First time at this location and already can’t wait to come back! I highly recommend making a reservation—this spot is clearly popular for good reason. Everything tasted incredibly fresh—the quality of the fish and ingredients is easily the best we’ve found in the valley so far. Every sushi roll and piece of nigiri we tried was perfectly prepared and full of flavor. The cocktails were also a hit—balanced, creative, and a great complement to the food. Service was top tier; attentive without being overbearing, and the staff made us feel welcome from start to finish.
Overview
Walking into Shimogamo Sushi And Grill feels like slipping into a neighborhood spot that knows exactly what it’s doing without making a big show of it. Located at 2320 S Santan Village Pkwy Suite 104, Gilbert, AZ 85295, United States, this restaurant has become a steady favorite for locals who want Japanese food that’s consistent, thoughtful, and satisfying. I’ve eaten here more times than I can count, from quick weekday lunches to slower dinners when the grill is working overtime, and the experience holds up across the board.
The menu is where things really start to click. Sushi lovers will notice right away that the fish quality is taken seriously. The salmon and tuna cuts are clean and fresh, and the rice balance is spot on, which matters more than people realize. According to guidance shared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, proper fish handling and temperature control are critical for both safety and flavor, and you can taste that care here. Rolls are well-constructed, not overloaded, and easy to eat without falling apart halfway through. The dragon roll and spicy tuna roll are reliable choices, while seasonal specials often show a bit more creativity.
What keeps me coming back, though, is the grill side of the kitchen. The teriyaki dishes have that familiar comfort, but the meat is cooked with attention instead of rushed. Chicken stays juicy, and the beef has a clean char that reminds me of traditional Japanese grilling methods often highlighted by chefs associated with the James Beard Foundation. You can tell the kitchen follows a simple process: high heat, controlled timing, and sauces added with restraint. That approach lets the ingredients do the talking.
Service here deserves a mention because it shapes the overall experience. On one visit, I asked for a recommendation when I couldn’t decide, and the server walked me through a few options based on how hungry I was and whether I wanted something light or filling. That kind of guidance doesn’t happen by accident; it comes from staff who actually know the menu. Reviews from regular diners often mention this same attentiveness, which adds a layer of trust when you’re bringing friends or family along.
The dining room itself is casual and relaxed, making it easy to drop in without overthinking the occasion. It’s not trying to be trendy, and that works in its favor. You’ll see couples, families, and solo diners all sharing the space comfortably. During peak hours, there can be a short wait, which is a fair trade-off for food that’s prepared carefully rather than rushed. If there’s a limitation, it’s simply that the space isn’t huge, so planning ahead helps during busy evenings.
From a broader perspective, Japanese cuisine is often praised by nutrition researchers for its emphasis on portion control, lean proteins, and balance. Studies published by organizations like the World Health Organization frequently point to these elements as contributors to healthier eating patterns. While no restaurant meal is perfect, the options here make it easier to choose something that feels both indulgent and reasonable.
Among the many dining locations around SanTan Village, this spot stands out for being dependable without being boring. It doesn’t chase trends or overwhelm the menu with gimmicks. Instead, it focuses on doing the basics well, listening to feedback, and maintaining quality. That’s why so many local reviews read like personal recommendations rather than one-time impressions.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Asian-owned ✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Has changing table(s) ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 206 reviews
We went on a Friday around 5pm and had no problems getting seated at the bar right away. Everything here from the presentation to the food to the staff was phenomenal. We had the Harvest in Uji and lemon sour for drinks. They don't skimp on alcohol here but I loved how the matcha in the Harvest in Uji balanced out the bitterness of the vodka and made the drink taste amazing. We had the snow crap tempura and 4 piece crispy truffle crab for appetizers, the sea urchin nigiri and fresh water eel nigiri to try and then the garlic shrimp fried udon and udon carbonara for entrees. Yes they do have a dessert menu but you have to ask about it when you're there as it seems to be told by word of mouth. Everything here was incredibly flavorful, delicious, and definitely worth coming back. I didn't find any of the items to "taste like the ocean" but I am also use to this style of cuisine and favor it over others. The two people at the bar were incredible especially Christina M! She made our night out a lot better as she was attentive, friendly, and helped us choose the best items on the menu.
My brother mentioned that this was the best sushi he's ever had. I would have to disagree. Though it was fresh sushi, it definitely was not worth the price. I've had much more unique rolls and can get double the food for half the price. My dad enjoyed the sashimi though! They did have good service, Info have to admit. If you have money to throw away, go for it. But personally, I wouldn't come here again. Way too expensive for the quality of the food.
We went for restaurant week and were only slightly disappointed. We both wanted the wagyu ribeye, but they only had one left. I was pretty astonished they were already out of it by Tuesday seeing as it's featured on their restaurant week menu. However, we ended up sharing that with the scallops and both were amazing! I was glad it worked out this way, so I could enjoy both options, but such an oversight deserves to lose the meal a star. It would have been 5 stars had they kept their special in stock. The rest of the meal was scrumptious as well! Everything was so balanced. Their chef absolutely tells a story with his food and it all had very clear direction. Nothing on any plate was out of place. The service was excellent, too! We loved our waitress! We plan on returning soon to try more of the menu.
Shimogamo is the best sushi in the Phoenix Valley! They fly their fish in fresh twice a week from Japan and even buy whole Bluefin Tuna. Their O Toro is outstanding! I highly recommend them and they have a location in Gilbert and one in Chandler.
Service was very good and attentive. Waygu was delicious. Fresh sashimi. Great flavor. Rolls were least favorite. Good not great.
This experience was such a pleasant surprise. It was my birthday and I just wanted to get some food with my girlfriend and she found this place by accident in Google maps. The atmosphere is the same as many traditional Japanese steakhouses. However, Kai and his recommendations really made the experience something special and memorable. The yellowtail melts in your mouth, the sake elevated that to next level. I had the wagyu sushi roll but was so focused and enjoy every single piece that i forgot take a photo of it. Scallops where my girlfriends choice but i had to keep her away from my flank steak which came with a wagyu sauce and was cooked over Japanase charcoal which trust me you will taste the difference. This is a restaurant run by true masters of the craft. Surreal experience. /10.
All the food was very fresh and delicious, but the service staff lacked professionalism. They filled the water glasses to the brim, forgot to take some orders, and didn’t know whether the sushi was spicy or not. When customers pointed out the issues, they refused to admit their mistakes. I believe that as restaurant waitstaff, you must carefully listen to the customer’s needs. I clearly stated that the sushi roll I ordered should not be spicy because it was intended for a child. The waiter assured us it would be non-spicy, yet when the dish arrived, the sushi roll did contain spiciness. Initially, the waiter claimed there was only a slight amount of green chili sauce on top. However, after carefully reviewing the menu’s ingredients, we discovered that the double-layer salmon roll contains spicy salmon. If the child were to suffer an allergic reaction today, what responsibility would your restaurant assume? When we addressed the issue with the waiter a second time, he merely insisted that it was just a condiment and not spicy, failing to grasp the severity of the situation. I believe your company needs to provide further training; otherwise, if a customer does experience a problem, it may be too late for regrets.