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Shinsen Sushi
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
1581 Sycamore AveSte 8
Hercules, CA 94547
(510) 245-1000
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
81 reviews for Shinsen Sushi
Review Highlights
"From those, I'd recommend the garlic noodles."
(in 4 reviews)
"Bento boxes and they prepared it so good."
(in 7 reviews)
"I have always been partial to the Nikki and the Lion King."
(in 4 reviews)
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81 reviews in English
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Review from Kristie M.
Fairfield, CA
6/15/2010
I've been meaning to write a review, for the last month... I was taken here for My First Mothers Day :-) I was so excited since this was the first time I'd eating here, plus I was craving Bento.. Once we settled into our seats, my excitement turned to frustration fairly quickly.. We were the only people in the resturaunt, (only 2 of us + baby) Yet can anyone tell me why it took well over 5 mins to be asked for water?? Or a menu?? Staff would walk right by us, folding napkins, cleaning.. After waiting almost 7 mins, I asked the server for a refreshment and menu..
I am giving 4 starts solely on the food.. It was delicious.. I'll definitely go back, but more than likely it'll be for pick up.. -
Review from Rachael D.
Hercules, CA
1/31/2012
I'm assuming this place has changed over the years because earlier reviews in 07 & 08 are pretty good, but once you get to 09 and after? Eh. Sounds like nothin' special to me and that's exactly what it was.
I believe I came here this past Friday - - thanks to http://restaurant.com, I was granted with a $2 certificate worth $25 off a $50 order. I was lightweight irritated with the terms & conditions of the certificate, especially where it says they automatically add 18% gratuity to your bill. I'm not a cheap tipper ... IF the service is worth it. The service was worth a basic 10%, if even that. Homegirl needs to smack a smile on that face, she would'a earned more from me. I'll get to that later ..
I also didn't like that we had to order $50 or more, but here's the thing: I would have been ok with that also if the food wasn't so goddamn expensive. $50 fed like 2 n a half people. That's one full 3-item bento box, 1 chicken katsu dinner and "part" of a Saba shioyaki dinner ... Not.including any appetizers, sushi, etc. I've been to so many Japanese restaurants and have gotten SO much food for $50, and the food was 10x better.
Food-wise: Chicken teriyaki was overcooked, hard and more like burnt chicken jerky. I found myself picking off at least 5 pieces that were so hard and BLACK that it was a complete turn-off to even eat the rest. It was unevenly cooked! Veggie tempura was good til I saw the bottom pieces practically swimming in oil. *gag* Shrimp tempura was tiny and limp (lol, that's what she said!). Salad dressing has too much ginger. Wasabi needs to not be "fake", lol, it was clumpy in the soy sauce and didn't mix properly AND tasted gross. Sashimi was either too thick or too thin, some pieces tasted ok, others were *gag* - a sushi spot that doesn't serve fresh fish is hella sketch, yo. Lol. Chicken katsu was koo, Saba shioyaki was ok too - both nothing special. The Oh, Yes! roll was okay -- 5 pc of crab & cream cheese; cream cheese was overdone, hardly any crab and the rice had too much vinegar in it and it was kinda hard (like it'd been sittin there for a koo minute)
As for service? I mean, is she ALWAYS having a bad day?? I mean, damn. Would it kill you to crack a smile or check on your tables once in awhile? :/ I had to ask for water hella times and she never smiled or asked how anything was. She especially seemed annoyed that i had the $25 gift certificate, but even after the certificate and 18% automatic gratuity, our bill was $65!! wtf?! O_o Without it, it was almost $100 for 1 3-item bento box, 1 chicken katsu dinner, 1 saba shioyaki dinner and 1 Oh, Yes roll (5 pc roll that tasted like cream cheese and sour rice). Dude, NOT COOL. I was ballistic. My mom, being Filipino and all, asked her hella times "i don't have to tip you anymore do i?!" lmao .. i mean, 18% gratuity for shitty service? i'm straight.
Overall, this is what I think: shitty service, mediocre food, too pricey.
I would drive the extra 5min to Happy Sashimi to make up for what was missing here at Shinsen. I'm koo off this spot! *deuces* -
Review from Matt J.
