Shinji's

What Shinji’s Gets Right About Modern Dining

At Shinji's in New York, one of the most memorable things I tasted wasn’t a dish. It was a cocktail called the S&P 500: a blend of black and white cookie notes with pastrami spice, inspired by the iconic (and an all time favourite of mine) S&P Deli just around the corner.

That level of storytelling is what sets a place like this apart.
Everything on the menu feels intentional. The drink doesn’t just reference a flavour. It nods to a piece of New York history, creating a layered experience that hits before you even take a sip.

As a food creator (and total nerd), I pay close attention to these details every single time.

When a space builds this kind of narrative into its offerings, the content tells itself. But more importantly, it earns attention for the right reasons.

In 2025, the restaurants that resonate are the ones that think beyond the plate. They create moments that connect, delight, and invite people in. What’s the last place that surprised you with this level of thought and creativity?