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THE SHOTA
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
THE SHOTA
8.8
Michelin-recognized Edomae omakase with Toyosu sourcing in a sleek FiDi setting. Best for executive meals when you need discretion, precision, and a tasting format that impresses—typically booked for evening engagements.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Omakase Nigiri, Chef’s Uni Course, Sake Pairing
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 9
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Michelin-level omakase with Toyosu fish in a refined counter.
Who should go: Clients you must truly impress
When to visit: Book well ahead; evenings only
What to order: Full omakase; seasonal uni; sake pairing
Insider tip: Request counter seats to follow the chef’s progression piece-by-piece.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking available at 555 California with validated rates; limited metered street parking nearby.
Dress code: Business formal or elevated smart casual; suits and dresses fit the norm for client lunches or dinners.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet counter environment ideal for conversation or client discussions.
Weekend wait: Reservations required; books out 1–2 weeks in advance.
Weekday lunch: Typically closed for lunch; private bookings may be arranged.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; omakase format includes seafood in most courses.
Vegan options: Not available — menu is built around fish and shellfish.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice; soy sauce alternatives available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming for a refined, quiet experience. The counter service creates intimacy, though it’s more formal than playful.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely — The Shota is reservation-only, especially for omakase. Same-day walk-ins are not accommodated.
Is it kid-friendly? No — the tasting format and quiet setting make it better suited for adults and business or special-occasion meals.
Best For
Better for: Precision omakase execution, Toyosu-sourced fish, and calm ambiance make it superior for executive dining or serious sushi enthusiasts.
Skip if: Skip if you want à la carte options, a casual vibe, or flexibility for dietary restrictions — this is a focused tasting experience.
THE SHOTA
8.9
Edomae-style omakase in a sleek FiDi counter where the team sources from Tokyo’s Toyosu market and guides you through a precise progression of nigiri and otsumami. Chef Ingi Son’s tasting is a special-occasion play with polished service and a calm, date-friendly room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Toyosu nigiri flight, Hokkaido uni with warm rice, A5 wagyu nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Edomae omakase with Toyosu sourcing in a refined counter setting.
Who should go: Couples planning a splurge-worthy omakase
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for a quieter counter
What to order: Omakase progression; sake pairing; seasonal uni
Insider tip: Book well ahead; ask about supplement bites if seats allow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking on Montgomery and Sacramento; nearby garages at 343 Sansome or 333 Bush typically $10–$15 after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual; jackets or dresses fit the tone, but no formal requirement.
Noise level: Low to moderate – quiet enough for intimate conversation across the counter.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only; typically booked 2–3 weeks out for weekends.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner-only omakase.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; omakase format occasionally accommodates upon request if notified in advance.
Vegan options: Not available; menu is seafood-focused with minimal substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes, can accommodate with advance notice – tamari used in place of soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the intimate counter setup and precise pacing make it ideal for a memorable, conversation-focused first date with a foodie twist.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No – all seating is by reservation only, and same-day availability is rare. Check Tock for last-minute cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? No – this is a quiet, multi-course omakase experience best suited for adults; no children’s menu or booster seats available.
Best For
Better for: Exquisite Edomae technique, top-tier Toyosu sourcing, and serene pacing make it superior for purist sushi enthusiasts or romantic splurge nights.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte sushi, quicker service, or more casual settings like Robin or Akikos.
THE SHOTA
9.0
Edomae-style omakase in a polished FiDi counter setting, where seasonal fish from Toyosu is treated with aging and curing techniques. Service is choreographed but warm, and plating is precise enough to satisfy sushi traditionalists and Instagram hawks alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Edomae nigiri flight, Hokkaido uni pairing, Chawanmushi
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Toyosu-sourced Edomae omakase executed with meticulous technique.