Hercules, CA
1/8/2012
This is a great local sushi spot with a pretty good selection of very fresh fish and friendly people. My wife and I frequent this place quite a bit before work and love the specials.
Likes: Sashimi and Dragon roll is excellent, bento box is also pretty good.
Dislikes: A bit expensive, very limited seating -
Review from Shawn W.
Hercules, CA
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Your review helps others learn about great local businesses.
Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. -
Review from sarah j.
San Luis Obispo, CA
7/14/2011
I gave it one star, but honestly this place deserves negative 50 stars. I don't know what was wrong with the server--Jane, but I have never had as terrible service as I did at this restaurant. She gave us the stink eye, was impatient with us, took away plates before we were done with them, and overall made our eating experience the worst ever. I am never going there again. No way. I even made this yelp account just so I could write this review. It was THAT bad.
the food was alright. -
Review from Sue W.
San Francisco, CA
10/28/2011
Sushi in Hercules, can't ask too much. At least this place is 10 times better than the terrible Dragon Terrace.
If you want Sushi in this area, the one at Rodeo is much better. -
Review from Mel B.
Hercules, CA
Aahh Shinsen! It would be the coolest thing if their was a great Sushi joint near my house, but sadly there is not. Shinsen Sushi is very average at best. It's not bad, but definitely not great.
I usually get the Unagi Donburi on a typical night, but I must say the Donburi here is pretty expensive. It's more expensive here because it comes in a combo with the miso & salad. Not bad but when I don't care for the miso & salad I don't want to pay $14 for an Unagi Don.
We also had the Unagi Cream Cheese - Unagi, cream cheese, tobiko over California roll w/ Unagi sauce. It was pretty good, little heavy on the cream cheese, but it was okay.
The kids had the Chicken Teriyaki. We ordered 1 Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box ($9.95) and 1 Chicken Teriyaki children's plate ($6.95). The oldest got the children's plate and the two youngest shared the Bento. Tip: There is no difference between the Bento and the kid's plate in terms of size. So I suggest getting the Children's Plate instead and save yourself $3.
Bottom line Shinsen is nice and convenient for a quick dinner when we don't feel like cooking after a long days work, but it's definitely not a Friday/Weekend Sushi joint. Strong 3 stars for our local Japanese restaurant. -
Review from Lisa f.
Richmond, CA
1/14/2011
Sushi in Hercules????? Really???? It's in the same shopping center as Home Depot & Big Lots, so I wasn't really expecting much.
The fish is fresh, and the last time we were. There, they had oysters that were the best oysters I have ever eaten in my life, and. i have eaten a lot of oysters.
My only issue with this place, is that they drown all of the rolls in sauce. I think they do it for presentation, but really it's not necessary to put sauce on every roll. -
Review from Mai W.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2010
This place was alright.
With the very few restaurants in the area I came here for dinner. The waitress was pretty nice but the food was mediocre.
Ordered:
Carpaccio
Fresh Oysters
Spicy Scallop hand roll (told chef to make it into a regular roll)
Orange Blossom
Las Vegas
The Las Vegas roll was the best from what we ordered and everything else was blehhhhhh.. The Spicy Scallop roll was really squishy and slimy in a way... Definitely not what I'm used to or expected. -
Review from Ziru C.
Albany, CA
1/10/2011
I came here on my lunch break when I first started working in the area.
There is plenty of parking in the huge parking lot of the plaza. The atmosphere inside is nice and rather relaxing.
The service was friendly and very accommodating for custom orders.
As for the food, it was alright. Their rolls weren't rolled properly, so they fell apart when you picked them up. The rolls are also on the smaller side. I've definitely had fresher fish for a cheaper price. Their wasabi was on the weaker side. -
Review from T L.
San Francisco, CA
10/29/2010
OK this is the last time we eat here!
Our first visit we ordered $70 worth of sashimi and some rolls, while the cooked rolls were OK the sashimi I swear you not tasted like wet sponges. Not good!
So here comes round two. This time we tried the bento boxes, the chicken teriyaki was more like burnt chicken jerky and the sashimi was a little better than the wet sponges we got last time. We also ordered the Hamachi Kama and it was pretty burnt for my wife's liking. Also the capachio no big deal just save the $$$$. In my opinion if your craving Japanese and have no choice but going there here's what to order: tempera, cooked rolls, and maybe an udon. Go to Happy Sashimi in Pinole. -
Review from J P.
