Introducing Shoji

Shoji, located on New Montgomery Street, is the brainchild of chefs Ingi “Shota” Son and Intu-on Kornnawong. This establishment marks a revival of the area’s dining energy, previously seen when Mourad Lahlou opened his acclaimed restaurant. By day, Shoji serves as a tranquil cafe, while it transforms into a chic bar and restaurant by night, appealing to diverse dining preferences.

Ambiance and Atmosphere

The restaurant features a unique design that merges casual coffee shop vibes during the day with an upscale setting at night. Diners can experience a mix of cozy, lamplight tables and a lively bar scene. The restaurant has gained attention on social media, leading to a steady stream of patrons curious about its offerings.

Reservation Insights

Without a reservation, guests can expect a brief wait—typically around 20-30 minutes—as the venue tends to get busy post-6:30 p.m. Despite its bustling atmosphere, the layout includes spacious areas, such as a back patio and multiple seating arrangements, helping manage the influx of diners effectively. Reservations can be made via OpenTable up to a week in advance.

Dining Experience

The ambiance leans towards a vibrant Las Vegas energy, complete with a lively soundtrack and engaging visuals throughout the space. Service is attentive and swift, ensuring that patrons enjoy their experiences without lengthy delays.

Culinary Offerings

Shoji boasts a noteworthy beverage selection alongside its culinary offerings. The drinks program includes unique concoctions such as the Cold Noodle, a non-alcoholic drink featuring a wasabi-rimmed glass. Other refreshing options like the Mayabi and an apple-dashi blend further exemplify Shoji’s innovative approach.

Food items are equally impressive, featuring creative dishes that demonstrate the culinary expertise of its chefs. For example, a ceviche served with nori pairs local halibut with fresh ingredients, while their fries come garnished with aioli, roe, and fried garlic.

Social media-savvy dishes, like the cheese-laden burger, steal the show. Served with a sizzling cast-iron pan, the experience includes dipping the burger into melted cheese, a dish that invites playful interaction among diners.

Final Thoughts

Shoji is ideal for anyone drawn to dynamic restaurant experiences, particularly those interested in exploring contemporary coffee and dining trends. Its unique offerings, including matcha and hojicha affogato adorned with pink Kit Kat tiles, push culinary boundaries while maintaining a fun and engaging dining atmosphere. For those ready to indulge in inventive dishes and a lively ambiance, a visit to Shoji promises to be worthwhile.

Hours of Operation

Shoji operates as Café Shoji from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and transitions to Bar Shoji from 5 p.m. to midnight during the same days.