Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Shino – San Diego
Shino - San Diego
Photo from Shino
Shino at a glance
San Diego Little Italy
- š£ Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61ā$70
mentioned by 63 of the guests
#442 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#29 Japanese Restaurant out of 36 in San Diego
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
410
Reviews
65.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sushi
- Skilled staff
- Inviting ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service inconsistency
- Loud environment
The restaurant Shino, a Japanese Restaurant in San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, invites you to discover its unique charm. You’ll find a truly memorable dining experience here, highlighted by a great tea selection that perfectly complements your meal.
This spot promises an authentic taste of Japan, making it a must-visit for those seeking quality and tradition.
Overview: Introducting Shino
Shino offers a compelling dining experience, largely driven by its fresh and expertly prepared cuisine. Many guests appreciate the quality of the food, often highlighting the skilled sushi chefs and the pleasant, inviting ambiance.
It’s often seen as a good choice for a relaxed evening out. However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies, particularly regarding the attentiveness of the service and the overall value for money.
While the atmosphere can be welcoming, there are occasional mentions of noise levels impacting the dining experience.
Good
7.1
out of 10
410
Reviews
65.9%
Satisfaction
104
negative
36
neutral
270
positive
Shino achieves a respectable overall score of 7.1, placing it firmly in the good category. However, customer satisfaction stands at 65.9%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This divergence suggests that while many have positive experiences, a notable portion encounters aspects that temper their enthusiasm. Delving into the specifics, the Food (7.8) is clearly a highlight, drawing 270 positive remarks out of 410 total customer comments.
Service (6.6) and Ambience (6.9) are rated as average, with some positive feedback balanced by 104 negative observations. The Value (4) score, however, suggests this is an area where Shino consistently falls short for many.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Attentive, skilled staff
- Inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- High price point
- Inconsistent service
- Loud dining areas
If you prioritize fresh, well-crafted sushi and a generally pleasant setting, Shino is worth considering. The culinary execution is a clear strength, making it a solid choice for those seeking quality Japanese fare.
Just be prepared for a potentially lively atmosphere. With a recommendation score of 7.5, Shino generally leaves a positive impression.
However, if budget is a primary concern or you expect flawless service, you might find the experience less satisfying. It’s a place to enjoy the food, but manage expectations regarding cost and occasional service hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Shino
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally thrilled, with a 7.8 score indicating a good experience and 76.3% customer satisfaction. Many of the 174 positive comments rave about the fresh sushi and omakase experience, highlighting the excellent fish quality and unique rolls. Guests consistently find the dishes delicious, fresh, and authentically prepared.
However, not everyone is completely won over. Some of the 36 negative remarks point to issues with rolls being imbalanced or falling apart, and concerns about fish quality or bland flavor. A few even mentioned rice that was cold, mushy, and lacked seasoning, suggesting some inconsistencies in execution.
Food
228
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
36
negative
18
neutral
174
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality fish
- Creative sushi options
- Excellent omakase
What people don't like
- Inconsistent roll quality
- Bland fish taste
- Poor rice texture
Often praised
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I believe it offers the best sushi in San Diego, and it's all served in a super laid-back environment. I absolutely love this place!
- foodI had to ask where my table was, and he simply pointed and walked away. My party likes the food and the restaurant, but being my first time, this was a bad experience.
- fishI found it to be the perfect little sushi dinner place with no notes for improvement. The food was good, and the fish was fresh. Despite it being busy, the servers still made time for me, which was greatly appreciated.
- rollsWe were fortunate to get a table at 6pm on a Saturday night without a reservation. The service was friendly and the rolls were excellent. The place was packed by 7pm, so it's advisable to make a reservation and plan ahead.
- FoodFood:5
- crispy rice spicy tunacrispy rice spicy tuna is my wife's
- fish qualityThe fish quality was excellent as well
- flavorThe flavor is good, and the products are good, but it's not the best sushi in town. We liked the flavor of Tokio San, a fast-food place, more. We were careful when eating a roll because it had bones.