Hercules, CA
5/16/2011
Dear Shinsen Sushi:
I wanted to like you so much. You're the reason I signed up for the $2 for $25 coupons from http://restaurant.com
The more recent reviews weren't bad so I thought we'd give it a try. ...sadly disappointing.
Flavor-wise your rolls were fine. But why are your rolls so small? Is there a rice shortage we don't know of?
And to the front-of-the-house lady, why did you not say a single word to us for our entire meal? When you took our order I might as well have been talking to a plant. No pleasantries, no repeating our order, ...nothing. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt as anybody can have a bad day, but I have to base this review on my experience, and I consider verbal communication to be an integral part of a meal service. It kinda felt like an Amish shunning.
If I didn't have 3 more of these $25 certs I probably wouldn't be back. Maybe you'll recognize me and confront me next time I'm there. I secretly hope you do and then maybe we can address these issues together, in a more communicative, yummier, more sizeable-rollier manner. ...or not. -
Review from Sean H.
Pinole, CA
8/23/2010
I sort of have a love-hate relationship with Shinsen. I love the way that their food tastes. Their sushi is really good, and even their non-sushi items like their bento boxes are very delicious. The service here is really good and quick. They're also super friendly, but then again some of them are my friends so I'd expect that.
The food here my be delicious, but the portions are way too small, especially for the price you're paying. See, I'm only like 120 pounds and I'm a very light eater. Sometimes I only have like, one meal a day. And if I'm complaining about the portions being too small, then they must be really small. Each time I've come here, I've always left still hungry.
Expensive, small portions, but very good taste and service. That's Shinsen in a nutshell. -
Review from Di J.
San Francisco, CA
3/31/2010
The chirashi was soo good and fresh. Had the Berkeley roll and Las Vegas roll. Don't order these two together coz they use the same sweet black sauce on top. They were good, I just wish they didn't put that much sauce cos it covered the sushi flavor.
They have a lot of stuff in the menu, will definitely come back for the freshness. The lychee sake was awesome too. -
Review from tinna h.
11/12/2007
What does one expect from the only Japanese place in Hercules? Lots of jive ass rolls ["JAR"]! The JAR list on their menu is actually quite lengthy, PLUS they have some JAR specials written up on the white board. Only came here for lunch with coworkers. Ordered appetizers + a 3-item bento box [includes salad and rice] + dessert.
Appetizers: Shinsen Wings [deep fried chicken wings], Kaki Fry [fried oysters], Gyoza [mini "pot stickers"], Crunchy Roll [from JAR menu]
3-Item Bento Box: There was a lot to choose from - tempura, saba shio, teriyaki [salmon, beef, or chicken], chicken katsu, tonkatsu, potato korokke, nigiri, sashimi, California roll, and spicy tuna roll.
You can choose 2-items, but I'm a pig, so 3-items for me! I selected sashimi [thinly sliced, not bad - seemed fresh], korokke [potato croquettes - YUM YUM!], and spicy tuna roll [actually quite spicy!]. Had green tea ice cream from Mitchell's for dessert. It was obviously way too much food, but you know - have to stuff my face while I can! I didn't even finish my rice. What a waste - I hang my head in shame...
Shinsen Sushi actually came as a recommendation about a year ago from someone working in the area, so yay - finally got to try it! Prices aren't bad. It's service with a smile, even though there were minor mishaps.
I can accept that. -
Review from Lolly G.
East Bay, CA
Updated - 9/4/2008
I had heard that the owner sold Shinsen's and opened another spot in Hercules - I also mistakenly had heard the whole business had moved so I was happy to find them still there! Even more happy that the quality is still top notch and the service was flawless. From the moment we ordered we were given our "courses" just at the right time, every time.
When we stopped in for lunch, the place was packed. There were a handful of spaces left at the bar so we hopped right in-and we were well rewarded. Along with out incredible plates the chef gave us (gratis) this beautiful 5 piece dish I have never tasted before, the new fire cracker...DELISH. As usual the tuna was super fresh and buttery melt in your mouth heaven..my coworker loved her salmon rolls and seaweed salad as well.