Who should go: Omakase devotees and special-occasion diners
When to visit: Midweek seatings; arrive early for counter
What to order: Nigiri flight, uni pairing, chawanmushi
Insider tip: Ask for a sake pairing tailored to that night’s fish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearest paid garage at 555 California St. Street parking is very limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual; jackets or dresses recommended. Jeans acceptable if dark and paired with dress shoes.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation at the counter is easy, background music and chatter are subdued.
Weekend wait: Reservations are required; walk-ins rarely seated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—advance notice required for a modified omakase.
Vegan options: Not available—fish and seafood are central to the experience.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—tamari available upon request; some marinades may contain trace gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate counter seating and polished service create an impressive, memorable first-date experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Almost never; book online at least 2–3 weeks ahead for prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended—menu is raw-fish focused with no child accommodations; best for adults and teens comfortable with sushi.
Best For
Better for: High-end omakase presentation and Toyosu-sourced fish make it ideal for serious sushi enthusiasts and luxury occasions.
Skip if: If you prefer à la carte sushi, cooked dishes, or a casual vibe, alternatives like upscale izakayas may be a better fit.
THE SHOTA
8.9
Counter-seat omakase by Chef Shota focused on Edomae technique and seasonal fish, presented with meticulous, photo-ready plating. A polished FiDi experience that pairs precise nigiri with small otsumami courses in a sleek, minimalist setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Otoro nigiri, Hokkaido uni nigiri, Chawanmushi
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Edomae-style omakase with refined, photogenic plating.
Who should go: Omakase fans seeking a polished date night
When to visit: Book midweek; arrive early for counter seating
What to order: Seasonal nigiri flight, uni pairing, chawanmushi
Insider tip: Ask about sake pairings tailored to the night’s fish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in FiDi is very limited; closest reliable option is paid garages on Bush or Kearny. No valet on-site.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—jackets or dresses fit the polished counter setting; sneakers and overly casual attire may feel out of place.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation, with the focus on the chef’s presentation and counter interaction.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; without one, walk-ins are almost never accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch service—only dinner seatings available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—occasional vegetable-focused bites, but no full vegetarian omakase.
Vegan options: Not recommended—menu relies heavily on seafood and traditional dashi.
Gluten-free options: Generally possible—soy sauce substitutions can be requested, but advance notice is advised.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want to impress with refinement and exclusivity. The intimate counter format makes it personal but best for those comfortable with extended meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. This is a reservation-driven omakase counter with limited seating; book weeks ahead for prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—long multi-course format and quiet, minimalist setting are better suited for adults. Children under 12 would likely not be accommodated.
Best For
Better for: Precision-driven omakase and visually striking plating that outshines most FiDi sushi spots on presentation and exclusivity.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte ordering, quicker casual dining, or are looking for vegetarian/vegan sushi options.
THE SHOTA
8.8
Edomae-style omakase focused on top-tier fish and meticulous technique, served at an intimate counter in the heart of FiDi. Expect a flowing progression of nigiri and small plates with polished service and precise pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal nigiri progression, Chawanmushi, Toro bite (market-dependent)
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Michelin-level omakase with exacting fish prep and pacing.
Who should go: Serious sushi fans and special-occasion diners
When to visit: Evenings Wed–Sun; reserve counter seats
What to order: Full omakase; supplements if offered; sake pairing
Insider tip: Arrive early—finding the lobby entrance can take a minute.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking is available nearby on Pine and Bush Streets; street parking is scarce in FiDi evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jackets or cocktail attire are common at the counter.
Noise level: Low—quiet counter environment suited for conversation and chef interaction.
Weekend wait: No walk-in availability; reservations required weeks in advance.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited; most courses are fish-based with occasional vegetable bites.
Vegan options: Not recommended—menu is seafood-driven with minimal plant-based options.
Gluten-free options: Accommodations possible if noted in advance; soy sauce substitutions are offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date enjoys sushi—intimate counter seating and polished service create a memorable experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely; The Shota is strictly reservation-only and books out weeks ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal; no kids’ menu and the omakase pacing suits adults—best for diners 12+ with an interest in sushi.
