Shinsen — Restaurant in New York

I am surprised this restaurant has 4 stars because that is not what we experienced. This restaurant is dishonest with their ingredients.

My party and I ordered four cocktails to start the meal and it tasted watered down so we asked for it to be remade; the second time around was not any better but we did not make a big deal of it because the restaurant owner (Tony) is a friend of our friend. Did not want to make a big deal of it because our mutual friend happened to sit right next to our table (what are the odds, right). The owner Tony sat down at the table with our mutual friend a few times throughout that night.

Food review: sushi was great. The one hot rice bowl and three chirashi bowls were mainly rice and 2 pieces of meat. I showed the waitress a photo of the one of the chirashi bowl from a reviewer 3 months ago and how my bowl looks nothing like the bowl given to me and her response was, “That’s how we make it now.”

So when we got the the bill, $20 extra was charged, we confronted them about it and of course we got push back. Rude and unprofessional waitresses but I did not expect anything less. After our finance person (who works for Wall Street) at the table confronted the waitresses (2 of them to be exact), the tall waitress redid our bill and removed the extra charges.

As the new bill was bringing printed, I confronted the other waitress who waited our table most of the night that the second remake of the 4 cocktails were still very weak. She finally disclosed, “We use cheap house liquor for non-rich customers.” Yes, you read that correctly, “WE USE CHEAP HOUSE LIQUOR FOR NON-RICH CUSTOMERS.”

The waitress had the audacity to invite us back and said, “But the next time you come back I’ll try to remember your faces and make sure you get the name brand liquors.”

I asked to speak to Tony but was told he stepped out.

It took all of me to not use profanity or make a scene. I don’t wish ill on this restaurant and I do hope Tony (restaurant owner) reads this and make necessary changes. Don’t forget where YOU came from. Respect and honesty is...

My Partner ("Wife" sans Docs, thus "Permanent GF," Fiancée, "Baby Momma"), Our Daughter & another Family w/young kids as well ate at Shinsen in June, & again this Summer - Here are a few Notes, Reflections, & our General Review - 5 Star All The Way!!!!!

Couple of the more Stand Out Dishes, but the Entire Menu is Off tha Hook!!

Salmon Skin Salad Shishito Peppers w/Sea Salt Dumplings Kani Salad Gyudon Ahi Tower

All Above (& some Rice + Beef Dishes the Owners ordered for us too!!) Reeedikalous, aka Aaaaamazing!!

Udon too - Any of 'em, a Favorite of the Children who were at our meal!

Wagyu Burger Deluxe - They were out of the Wagyu Burgers the night we went, but we've been told it's 1 of the Best items on Menu, & Just an Awesome Excuse to go back Really Soon! - In fact, we're going back Tonight, & I'll Update My Review after Sampling the Wagyu Beef - I'm certain My Daughter, an absurdly Finicky/Picky eater is going to Love this Cheeseburger. Indeed.

Excellent Teas, & Tasty Adult Bevvies for those interested as well - We rarely drink, but had a few cocktails - you will Not be disappointed!!

Overall Outstanding Calibre Restaurant on just about Every Meaningful Level (to us): Food - Off Da Hook (Literally & Figuratively!); Atmosphere - Dark, Trendy, Chic, but Casual; Great Chill Hip Music, & Vibe; Service Excellent, & The Owners just a Tremendous Family - Our Kids Played w/their children.

Great Spot - Highly Recommend Anyone Checking it out - Especially, if you Love Asian Fusion / American Gourmet type...

Update - Feb. 2024 review: must try the Butter Lobster Hand Roll, it was packed with lobster and excellent warm butter for dipping. Gyoza was a little portion, 4 pcs only. But no worries, vegetable tempura was the other appetizer we ordered and it was more satisfying. Must try the salmon skin salad. Perfectly fried and delicious salad dressing, soy sauce base. Really enjoyed the Mulberry Bowl - scallop and uni was so fresh and delicious. It's still very dark in the dining room since it's giving off a club lounge lighting so it makes it hard to see the menu as well as the food. There's even a back room for Karaoke. Great club tunes play overhead while you enjoy your meal.

Sept. 2023 - Rare find in Chinatown - a premium sushi spot that offers the Omakase experience. This place has nightclub vibes walking in with the bar counter right at the entrance and the neon lights. The entrance leads to a very dim lit dining room. Menu offers great snack and appetizer choices. Rice bowls and sushi a la carte or custom rolls. I enjoyed my uni and scallop bowl with the chefs choices. The wagyu sushi was good but not as flavorful as I hoped. Salmon skin salad was good - just need to mix the soy sauce based dressing more with the greens. Drink Menu...