Shiki

First time here, after two prior attempts (once when I just missed the lunch hour’s end and another time when there was a mystery reason for their closing), so there was some anticipation, I ordered the Sushi & Sashimi Combo (tuna roll, 5 pcs of nigiri and nine pcs sashimi) a standard order that I expect to be done well any place worth eating sushi from. Served on a «boat» serving plate, that had seen better days, the food itself was fresh and decently flavored. The roll’s construction was a little flawed in appearance and gave the impression of perhaps having been done too quickly as the seaweed wrap did not go completely around and the rice was on the very of falling apart when picked up, still though good flavor. The cuts of sashimi were of a size and flavor that one should expect to find in any decent sushi restaurant. the nigiri were well formed and enjoyable.
I was there two minutes prior to there opening for dinner at 5 p.m. and every person or couple who came in after me was asked if they had a reservation. Take that hint for whatever it may be worth. From where I sat it appeared as if there were two chefs preparing sushi and at least one in the kitchen and two way staff. The service was very prompt, efficient, and friendly enough.
Certainly, I would visit again, but only if in the immediate area during those hours and days when the are open. There are a few aspects that IMO are not positives.
Parking can be difficult, FWIW.
They serve the artifically dyed «pink» pickled ginger, which still had decent flavor, but I don’t like the added dye, I don’t care for it — whether it is formed into a flower or plopped on to the plate. (here it was somewhere in between).
In what can be described as a cozy, or intimate (or small) establishment, I was seated at a table for two that barely held me, my order, my chopsticks, and the soy. I don’t recall seeing a table that would sit more than four, (by chairs) and the tables’ seating is tight, both to other tables and the tables themselves are as I indicated somewhat small. If the place were full of diners it would not be good for either quiet dining or anyone with even a hint of claustrophobia.
While I get the hours, open for a lunchtime block and dinner block, I view these hours somewhat limited. Perhaps they’re so successful that they don’t need to be open more — good for them if that is the case, but if true they don’t want to grow the business or expand their customer base; or possibly they can’t (for whatever reason) keep the place going anymore than it is. If you aren’t here during those blocks you’re out of luck, and given that there are other equally good if not better places more conveniently open, well this may be my only checkin here.

The food was great, but the service is slow and very rude. First, they gave me the wrong order and we didn’t get a water refill once. In addition, I have an American Express card and they do not accept American Express. However, they also don’t have an ATM. My boyfriend ran to the ATM up the street, but because we didn’t have a Visa, they kicked me off the table, tried to add a $ 5 gratuity on my bill, and talked about me right in front of me to coworkers. Never again, to say the least.

I was here for dinner on a Tuesday night and it was great. I wanted to try something so I started with the cooked baby octopus, which I would not recommend unless you actually like octopus and its squishy texture. Next up, the ramen. I got the ramen and my friend got the miso but I liked the miso broth more so we switched bowls. The miso came with corn, bamboo, spinach and chasu (pork). Besides the broth, the next best thing about ramen is the protein, which is typically the chasu and the egg. The chasu at Shiki was not what I was expecting or used to. It was thickly sliced and did not melt in my mouth. Lastly, I got unagi (eel) sushi a la carte. This was one of the more delicious unagi I’ve had and I would definitely recommend getting it. Overall, it was a positive experience and the staff were great.

Food was good and that’s the only reason I would return because the service is poor. Went for a quick meal before a movie and had some Unagi rolls, Gyoza, and Takoyaki for appetizers. Meals were the Eel Bowl (Una-​Jyu) and Tonkatsu Ramen. Gyoza were a bit too salty and the octopus in the Takoyaki was extremely chewy so I wouldn’t recommend those. The meals were good though (but we didn’t get to finish them).
Server never asked how the food was and we didn’t get any refills. We were the only customers in the restaurant so it isn’t as if the server was busy, in fact she was sitting down across from us chatting with another staff member. It was 25 minutes before close but it was obvious they wanted us to leave, one of the staff came over with the check and told us they were going to close soon while we were in the middle of our meal. Again, it wasn’t even our server who brought the check. We paid and were getting ready to walk out when the server stopped us and told us we were required to leave at least a 10% tip. The check does not specify a required tip amount, and honestly she did not even deserve that tip but I did not argue.
I probably won’t return here, there are other places with better food and service.

Shiki has always been my number #1 Japanese restaurant when I was in Rochester a few years ago. I sought after many Japanese restaurants in the area and although some usually excel in one category better than others, think of Shiki as an overall premium package– meaning anything you’d get here will be at least of decent quality.
My favorite menu from Shiki is Kaisen Don. Una-​jyu, Curry Udon, and Katsu Curry are all good choices.
Very cozy and warm atmosphere– will always remain as my favorite in Rochester. I always leave here satisfied and my sushi craving fixed.

