Shinji opened recently and we've been looking forward to checking it out. Based on the interview that I heard with one of the owners Shinji was billing itself as an Izakaya. I must say that the restaurant nor the menu has the feel of an Izakaya. That being said the food was very good and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.
Shinji's decor is unique with two tables that run the length of the main area of the restaurant. Although this results in you sitting right next to someone that you were not planning on having dinner with there are privacy screen that you can lower between you and your neighbor which are very effective. There is also a second seating area, downstairs in front of the sushi bar.
We started with the oysters, ceviche and scallops all of which were excellent. We then had the sushi for 2 and sashimi Moriawase. The fish was extremely fresh, they say they bring it in daily from NY, Vancouver & Japan, and the presentation was nice.
Overall the food was very good, although not mind blowing or particularly creative and fairly expensive. A great place to go for a special occasion, but not necessarily somewhere you would eat regularly.