Shima Steak
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We couldn’t visit Japan without trying some of its famous wagyu beef. We managed to get reservations for Shima Steak and were treated to the best steaks and sandwiches we’ve ever had.
Shima Steak is located in Nihonbashi, which is the neighborhood just northeast of Ginza. There isn’t a station directly next to it, but it’s less than a ten minute walk from both Takaracho and Nihonbashi stations. Shima Steak, like many restaurants, is in the basement of a building, but fortunately it’s not hard to find. The entrance to the building is next to Tully’s Coffee. From inside we took the elevator down and were greeted by the hostess at the door.
We were seated at the counter instead of one of the few tables to the side. We were glad to have seats at the counter since it gave us the perfect spot to watch the chefs prepare the meals. Shima Steak has two cuts of wagyu to choose from: filet or sirloin. Michelle chose the filet, and Taylor picked the sirloin. We ordered both medium rare, for such a fine cut of meat being cooked anymore would be criminal.
From our seats we were able to watch chef Manabu Oshima cut off our steaks from the large cut of meat. He then trimmed off the excess fat using a knife that he had obviously been using for a very long time since it was sharpened to such a short blade in comparison to the handle size. He then took each cut and placed it on a scale so we could see we were getting what we paid for. We took a moment to appreciate the perfect marbling before he took them off the scale and sprinkled on salt and pepper. The steaks were then put on skewers and placed into a specially made rotisserie oven.
After our steaks were placed in the oven; bread and olives were brought out with a slab of butter. The bread was in a little ball shape. They’re pretty tasty with butter spread inside.
Then the moment we were waiting for came: our steaks were taken out, arranged on a plate, and set down in front of us. Along with the steak there were grilled onions, a carrot, green beans, potato, fried garlic slices, and a dollop of mustard on the side. The sides were quite good, but everything paled in comparison to the steaks. The steaks were cooked to a perfect medium rare and were juicy and pink on the inside. It’s hard to properly describe it, but they were magnificent. We took our first bites and the meat just melted in our mouth. The steak is so good that only a tiny bit of salt and pepper was needed for seasoning. No need to mask the meat with sauce or anything. Every piece was amazing, and we couldn’t help but smile the whole time.
After we finished the steaks, a small plate with a grape and two scoops of ice cream was the first part of the dessert. Then we were given a plate with different cookies. The treats were nice to have, but the real dessert was what came next, which we would be taking to go.
In addition to the steak meal, we also ordered the wagyu sandwich that Shima Steak offers. They take large loaves of bread and hand cut thick slices. These slices put Texas Toast to shame. After toasting the bread, mustard and tomato compote are smeared on. The cuts of meat not used for the filets and sirloins are then sliced, cooked, and layered multiple times on each slice. The sandwich is completed and has its crust removed. It’s cut into three equal parts and then fitted into a takeout box that fits the sandwich perfectly.
These sandwiches can be eaten right away, but to our dismay we were quite full from the steak. We ended up taking the sandwich back to our hotel and ate it once we had some room for it. Even slightly warm the sandwich was delicious. The bread surprisingly wasn’t soggy at all and the flavors of the tomatoes with the mustard complemented the wagyu beef very well. We just wish we could have eaten it right when we got it. We’ll just have to make sure we do if we go back.
Shima Steak was easily the best steak we had ever had. Although the meal was expensive (14,000 yen each and a 7,000 yen sandwich if we remember correctly), it is still a very good deal when compared to other wagyu restaurants. What makes Shima Steak stand out other than a competitive price is the steak sandwich that only they offer. It was just amazing and an over-the-top but delicious addition to what was already an amazing meal. If you ever get to eat at Shima Steak, make sure you do not pass up the opportunity to order a sandwich as well.
Google Maps Link: Shima Steak
