Shinzo Omakase

I've been to much more expensive omakases, and I have to say, this is one of the most memorable. Yes, you're given an hour-long timeslot, but nothing feels rushed or incomplete. For the price ($69) this is easily one of the best omakase deals in the city.The chef was incredibly attentive, always checking to ensure everything was to our liking. I learned about his background, and even chatted with some fellow diners who were visiting from out of town. Connecting with the owner was another highlight--everyone here was so welcoming and engaging.At first, I thought, "this probably won't fill me up", but I was surprised to leave feeling fully satisfied. Every bite is an experience. We went for my birthday, and they made the occasion extra special with a complimentary birthday plate and sake--such a thoughtful touch!A few tips: 1. Reservations are a must. 2. Be prepared to wait outside until your time slot is ready. 3. Arrive on time. 4. BYOB.Overall, we absolutely loved this omakase experience. If you're after high-quality sushi paired with a friendly and intimate vibe, this place should be at the top of your list!

Wanted try an omakase experience for the first time and saw good reviews of this new spot. Initial impressions were not great since we waited 20 minutes after our reservation time since the party before us was drinking and taking their time (even though they are supposed to be hard stops). However, all was made well with the sushi. We had their 13 course omakase and every single piece was absolutely amazing! You could taste the quality of every single ingredient. The fish was fresh, the rice well made and wagyu literally melted in our mouths. We enjoyed the sushi so much we added on a seasonal shima aji and a uni and wagyu hand roll. It was an amazing experience with some of the best quality sushi we have ever had! Sushi: Amberjack, Madai (Sea Bream), Sawada (Spanish Mackerel), Torched Sea Bass, Botan Ebi with Uni, Scallop, Ikura, Salmon with Foie Gras, Akami, Chutoro, Otoro with Caviar, Torched A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, Unagi, Shima Aji (Striped Jack) and Wagyu and Uni Handroll

We loved this omakase experience! We made a reservation for 2 for their opening time slot. Make sure you get there on time! One couple arrived late and they were speed-served sushi. It's also a very small space (only about 10 seats) so make sure you make a reservation.The service is very nice. We loved that it was BYOB with no corkage fee. They provided the glasses and poured for us. So kind!The sushi itself was great too. Nothing too crazy or intricate given the price point but still good quality fish, a few with well matched toppings, at reasonable portion sizes. I recommend this place for a cute date night! (Actually had a friend go here for a date after my recommendation and they loved it too!)

Overall a very yummy omakase experience. The fish was fresh. I enjoyed most of the pairings. The interior was small and compact, nothing cozy or fancy. The shrimp with uni on top was a miss for us as it was texturally all the same, it made for a really mushy bite. This combo was not for me. The service was not our favorite. My chair got pushed in several times by staff without me knowing, they wanted to make more room for people to get by but I was already flush against the table so it obviously hurt. Happy to move in when requested or stand up so others can get by. Also our friend has never been to omakase before and kept biting the pieces in half, the chef told him to eat in one bite. It was clearly hard for him to do and even after he tried the chef was being rude to him about how he was eating the pieces. I completely understand correcting someone once so they enjoy the food how it was intended to be eaten but several times was unnecessary and became awkward. If you have omakase experience and are a small party then this place is probably most enjoyable for you. I also was thinking about size inclusivity, I don't see how someone who is bigger could fit in the seats here, I'm a small women and felt cramped. Something to keep in mind.

For the price point, this might be one of the best deals in the city. $69 for 13 generous pieces and the fish was some of the freshest I've had at even pricier places. They cut nice thick slices. We couldn't even choose which piece was our favorite bc we really loved every single one which is rare. To top it off, it's byob with no corkage fee. Our server was extremely accommodating and kept our white wine chilled. He was right there when our glasses were close to empty each time too. I thought one hour would be rushed, but it was the perfect amount of time. My only gripe was the rice. I judge an omakase more so on how well the rice is cooked and seasoned and their rice was super overcooked which is why I couldn't give them a 5*. Other than that, everything was perfect!

One of the best omakase experiences that I've had and at such a good value too. Chefs are extremely funny and kind, waiters / hosts constantly filled our glasses with free sake, and every bite was so amazing. Highly recommend coming and I will definitely be back!

Rudolf Otto theorized about the existence of the elusive Holy beyond human comprehension. Yi's sushi craftmanships molds spiritual energy into a physical 13 course sushi dinner simple enough that even a child could appreciate yet deceptively complex for the trained tongue. 13 cuts of fish. Each slice is a stanza coming together to play a beautiful symphony of seafood umami. Shinzo is a most romantic poem taking inspiration from and extending the works of Shakespeare and Beethoven.Act 1: The ShallowsYi begins our Japanese journey with fresh yellowtail, sea bream, bass, and sablefish. Each cut is minimalist, but carefully positioned to subdue and surpass any prior expectations. Tender, yet just firm enough to chew. Sweet, yet just enough lime zest and wasabi to compliment and enhance. Each ingredient provides a unique tasting experience that leaves you begging for more.Act 2: The DepthsA steady crescendo into an explosive climax. Shinzo commands a powerful control over both knife and fire to bring a complex seafood harmony of salmon and tuna. Gentle scores expose hidden accents of fatty tissue to a light sear resulting in a beautiful cut of raw fish glistening with freshly melted salmon butter. The ashy sear, fish fat, and tender lean underside melt into an explosive wave of flavor. Just when you think you've experienced it all, the caviar topping creates yet another dimension of flavor. Not a single tastebud is spared.Act 3: The BeyondEvery masterpiece must have its conclusion and Shinzo is no exception. Yi ends the night with a course of seared A5 wagyu and sweet unagi over rice. In contrast to the first Act, the conclusion subtly reintroduces familiar aspects of traditional dining as if a bittersweet goodbye to the world of flavor we've just explored. Yet, even at the symphony's end, each cut teases a piece of Shinzo's now iconic cut and score technique.Raw seafood is a delicate art that demands mastery. Shinzo Omakase is a love poem to the concept of dining itself.

Phenomenal experience here! The service was really top tier. They were super friendly, informative and regularly checked up on us. From the check in process till the end, I really enjoyed my time here. All the pieces were so fresh and good! They also take the time to ask if you are okay with all the pieces on the menu, and if you don't like a certain piece they will change it to better suit your palette! I've never had an omakase experience like this. Super attentive chef and always asking if things were to our liking. They even gave us some sake since this is a BYOB spot and we didn't bring any. I highly recommend coming here and make sure you snag the reservations quick! Must sit at the bar !!!!

My daughter called her friend (RP) to pick her up before she totally blacked out. Dan (waiter) and Leo (owner) somehow managed to call me (@ San Jose, CA) with my daughter phone just to confirm if I know RP whom to picked her up to ensure her safety. Leo even told me that he will show me the RP picture to make sure he is the true RP that I met before releasing my daughter to him. And will stay with her till she is awake if necessary. This is the best valentine day gift I ever had. Thanks Dan, Leo, and RP for everything.

Amazing experience. Come here on your birthday!!Hosts are attentive, chefs are talented, and company is great. 10/10