0 Followers
SHŌ
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
SHŌ
8.6
SHŌ is a modern Old Town omakase where chef Mari Katsumura runs a tightly edited 10-course menu that moves from sashimi to playful composed dishes and DIY hand rolls. The counter-only format, music-forward room, and focus on seasonal Japanese technique with global twists make it one of the most ambitious sushi experiences in 60610.
Must-Try Dishes:
Corn cream croquette with jalapeño and yuzu, Sukiyaki-inspired wagyu hand roll, Tonkotsu ramen with Iberico ham
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Music-driven omakase that blends serious technique with interactive, DIY hand rolls.
Who should go: Sushi fans seeking high-end, creative omakase in Old Town.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings Tuesday–Saturday for full experience.
What to order: Seasonal omakase, wagyu hand roll, corn cream croquette.
Insider tip: Book counter seats and pace drinks so you stay sharp through all ten courses.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Old Town can be limited during dinner hours; allow extra time or use nearby paid garages.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jackets and heels fit in but not required.
Noise level: Moderately lively with music-forward energy—conversation is doable but not hushed.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are rarely seated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this is primarily an evening omakase experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some courses may be adaptable with advance notice.
Vegan options: Very limited due to fish-forward omakase format.
Gluten-free options: Often possible with substitutions; notify the restaurant when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a memorable, high-end experience with chef interaction and a shared tasting menu. It’s ideal for conversation-focused dates that appreciate food as the main event.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. The counter-only format runs on set seatings, so book in advance online or join the waitlist.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The structured omakase and intimate setting are best suited for adults or older teens used to tasting menus.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion omakase with thoughtful progression, chef presence, and creative, seasonal touches.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte sushi, very quiet dining rooms, or have strict dietary needs that don’t work with set menus.
SHŌ
8.3
A modern Old Town omakase room built around a tight counter experience, where build-style hand rolls can be the most “roll-forward” part of the night. Go in expecting a guided set rather than à la carte roll shopping, and you’ll enjoy it more.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase courses, Build-your-own hand rolls, Dessert course (when offered)
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A counter-led omakase with a hand-roll-forward moment baked into the pacing.
Who should go: Omakase-first diners who still want roll texture
When to visit: Weeknights for the smoothest service rhythm
What to order: Omakase, hand-roll portion, any seasonal add-ons
Insider tip: Treat it like a set menu—don’t come expecting à la carte roll variety.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Old Town; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — upscale but not formal; jeans are fine if styled well.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet enough for conversation, with focused counter energy.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins are unlikely to be seated promptly.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner-only format.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — possible with advance notice, but not the core focus.
Vegan options: Very limited — not recommended unless coordinated ahead of time.
Gluten-free options: Accommodations are possible for some courses, but soy-based items may limit flexibility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re comfortable with a guided, intimate experience. It’s less interactive than casual sushi but great for focused conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends; occasionally possible early on weeknights, but reservations are the smart move.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the omakase format and pacing are best suited for adults and older teens who enjoy longer meals.
Best For
Better for: Refined omakase pacing with a hand-roll-forward moment in a polished, modern setting.
Skip if: You want à la carte sushi rolls, faster dining, or flexibility for dietary restrictions.
SHŌ
8.6
A small omakase room built around a chef-led, coursed sequence with a true counter focus and a clear, modern Japanese-American point of view. Go in ready to follow the chef’s arc and keep the night centered on the counter rather than add-on sprawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffled dashi custard, Build-your-own hand rolls (caviar-style service), Chawanmushi with truffled dashi and caviar
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A chef-led omakase built for a focused counter experience.
Who should go: Omakase-first diners and milestone dates
When to visit: Early seating for the calmest service
What to order: Omakase menu, hand-roll moment, custard course
Insider tip: Choose counter seats—this is the point of the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Old Town is limited and competitive in the evenings; plan for nearby paid garages or rideshare for the smoothest arrival.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine if polished, but most diners opt for elevated evening wear.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation, with most sound coming from chef interaction at the counter.
Weekend wait: Counter-focused omakase typically requires a reservation; walk-ins are unlikely during peak dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening omakase experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—this is a fish-forward omakase, and substitutions are minimal.
Vegan options: Not recommended—the menu structure does not support a full vegan progression.
Gluten-free options: Often workable with advance notice, but confirm at booking since sauces and courses are pre-set.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re both comfortable with a guided, intimate experience—conversation flows naturally at the counter, but it’s less flexible than a casual à la carte spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. This is a small omakase room built around a fixed counter experience, so reserving ahead is strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adult-focused, quiet omakase setting best suited for experienced diners rather than children.
Best For
Better for: A tightly paced, chef-driven omakase where the counter interaction and progression are the main event.
Skip if: You want menu flexibility, a faster meal, or accommodations for multiple dietary restrictions—those are better handled at à la carte Japanese restaurants.