Dive into high-end dishes with exotic ingredients

By Laura Briedis

Ripped from the pages of Bon Appetit or Saveur magazines, Shinto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is kicking off the new year by introducing Omakase Dining—an exotic adventure to put on your bucket list. This ancient form of Japanese dining puts guests in the chef’s expert hands, letting him create seasonal dishes for them with high-end ingredients such as sea urchin and quail eggs.

“We’re always striving to be a leader on the Cleveland dining scene,” says Brittany Swan, general manager of Shinto. “The timing is perfect, since we are slowly coming out of the pandemic and people can’t wait to step out to dinner again. Who wouldn’t want to explore a once-in-a-lifetime gastronomic experience that will surprise and delight?”

Omakase joins smokeless Hibachi tables and sushi bar or Kappo-style dining, each tapping into sumptuous seafood (tuna, salmon, shrimp, crab, calamari, scallops, octopus) and meats (steak, chicken, pork) flown in daily complemented by zesty sauces and signature preparations.

Kappo dining is the traditional style in Osaka, Japan, where guests relax and savor their dishes at the counter after enjoying the chef’s masterful knife-wielding techniques.

“Counter dining is one of the best ways for us to expand our unique experience and develop an intimacy with our guests,” says Chef/Owner Hiroshi Z, who has quite the reputation for concocting on-the-spot creations you won’t find on the menu. He has traveled the world studying the hottest sushi trends and brought them back to Cleveland.

Shinto also features an extensive bar area, big screen TVs, a newly designed, full-service sushi bar, and a vibrant, high-energy dining experience.

Those who appreciate the finer things in life flock to this authentic eatery, bedecked with white quartz countertops, rose gold metal wall accents and bright, colorful lighting features. Its award-winning, highly inventive Asian-Fusion fare is nicely complemented by wintry craft cocktails and sake flights. As they say in Japan, Kanpai!

Shinto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is located at 17070 Pearl Road, Strongsville. Hours are Monday-Friday, 3:30-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2:00-9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:00-9:00 p.m. Call 440-878-3868, or visit ShintoExperience.com for more information.