Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great tea selection
oChef » Ginko – Cleveland
Ginko - Cleveland
Photo from Ginko
Ginko at a glance
Cleveland Tremont
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 104 of the guests
#15 out of 62 places to eat in Cleveland
#1 Japanese Restaurant out of 2 in Cleveland
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
677
Reviews
78.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Attentive service
- Inviting ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service issues
- Stuffy environment
The restaurant Ginko, a Japanese Restaurant in Cleveland’s vibrant Tremont neighborhood, invites you to an exceptional culinary journey. You’ll discover an upscale and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a cozy evening out.
With a great wine list to complement your meal, you’re set for a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re seeking healthy options or late-night food, Ginko has something special waiting for you.
Overview: Introducting Ginko
Ginko offers a culinary experience where the `food` quality, particularly the `sushi`, often stands out. Many guests appreciate the `inviting atmosphere` and the dedicated staff who contribute to a memorable visit.
However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies in `service`, with reports of long wait times. While the quality is often praised, some find the overall experience to be expensive, and a few mention a stuffy environment.
Good
8
out of 10
677
Reviews
78.1%
Satisfaction
107
negative
41
neutral
529
positive
Overall, Ginko earns a solid `8` out of 10, indicating a good dining experience for most. This is supported by a `78.1%` customer satisfaction rate, which is also quite good.
With 677 customer observations, including 529 positive and 107 negative, there’s a clear lean towards positive experiences, suggesting reliability in its offerings. The `Food` truly shines here, scoring an excellent (8.8), often highlighted as a primary draw.
`Service` also performs well with a good (7.7), and the `Ambience` is generally considered good (7.2). However, `Value` presents a more average picture (4.9), indicating that while quality is high, the cost can be a point of contention for some diners.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Attentive service
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- High price point
- Occasional service issues
- Stuffy environment
Ginko is a strong contender for those prioritizing high-quality food and a pleasant setting. With a `8.4` recommendation score, it’s clear many find it a worthwhile visit, especially for its culinary offerings and generally good service.
However, be prepared for a higher price point, and be aware that service can occasionally be inconsistent. If you’re seeking a focused dining experience where food takes center stage and budget is less of a concern, Ginko is certainly worth considering.
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- Japanese Restaurant
7.6
out of 10
out of 10
513
75.6%
- $$
- Tremont
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Ginko
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! This spot is clearly hitting all the right notes, boasting an excellent score of 8.8 and an impressive 91.2% customer satisfaction. Out of 351 total comments, a whopping 320 were positive, highlighting the incredible quality of the sushi, the freshness of the fish, and the beautiful presentation of dishes.
Many rave about the variety of drinks and unique offerings, making every meal a delightful experience. However, its not entirely perfect, with 20 negative remarks. Some diners felt the portion sizes were a bit small, occasionally leaving them still hungry.
There were also a few comments about specific dishes like the Takoyaki lacking flavor or the drink strength being a bit much for some. So, while the overall quality is high, be mindful of what you order if you have a big appetite.
Food
351
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
20
negative
11
neutral
320
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, high-quality sushi
- Excellent presentation
- Great drink selection
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Left hungry
- Specific dish disappointments
Often praised
- sushiOur server, Alexander, was amazing, with a fun personality and very attentive service; we never had to ask for anything. We would recommend Ginko to any sushi lover seeking an authentic atmosphere and incredible sushi and drinks! We will be back!
- foodI was SO DISAPPOINTED! I highly recommended this place to my sister because of my past experiences: delicious food and drinks, great service, and a cool atmosphere. My sister and her husband took my sushi-loving 9-year-old niece for her birthday at 5 pm on a Thursday.
- drinksI was SO DISAPPOINTED! I highly recommended this place to my sister because of my past experiences: delicious food and drinks, great service, and a cool atmosphere. My sister and her husband took my sushi-loving 9-year-old niece for her birthday at 5 pm on a Thursday.
- fishYou could tell the fish was very high quality
- FoodFood is great.
