Wonderful experience! Japanese and omakase culinary art at its finest. The entire staff was very accommodating in all details. Courses were beautifully presented and explained. I highly recommend Shinbay for your elevated experience dinner.
David Mendolia
top tier. easyily a michelin star restaurant. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shawn Kim (Shawn)
Chef Rex was very nice and professional.had amazing experience at Shinbay.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Catherine S
Such an amazing and unique experience! Shinbay is an absolute gem! The omakase experience blew me away. From the stunning ambiance to the divine dishes, every moment was a delight. Chef Tanaka Ken's creations are pure magic, and the service is top-notch. It's a bit pricey, but totally worth it for the unforgettable journey through flavors. If you're a foodie seeking an amazing experience, don't miss out on Shinbay!
The food is truly transcendental, and the preparation exquisite. Unfortunately, however, the ambiance is lacking, and the service choices were difficult to explain. First, having people wait outside to be seated, especially on Scottsdale road, is unappealing, particularly at that price point. The space lacks character and feels like a refurbished Brueggers. Although the fixtures were nice, the lighting felt sterile and cold. Finally, the service was attentive and prompt. However, there were some bizarre choices that made our experience fall far short of truly fine dining. For example, on multiple occasions, the price of something was mentioned (e.g., the wagyu, the wasabi, etc). That felt distasteful and inappropriate. Rather than learn interesting things about where the food was sourced, the cultural significance of various foods and how they are to be consumed, or even some elements of Japanese history, our interactions with staff lacked sophistication and the formality that a meal like that deserves (e.g., wait staff talking about TikTok, being told something is “good,” or hearing which and what dish was a staff favorite). The lack of a wine or sake pairing was also bizarre. In more casual settings, there would be nothing wrong with the service or design choices. But at a fine dining restaurant like this, everything, in addition to the quality of the food, must be very carefully curated. Unfortunately, although the food was top-tier, and some of the best Japanese cuisine I have had in the United States, the other elements of the dining experience fell far short of the price point. The cost of dinner was as expensive or close to a recent experience we had at Café Monarch. Yet the disparity between these two restaurants in terms of quality of service and ambiance were night and day. Unfortunately, without improvements in these areas, we would be reticent to return. To demand such a price, everything needs to be exceptional. The food alone cannot make magic.
Jimmie Tan
Phenomenal tasting menu and sake list. Not just sushi, but different styles of Japanese food. Attentive and friendly staff. Will go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
DrewAndSophie
A must do experience! The Omakase dinner was incredible and should have a one star Michelin at least! Wonderful, creative and fresh ingredients. The presentation for each course was worth enjoining. The chef, sous chefs and entire team made this experience memorable. We highly recommend it.
Foodguru
This was a beautiful trip to a culinary wonderland. I've eaten all around the world and can say our dinner with Tanaka Ken was one of the best I've experienced. My son is very knowledgeable about Japanese cuisine but he learned so much throughout this amazing tasting trip. We didn't want the evening to end. Thank you!
My fiancés father was in town and he is a big foodie. We've done this omakase before with the prior chef who opened the restaurant. We were very pleased with the new chef and his apprentice! Every bite brought a new exciting taste. We will definitely be back.
Sireatsalot
The reservation required strict start times. Times were quoted that you were only allowed to be 5 mins late, you were requested to arrive 15 mins prior to your reservation time and 30 mins late was considered a cancellation. When we arrived, on time for our 8pm seating, the earlier seating was still having dessert. Awkwardly, we were told to return 20 mins later or we could stand in the corner (and essentially be behind a little wall hearing the guest finish up). It's very strange to have such a strict seating requirement and then tell your guests for the last seating they'll be 20 minutes delayed. Not very professional for such an expensive dinner and no respect for the time of the later dinner guests.
