Prepare to be transported with Shinto's new Westlake location
By Patricia Nugent
Translated from Japanese, “shinto” means “way of the gods” and represents a pursuit of celebrating the purest things in life.
That esthetic shines in the West Side’s hottest new restaurant, Shinto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. The original Shinto, located in Strongsville, has been delighting diners with its signature Asian-fusion fare for 16 years.
Construction on the Westlake restaurant took nearly a year, and it was worth it, as it resembles the interior of a stylish Japanese pagoda, with several Buddha sculptures looking on in approval. A regal pair of life-sized stone lions guard the front entrance. Steps inside, you are greeted by a soaring glass wall of illuminated Japanese words. (Spoiler alert: They actually tell the story of how sushi is made.)
Chef Lin “Andy” Qian, one of the owners, says the three large ultra-private booths—enclosed in black wood slats with sleek red leather seating and mod lighting—are requested each night, but you don’t have to be a VIP to snag them. Just call ahead.
Half the space is devoted to 12 smokeless Hibachi tables for entertaining group dining. And the rest of the restaurant encompasses an extensive bar area, sushi bar, reserve wine and sake room and outdoor courtyard patio.
The eclectic menu features seafood flown in daily, choice cuts of meat and tantalizing sauces.
Voted Best Sushi Roll in Cleveland
All of the sushi at Shinto is a marriage of the freshest ingredients skillfully executed by highly trained sushi chefs. One roll in particular has stood the test of time. The Lil’ Delicious has consistently been voted “Best Sushi Roll” by the readers of Cleveland Magazine. This scrumptious bundle of zesty tuna, crab, cream cheese, cucumber and avocado is tempura fried and topped with spicy mayo and sweet eel sauce.
A few other out-of-this-world dishes include the Beef Mamanaki appetizer—grilled strip steak wrapped around asparagus with a ponzu sauce—and the Tuna Tataki Salad—seared ahi tuna with a Togarashi seven-pepper blend served on greens topped with wasabi ponzu.
Coming soon, Andy says they will be introducing chef’s choice Omakase Dining, which includes dishes prepared with specialty ingredients such as sea urchin and quail eggs.
“Guiltless” Pleasures Anyone?
The trend right now in cocktails is fewer calories and fresh, organic ingredients. Shinto’s new Guilt-less Pleasures drink menu checks those boxes, with divine combos bursting with flavor and under 70 calories.
General Manager Brittany Swan says her personal fave is Eve’s Garden, which includes Ketel One Grapefruit Rose Botanical Vodka with fresh muddled strawberry and lemon topped with organic agave nectar and a splash of St. Germaine liqueur.
If guilty is more your speed, indulge in The Birthday Cake, a festive libation of Smirnoff Whipped Cream Vodka, Godiva White Chocolate, Disaronno Liqueur and cream, rimmed with vanilla frosting and sprinkles.
Let’s Take This Outside
Surrounded by brick walls, wrought iron gates and lush landscaping, the charming courtyard patio features three firepits, two waterfalls, stunning metal sculptures, dining tables and lounge seating, a large flatscreen television and its own sushi bar.
“People love it out there so much, we’re building a glass-and-metal retractable roof that resembles a solarium,” she says.
Making Your Holiday Parties Perfect
Andy reports they’ve already thrown some amazing parties at the restaurant and are booking holiday events.
“You can rent the patio or sushi lounge,” he says. “We will work with you to come up with a special menu to fit your get-together. We’ve earned a reputation for being a destination for special occasions. With the combination of atmosphere, menu and outstanding service, we think of ourselves as more than just a restaurant. We’re an experience.”
Shinto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is located at 857 Columbia Road, in Westlake. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 3:30-10:00 p.m.; Sunday, 2:00-9:00 p.m. Call 440-772-5017, or visit ShintoExperience.com for more information.