- cocktailsIt's my favorite sushi spot and bar. The fresh phenomenal sushi was excellent, and they also served excellent balanced cocktails. The atmosphere was great, rated 5/5, and the service was equally impressive, also rated 5/5.
- qualitydon’t have to worry that the authenticity or quality is embarrassing
- appetizersthe sashimi, sushi and appetizers were excellent
- flavorsLots of different flavors come together
- oystersthey were possibly the best oysters I’ve had.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was horrible
- OmakaseThe environment was also very noisy. If you're looking to experience Omakase in Cleveland, I recommend going to other establishments. I don't understand the high praise this place receives; it feels like a complete rip-off.
- Oyster AppThey rid of the most amazing Oyster App I’ve ever had
- TakoyakiThe Takoyaki lacked any discernible octopus flavor
- UrchinUnless it’s Urchin, not for me
- dishesa total of 5.5 dishes
- drink strengthDishes like their truffle miso soup, Otoro, and hamachi ohshi sushi are comparable to Michelin-starred sushi restaurants we've visited. I also enjoyed the Natsu drink; it tasted amazing, though it was a little strong for me.
- hot oilno hot oil for the sushi
- left hungryThis was by far the worst restaurant experience in my life. For a couple of drinks and two people, it was almost $400, and we left hungry. It was disgraceful.
- nigirisnigiris came in a set for the same price
If you're seeking an exceptional sushi experience with top-tier quality and presentation, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that the portions might be on the smaller side, and perhaps inquire about drink strength if you prefer something milder.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a solid 71.7% customer satisfaction. Many guests, in 104 positive accounts, rave about the `attentive staff`, `friendly STAFF`, and `stellar service`, often highlighting how accommodating they are with `food allergies` and special requests. It seems they truly care about your experience!
However, not every visit is perfect, with 33 negative experiences pointing to areas for improvement. Some patrons encountered `slow service` or a `server's attitude` that left a `bad taste`. Others found `reservations` and `waiting time` to be a bit of a hassle, suggesting that planning ahead is key to avoiding frustration.
Service
145
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
33
negative
8
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Stellar, excellent service
- Accommodates food allergies
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Poor server attitude
- Reservation difficulties
Often praised
- serviceWe make it a point to visit every time we come to Cleveland. The quality of the food, the inviting atmosphere, and the exceptional service all contributed to a memorable visit. I highly recommend making a reservation, as it's a great place for a special occasion!
- staffmore importantly, the staff who keeps up the high-quality of food.
- ServiceService was AMAZING!
- serveralways had Joey as a server and he always makes us feel at home
- chefchef was really dedicated to his craft and was exceptionally wonderful to talk to
- managermanager even made sure everything was good
- serversthe servers constantly checked up on us
- valet parkingwe used valet parking (highly recommended)
- waitressOur waitress was very helpful and efficient
- Danteout walks Dante from the kitchen. It warms my culinary heart to see how attentive he is
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice would be a lot better
- reservationI waited a month for this garbage? Don't make a reservation at this place a month out. It was not worth it.
- waitmade us wait for 30 mins outside
- bad day attitudeWhen I called her back to the table to ask for the bill, she told me to 'chill out' and that she would be with me. Despite her bad day attitude, I still gave her a $35. 00 tip.
- bad tasteleft a bad taste in my mouth
- bad vibeshe has a very bad vibe
- beverage refillsnot paying attention to beverage refills
- communication skillsOh, also. I didn't think I would have to add this, but don't embarrass your guests and WATCH YOUR ATTITUDE. So disappointed in one of my favorite Tremont spots.
- computer systemmistake because of the computer system
- drink debacleThe server's attitude improved slightly when it became obvious they were planning on ordering a significant amount of food, but my sister and her husband felt uncomfortable throughout the rest of their dinner. They would have left following the drink debacle, but my niece was so excited to try new kinds of sushi and they didn't want to ruin her birthday dinner. I worked in the service industry for years and know that a few important things create a great experience for a patron: be patient, deliver drinks in a timely manner, and have some sort of communication skills.
