Shoki - Athens, GA - May 22, 2007

Dining from 5:30p - 7:00p
Health Rating: 80/93
Average Cost per person: $26.00 (including alcoholic drinks and appetizers)

Overall EATS Tour Rating

Food: B+
Atmosphere: A
Service: A

Meals ordered

Taylor Little
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Dish: Hawaiian Sushi and Hibachi Shrimp
Food: B+
Atmosphere: A
Service: A+
Review: I've been to Shoki numerous times for the sushi but this is only my second trip for the hibachi experience. The sushi is the best in Athens, very fresh and delicious. I had the Tuna Hawaiian and it was great. The atmosphere is nice. Even though it is located in a strip mall once you're inside it has a welcoming feel, dark and intimate.

Much of the atmosphere of the hibachi dining experience has to be with the show they put on and the interaction with other diners. Since it was early there were not many people there so we talked amongst ourselves. Our chef was good but not as impressive as some of the chefs at Inoko's in his presentation. Although I liked the fact the he didn't skimp on the flammable liquids during his show. The comparison to Inoko's doesn't end there as they set the bar for hibachi dining. I had the soup, salad and shrimp. The soup was good as was the salad. The shrimp was not bad but not as good as Inoko's as it was slightly tough.

The service was excellent. We had a server and a trainee who did most of the work. She was great, always there when you needed her. I will always choose Shoki for sushi but prefer Inoko's for the hibachi.

Terry Allen - Guest Star
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Dish: Hibachi Scallop
Food: B+
Atmosphere: A
Service: A
Review:

Stephanie Sharp
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Dish: Teriyaki Chicken
Food: B+
Atmosphere: A
Service: A
Review: If you are really into a Hibachi grill experience it is entertaining. I have seen better presentations at Inoko, but I was just as entertained at Shoki. I was very impressed with the overall cleanliness of the grill and eating area. Hibachi can be pretty messy but the even the ventilation hood above the hibachi grill was spotless. The temperature of the room was comfortable, the seating was comfortable and the service was stellar. Overall it was an enjoyable experience, but all things being equal, if you took the food we were served out of the experience it was just "good."