An evening to forget. We should have known when we received the reservation confirmation and they restaurant clearly stated that if you're late, your reservation will be cancelled and you must still pay. We showed up at the door four minutes early to be told that they "are running behind and have no place for us to wait". No bar or waiting room so we were chased away. No ownership that we're paying customers. We came back at 20 minutes past the reservation time and the restaurant was still not ready. Food was good. During dinner the restaurant ventilation was not good enough so the front door was opened which made the place uncomfortably cold. Also, they did not have enough ipads (being used for menus) so we were asked to share, then the wine we ordered came out with a different vintage. So many cases of "bait and switch". We will not go back.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
David
An evening to forget. We should have known when we received the reservation confirmation and they restaurant clearly stated that if you're late, your reservation will be cancelled and you must still pay. We showed up at the door four minutes early to be told that they "are running behind and have no place for us to wait". No bar or waiting room so we were chased away. No ownership that we're paying customers. We came back at 20 minutes past the reservation time and the restaurant was still not ready. Food was good. During dinner the restaurant ventilation was not good enough so the front door was opened which made the place uncomfortably cold. Also, they did not have enough ipads (being used for menus) so we were asked to share, then the wine we ordered came out with a different vintage. So many cases of "bait and switch". We will not go back.
RobertH
Great food, excellent & friendly service. The chefs were very friendly and it was a fun dining experience being able to chat with them throughout the meal. The sommelier was also very helpful and we had a good time talking to him as well. Highly recommend.
JaredK
Everything about this experience was amazing! I had just proposed and it was my Fiance's 26th birthday. Derek the General Manager did a great job walking us through every dish, it's origin, and how to properly consume each item for the best experience. Both chefs were taking their time with each dish and you could see their craft really come out during the night. It made it for an amazing and very enjoyable experience. It is well worth the money and I would highly recommend Shinbay to anyone looking for not just great food, but an overall amazing experience. Can't recommend it enough!!!
For the price, the amount of food and quality was far below what we were expecting. We got 2 bites of wagyu. A lot of the items were also very bland. For $800 for 2, it was a big disappointment.
Wonderful experience! Japanese and omakase culinary art at its finest. The entire staff was very accommodating in all details. Courses were beautifully presented and explained. I highly recommend Shinbay for your elevated experience dinner.
top tier. easyily a michelin star restaurant. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chef Rex was very nice and professional.had amazing experience at Shinbay.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such an amazing and unique experience! Shinbay is an absolute gem! The omakase experience blew me away. From the stunning ambiance to the divine dishes, every moment was a delight. Chef Tanaka Ken's creations are pure magic, and the service is top-notch. It's a bit pricey, but totally worth it for the unforgettable journey through flavors. If you're a foodie seeking an amazing experience, don't miss out on Shinbay!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sashimi Selection, Nigiri Selection, Marinated Jellyfish, Sushi, Dessert, Jellyfish
The food is truly transcendental, and the preparation exquisite. Unfortunately, however, the ambiance is lacking, and the service choices were difficult to explain. First, having people wait outside to be seated, especially on Scottsdale road, is unappealing, particularly at that price point. The space lacks character and feels like a refurbished Brueggers. Although the fixtures were nice, the lighting felt sterile and cold. Finally, the service was attentive and prompt. However, there were some bizarre choices that made our experience fall far short of truly fine dining. For example, on multiple occasions, the price of something was mentioned (e.g., the wagyu, the wasabi, etc). That felt distasteful and inappropriate. Rather than learn interesting things about where the food was sourced, the cultural significance of various foods and how they are to be consumed, or even some elements of Japanese history, our interactions with staff lacked sophistication and the formality that a meal like that deserves (e.g., wait staff talking about TikTok, being told something is “good,” or hearing which and what dish was a staff favorite). The lack of a wine or sake pairing was also bizarre. In more casual settings, there would be nothing wrong with the service or design choices. But at a fine dining restaurant like this, everything, in addition to the quality of the food, must be very carefully curated. Unfortunately, although the food was top-tier, and some of the best Japanese cuisine I have had in the United States, the other elements of the dining experience fell far short of the price point. The cost of dinner was as expensive or close to a recent experience we had at Café Monarch. Yet the disparity between these two restaurants in terms of quality of service and ambiance were night and day. Unfortunately, without improvements in these areas, we would be reticent to return. To demand such a price, everything needs to be exceptional. The food alone cannot make magic.
