Shima — Review by Mikey Chen
Tokyo, Japan — Japanese Steakhouse, Wagyu
Shima is a legendary Tokyo steakhouse where Chef Shima personally trims and cooks every piece of wagyu over charcoal rotisserie style. Mike was blown away by the A4 wagyu sirloin, describing it as one of the juiciest steaks he has ever had, and was equally impressed by their famous steak sandwich packed with perfectly cooked wagyu. The experience is pricey but absolutely worth it for an exceptional special occasion meal.
What was great: Incredibly juicy A4 wagyu steak cooked rotisserie style over charcoal, perfectly tender meat with excellent marbling, fresh wasabi that cuts the richness, expertly prepared steak sandwich loaded with wagyu, soft buttery bread, complimentary cheesecake, meticulous food preparation by Chef Shima, amazing mashed potatoes to dip in steak juice
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of the show was the 200 gram A4 wagyu sirloin, cooked rotisserie style over charcoal by Chef Shima himself. The steak arrived immediately after cooking with no resting period, yet remained incredibly juicy and tender with perfect marbling throughout. It was served with fresh wasabi, mustard, crunchy garlic chips, mashed potatoes, carrots, and green beans. The meat practically melted on the tongue, and Mike found the wasabi and mustard essential for cutting through the richness of the wagyu. The accompanying mashed potatoes became even more delicious when dunked in the abundant beef juices left on the plate.
The legendary steak sandwich, which Mike purchased to take away, proved equally exceptional. Packed with multiple slices of perfectly cooked wagyu that was tender enough to cut with your teeth, the sandwich featured buttery crustless bread and a delicious tomato sauce with onions. Every element melted in the mouth, and Mike estimated it contained roughly 40-50 dollars worth of high quality wagyu meat.
As a surprise gift, the restaurant also provided a complimentary cheesecake that Mike described as life-changing, comparing it to an angel food cake and New York cheesecake hybrid. It was extraordinarily light and airy, melting on the tongue with perfect sweetness and creaminess.
The Experience
Seating at the bar provided the perfect vantage point to watch Chef Shima meticulously work. Guests could observe him carefully slice and trim every single piece of steak, carving away excess fat to ensure only the best portions are served. The charcoal rotisserie cooking method was mesmerizing to watch, and Mike noted he had never seen wagyu prepared this way before. The restaurant is clearly set up as an institution, with many customers coming specifically for takeout steak sandwiches. Service was incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Value & Pricing
The complete steak dinner cost 26,000 yen, approximately 160 dollars, making it one of the more expensive steak experiences of Mike's life. The steak sandwich cost between 40 and 50 dollars. While undeniably pricey, Mike felt the exceptional quality and preparation justified the cost, describing it as a special occasion meal worth saving for.
Notable Moments
This is 100% the most juicy steak I ever put in my mouth.
This is such an experience. Not just the steak itself. The steak is exquisite. The amount of juice that's in there, the amount of smoke that's in there, it's cooked so perfectly.
This sandwich is about 40 50 bucks. But this is a Wagu sandwich. Like the quality of meat is spectacular. This sandwich will 100% make you happy.
The Verdict
Shima represents the pinnacle of steak dining in Tokyo. This is absolutely one of the best steaks Mike has ever consumed, and he highly recommends the experience despite the premium price point. For anyone seeking an unforgettable special occasion meal, the combination of expertly cooked wagyu, theatrical preparation by Chef Shima, and the famous steak sandwich makes this a must-visit destination. The advice to dunk the mashed potatoes in the steak juices and chase bites with fresh wasabi are essential to the full experience.