Just my kind of place. Tiny family joint with high quality food and good prices. If you are on this side of town then you must patronize this place. Beware street parking isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.

This is a very nice, small space with good food and quick service.
I ordered the sushi deluxe meal. It came with a small salad and miso soup, both of which were nicely done. The sushi was nicely presented, the fish good, and the fish-​to-​rice ratio appropriate. Service was prompt and there was no wait to be seated at 7 for 2 on a Saturday night.
I will be back!

We met a couple out on a Friday night for dinner and I was super excited to try this place since I’ve heard this is the best sushi in the roc.
Tip: they do not take reservations on the weekends and will not seat you until your entire party has arrived. It’s a small place so I recommend getting there with everyone by 6!
We started out with some large Sapporo which is the way to go. Only a couple dollars more and you get basically get two beers.
I ordered a spicy tuna roll with crunch, the dragon roll, and edamame, and the gyoza. The edamame were lackluster, the gyoza was very good and cooked perfectly.
Now, onto the sushi — I’m used to a roll being 6 – 8 pieces, but here the rolls are only 4 pieces which threw us for a loop! It was the best spicy tuna I ever had,
So good we ordered two more rolls.
I wish the portion sizes were a little bigger, but the quality and authenticity is definitely there! Ready to go back and try a bento box for lunch!

If you like simple, subtle and authentic food, Shiki is the jam. For sushi, it’s basically the antithesis of nearby California Rollin’. The menu is very simple, with no bacon, onion crunchies, or elaborate rolls to be found. The atmosphere is bare-​bones hole in the wall. The prices are super reasonable, and there’s a student discount (with ID), as well as a discount for paying in cash. And they serve ramen!!! Will be back again and again.

Been here several times now. A little hole-​in-​the-​wall type place.
Good & friendly service but it can get quite busy if you don’t show up right as they open.
Got the ramen this time around and it was pleasantly filling.
Streetside parking with a few additional spots behind the building.
Good place to take a date (I speak from experience)

This is my first review of Shiki although I have been a few times. I had a mackerel Bento box this time & was very happy with my choice.
Bento boxes originated in China and means roughly, «convenience pack»,
This restaurant served in the usual enameled multi sectioned box we have come to recognize. It contained the usual little treats expected in each section. One had protein, another rice, yet a couple with a picked element & another section that included fried dumplings. Oh yes, don’t forget dipping sauce. All was beautifully cooked & served as well as very tasty.
So happy with the box, I forgot to mention the usual soup & very fresh salad at the start.
All in all, every thing is always tasty here with no surprises just lovely food in a small intimate little restaurant. My family and I had a most pleasant lunch together with a reasonable price & dutiful waitress to serve us.
Try the sushi selection and daily specials that stay for a few weeks or so. Never been disappointed.

This is actually the first time I’m doing an updated review. I walked in without reservations right at 5pm when they open for dinner and they gladly gave me a table.
I started with the Gyoza which is the best Gyoza I’ve ever had. Pan fried on one side, but incredibly soft and tender on the inside. Tasted homemade actually.
Then came the sushi (nigiri), which I ordered the Ikura, Mackerel, Squid, Yellow-​Tail, Salmon, Fluke, Tuna, and Toro. Every single one perfectly formed with the perfect amount of rice, and perfectly cut and sized fish. Toro is something this restaurant doesn’t always carry, but it’s absolutely worth the $ 6 per piece when they do. Every fish is at the upmost fresh and delicious state.
I also gave their Unajyu a try which came in a decorative box with a very generous piece of eel on top of rice.
Parking is probably this restaurant’s biggest downfall because there’s no parking lot, and chances are you’ll have to street park.
What I also found very interesting is the orders given to the chef are spoken in Japanese and vice versa.
Keep in mind this is a very small restaurant that seats probably at most, 20 – 25 people.
This was without any doubt a phenomenal return and experience.
One word to describe this restaurant, «Authentic.»
Cheers!