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious food and a sense of gratitude for having a quality sushi place downtown. The staff were nice, and the food quality is dependable. However, the experience was marred by the extremely expensive nature of the dining, which I dare to say is overpriced, at least for the basic offerings.
- freshRobert and his team create such delicious sushi, and it's extremely fresh! While it's not cheap, you can expect great quality.
Frequently criticized
- fishWe waited over 45 minutes to receive our food. The rolls were imbalanced, with too much rice and not enough fish, and the fish was over-sauced, giving it a texture that looked like cat food rather than actual fish. We also waited forever for tuna slices over rice, and the tuna quality was poor for such a specific dish.
- rollsRolls were imbalanced with fish vs rice
- sashimiIt was really underwhelming in appearance and taste for $25
- California rollthe California roll was subpar at best
- Kitchen Sink RollKitchen Sink Roll and while it sounds good with ALL THE TOPPINGS, thereās just too much going on with the flavors itās not the best.
- Spicy Tuna rollThe spicy tuna roll was bland
- Sushi courseDidnāt even stay for the Sushi course
- Toro Toro rollmost disappointing is probably the Toro Toro roll which should be renamed onion roll, I could barely taste fish
- californicated palateNot for the californicated palate.
- double double rolldouble double roll was gross. What ever was on top tasted like month old pate.
If you're seeking fresh, high-quality sushi with creative options, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for its omakase. However, be mindful that some experiences have noted inconsistencies in roll construction and flavor, so manage your expectations for every dish.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a lot going for it, with a solid 6.6 score and 61.8% customer satisfaction, indicating a mixed but generally positive experience. Many guests, across 68 positive remarks, rave about the friendly, attentive, and accommodating staff, especially the sushi chefs and servers. They often highlight excellent customer service and the ease of making a reservation.
However, not all experiences are perfect, as seen in 34 negative comments. Some diners encountered issues like long waits at the reception desk, slow attention to their table, and even forgotten orders. There are also mentions of staff with a less-than-ideal attitude and frustrations with the online booking method.
Service
110
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
34
negative
8
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodating service
- Excellent sushi chefs
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Forgot orders
- Poor booking method
Often praised
- serviceAfter hearing recommendations for eight years, my wife and I finally visited Shino, and it was a fabulous experience! The service was incredible, and their specialty rolls were over the top. Chef Robert truly killed it with his touch.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a great dining experience. The service was excellent, with welcoming, attentive staff. I enjoyed their nice wine list.
- customer servicethey had excellent customer service
- reservationThe service was friendly and the rolls were excellent. The place was packed by 7pm, so it's advisable to make a reservation and plan ahead. Highly recommended.
- ServiceService:5
- serversthe servers were very friendly
- sushi chefIt was an absolutely amazing experience all around. Our sushi chef, Keith, was the best. He was very creative and professional with his suggestions and presentations.
- sushi chefsMy experience at Shino was a delightful departure from the typical sushi restaurant. I was impressed by the very fresh seafood, the extremely skilled sushi chefs, and the innovative twists on traditional dishes. While many are familiar with Miso Soup, Shino offers unique variations like Asari (Manila clam miso) and Akadashi.
- Japanese waitressThe Japanese waitress was very helpful and she knew which fish came in fresh
- RobertRobert was a very nice guy
Frequently criticized
- serviceIn the interim during my waiting, I asked the receptionist for a glass of water and that gentleman refused by saying they have no cup to go. Comparing the overcharged price (I spent over $80 for food just enough to feed one person), the service is cheap. They should work on training employees into professional demeanor.
- waiting timeI went this evening to order take-out. The receptionist forgot my order and I ended up waiting 40mins for my food. In the interim during my waiting, I asked the receptionist for a glass of water and that gentleman refused by saying they have no cup to go.
- hostMy party made a reservation for June 15, 2022. The host named Yu-Su treated me disrespectfully. He didnāt answer me when I was asking to be seated upon arrival, and when he grabbed the menus, he didn't say a word to walk me in.
