Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant

The food here was good although the waits were quite long. But we had an incompetent server and more importantly once 8pm passed we got clear and unacceptable pressure to finish meal. A woman came by to say 'Last call' two times. We hadnot yet received most of the food ordered, wanted to wait for the food before ordering more, and were forced to put the order in (for soups). The restaurant supposedly closes at 9pm. We ended up walking out at 8:55 and all of the chairs were upside down on all of the tables! While we we were still there. Rude and completely unacceptable. We will not return.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

My experience yesterday evening at Shimogamo was extremely disappointing and unprofessional.

I placed a pickup order at 6:40 PM and intentionally selected a 7:45 PM curbside pickup (white Lexus SUV), rather than the ASAP option. We arrived about 10 minutes early and clicked the pickup link as instructed in the text message. We waited in the car until 7:50 PM to allow for any delays.

After waiting, my fiancé went inside to check on the order and was told it would be another 10 minutes. A few minutes later, the host informed him there was a name mix-up and that someone under “Tina” or “Christina” had picked up our order by mistake. I think it was all fabricated. Because one minute they said it’d be another 10 minutes, the next, they said they accidentally gave our order away without confirming with the other customer that it was the correct order.

At this point, we had waited over 30 minutes past our scheduled pickup time and more than two hours after placing the order. I came inside (still in pajamas and slippers, hence why curbside pickup) to understand what was going on. Staff acknowledged the mistake but did not apologize and simply said they were remaking the order.

No one proactively spoke with us to resolve the situation. I had to flag down the host, who appeared to avoid us. When I asked to speak with a manager, she asked if I wanted to, rather than offering one. She went to speak with the manager, but no manager ever came to speak with us. There was still no apology.

To make matters worse, a server mocked the situation and said “crisis averted,” which felt dismissive and unprofessional. When the order was finally brought out, neither the manager nor the host came to us.. instead, a lead bartender delivered it. Even then, there was still no apology. All he said was, “Mistakes happen. We added a cheesecake and will comp the bill.” We were left to “wait and see” whether this will actually be done.

The lack of accountability, basic courtesy, and professionalism throughout this entire experience was shocking. Mistakes happen, but the way this was handled, with no apology, no manager interaction, dismissive comments, and immature behavior is unacceptable. We won’t be back and encourage everyone to steer clear from this location.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The food was outstanding! Everything was fresh. The service was excellent. I would highly recommend this restaurant especially if you love Japanese food.

This is the second time we have enjoyed the omakase for a special occasion. It was delicious, and it's always fun to try new things that we wouldn't normally select. It had been a while since last time, and everything was different, but great. The server asked about our tastes, and we had so much great stuff! Wagyu, two types of bluefin, duck, snow crab tempura, and so much more! We even had dessert, and were, of course, completely stuffed. Service was excellent. It was a wonderful evening!

I’ve been here a few times, amazing food & great price! All employees have been very friendly and helpful!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sushi was tasty. Gyoza was a little overcooked. Loved the tempura shrimp and the dessert was also good. Would definitely go back.

Best sushi I have ever had in AZ.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Shimo has been and continues to be the best in the AZ. Perhaps only for those that are a little more "into" sushi. Last night we had a perfect dinner with Chef Tac who is not only gifted with knife and imagination, but also talks, engages and has fun with his customers. The whole purpose of a sushi bar IMO. The omakase was exceptional and educational. My kind of jam. Mica is also amazing. She is warm and friendly always making sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed.

Was waiting for the food to get prepared more than an hour, the taste was 2 of 10, wrong place to go

Service: 1

This my partner’s and I’s favorite restaurant. All the food is wonderful and so fresh. The service is always great as well. We went tonight and had a great experience at the bar. Kyree our bartender made the night even more memorable and fun. We will be back soon! :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had come here about a year ago and it was one of the best dining experiences i have had, the experience i had this week was unacceptable. The waitress was not attentive at all, there was not good diversity in the tasting menu, the quality of food and of service has gone down hill and the price was very high. A year ago we paid about $180/person this time was over $250/person for worse service and worse food. I will not be coming back here again.

What a miserable omakase experience… second time at Shimogamo and while the first time left us blown away, this time left us committed to never coming back. Our waitress was inattentive (had to ask for water multiple times, failed to tell us about the contents of our dessert which were then not to our liking), unknowledgeable (she did not describe dishes accurately and placed things out incorrectly), smelled like smoke, and did not tell us about the included 20% tip in the bill (which we would have never given one that high). The quality of the food was good, but the omakase had NO variety. Only meat and fish, whereas the first experience had many more side dishes. The cost was exorbitant and fell a landslide short of the food and experience - we left disappointed, upset, and hungry.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

Terrible service, ok food for unreasonable prices, this place has gone down hill and I wouldn't go back ever

Fantastic sushi restaurant! Can't say enough about the food the service.  if I could give it 10 stars, I would give it to them. This place is amazing experience. We had a party of eight for my birthday . our server was amazing. Our bartender was excellent. Everything was explained from drinks to everything that's in our food how to order what to order what to recommend you will not be disappointed. Advise people to look at the menu prior to coming for first time .  I recommend this place for an amazing date or a big party. This is not sure every day sushi restaurant as it is a fine sushi establishment my husband and I like to go there for special occasions .  Also I recommend getting on their email. They have Amazing specials for two at certain times of the year and it is worth every $$ and experience.

It was too long wait before they make the sushi. The portions are small and didn’t taste delicious. I don’t recommend this place. Waisted time and money.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1