I had one of the most unappetizing meals in a while today at Shiki. It was my first time eating there and I don’t plan on going back.
I was in the mood for noodle soup, but unfortunately they don’t offer any vegetarian broths, so I was out of luck.
I decided to start off with the age-​dofu. I’ve had this dish at other places and have enjoyed it, but at Shiki the coating was slimy and rubbery and not at all crispy. I ate one piece and passed on the second.
My date and I were also given a small salad with the tofu. Neither of us had ordered a salad so I assume it was complimentary, although it was weird to only get one and have to share it. The salad was just lettuce and a few cucumber slices with bland dressing. We each tried a bite and didn’t care for it.
For my meal I ordered the vegetarian sushi which the menu described as «kappa, vegetable and crispy roll». The kappa (cucumber) roll was ok but the nori was abnormally chewy (as it was for all the rolls). The «vegetable» roll was just seaweed and mayo which was strange. I like seaweed on its own but it was a strange consistency in the roll and I didn’t enjoy it. The «crispy» roll consisted of more seaweed, cucumber and then crispy things that tasted like French’s onions, which might have been good except there were way too many; over half the roll was those (see the photo!). The crispy flakes mixed with the seaweed was even grosser than the seaweed and mayo combo. I ended up eating a few pieces of each of the rolls and left them.
Throughout the meal I ate half or less of each of the items. The waitress never asked how the food was and didn’t seem at all surprised when I said I didn’t want to take the substantial amount of leftovers home; she must be use to it?
My date, who isn’t vegetarian, had the ramen and a sushi roll and reported that neither were very good and didn’t taste fresh.

The sushi here was just ok. I had heard it was great, but the rolls were small and pretty bland. Also, they have very few big role on the menu. The service was pretty horrible. I think for a group of six we had to wait almost an hour for our food. If you have a big group make sure to make reservations because it’s a small place. Don’t think I’ll be going here again.

Have been going to Shiki for several years and they have been consistently good. Usually, I go for their Sushi and Sashimi Combination, but lately I have started testing various other dishes they offer. This time I tried Katsu Don, which is a pork cutlet over a bed of eggs and onions over rice. It was very tasty. Their Dragon Roll is good. We always ask for extra dressing with their salad because that dressing is just amazing. Of course, the meal will not be complete without Green Tea Ice Cream.
Their service is generally good but somehow there seems to be a rapid turnover of waitresses. As the result, the new waitresses need time to train … not really a big deal. Prices are okay for such a good sushi place.
Tip: make a reservation or you may be disappointed.

I think Shiki serves the best sushi in Rochester. There’s a lot of other sushi places in town that try too hard, have too many weird selections on their menu (err, chicken tender sushi?), or just don’t serve fresh ingredients, but Shiki doesn’t fall into any of those categories. The selections here are certainly less extensive than many other restaurants, but what they do offer is always well prepared, fresh, and delicious. If you enjoy fish, their sashimi is excellent and offers a good departure from the rolls on the menu. Like their menu selections, the inside (and outside) of the restaurant are somewhat modest, but the service is always attentive and friendly. Prices are very reasonable compared to other sushi restaurants in the area. If you’re looking for sushi from somewhere other than Wegmans, Shiki is the place to get it in Rochester.

Really the only place worth having Sushi in Rochester, and we all know it.
I’ve only been for lunch, but that’s partly because I don’t want to pay the dinner premium on this place. The service has been alright (it always seems to be the same one woman running around), and the food comes out rather quickly. The lunch combinations are a solid deal.
Friends who order rolls/​sushi a la carte have found the portions to be smaller than expected — this is where the price issue comes up. I don’t mind paying more for freshness and good sushi, but that coupled with a 4-​piece tuna roll kind of irks me.
Student discount helps (10% off — but it’s cash only for that option w. no split checks).
Rochester really needs to step up their sushi game. So until it does, I suppose I’ll keep frequenting Shiki. I’m just slightly underwhelmed by it.

The only decent sushi place in Rochester. Sushi is a bit expensive but it is expected. The place is small but the staff is nice and fast. Gives student discount if you pay in cash.
I had the beef udon. The best I have had in Rochester. Thick and full of flavor.

We were here for a small birthday celebration. From the outside appearance I was not too sure if I wanted to go in, but I’m glad I did. The place is small and parking is almost obsolete. No complaints on the food here!

I’ve eaten at many sushi places that’ve stayed, come, and gone in Rochester and I have to say by far, Shiki continues to hold the crown as the best in town. Even though it’s the law to freeze all sushi-​grade raw fish in the US before serving it, Shiki somehow always manages to have the freshest, most flavorful fish in the city. Maybe it’s because the chef just has the knife skills OF A GOD, but they nail it just about every time. After going 50+ times over the years, I can honestly only think of one time that I MAYBE had an off-​cut of fish. The rice is seasoned perfectly, it’s the perfect grain size, and there’s always been a perfect balance of filling ingredients (fish or veg) to rice. Man oh man do they know what they’re doing.
Compared to some of the other sushi places in town it’s definitely a little pricier, but it’s absolutely worth every penny. When you go to Shiki, you’re paying for the quality of something you won’t find within 100 miles.
I honestly haven’t tried much of their other Japanese dishes so it’s difficult for me to comment on them, but if they’re nearly as good as their chirashi, nigirizushi, or maki rolls, you will go home full and happy every visit. If you haven’t been — definitely give them a try because you’ll be talking about it all week!