10/10 experience at Shōtō. Our service was excellent and our main server had an excellent knowledge of the current menu and provided great recommendations for personalized taste. The food from flavor to presentation was incredible and probably the best meal I've ever had. The ambiance and decor was also very tasteful. I loved the open kitchen and watching the process of indirect heat for cooking of some of the meats and fish. I cannot wait to return for another occasion.

Food, ambiance, and service were all incredible. Definitely recommend coming for a fun, festive, and fancy night.

Shoto has been one of my absolute favorite dining experiences in DC! I went when reservations were a bit difficult to get and was able to grab a seat at the bar and still received a full catered experience. My server was excellent and recommended some excellent food choices. Everything I consumed was absolutely delicious - corn, gyozas, churros, tuna tartar, and lobster which was cooked to perfection. It has a really a very adult like, upscale dining experience and I liked the overall atmosphere. It's a restaurant I still rave about til this day and always recommend to others.

My friend and I decided to a friend date at this restaurant. Friday nights seem cute here and it was very busy. Our reservation was at 9 and we were seated immediately. Everyone was welcoming. They asked my friend to check her coat, but I wasn't asked. They even hung her purse as well. I sat at the booth area so I was comfortable. It's a little dark in there and they have a DJ so definitely use your phone light when looking at the menu. The ambiance was gorgeous though and the service really is impeccable. Of course I read the reviews, but didn't realize I would have the same experience. We started off with the spicy edamame which were a little overcooked, but I did enjoy them. The spicy tuna sushi, and the ramen. They had a nice mocktail and my friend ordered the lychee martini. We were still hungry so my friend ordered the shrimp tempura and I ordered the beef tenderloin. The portions are VERY small. So even though we order so many things, it wasn't filling at all. It's a bit pricey especially knowing that you are left hungry after ordering so many options on the menu. The beef tenderloin was delicious, but as stated before it wasn't filling at all. I think this would be a perfect happy hour spot or if you want a night cap with a date or friends. I truly don't think this place is where you want to have dinner especially if you're hungry. Nothing amazed me about the food, but the ambiance was pretty. Overall, I enjoy spending time with my friend and the service we had, but maybe pivot a little if I do return.

I came here for my sister's birthday dinner on a Friday night. It was dimly lit and packed inside with a dj spinning some edm and top 40 house mixes. It was definitely giving me Miami vibes, mixed with Ibiza vibes, with a splash of NYC after work happy hour vibes. It was pretty lively, with the music on blast, that we found ourselves yelling to each other across the table. I ordered stirfry Japanese mushroom with mizuna and ponzu dressing salad, the black cod marinated in saikyo miso, shiitake mushroom with wafu butter and the spicy rock potatoes. The mushroom salad was really yummy and refreshing. The black cod was actually reallyyy good. Dare I say it was comparable to the miso cod at Nobu? The shiitake mushrooms were tasty and the spicy rock potatoes were just okay to me. My sister said they tasted like basic breakfast potatoes. I ordered the Mai San mocktail. It was soooo yummy and had a little bit of a tartness to it. I would definitely order it again and would like to try their other drinks. Overall, the service was great and the vibes were cool. I would definitely come back and sit at the bar next time.

Perfect spot for a boujie birthday dinner, anniversary, or girls night out. The restaurant, located in Downtown, is stunning, intimate, and aesthetically pleasing - there is also a DJ (not sure if every night but I went on a Friday night). I loved the cocktails, they were well made and had a good variety. We tried a few different things on the menu: spicy tuna roll, shrimp tempura (ordered seconds), the "tacos" with crab meat, and chicken skewers. Everything was really tasty, i particularly enjoyed the tacos and shrimp tempura roll. The portions are definitely on the smaller side for the hefty price tag. My only downside to this place was the service I got. From the beginning of our experience, we felt kind of rushed and just had awkward interactions with the server, which wasn't great as I was celebrating my birthday with loved ones.