Reservation - For us, easy to get, with a lot of times available. The online reservation system makes it a breeze. However, the reservation policy is quite scary! Late 15 minutes, you are considered a no-show and will be charged $150 per person, the price of the 10 course tasting menu.
Setting - Anyone who has been to Momofuku in Toronto knows how gorgeous this restaurant is. The concept at Shoto definitely did not disappoint. A beautiful bar around an amazing kitchen. Front row seats to the action. It made us excited even before we started eating.
Service - A+. 100% top notch. From the hostess, to the bartender, to our server and even the bussers, everyone was friendly and efficient. Our server very honestly told us that the $95 menu would hit all the high points, so unless we wanted those little in-between courses, going for the $95 would be the better way to explore Shoto. We really appreciated this recommendation. Since we are from out of town, our server even took the time to write down other restaurant/bar recommendations to check out during our stay.
Food - This is where I have to take off some stars. While the concept is great, we didn't find the food mind-blowingly fantastic, which is what we expect of a place that charges Shoto prices. Everything was just "ok" tasting, but nothing tasted innovative or new. While we were content, not a single course wowed. Even in terms of presentation, there is very minimal plating, garnish, etc. Also, all these Yelp reviews that mention small portions - this is TRUE! Portions were so minuscule that we actually started laughing by the 2nd course, knowing we had 5 course, because we were thinking "We'll get 3 more courses like this... we'll be starving." We actually went to DaiLo after this to "complete" our meal.
TL;DR - Beautiful restaurant, great concept, amazing service. Tiny, expensive portions that'll leave you wanting more. Probably won't come back, but will recommend as an experience to try for others.