Please new owner ...expand soon! Next time I am bringing more friends!Listed in: Top Restaurants, My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/21/2008
The chef here is excellent, he goes out of his way to provide an excellent product and his… Read more »
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Review from Chris T.
Hercules, CA
1/8/2011
Had dinner here last night with the wife...We're eaten here maybe 4 or 5 times in the last 2 years.
Its just OK......They do have a few rolls that I like but the tuna sashimi was sliced SOOOO thick and didn't taste fresh at all...The salmon sashimi wasn't fresh local king salmon but rather frozen/thawed Atlantic salmon...Slimy nasty texture, taste and smell.
I dont know.............Wish there were better choices in the area...Dont think we'll be back. -
Review from Bee D.
Vallejo, CA
1/26/2009 8 photos
It was a fluke that we ended up here, lucky us! We stopped at the Dragon Terrace located at the end of the same center. It was 5 minutes before 9pm. The crew at the Dragon Terrace looked at me like I was some suburban OG Gangsta ready to rob the place.
I asked them if they were open (yeah, I saw the HUGE NEON OPEN sign) and they asked me if I was taking my food to go. I replied to the negatory and said "good night and wait for me to YELP you!"
So we walked over to Shensen to give them a try. I was a bit nervous that they would be closed also, but we were greeted promptly by the clerk at the counter, the sushi chef at the bar and two ladies that popped out from the curtained kitchen area. Amid bows from everyone were were seated and presented with menu's and complimentary edamame.
We ordered the California roll (for me), the fried oysters (to share - oooh la, la), chicken Katsu for Hunnie Bunnie and the beef Sukiyaki for me. The sukiyaki was accompanied by a bowl of rice and was steaming hot with lots of rice noodles doing the back stroke through the broth, sharing space with carrots and other veggies, fish cake and tender sliced beef.
Hunnie Bunnie enjoyed his Katsu and 3 extra servings of Katsu Sauce. He saw that the servers were trying to close out their checks, so he went up to give them our credit card. They were so sweet, they came over to the table and told us to take our time, that they weren't trying to rush us, even though there was a thorough cleaning going on in the kitchen. I assured them that it wasn't a problem at all and that we appreciated the quick service because we were tired.
It was actually refreshing to watch them clean up. They left no stone unturned, making sure that every surface was spotless.
The final surprise was a pair of mugs for us as a gesture of thanks. How cool was that?
So if you're in the area, and you want really fresh good food, in an extremely pristine environment with super friendly service, spend your moolah here. As for Dragon Terrace, they lost out on close to $50 tonight. In this economy, can you really afford that? -
Review from Christine E.
Washington, DC
11/3/2007
This sushi restaurant is owned by my Ninang (Filipino term for "Godmother"), so you know I gots to give it 5 stars! :)
But, seriously, the quality of sushi here is great. The ingredients are fresh. I recommend the Roggie roll (named after my uncle)! My ninang gave the menu here a twist adding non-traditional dishes. From those, I'd recommend the garlic noodles. Delicious!
They have a full bar, and I recommend the lychee martini! Yummy!
The restaurant is small, but it's definitely got a friendly feel to it. It seemed like there were a lot of regulars because my Ninang could basically name everyone eating there and personally say bye as they left after their dinner. It's far from where I live, but I'd definitely come back! Go, Auntie Gigi! :) -
Review from Victoria M.
Walnut Creek, CA
Updated - 10/30/2009
5 stars for the takeout!
After sitting in traffic for 3 HOURS today because the Bay Bridge is closed, I needed to perk myself up and so HIIIIIDYY HO away to Shinshen I go to get a dinner bento box with tempura, salmon and tuna sashimi and a spicy tuna role. Comes with miso and salad and a big pile of rice! A REALLY great deal!
ALL of this, every LAST CRUMB eaten with relish. The salmon just melted! SOOOO good! This coupled with my iTunes early 80's disco beat music got me dancing around my kitchen and soon the nasties were lifted and I was back to my ever lovn' self again. Thank you Shinsen! You have redeemed yourself!3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/15/2009
I'm so sad that the only sushi place in the Hercules-Pinole-Rodeo-Cro ckett area is slowly declining… Read more »
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Review from Betsy N.
