Shima Sushi Bar

Extremely slow service and forgetful staff. They mostly seemed to not know how to work in a restaurant. The food was good, but the whole experience was annoying. Arrived: 6:05pm. Restaurant was full, was told a couple would be leaving soon as they were bringing them their check. They forgot to bring that couple their check for maybe 10 minutes. A different couple ended up departing and we were seated. We were given menus while we waited to be able to decide our orders. Ordered at 6:15, three rolls, 2 salads to start. Tried to order drinks but the server walked off. After watching the staff work the restaurant while we were waiting at the door I had already become hesitant about eating here. The original couple that we were told would be leaving soon had given the staff their credit card, but the staff forgot to actually ring them up. 6:25 finally flagged down a server to ask for water, tea and a beer. Finally, the couple managed to get their credit card back after finally getting up to ask the staff for their card back. At this same time another table opened behind us while three different groups of three people each were waiting to be seated. No one bussed the table, no one talked to the people waiting. 6:45: The salads were finally delivered. Finally, they seated the three different waiting groups, because enough time had passed that most of the patrons had cleared out. I was really annoyed at this point, both from my own experience as well as watching the staff interact with others (or not) and how many tables never got any attention. 6:50 the sushi came. We were ravenous and the food was good, but our drinks were all empty. No one came by again to check in for additional drinks or about anything. 7:15 Paid and left. The couple that was seated behind us, now had been waiting 30 minutes themselves and had not gotten even drinks or their own orders placed. The overall time length isn't that long because we got out of their as fast as possible once we started seeing the issues that others were having. With an attentive staff, this could have been a nice meal and length of time spent out.

Fortunately, this was my first experience with sushi. My sister was always the fan, so she brought be along on her birthday two years ago. That day changed my life. First, the atmosphere. It's a little hole in the wall off a main street, and it's only open at night. Mystique obtained. Inside is a gorgeous modern, dark theme, with influences from all over without losing the Japanese feel. The best non-taste aesthetic is Taka, the (only?) executive chef. He's so friendly and sweet, without being obtrusive at all. Yes, things take time at Shima, but the best way to spend your money should be allowed some patience. Besides, it's a comfortable wait, if you ask me. I've had quite a decent variety in sushi in two years, and Shima holds position as the best. I won't try and describe perfection on the tongue. Go. Get some of everything. You will not miss the money. I've explored less of the Hawaiian food selection, but it's very homely. In a good way, like mac & cheese.