Phoenix · Sushi · a la carte
Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant
Contemporary Japanese sushiWagyuUdonJapanese fine diningChandlerGilbert
Shimogamo is a Japanese family-owned restaurant founded in 2003 by the Otomo family, now operated by their daughter Mika and her Tokyo-trained chef husband Daisuke Itagaki. Phoenix New Times named it the Best Japanese Restaurant of 2025.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- Chandler / Gilbert
- Since
- 2003
- Chef
- Daisuke Itagaki
- Owner
- Mika Itagaki
Plate № 28
About
Founded in 2003 by Sanae and Yoshio Otomo after relocating from Japan, Shimogamo has grown into one of the most celebrated Japanese restaurants in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The second generation — daughter Mika, Tokyo-trained sommelier, and her husband Daisuke Itagaki, a fine-dining chef also trained in Tokyo — now helms both the Chandler and Gilbert locations. The menu blends premium nigiri, house-crafted sauces, A5 wagyu dishes, and seasonal Japanese ingredients into an experience that regularly outperforms restaurants costing twice as much. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Phoenix New Times awarded it Best Japanese Restaurant in 2025.
Neighborhood & visiting
Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant sits in Chandler / Gilbert, one of Phoenix's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused sushi counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Second-generation Japanese family ownership — Otomo family roots in Japan, now led by Tokyo-trained couple
- Phoenix New Times Best Japanese Restaurant 2025 — consistently the Valley benchmark
- A5 wagyu sando and house-crafted sauces elevate every visit beyond standard Japanese fare
- Two suburban locations (Chandler & Gilbert) with the same uncompromising quality and hospitality
Two locations: Chandler (2051 W Warner Rd, 480-899-7191) and Gilbert (2320 S Santan Village Pkwy Ste 104, 602-595-6448). Listing covers both under the Chandler address.
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Frequently asked
About Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant
- Is Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant an authentic contemporary japanese sushi restaurant in Phoenix?
- Yes — Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for contemporary japanese sushi in Phoenix: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
- Where is Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant located?
- Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant is located at 2051 W Warner Rd Ste C, Chandler, AZ 85224, Phoenix, USA in the Chandler / Gilbert neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant?
- Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant accepts reservations online. For an authentic sushi experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant?
- Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for contemporary japanese sushi of this format in Phoenix.
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