Overall, the service here is quite good, making it a strong contender for a pleasant dining experience. Just be mindful of potential reservation challenges and occasional service hiccups, especially during busy times. If you plan ahead, you're likely in for a treat!
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe at this spot! The ambience here generally scores a 7.2, which is pretty good, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.9%. Based on 133 customer comments, with 89 leaning positive and 31 expressing concerns, many appreciate the "warm and inviting atmosphere, " "cool vibe, " and the overall "intimate" and "clean" feel, especially when sitting at the bar.
Its often described as a hidden gem, perfect for a fancy date night or special occasion, offering a unique and cozy experience. However, not everyone is completely charmed. Some find the space a bit challenging, citing tight quarters, a small basement room, and a noisy environment.
Issues like spotty phone reception and limited accessibility are also mentioned. While many enjoy the intimate setting, others feel it can be too cramped or loud, impacting the overall comfort and experience.
Ambience
133
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
31
negative
13
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate, cozy atmosphere
- Clean and inviting
- Great bar seating
What people don't like
- Cramped, small space
- Noisy environment
- Spotty phone reception
Often praised
- atmosphereWe make it a point to visit every time we come to Cleveland. The quality of the food, the inviting atmosphere, and the exceptional service all contributed to a memorable visit. I highly recommend making a reservation, as it's a great place for a special occasion!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- barSat at the bar and loved it
- restaurantAmazing restaurant, probably the best I've been to
- ambianceWe loved the ambiance. The vibe was very sexy.
- bar seatingI chose to sit at the bar, which offered a great view of the artists at work. The seating was comfortable, and the staff made me feel very welcome, ensuring I didn't feel alone. The bathrooms were quite amusing with their symbol-only signs, leading to a moment of pleasant confusion until someone assisted, which gave me a good chuckle.
- experienceThe experience was great
- Japanese Sushi HouseAtmosphere is that of a Japanese Sushi House
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- Parking optionsFree street parking
Frequently criticized
- environmentthe environment was stuffy with very little air flow
- tablesthere's not many tables to reserve
- AC or outside air exchangeneeded AC or outside air exchange of some sort
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- air flowThe sushi was just average at best. The environment was stuffy with very little air flow due to the underground location, and it was very hot; it needed AC or outside air exchange. On the service end, I'll give it a 6.
- atmosphereoverall it was really cacophonous
- childish menchildish men who chose to snicker and whisper
- cleanerit could be a little cleaner
- dining areathe dining area is very crowded
- entranceI’ve been here a handful of times now and have not had a bad experience. The only thing I’ve ever thought negatively about is the entrance because it’s small and a little awkward, but other than that, the restaurant as a whole is amazing. The service is really good and the staff give good input with questions about the menu.
If youre looking for a cozy, intimate spot with a unique atmosphere and dont mind a potentially lively or snug setting, this place could be a fantastic choice. However, if you prefer spacious, quiet dining with reliable cell service, you might find it a bit challenging.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Value
48
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
23
negative
9
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceI had the pleasure of sitting near the head chef, who explained the food expertly and engaged with us when he could spare a moment. While it was very expensive, it was worth every cent. We were looking for a night with awesome food, with price no object, and this place delivered.
- pricesThe prices are good too
- Happy HourDon't sleep on the Happy Hour!
- affordableit’s actually very affordable.
- cashhappy to shell out the cash.
- expensiveIt's expensive but worth every penny
- expensive datewell worth the quiet and good eats
- high endDefinitely high end
- moneyIt's easy to spend a ton of money but it was all worth it
- value for moneythis is great value for money
Frequently criticized
- price5 dishes. We felt it was not worth the price, and this included the service. The environment was also very noisy.
- Drinks/wineDrinks/wine = expensive
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- amount of moneyspend a monumental amount of money
- billa $1300 bill turned out to be over $2000
- credit card surchargecharge you tax on a credit card surcharge.
- drinksdrinks were overpriced
- moneycompletely cheating money
- normal peoplenormal people just not aloud to go out to eat
- overchargevery interesting overcharge on our bill
How are the prices at Ginko?
