SHō Sushi & Izakaya

I rarely go out to restaurants anymore, partly because of my gluten and dairy intolerance, and partly because I am tired of so many artificial ingredients or too much sugar in food. Tonight was my first visit and I was really blown away. I ordered a Bronzino dish on the specials menu and it was served on some kind of crispy rice. It was so delicious and clean and fresh. The skin was perfectly cooked so I ate it as well. The rice and the special sauce that was dabbled on the side was not too sweet. The Genmaicha (sp?) tea was perfect. And I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the price given restaurant prices these days for food of this quality. The atmosphere was lovely and the utensils were particularly impressive. Son loved the lobster mac & cheese, as well as the Matcha tea and white chocolate mousse. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Our server was very kind and friendly. We had included a special request in our reservation for kid-friendly settings for our two young children, and they were able to accommodate us. They also gave helpful recommendations for dishes that were both good and suitable for kids.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I recently went to Sho Sushi with a few friends. I am ALLERGIC to GLUTEN. And the soy sauce give was NOT gluten free. First mistake was not asking. Our server barely spoke english and had a hard time understanding what we were asking for but that didn’t deter us from eating there. Our order came and was completely incorrect. I do not recommend coming here. As they don’t take allergies serious nor do they care about the guest.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

This recently opened Japanese restaurant may be tucked away in an old shopping center, but don't let the exterior fool you—it's a hidden gem! Upon stepping inside, we were immediately immersed in a stunning, upscale environment. The black and gold decor exudes elegance, and the contemporary Japanese design creates a clean and inviting atmosphere. The service was exceptional, with the staff attending to our needs flawlessly. Every aspect of this dining experience was superb!

While the portions were smaller than we anticipated, the food quality was outstanding, making every bite a delight. We thoroughly enjoyed this exquisite Japanese dining experience and highly recommend the following dishes:

- Salmon Flight Platter: This delectable assortment of king salmon sushi and maki features outstanding quality king salmon from New Zealand—truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Yakitori Platter: A great selection of chicken breast, chicken thigh, chicken meatball, pork belly, tenderloin, and short rib, all grilled to perfection with a savory-sweet marinade that elevates the dish.
- Wagyu Hambagu: This Japanese-style wagyu beef patty is served with a savory sauce and paired perfectly with white rice and a fresh house salad.
- Shrimp Mentaiko Cream Udon: Udon noodles enveloped in a rich, creamy buttery sauce, topped with three succulent pieces of grilled shrimp and mentaiko (fish roe). The combination of textures and flavors is simply exceptional.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fabulous signature rolls (SHōtoro was amazing and hamachi fire was very good) and loved their seared salmon entree also. Small place w nice ambience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had a deeply disappointing and concerning experience at Sho Sushi. The air conditioning was completely non-functional, making the dining area uncomfortably hot. Even worse, there was a strong and persistent sewage smell throughout the restaurant, which made the environment feel unsanitary and hard to sit through.

The biggest issue, however, was the food. I ordered the king salmon and uni, and just a few hours later I suffered severe food poisoning intense symptoms that lasted for over a day and required medical attention. This is absolutely unacceptable, especially when dealing with raw seafood.

Based on the poor ventilation, foul odors, and serious health risk I experienced, I do not recommend Sho Sushi to anyone. Diners should be extremely cautious. I will not be returning.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

They where very dry not too welcoming

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

First time trying this. Food is good and great customer service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The service and vibes are great but the food is why I take a star off. The food still is good (the beef and unagi ones were quite tender) but, when we tried the mentaiko udon and sushi, we felt that there were better options at other izakayas for the same price.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Delicious and fresh. Vegetarian and vegan options

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It’s a hidden gem, it looks so ordinary and low key outside but the interior looks absolutely beautiful and modern. Sushi quality was so great. Super fresh and delicious. We tried almost everything that we could fill. Uni was so good. Sweet, creamy and delicious. We had great time here and definitely want to be back again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The sushi is so fresh because it's flown in from Japan (It's omakase grade but a la carte). Squid ink pasta, hamburger steak and the sushi were my favorite parts!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I want to support McLean restaurants but this is just “meh.”

It’s expensive and the sushi is very good, I’m ok with that but the restaurant is not an “izakaya” and the waitress described the skewers as such.

I did the pork belly skewers and the flavor was good but the dish came out lukewarm and texture was chewy.

I want the restaurant to succeed but at this price point, don’t think so

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Finally a fancy sushi restaurant in McLean! Love love!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was a good visit. Very welcoming. Will visit again for sure.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5