If you’ve had a hard day at the office or the kids have run you ragged, there’s no better place to relax and dine than Zen Fusion Cuisine at 79-28 Parsons Blvd. in Flushing.

Actually, you don’t need an excuse to visit this newcomer that is wowing food lovers. The atmosphere, like its name, is soothing, and you will find enlightenment in selections from a large menu offering Japanese, Thai and South Asian specialties.

With unusual standing colored lighting and comfortable banquets, the restaurant is a standout in design.

Our friendly and informative waiter, Joe, gave us plenty of time to study the extensive menu, which includes teriyaki dishes, fried rices, curry specialties, noodle choices and hibachi dinners, prepared in the kitchen, not at your table.

For appetizers, we tried Thai spring rolls, crispy calamari, tempura and, for the sushi lover, spicy tuna with crunch. Each selection was delicious. The calamari was especially tender and served over greens with a slightly spicy sweet chili sauce. The tempura featured shrimp and vegetables and the batter was perfect without being too doughy.

The couple at the next table ordered sashimi deluxe, which we may get the next time. It’s a beautifully prepared bowl of 18 pieces of raw fish. Other diners were taking pictures of it with their cell phones.

But then all the dishes are presented in a stunning display. Our spring rolls came with a carrot cut to resemble a flower, while the sushi came with a small live orchid. These touches all add to the ambiance of Zen Fusion.

For entrees, my guest and I tried a Thai favorite: chicken pad Thai and a vegetarian selection: curry duck. Both were hits. For the vegetarian in your crowd, Zen Fusion has a large selection utilizing vegetarian beef, chicken and duck plus shrimp and vegetable choices.

Even the desserts are special here. We shared an exotic bomba, featuring raspberry, mango and passion fruit sorbet in a white chocolate shell, drizzled with chocolate and fresh fruit. Delightful and refreshing.

The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner: Monday-Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sunday noon to 10 p.m.

Zen Fusion Cuisine

Where: 79-28 Parsons Blvd. Flushing

Open: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; and Sunday noon-10 p.m

Contact: (718) 591-5555

zenfusioncuisine.com