for those who appreciate culinary artistry combined with the invigorating power of citrus. Dining here is an invitation to savor the unexpected and delight in the harmonious marriage of zest and comfort, making every meal a memorable occasion.
