• 5
• Classic Japanese in a classy space

Shizen brings a variety of classic Japanese dishes (ramen, izakaya/small plates, sushi) to the table; the element of creativity is making them entirely plant-based. There's a fair amount of imitation on the menu, from "eggs" in the ramen to "cream cheese" and "mayonnaise" in the rolls, to "crab meat" all over. There are also the favorite vegan dishes from Tataki, a related omni restaurant -- vegetable tempura, avocado/ cucumber/ shiitake/ sweet potato tempura rolls. The restaurant has an intimate feeling, with almost all furniture and decoration being natural wood, 6 seats at the sushi bar and room for about 40 in close-together tables. I thought it was lovely but could also imagine it turning into a super loud echo chamber if full of people. Menu includes a few cocktails, sake, wine and beer along with the array of food selections. No dessert menu. My partner and I got 3 small plates, an uramaki roll, a special roll and 2 drinks for around $60. Service was nice, although obviously the waiters were new since they've just opened this week. As a vegan person, I sometimes don't enjoy eating things that closely resemble animal foods I would normally avoid. Unfortunately that happened here -- some of the dishes we ordered left me with a "fishy" feeling in my mouth which I did not like. I bet that is a great feature for bringing mixed groups or tentative vegans here. For me, I will go back and order dishes featuring planty flavors next time :) The location is sort of in between a few neighborhoods -- not far from anything but not in a busy center either. I would probably pay for parking rather than leave a car in the street in the evening around here for security, but it's not unsafe to walk from public transit either.