Shino Sushi + Kappo — Restaurant in San Diego

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Shino Sushi + Kappo in downtown San Diego, and I must say, it was an extraordinary culinary experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was captivated by the warm and inviting ambiance, which perfectly set the stage for the unforgettable gastronomic journey that awaited me. The first thing that struck me was the impeccable service. The staff at Shino Sushi + Kappo are true professionals who are passionate about their craft. They welcomed me with genuine warmth and guided me through the menu with expert knowledge, making sure to accommodate my preferences and dietary restrictions. Their attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile truly enhanced my dining experience. Shino Sushi + Kappo takes the art of sushi and kappo-style cuisine to new heights. The quality and freshness of the ingredients were evident in every bite. Each piece of sushi was meticulously crafted, showcasing the chef's skill and dedication to perfection. The flavors were harmonious, and the textures were sublime. From the delicate sashimi to the intricately prepared nigiri, every dish was a testament to the culinary mastery that Shino Sushi + Kappo upholds. One particular highlight was the omakase experience, where the chef curated a personalized tasting menu for me. It was a symphony of flavors and presentations, showcasing a variety of seasonal and rare ingredients. The sushi was served piece by piece, allowing me to savor each morsel and appreciate the artistry behind it. It was like a culinary journey through Japan, transporting me to different regions with every bite. Shino Sushi + Kappo also offers an array of delectable kappo-style dishes. From the perfectly grilled yakitori to the indulgent tempura, every dish was a delightful fusion of traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist. The attention to detail, from the presentation to the balance of flavors, was truly remarkable. I must commend the sake selection at Shino Sushi + Kappo. The sommelier's expertise in pairing the perfect sake with each course added an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal. The sake list was extensive, featuring a diverse range of options, from crisp and light to rich and complex. It was a wonderful accompaniment to the flavors of the sushi and elevated the overall dining experience. Shino Sushi + Kappo in downtown San Diego is a haven for sushi enthusiasts and lovers of Japanese cuisine. Impeccable service, outstanding culinary craftsmanship, and a warm and inviting atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're a connoisseur or a curious food lover, Shino Sushi + Kappo will undoubtedly leave you with lasting memories and a palate...

When we lived in downtown this USED to be our go to sushi spot. NO MORE. Went there last night w/ a reservation. Ordered a spicy tuna handroll that was terrible. Tuna was stringy and nothing else in it. The crunchy tempura roll tasted fine but was loosely wrapped so hard to eat. The double double roll was gross. What ever was on top tasted like month old pate. The taste and texture were off. And I love pate! And all kinds of sushi! And get this when we asked for more soy sauce ( b/c it wasn't on our table ) and asked our waitress to please leave it she said "it's policy to not leave it". Huh? Looked around and no body had a bottle on their table. What? Am I going to put in my purse and take it home? And our waitress would reach across us and remove items from our table w/o and excuse me or anything. Very rude! And then the kicker was our table was right next to the sushi bar and this SUPER loud guy came in and stood and had a beer while his 2 friends seated at the bar ate. Like it was a "bar bar". Who does that? And what sushi bar allows that? We couldn't hear each other talk. And neither could the people around us, so they started talking louder. The mood was shot! When we used to go here it was a 4.8 stars, I see it's 4.4 now. Understand now why it's slipping. We...

All sushi restaurants are the same: FALSE!

Shino is a great place to go if you appreciate VERY fresh seafood, extremely skilled sushi chefs and some twists to traditional dishes.

Most Americans have heard of Miso Soup. What many people outside Asia have not tried are variations on the dish outside the traditional miso broth with green onions and tofu.

Shino offers two other variations: Asari and Akadashi. We chose the former which was a Manila clam miso? and yes it had small clams in it.

We ordered cocktails and had a Threesome...um, Roll that included Shrimp Tempura and Spicy Tuna inside. It was topped with more Spicy Tuna, Unagi, Eel Sauce and their special Avocado Relish on Top. Good size and sharable. Wink.

We moved on to a four pieces of nigiri each including Sake Harami (salmon belly), Hamachi Harami (yellowtail belly), Maguro (tuna) and Kinme (golden eye).

All the fish melted in our mouth, cut perfectly and smelled delicious. I mentioned the smell because it was our first experience with Golden Eye. They used a torch to search it slightly and then sprinkled a special salt on it and you inhaled that scent as the fish then hit your taste bads. So good!

We were eating light, to go on to Nonna's for dessert in Little Italy a few blocks away. what a great start...