Shin Sushi - Encino

Disclaimer: My visit to this restaurant took place over a year ago.I felt compelled to write this review after my recent visit to Japan and the experience I had with its incredible cuisine.After seeing Shin Sushi in the Michelin guide, I decided to book a reservation (required) for my birthday last year. The experience was quite a memorable one. The décor and general vibe of the restaurant certainly doesn't scream Michelin star, but the food more than makes up for this.The meal is Omakase style and started with an assortment of seasonal Japanese vegetables and small bites, each one unique and delicious. Then the sushi began and unsurprisingly was the star of the show. The chef took great care with each and every piece, expertly forming the sushi, explaining where the fish came from and what it meant to him personally. Every bite was bliss, washed down with what is the best miso soup (or any soup for that matter) I've ever had truly exceptional depth and balance of flavors. There was no dish that left me even slightly disappointed and dessert is highly recommended.It was extremely apparent that the chef wanted to provide the best culinary experience he could to each guest at his 8 seat sushi bar. On top of that, he was very friendly and a joy to converse with/learn more about.I felt compelled to write this review after my recent visit to Japan, where it was my mission to find excellent sushi almost everyday. I have to say that nothing we tried in Japan was equivalent to the meal we had at Shin Sushi (how lucky Angelenos are to have such incredible cuisine from so many different cultures).What a treat, I hope to be back soon.

Fantastic omakase experience... Chef really informs and entertains.. not inexpensive but when splurging...worth it!

Came here last August with my GF to celebrate our anniversary and had one of the best Omakase experiences I've ever had. Highlights were:Uni the freshest uni I've ever tasted with a natural sweet taste that had a texture that burst with every chew. I didn't want this bite to end.Shrimp I initially thought, what kinda Omkase would dare try to put basic a shrimp on the menu and oh how I was so wrong. The shrimp was raw and marinated overnight in a sweet and savory marinade (mirin soy sauce maybe? . This was my second favorite bite as the texture/flavor was mind blowing. Like the uni ever chew of the shrimp exploded flavor that found its way to your taste buds that made you feel like a warm blanket was thrown over you after walking in the cold.Every other fish piece was excellent with the sushi chef educating us of what fish we were eating and where it was from. The most excellent part is that they actually use real Wasabi root on the pieces of fish the chef determine needs it. It was enjoyable watching the chef grate the root very delicately then brushing the shaved root onto the fish.

A local Gem worth finding. Friendly staff and a beautiful clean restaurant serving more than just sushi rolls. Japanese food lovers this is your spot. Yakisoba, Yakitori, Bento, Ramen, Sashimi and more...we enjoyed a Sashimi combo plate and a Crunch roll. The delicious Toro maki roll with fresh wasabi was a personal favorite. Go here you won't be disappointed

Really hospitable, and funny, sushi chef for your omakase experience. The fish and style is very traditional edomae style, so you shouldn't expect any fancy toppings and gold flakes. Most of the fish were carefully seared, cured, or smoked with just slight hints of flavor, bringing the fish's natural flavor out. My meal consisted of a good range of red/black snapper, barracuda, tuna, and clams/scallops. Overall a really delicious meal. However, if you are looking for sushi that serves more over the top things, I would recommend going to Sushi Bar instead. Overall, I really enjoyed my experience and with the final price of $240 including tax/tip sake it is fairly reasonable compared to other places in town.