Phenomenal tasting menu and sake list. Not just sushi, but different styles of Japanese food. Attentive and friendly staff. Will go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A must do experience! The Omakase dinner was incredible and should have a one star Michelin at least! Wonderful, creative and fresh ingredients. The presentation for each course was worth enjoining. The chef, sous chefs and entire team made this experience memorable. We highly recommend it.
This was a beautiful trip to a culinary wonderland. I've eaten all around the world and can say our dinner with Tanaka Ken was one of the best I've experienced. My son is very knowledgeable about Japanese cuisine but he learned so much throughout this amazing tasting trip. We didn't want the evening to end. Thank you!
My fiancés father was in town and he is a big foodie. We've done this omakase before with the prior chef who opened the restaurant. We were very pleased with the new chef and his apprentice! Every bite brought a new exciting taste. We will definitely be back.
The reservation required strict start times. Times were quoted that you were only allowed to be 5 mins late, you were requested to arrive 15 mins prior to your reservation time and 30 mins late was considered a cancellation. When we arrived, on time for our 8pm seating, the earlier seating was still having dessert. Awkwardly, we were told to return 20 mins later or we could stand in the corner (and essentially be behind a little wall hearing the guest finish up). It's very strange to have such a strict seating requirement and then tell your guests for the last seating they'll be 20 minutes delayed. Not very professional for such an expensive dinner and no respect for the time of the later dinner guests.
Restaurantji Recommends
An evening to forget. We should have known when we received the reservation confirmation and they restaurant clearly stated that if you're late, your reservation will be cancelled and you must still pay. We showed up at the door four minutes early to be told that they "are running behind and have no place for us to wait". No bar or waiting room so we were chased away. No ownership that we're paying customers. We came back at 20 minutes past the reservation time and the restaurant was still not ready. Food was good. During dinner the restaurant ventilation was not good enough so the front door was opened which made the place uncomfortably cold. Also, they did not have enough ipads (being used for menus) so we were asked to share, then the wine we ordered came out with a different vintage. So many cases of "bait and switch". We will not go back.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
An evening to forget. We should have known when we received the reservation confirmation and they restaurant clearly stated that if you're late, your reservation will be cancelled and you must still pay. We showed up at the door four minutes early to be told that they "are running behind and have no place for us to wait". No bar or waiting room so we were chased away. No ownership that we're paying customers. We came back at 20 minutes past the reservation time and the restaurant was still not ready. Food was good. During dinner the restaurant ventilation was not good enough so the front door was opened which made the place uncomfortably cold. Also, they did not have enough ipads (being used for menus) so we were asked to share, then the wine we ordered came out with a different vintage. So many cases of "bait and switch". We will not go back.
Great food, excellent & friendly service. The chefs were very friendly and it was a fun dining experience being able to chat with them throughout the meal. The sommelier was also very helpful and we had a good time talking to him as well. Highly recommend.
Everything about this experience was amazing! I had just proposed and it was my Fiance's 26th birthday. Derek the General Manager did a great job walking us through every dish, it's origin, and how to properly consume each item for the best experience. Both chefs were taking their time with each dish and you could see their craft really come out during the night. It made it for an amazing and very enjoyable experience. It is well worth the money and I would highly recommend Shinbay to anyone looking for not just great food, but an overall amazing experience. Can't recommend it enough!!!
For the price, the amount of food and quality was far below what we were expecting. We got 2 bites of wagyu. A lot of the items were also very bland. For $800 for 2, it was a big disappointment.