Avondale, AZ
11/10/2008
I'm so glad to have a nice Japanese restaurant that's close to home.
Here's the reason why I keep coming back.
- Extremely friendly staff
- Super nice Sushi chef
- So many SUSHI to choose from
- So close to my home, I can walk here from my home
- Inviting atmosphere
Thank You Very Much! -
Review from Michael W.
Hercules, CA
5/30/2007
A Japanese restaurant in my city that also serves garlic noodles and deep fried chicken wings? I knew from looking at their menu that I had to give them a try.
I went in very skeptical since I've had a lot of bad Japanese food. Since they had a pretty good selection of sushi and sashimi I decided to only order from these sections of the menu.
Since this restaurant is in Hercules, I had to try the Herculean roll (tempura shrimp, mango, cucumber, fresh salmon, avocado, and wasabi aioli). This has become a roll that I order frequently.
I also recommend the caterpillar, angus (seared tender beef and green onions, teriyaki sauce), Hawaiian (tempura shrimp, mango, cucumber, fresh salmon, avocado, and wasabi aioli), and shinsen rolls (tempura shrimp, avocado, unagi, maguro, shiro maguro, tobiko, and special sauce).
This place can accommodate groups but calling ahead would be advised since the tables are usually set up to seat 2 per table.
I don't recommend this place for toddlers since there isn't much for a toddler to do while waiting for the food to come.
I would give this place 5 stars but my two favorite Japanese restaurants are still tied for first. This place is definitely an extremely close second.
I've heard from friends that their mixed drinks are really good. I will try one the next time I go here.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Terry T.
8/22/2009
I stopped for lunch 15 minuets before the lunch hour was over. I was happy that they did not rush me to finish so they could close. I think I was more worried than they were.
I ordered from the lunch menu. The portions were very generous. The Pork Kansu was perfectly cooked and I had enough left over for a second meal.
I also ordered sushi. I had Saba (mackerel) this is usually not the most popular sushi on the menu so it can sometimes sit longer than the more popular sushi, and often it is not really fresh. I was thrilled at how fresh my tasty Saba treats were. I am going back to have it again. -
Review from sabrinasmom s.
San Francisco, CA
8/5/2008
New owner. New menu (complete with misspellings I don't know about you, but I don't want to eat anything that's been "breeded"). New name = Shin Sen
Lots of new rolls - with lots of ingredients, flavor combinations? Muddled.
Gone is the simplicity, freshness of the old Shinsen.
Part of the charm of the old Shinsen was Gigi, the owner.
I went to Happy Sashimi once. I thought the menu to be overloaded and the sushi overdone (too many "things" on a roll doesn't make it taste good). Unfortunately, Shin Sen has gone that route.
Guess it's back to the City for decent sushi.
(For those of you missing the old vibe - Gigi has opened a new restaurant "The Powder Keg" on the Hercules waterfront) -
Review from Aaron S.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2008
I was living in Hercules when this placed opened and I was immediately impressed. I like a place where you can order off the menu or perhaps create your own roll. At Shinsen anything goes. There off the menu stuff is to die for. I have always been partial to the Nikki and the Lion King.
I have come to know the owners quite well and their personality comes through in their restaurant. Warm and friendly all around. They make it feel like your going over to a friends house for dinner.
I highly recommend this place to any and all sushi enthusiasts in the area. -
Review from Michelle V.
Berkeley, CA
2/16/2011
This place is excellent! This will be the Friday night ritual for sure! YUMMY!
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Review from Marcy H.
Rodeo, CA
5/27/2011
I want to like this place SO badly. And yet every time I go, something disappoints me. They were good the first few times, enough to really get me excited about sushi so close to home. And then something changed.
I don't know what happened, but they are hit or miss and I finally just stopped trying.
Step up your game Shinsen and we will be back. Otherwise, good luck to you. :) -
Review from Lorraine d.
Hercules, CA
2/6/2007
I had the food here and it was really good. Who knew that Hercules could produce a Japanese restaurant this good. So, it seems that not everything here has to do with Japanese food. Like, I got garlic noodles and ceviche, of all things. Ceviche? At a Japanese restaurant!? ALL right...!
All in all, everything was awesome. It's everything you expect at a Japanese restaurant - and more.Listed in: HERCULES! The Grand Tour
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Review from Marlon O.
