Every once in a while, a place comes along that isn’t trying to be the best; it’s trying to be the most fun. And honestly? That’s exactly why Shoya Sushi earns a spot on our radar.

Located in the Clearwater Springs Shopping Center on Indy’s north side, Shoya brings a high-energy, tech-forward twist to dining with its revolving sushi concept. It’s not your traditional sushi night out, but that’s kind of the point.

First Things First: Is It Worth It?
We’re usually not in the habit of blogging about chain-style restaurants, but Shoya is just different enough to deserve the conversation. If you’ve ever wondered whether a revolving sushi spot is worth trying, let’s save you the suspense: Yes, go do it.

Let’s Set Expectations
If you’re hunting for the absolute best sushi in Indianapolis, this isn’t your stop. For top-tier quality, stick with local Indianapolis standouts like Asaka or Sakura. But if you’re looking for something interactive, entertaining, and surprisingly satisfying, Shoya delivers in a big way.

How It Works (And Why It’s Fun)
The move here is simple:
👉 Go all-in on the “all you can eat” option.

Ordering plate-by-plate misses the point and can rack up quickly. The real joy is sampling everything that catches your eye as it glides past you on the conveyor. And yes, it’s exactly as fun as it sounds.

Picture this:

• A constant stream of sushi plates circling the restaurant
• You grabbing whatever looks good in the moment
• No waiting, no overthinking—just eat and enjoy

But it doesn’t stop there.

Welcome to the Future (Robots Included)
Shoya leans hard into automation—and it works.

• 🤖 Robot servers deliver your drinks
• 🍣 A revolving belt keeps sushi flowing nonstop
• 🚄 A tram system above your table sends custom orders directly to you

Each table also has a digital tablet where you can order more specific items beyond what’s on the belt.
It’s part restaurant, part amusement ride.

And honestly, it’s hard not to imagine something whimsical happening behind the scenes—like a pair of Miyazaki-style spirits crafting sushi in a blur of magic. Reality check: it’s a small team working hard to keep the system humming—but the illusion is part of the charm.

Come Hungry (Trust Us): This is not a light meal situation.

On our visit, three of us cleared about 25 plates without much trouble. At roughly $30 per person (plus drinks), it felt like a solid deal, especially considering the volume and variety. Add in some boba, a few laughs, and the constant motion of the experience, and you’ve got a night that feels like more than just dinner.

The Honest Take
​Let’s keep it real:

• The sushi is good, not elite
• The focus is on fun over finesse
• The experience is what you’re really paying for

And that’s perfectly okay.
This is “okay” food elevated by a genuinely memorable, family-friendly experience.

Final Verdict
Shoya Sushi isn’t trying to compete with the best sushi in the city, and it doesn’t need to. It’s carving out its own lane as one of the most unique and entertaining dining experiences in Indianapolis.
If you go in with the right expectations, you’ll leave with a full stomach and a smile.

Plan Your Visit
📍 5025 E 82nd St, Suite 800, Indianapolis, IN 46250
📞 (317) 537-2287
🌐 Menu: shoyarevolvingsushi.com
Go hungry. Bring friends. Grab everything that looks good.

Some dinners are memorable. Others feel like a full-on experience—where every course tells a story, every flavor has a purpose, and every moment lingers a little longer than expected. That’s exactly what we found at the MOkAO Opening Dinner on April 3. Hosted as part of MOkAO, a multi-day coffee and chocolate festival by Epicurean Indy, this wasn’t just a meal—it was a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and connection.

What is MOkAO?
At its core, MOkAO is a multi-day festival exploring the global impact of coffee and chocolate through labor, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Held this year at The Stutz in Indianapolis, the event brought together an incredible mix of:

• Coffee roasters
• Cacao artisans
• Chefs
• Artists
• Storytellers

The festival shines a spotlight on the deep-rooted history of coffee and cacao in the Americas, while elevating both local and international voices in the space. Guests can expect tastings, live demonstrations, educational sessions, and, if you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket, an intimate dinner like the one we attended.

The Opening Dinner: An Immersive Culinary Journey
The April 3 opening dinner sets the tone for the entire festival, offering a curated, multi-course experience centered around coffee- and chocolate-inspired cuisine.

And this is where things got special.
Each dish wasn’t just built around flavor—it was built around origin, intention, and storytelling. Coffee and cacao weren’t treated as novelties or dessert-only ingredients. Instead, they were woven seamlessly into savory and sweet courses alike, showcasing their full range and complexity.
This is the kind of dinner where:

• Coffee adds depth, not just caffeine
• Chocolate brings balance, not just sweetness
• Every plate feels thoughtful, layered, and just a little unexpected

More Than a Meal
What sets MOkAO apart is its purpose. As Youssef Boudarine, Chef/Owner of J’adore and creator of Epicurean Indy, puts it:

“MOkAO is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of culture, craft, and community… creating a space where people can truly appreciate the journey of coffee and chocolate from farm to cup, from bean to bar.”

And that intention is felt throughout the dinner. This isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about understanding where flavors come from, the people behind them, and the traditions that shape them.

Why This Dinner Matters
In a dining scene that often chases trends, MOkAO does something different—it grounds the experience in meaning.
It connects:

• Global traditions with local talent
• Ingredients with their origins
• Guests with the stories behind what they’re tasting

And somehow, it does all of that while still delivering a dinner that’s simply… delicious.