On average, you’ll spend around $76 per person – from 104 guests. That places the restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, this is certainly on the higher-end.
Looking at what people actually spend, while the average is $76, a good portion of diners are enjoying premium experiences, with many spending well over $100.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 104 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Cleveland.
Considering the quality often associated with Japanese cuisine and the clear demand for premium options here, we believe the pricing feels quite fair for this type of restaurant in Cleveland.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ginko
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Service Intent
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Amazing Food, Frustrating Service Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of amazing food and frustrating service. The kitchen staff was absolutely amazing, and the fish was excellent. Sitting at the bar is definitely recommended if you're a party of two, and the drink selection was fantastic.
However, we had a huge gripe with getting a table. My girlfriend made reservations for two over a week in advance for 6 pm for a date night, and we had an event to get to at 7: 30 pm nearby. We arrived a little under 10 minutes before, knowing it can be busy.
We checked in, and the waitstaff initially said it might be a bit because we were early, but we reminded them of our 6 pm reservation. Despite having the reservation info pulled up, she insisted we were a 6: 10 reservation and walked us around the bar to go upstairs to Coda. We passed three prepped two-seat areas at the bar that were presumably for other 6 pm reservations.
We sat upstairs for 45 minutes before being told our table was ready. My girlfriend was upset, as we had to cut our evening short, and she felt bad. While I know seating is limited, it felt like we were tossed aside.
For $150 on sushi, I would have expected much better service.
- kitchen staff10
- Fish10
- bar seating8
- getting a table2
- reservations3
- seating3
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Speakeasy Sushi Spot!
While visiting a friend in Cleveland, we discovered this amazing, underground/speakeasy style sushi spot. The service was excellent, and the food was so good that pictures would speak for themselves. I highly recommend it to anyone in the area looking for some good sushi.
- sushi spot9
- service10
- food9
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Third Year at Ginko: Excellent Service!
This was our third year coming to Ginko, and we’ve always had Joey as a server. He always makes us feel at home and comfortable. Definitely one of the best!
We will for sure be spending more great milestones in our life at Ginko to celebrate.
- server10
- service10
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Amazing Sushi and Must-Try Dessert!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best place for sushi in Cleveland, offering unique flavors and combos. Beyond the incredible sushi, the banana dessert is so good that it's worth making this restaurant a regular spot.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating. While parking was somewhat difficult to find, the wait time was non-existent. The noise level was loud but still allowed for conversation.
It's worth noting that while this location is not wheelchair accessible, a similar sushi experience can be found at Goma, another Dante restaurant.
- sushi10
- banana dessert10
- atmosphere10
- parking space4
- wheelchair accessibility3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Sushi and Great Happy Hour
My experience at this restaurant was amazing. I'd argue it serves some of the best sushi in Cleveland. The happy hour is great too.
It's definitely worth trying a few times.
- sushi10
- happy hour9
What Ginko offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and reservation policies does Ginko offer?
At Ginko, you can enjoy a full dining experience with lunch, dinner, and dessert options, all served with comfortable seating and table service. For dinner, reservations are highly recommended to ensure you secure your preferred time and enjoy a seamless visit.
Are there specific dietary options or drink selections available at Ginko?
Yes, Ginko caters to various preferences, offering healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options. You’ll also find a comprehensive drink menu including hard liquor, beer, wine, cocktails, and a great tea selection, alongside happy hour drinks and food.
How does Ginko generally score with customers?
Ginko receives a good overall score of `8` out of 10. Its `Food` is excellent (8.8), `Service` is good (7.7), and `Ambience` is also good (7.2). However, `Value` is considered average (4.9).
Is Ginko considered an expensive restaurant?
Yes, many customers describe Ginko as expensive, noting the high price point for drinks and the overall bill. While some find it worth the cost, `Value` scores as average (4.9).
What are some common concerns about dining at Ginko?
Some diners have reported occasional inconsistencies with `Service`, including wait times or less attentive staff. Additionally, the `Ambience` has sometimes been described as a `stuffy environment` or crowded.