Benicia, CA
Updated - 5/6/2009
I came in pouting today not wanting to ever eat here. We were in the area and craving for sushi. I said to hell with it.
Seems like a new owner since the menu looked different. We had a bento box (chicken teriyaki), Hamachi love (roll), and gyoza. Hmmmm... Bento box was average but what surprised me was the roll. Hamachi was fresh, cut perfect, rice was also not over powering the sushi like it did before. Service has turned around 360. Spent $40 for two and I though for lunch that was kinda high.
Ill come back again just to see how consistant this new place can be. Lets just start slow and maybe they can get a 4 star outta me.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/19/2008
This place lacks in service and the food cant even make up for it. I eat alot of sushi and I just… Read more »
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Review from Stephanie J.
Walnut Creek, CA
3/11/2010
If you love sushi, go here. The sushi is amazing! I usually order the Fuji roll, Red Dragon roll and the Pacific roll.They are all extremely fresh and hot when they get to the table. Their special sauce really makes the rolls.
The sushi chef is extremely friendly and remembers when I come in. I go fairly often and of course tip well for his amazing creations. On fairly quieter nights, the chef would give my boy friend and I a special hand rolled sushi or sashimi on the house.
I haven't tried any of the dinner plates since the ownership of the store was passed over about a year ago. But I recommend the garlic noodles. -
Review from Samantha P.
El Sobrante, CA
6/6/2007 8 photos
I love Shinsen! (used to work there so maybe its inevitable?) The people are wonderful, the food deeeelicious, and the place, while small, is comfortable.
If you're wondering what makes Shinsen special, or stick out, from other Japanese resturaunts, it all comes down to their sushi. I have been to a few different japanese resturaunts (which I plan on reviewing soon) and Shinsen's rolls are BY FAR the most delicious and I absolutely love how they are all cut into pieces I can actually fit in my mouth.
I'm not a sashimi/raw fish fan, but I know for a fact that the fish is very fresh, because (1) I worked there ^^ and (2) my boyfriend has the world's most picky tastes, sensitive stomach, and complaining critiquer of all foods, especially sushi, and refuses to go to most other sushi resturaunts, and by god he loves eating here. and (3) what raw fish I do enjoy (saba/mackerel and shiro maguro) I find the most delicious pieces come from here. ^^
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
*SEAFOOD CEVICHEE
*BAKED SCALLOPS WITH RICE
*LION KING
*B52 HAND ROLL
OK, well that sums up most of it, but basically--- ITS THE BEST, go, enjoy, and come again and again, like me! ^^ (seriously, i eat here at least once a week)
******** edited 9/7/07 ************
I now work here again (guess I couldn't stay away) and still love it. ^^ I noticed a lot of comments on poor service and hope that I can fix that problem for people.
And some new things to try:
Panko fried Zuccinni
Paradise Roll
*****edited 08/27/08 *****
soo they changed ownership. completely different. dont like it. the end. -
Review from Janet H.
San Pablo, CA
12/26/2007
After waiting two weeks I finally got my Japanese birthday dinner. I spent hours scanning http://Yelp.com for the perfect place to enjoy a great dining experience bookmarking several that I wanted to try. However when time was finally found for this special dinner I chose Shinsen because it was close to home and didn't involve freeway driving on a holiday weekend.
After waiting so long to finally have Japanese food we admittedly ordered too much food but since it was so good, managed to eat it all. Thank you Shinsen for fulfilling my birthday desire. -
Review from BENN T.
Oakland, CA
We went here for Dinner Last Friday April 10th, and we are greeted
By smiling servers, that's a good start.
For starters we ordered their Oysters, 4 pieces but wow they're good
They top it with Tabasco like sauce and it's so good. We Ordered their
Bento boxes and they prepared it so good. Don't take my word for it try them. -
Review from Karen P.
Crockett, CA
8/27/2008
UPDATE: Not deducting a star, but was a little disappointed to find the teacher's 10 percent discount gone with change of ownership. Also, a few of the veggie dishes, like the delicious fried tofu appetizer, now comes with bonito flakes. I know that is fish and know to ask for the dish without it, but still... A few of my favorite veggie rolls also got bumped from the menu, but the server said we can request them. I still love the place and wish the new owners luck. It was a lot emptier last time than it used to be. Still my go-to spot for a lovely local dinner.