- 10 minuteswaited 10 minutes just to see if anyone would approach me
- advertised closing timeThey advertise that they close at 10 Pm
- attention to tableno one checked on my table
- booking a tableIt is a bit on the expensive side, but the service and food quality more than justified the bill. If I could take off half a point though, I would for the ability to book a table. Some have been able to find this online with difficulty, but I could not, with the only clear option being to call.
- chefThe chef looks visibly upset and said that it was not recommended and refused to do it
- closing timethey are closing at 9 Pm
- glass of waterThe receptionist forgot my order and I ended up waiting 40mins for my food. In the interim during my waiting, I asked the receptionist for a glass of water and that gentleman refused by saying they have no cup to go. Comparing the overcharged price (I spent over $80 for food just enough to feed one person), the service is cheap.
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, especially at the sushi bar, its worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential inconsistencies, particularly with wait times or the booking process, which might require a bit more patience.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Many guests really appreciate the vibe here, with 24 positive remarks out of 36 total. They often highlight the pleasant atmosphere, low key vibe, and how tables are not jammed together, making for a comfortable dining experience. Some even call it a hidden gem with a fun vibe and cool inside.
The ambience scores a respectable 6.9, indicating its generally well-received. However, its not all quiet comfort, as customer satisfaction sits at a 66.7% (mixed). A few of the 8 negative comments point out that the place was super loud, especially in the back room, with bumping music sometimes adding to the noise.
A less common but notable complaint mentioned gnats and flies which can certainly dampen the mood.
Ambience
36
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Low-key, fun vibe
- Spacious seating
- Hidden gem
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Pests present
- Noisy back room
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was pleasant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancewarm and inviting ambiance set the stage
- barsat at the bar right in front of the sushi chefs
- bar seatingchose the bar and had the best view in the place
- cool insideit's super cool inside
- date nightbest little spot for a great date night
- decorpleasant decor
- dining experienceMy experience at this restaurant was a great dining experience. The service was excellent, with welcoming, attentive staff.
- environmentMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I believe it offers the best sushi in San Diego, and it's all served in a super laid-back environment. I absolutely love this place!
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- back roomThe back room is way too fāing loud
- gnats and flieslots of gnats and flies while eating
- moodThe mood was shot!
- musicbumping music on top of the ambient noise
- placePlace was super loud
- street parkingOnly street parking available
- sushi bartable was right next to the sushi bar and this SUPER loud guy came in and stood and had a beer
If youre looking for a lively, casual spot with a "fun vibe" and dont mind a bit of noise, this place could be a great pick for a date night or night with friends. However, if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting, or are sensitive to loud music and potential pests, you might want to consider other options.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
While the overall sentiment for value is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4 and customer satisfaction at a low 11.1%, some diners did find bright spots. Out of 36 total comments, 4 positive remarks highlighted that the experience was worth it and worth every penny. They felt the food was delicious and the service attentive, making it feel like money well spent despite the general perception.
However, the majority of feedback, with 26 negative comments, points to significant concerns regarding the price. Many felt the offerings were expensive, overpriced, or simply pricey for the quality received. Guests mentioned dishes being underwhelming for their cost, and several noted that the overall bill could easily break the bank, leading to disappointment and a feeling of being overcharged.
Value
36
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
26
negative
6
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the money
- Worth every penny
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Overpriced
- Breaks the bank
Often praised
- worth itbut itās worth it
- moneyWorth the money
- pennyThe staff was extremely kind and attentive, ensuring we felt welcome and were well fed. The food was absolutely delicious and worth every penny. I can't wait to go back again!
Frequently criticized
- pricecharging this price for a nigiri, i would expect for the rice to be acceptable!
- pricesdisappointed in the prices. For sashimi and one roll I spent $77
- billIf you get 2 beers consider 150 bucks, tips included for 2
- break the bankIt will break the bank
- costit was $90 after tip
- expensivedefinitely expensive for the quality
- foodFood is very expensive
- mealHowever, the experience was marred by the extremely expensive nature of the dining, which I dare to say is overpriced, at least for the basic offerings. I've attached photos of a $44 meal.
