Shogun - Japanese, Santa Rosa

2350 Midway Dr (located in Montgomery Village), Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 575-5557
Parking: street parking

Last Visited: January 24, 2009

Food: 3 stars
Service: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Price: $ to $$$

Shogun is located inside the Montgomery Village shopping center. Enter the restaurant and notice the sushi bar in the rear, the typical wood decorations, blue cloth hangings, window screens with opaque white backgrounds and wood patterns, and other Asian wall hangings. Japanese and Chinese music play in the background. Natural light shines in through the windows.

The tables are forest green with a light wood border. Matching cushioned chairs continue the natural look. The table is adorned with chopsticks, white paper placemats, white paper napkins, and pictures containing various sushi. Of course, there’s also a bottle of soy sauce, and the more unusual condiment was a bottle of Japanese seasoning. Water arrived at the table after we were seated and given menus.

My friends recommended tempura and tonkatsu. When they go to Shogun, at least one person will have to get the tonkatsu. Although I didn’t try it, many others did, and the portions were quite large with two tonkatsu patties and the other typical items as described below.

- Tempura and Sashimi Lunch Bento – The bento box is served with miso soup, seasoned long bean sprouts, rice, and shredded cabbage salad. The sashimi of the day was maguro (tuna) cut into eight small bricks and laid on top of a leaf of lettuce and thinly grated daikon strings. The tempura included squash, broccoli, two pieces of shrimp, a green bean, cauliflower, a mushroom, and various other vegetables. The center of the bento box contained a segment of tomato standing on its side. The center of the rice is sprinkled with toasted black sesame. The portions are sizable, and the flavor was good. The tempura is lightly battered and just right and the sashimi was very fresh. Great. $13.95

The tonkatsu is okay - not as authentic as it could be, but authentic for Sonoma County.  The portions for these dishes are large, so you'll be full.  For sushi, I think it's just okay - not the best, but certainly not the worst.  Just okay.   Check out Shogun for some nice tempura and friendly service.