Shojin - Culver City

I had a pleasant experience at this vegan Japanese restaurant. It was moderately busy on a Saturday night, but there were still some reservation slots available for dinner. I recommend ordering several dishes to share among the group. In my opinion, the sushi topped with eggplant was the standout dish—the eggplant was warm and nearly melted in your mouth, providing a nice contrast to the cool vegetables in the sushi. Each dish was beautifully presented, making it feel like more than just a meal. They don't automatically provide soy sauce, but you won't need it, as everything was seasoned perfectly.

My companion and I shared the chef's tasting special, which featured seven incredible dishes that were hard to believe were all vegan. I truly appreciated supporting a restaurant that aligns with my values of ethical consumption and compassion! This is exactly the kind of establishment we should focus on supporting. I also learned it's a family-owned business, and the ambiance was intimate and welcoming. I would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone, whether vegan or not, for a unique dining experience that will leave a lasting impression!

I am incredibly disappointed after eagerly anticipating my visit to this restaurant. I walked in with a strong desire to try a variety of dishes, as I was very hungry. I decided to order the sampler special, even though it’s advertised for two people—I was confident I could handle it all. The price was a staggering $88, but to my dismay, I didn’t receive everything on the sampler list. Additionally, for some dishes, where I was supposed to get four pieces, I only got two. After spending a total of $114 (including tip), I left feeling still hungry. I only tipped 10% because the service was pleasant, but I felt cheated overall. I won’t be returning. Also, the food was just okay—not impressive at all. I've attached photos of what I ordered versus what I received.

Culinary bliss achieved! From our arrival to our departure, it was one of the best dining experiences we've ever had. A heartfelt thank you to the entire staff for providing such an exceptional dinner and for their warm, professional service.

I'm a huge fan of this restaurant! The food is excellent, and they offer a complete dining experience. I celebrated my birthday here and was very pleased. It's easy to see why they were recognized as the best dining experience by Veg Out. I tried the chef's tasting menu, and it was absolutely perfect.