- overcharged priceIn the interim during my waiting, I asked the receptionist for a glass of water and that gentleman refused by saying they have no cup to go. Comparing the overcharged price (I spent over $80 for food just enough to feed one person), the service is cheap. They should work on training employees into professional demeanor.
- overpricedit is a bit overpriced
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially high price tag, as many found it expensive for what you get. While a few felt it was worth it, the overwhelming sentiment suggests you might find the value proposition disappointing. Go in with realistic expectations about the cost.
How are the prices at Shino?
On average, youāll spend around 68 per person, based on 63 guests. That places this Japanese restaurant in the $61ā$70 category, which is comfortably mid-range, maybe slightly above. While $68 is the average, its worth noting that many diners are actually spending more, with a good number of prices reported in the $71ā$80, $91ā$100, and even $101+ ranges.
So, youll find options from a solid mid-range meal to a more premium experience.
Hereās a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 63 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant, especially considering the range of spending we see. It suggests theres value to be found whether youre looking for a solid mid-range meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Shino
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Awesome Sushi, Worth the Price
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was incredibly friendly and welcoming. I was particularly impressed with the food; the rolls were awesome.
As a bonus, they offered Japanese beer on draft and the sake was delicious. Like any other high-quality sushi establishment, you must be willing to pay the price ā in other words, 'You Get What You Pay For'. I would definitely want to eat here again.
- service10
- rolls10
- Japanese beer9
Price per Person
- $51ā$60
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Fresh Sushi and Accommodating Service
The interior of this sushi spot is quite typical, but the food was truly exceptional. The fish was incredibly fresh and flavorful. Our sushi chef was also very nice.
We were impressed that they opened up and let us in even though we arrived right at their closing time of 9: 30. We ordered several plates of sashimi, which were all amazing ā simple yet packed with flavor. The yellowtail jalapeƱo was particularly yummy.
As someone who is gluten-free, I found them to be very accommodating. Although I don't live in San Diego, I was there helping my best friend move in and I'm definitely looking forward to returning for another meal.
- food10
- fish10
- sushi chef9
Price per Person
- $31ā$40
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Service, Fresh Fish, Big Portions!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The service was great and very attentive. I was impressed by the fish, which was incredibly fresh and served in big portions.
The atmosphere, service, and food were all rated a 5 out of 5, and the wheelchair accessibility with ramps was a thoughtful touch.
- service10
- fish10
- portions9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Exceptional Service and Fresh Fish
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding, particularly with the service. The server was incredibly attentive, remembering details about our past orders, drink preferences, and even allergies from months prior. The food was also a highlight, with fresh wasabi being unreal and the fish being super fresh and so so good.
The atmosphere was pleasant, contributing to an overall enjoyable dining experience.
- fresh wasabi10
- fish10
- service10
Price per Person
- $91ā$100
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0ā5 min.)
10
Delicious Food, Exceptional Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff was extremely kind and attentive, ensuring we felt welcome and were well fed. The food was absolutely delicious and worth every penny.
I can't wait to go back again!
- staff10
- food10
- penny10
What Shino offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Shino Sushi + Kappo?
At Shino Sushi + Kappo, you have flexible service options including convenient dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For dining, you can enjoy table service for lunch or dinner, and be sure to save room for dessert.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities does Shino Sushi + Kappo offer?
You’ll find Shino Sushi + Kappo offers an atmosphere that is upscale yet cozy, casual, and trendy. Amenities include a bar onsite for drinks and a restroom for your comfort, alongside a great tea selection.
How does Shino generally rate among customers?
Shino holds a 7.1 overall score, indicating a good experience for many. Customer satisfaction sits at 65.9%, suggesting a mixed reception. The Food (7.8) is a strong point, while Service (6.6), Ambience (6.9), and especially Value (4) show room for improvement.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Shino?
Many patrons praise the fresh, quality sushi and the skilled sushi chefs. The inviting atmosphere also contributes to a pleasant dining experience, making it a popular choice for a date night.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Shino?
Some customers find the restaurant to be quite expensive, noting that the value for money can be a concern. There are also occasional reports of inconsistent service and a loud dining environment.