Odami Designs Toronto Steakhouse Shinji with Denim, Karaoke, and Toto Toilets

Toronto's financial district now hosts Shinji, a Japanese steakhouse designed by Odami, a Toronto-based architecture and design studio. The project was initiated by Brandon Marek, managing partner of Harlo Entertainment hospitality group, who collaborated with executive chef Jia Zou and Odami co-founders Arancha González Bernardo and Michael Fohring. Both parties had recently traveled to Japan, informing their design approach. The restaurant features a long stone chef's table as the centerpiece, replacing the typical bar, to showcase the chefs' skills. Materials include natural stone and locally sourced ash wood, chosen for authenticity, which caused a contractor to question mismatched woodgrains. The interior incorporates an indigo hue on limewash walls, referencing Japan's denim industry, and a long indigo hallway leads to the dining area. The dining room contrasts light wood tables with deep blue tones, and linear pendant lights guide guests to a glowing orange bar. A rear corridor features neon tubes recalling Japanese karaoke bars. The restrooms include a looped recording of a Japanese voice actor as a DJ, playing music Marek heard in Japan, and Toto smart toilets with remote controls. Playful touches include anime posters and a plush stuffed animal, reflecting a philosophy of humility in craftsmanship. The design aims to avoid clichés and offer thoughtful tributes to Japanese culture.