Best For
Better for: The Shota excels at precision nigiri, Michelin-level service, and creating a luxury omakase experience.
Skip if: Skip if you want casual à la carte sushi, large group seating, or broad menu variety.
THE SHOTA
8.9
Michelin-starred, dinner-only omakase in a sleek FiDi counter setting where a tight Edomae progression spotlights top-flight sourcing and classic technique. Locals book it for milestone dinners and precise nigiri with seasonal imports.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro nigiri, Uni nigiri, Omakase progression
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Michelin-starred Edomae omakase with meticulous fish work.
Who should go: Omakase devotees and special-occasion diners
When to visit: Book counter; early seating for calmer pacing
What to order: Toro nigiri, uni nigiri, full omakase
Insider tip: Request counter seats to interact directly with the chef.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in the FiDi at night; best to use nearby garages on Clay or California ($10–$15 evening rate). No valet service provided.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—jackets or dresses fit in, though not mandatory. Avoid overly casual attire like hoodies or shorts.
Noise level: Low to moderate—intimate counter seating allows for conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are not accepted. Expect to book 2–4 weeks in advance for weekend seats.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited—omakase is fish-focused; call ahead to confirm if substitutions are possible.
Vegan options: No—menu is seafood-driven and not designed for vegan substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Partially—soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten. Notify in advance; chef can accommodate with gluten-free soy.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date appreciates sushi and fine dining. The intimate counter format creates a memorable experience, though it may feel too serious for a casual first outing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—The Shota operates strictly by reservation. Walk-ins are not accommodated.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended—no children’s menu or accommodations, and the quiet, extended omakase format suits adults only.
Best For
Better for: Precision-driven Edomae sushi with top-tier sourcing in an intimate, Michelin-starred setting. Ideal for special occasions and sushi purists.
Skip if: You want à la carte options, casual dining, or broader Japanese menus with cooked dishes.
THE SHOTA
8.9
A Michelin-starred, dinner-only omakase where Chef Shota leads a precise nigiri progression built on top-flight sourcing and classic Edomae technique. Locals book it for special-occasion counter seats that feel intimate yet polished.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s seasonal nigiri flight, Toro nigiri, Hokkaido uni nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Michelin-starred omakase led by Chef Shota with exacting fish work.
Who should go: Omakase devotees and special-occasion diners
When to visit: Reserve counter; early seating for calmer pacing
What to order: Toro nigiri, uni nigiri, full omakase progression
Insider tip: Ask for counter seats to interact directly with the chef.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in FiDi is scarce and metered; best option is nearby paid garages like the Embarcadero Center ($6–10 for evening hours). No valet service offered.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual; jackets and dresses are common. Avoid overly casual attire like shorts or flip-flops.
Noise level: Low to moderate — the intimate counter format allows for clear conversation, though you’ll hear the chef’s explanations.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only; typically books out 2–3 weeks in advance. Walk-ins not accepted.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-only service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended — menu is fish-driven with minimal vegetarian substitutes.
Vegan options: No viable vegan options given the omakase format.
Gluten-free options: Generally accommodating for gluten-sensitive diners if notified in advance; soy sauce substitutions available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the counter experience feels exclusive and intimate, with attentive pacing that suits a special-occasion date. It’s better for serious or celebratory outings rather than casual first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No — The Shota is strictly reservation-only. Book online several weeks in advance for guaranteed seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for children; the quiet omakase format and multi-course progression are geared toward adults. Recommended age 12+ for serious young diners.
Best For
Better for: High-end omakase with Michelin-level precision and chef interaction — best for sushi purists seeking top-quality fish and traditional Edomae craft.
Skip if: If you want à la carte sushi, budget-friendly rolls, or a casual group setting. Opt for alternative sushi bars or izakayas instead.