LOVE Shinsen. Better sushi than just about any place I can think of in the whole BA. New menu still works for me! Cute and helpful staff, and many many many many veggie options.
Deducting one star for how a bit close and small the place can feel, but other than that... my favorite restaurant less than ten miles from home! And in West County, that's saying something. -
Review from Serena H.
Hercules, CA
10/10/2007
This is the only sushi place in hercules.
Rolls are small and prices are high. The lunch bento boxes are ok. Service is always so so. They don't have bento boxes for dinner. They always seem understaffed. -
Review from Jen L.
Hercules, CA
1/14/2008
Actually 3.5 stars, but I'll round up since they're located in my hometown.
First things first - Whoever is in the kitchen knows how to grill! This place has the best grilled piece of chicken I have ever eaten. I ordered the chicken teriyaki and the piece of chicken breast that came out was beautifully cooked. It was in that perfect range where it is cooked, but not over cooked to the point where it is dry. It was wonderfully moist and tender. (So I know it's not a fluke - We also ordered chicken teriyaki on another visit and it was just as good.)
I also ordered steak teriyaki on another visit and it was also perfectly grilled to the medium I specified. Another plus on their teriyaki dishes is that the sauce is on the side so you can add as much or as little as you want on your meat. It's a nice change from places that just smother it all on.
Second - This place is small. I don't think this is a great spot for groups unless you go early or come late. We came in for a table for two at 8 PM on Friday and it was full. I think Happy Sashimi in Pinole is double the size of this place.
Third - The prices here are a bit higher than what you normally see for Japanese restaurants in the area. My test is always the tekka maki. If it's over $4 I feel like it's over priced.
Finally - The service can be hit or miss. Most of the staff look like they're still in high school so they don't have quite as much experience in table manners. It's not terrible but it could use some polishing which only experience can bring. One night we were waiting to place our order while the waitress chatted to her friends sitting at the table next to us. After she realized we had been waiting a while she apologized and gave us free drinks which was nice. -
Review from tad s.
CA
5/9/2007
Very nice. Took me a little bit of driving to find it. After making a left on Sycamore, and under the freeway, look on your left for a sign stating that a shopping center is there (kind of a worn out looking fake clock tower w/o a clock) and make a left into it. You should find it then. The mapquest had me going up the street and hooking a U-turn which was not necessary.
Anyway, good service and food and sake. I'll be back, as I'm still searching for my 4th 5 star sushi joint. This place has possibilities... -
Review from joe m.
Hercules, CA
5/3/2007
Very good Japanese food for out here in the East Bay. We don't have to go into the City to find good and creative sushi rolls anymore! They have creative cocktails also.
Service can be a little uneven. Last time our server forgot about one of our rolls and was very apologetic about it. -
Review from Marisa Y.
Hercules, CA
6/3/2007
this place is really good. I was actually about to order some tonight but to my disbelief, they were already closed.
My favorite would have to be the california sunburn (deep fried california roll). The place has a quiet enviornment and the decoration are aesthetically pleasing. It is a pretty small restaurant but a good choice for a date, especially since they serve alcohol.
The only negative comment I would have is that the wait staff tends to be on the slow side when dining in. -
Review from Maureen M.
Hercules, CA
3/18/2009
It's pretty decent for being in Hercules, there is no other local Japanese restaurant other than Happy Sashimi the next town over and Hell to the No!
I had the shrimp tempura dinner. They give you a lot of shrimp 8pcs not huge but the quantity makes up for it, rice, soup and salad. I ordered the baked salmon sushi aka Lion King, pretty good I am usually dissapointed with this common sushi at other Japanese restaurants. I have my favorite but I never get it now that I don't work in Orinda anymore.
My sister had a bento box which for some reason it only comes with a 3 item option. My other sister just order a bunch of sushi I can't recall the names but the size was on the smaller size but perfect for my sister and I and the taste we liked.
Service was great everyone was attentive fast and friendly and even the sushi chef greeted us as we came in and when we left. They had top 40 playing in the background. Not my fave for Japanese but I liked it enough to comeback.
