Scottsdale Luxury Sushi: ShinBay – $350+/Person Worth the Splurge 🍣

ShinBay is a top-tier Japanese fine dining spot that delivers on service, food, and ambiance—easily outshining the high-end sushi we had in Philly. With tax and tip (no drinks included), it’s $350+ per person, but the premium ingredients and unique dishes make it a worthwhile indulgence for sushi lovers. 📍 Spot Info Name: ShinBay Address: 3720 N Scottsdale Rd #201, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Small Hiccup: We had an 8 PM Saturday reservation, but the restaurant wasn’t fully ready—doors stayed locked for a few minutes after our arrival 😅. 🍽️ Standout Dishes & Memorable Bites 1. Unique Starters: Wakamomo Steals the Show ✨ Wakamomo (Green Japanese Peach): Adorable, sweet little green peaches—never had these before! Servers said they’re only available in Japan, not sold in the US. Snail Meat: My partner found it a bit fishy, but I thought it was fine—paired with the peach, it’s a fun, unexpected combo. Chawanmushi (Tea Cup Stew): Always a winner! Silky smooth, perfectly seasoned (not salty), with a comforting flavor. 2. Sushi & Sashimi Highlights: Bluefin Tuna Reigns Supreme 🐟 Bluefin Tuna + Baby Glass Eel: Absolute favorite! The tuna melts in your mouth, and the baby eel has a cool, chewy texture like cold noodles. Bluefin Tuna + Uni: Incredibly delicious—you can’t go wrong with these premium ingredients stacked together 🥹. I was already full, but would’ve ordered seconds if I could. Oyster: Richly seasoned, silky smooth—perfect for popping in one bite. Ocean Trout: Tastes like salmon but with extra bounce—juicy and flavorful. Blue Mackerel & Black Throat Sea Perch: Both tasty, just not as memorable as the standouts (I forgot their exact flavors, but know they were good). Aji & Bonito: Personal preference—these fish aren’t my favorites, but they’re prepared well if you enjoy their natural flavor. 3. Hits & Misses Seasoned Meat Dish: The meat itself is tender and delicious, but the sauce is a bit too salty. Saltwater Eel: Tasty, but had a few tiny bones—nothing a careful bite can’t avoid. Tile Fish with Broad Bean: The fish is okay, but the fried fish skin (with curled scales) was visually unappealing—I didn’t love it. Miso Soup: Standard miso with two clams—simple and comforting, no frills. 4. Birthday Bonus Desserts 🎂 We noted it was my birthday when booking, and got extra treats! Along with the standard black sesame ice cream and roasted sweet potato, they added a small red bean dessert with a mochi/ yokan-like texture. The chef even did a little fun performance when serving the desserts—such a cute touch 😂. 📌 Verdict: Premium Fine Dining for Sushi Aficionados ShinBay is worth the splurge if you appreciate high-quality, unique Japanese cuisine. The Bluefin Tuna dishes, Wakamomo, and Uni combo are non-negotiables, and the service and ambiance match the luxury price tag. The minor opening hiccup was easy to overlook, and the birthday surprises made the night extra special. #ScottsdaleFineDining #LuxurySushi #ShinBay #BluefinTuna #PhoenixFoodie #ArizonaEats #JapaneseCuisine #BirthdayDinner #FoodieSplurge