The former BYO was a bright spot for sushi in the city, thanks to Ho and partner/chef Gunawan Wibisono, who both got their start in Philly behind the line at Morimoto. The new space (formerly Grey Social) has a kitchen more than twice the size of the narrow original, and the menu will expand in turn, offering dumplings, spring rolls, udon noodle soups and assorted salads along with the raw fish plates.

Zento v2 is aiming to be a Philadelphia sake hub, offering a dozen varieties of the brewed rice wine that run from $15–$120 for an 8-oz. carafe. On the less expensive side are standbys like Gekkeikan (which now operates a brewery in California) and versions flavored with Fuji apple or lemongrass. At the high-end are aged vintages (some kept at freezing temps for a year or more to preserve clarity), featuring more earthy, pungent notes. Infused sake cocktails are $8 each, and come in housemade flavors like white peach, green apple, green tea and yuzu citrus.

Also on the drink list is a series of mixed drinks with a shochu base. This traditional Japanese liquor can be made from rice, barley, sweet potatoes, carrots, or other starchy starters, and is distilled (unlike sake, which is brewed). It is less potent than Western vodka or whiskey, coming in around 25% alcohol by volume (compared to 40%), but is said to create a potent buzz. Try it with vermouth and vodka in the Sweet Potato Sour ($12); along with tequila, lime and cucumber in the Jalisco Haiku ($11); or with tomato juice and ginger in the Blood + Spice ($10).

There’s a full wine list, including several sparklers by the bottle, and a dozen beers by the bottle, studded with Japanese labels like Coedo, Echigo and Koshihikari. Zento opens at 5 PM daily; stay tuned for future details on lunch or brunch. Check out some of their drink menu, below.

Zento Hand-Crafted Cocktails

Geisha Girl $13
White Peach, Cranberry juice, Lemon juice, Vodka, Cranberries

Summer Mimoza $9
Yuzu, Orange juice, Champagne, Orange Slice
 
Johnny Sokko $9
Ginger, Rum, Coke, Club Soda, Lime Wheel
 
Last Samurai $12
Green Apple, Lemon Juice, Gin, Club Soda, Apple Quarter
 
Grasshopper $13
Matcha, Crème De Cacao, Crème De Menthe, Half n Half, Mint Leaves
 
The “Grape One” $12
Kyoho Grape, Grapefruit Juice, Red Wine, Rosemary
  
Sake
              
Gekkeikan (8 oz carafe) $15

Fuji Apple (8 oz carafe) $16

Diamond Sake (8 oz carafe) $18

Coconut Lemongrass (8 oz carafe) $20

Asian Pear (8 oz carafe) $20

Asian Plum (8 oz carafe) $15  

Sweet Raspberry (8 oz carafe) $20

Organic Nigori (8 oz carafe) $20

Junmai Ginjo “Ice Dome” (8 oz carafe)  $45

Seven Samurai Junmai Ginjo (8oz carafe/720ml) $45/140

Muroka Nama Genshu Junmai Daiginjo (8oz carafe/720ml) $75/225

Junmai Dai Ginjo Tokusen (8 oz carafe/720ml) $120/360

Shochu Cocktails

Sweet Potato Sour $12
Shochu, Dry Vermouth, Vanilla Vodka, Licor 43, Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

Jalisco Haiku $11
Blanco Tequila, Shochu, Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Cucumber

Shiso Bitter $12
Shochu, Campari, Grand Marnier, Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Mint Leaves

Blood & Spice $10
Shochu, Tomato Juice, Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, Soy Sauce, Cilantro, Fresh Ginger, Pepper
 
Sake Infused Cocktails

White Peach $8
Peach infused sake, muddled fresh peach served over ice and topped with club soda. Garnished with a fresh strawberry.

Green Apple  $8
Green Apple infused sake, muddled green apple served over ice and topped with club soda. Garnished with an apple wedge.

Green Tea $8
Tea infused sake, muddled tea leaves served over ice and topped with club soda. Garnished with mint leaves.

Grape $8
Grape infused sake, muddled grapes served over ice and topped with club soda. Garnished with fresh seedless grapes.

Ginger $8
Ginger infused sake, muddled cherries served over ice and topped with club soda. Garnished with ginger root.

Citrus $8
Yuzu infused sake, muddled citrus fruit served over ice and topped with club soda. Garnished with a lemon and lime wheel.