Kiyo Shinoki is a chef, restaurateur, and creative director who has shaped some of New York City’s most beloved Japanese dining experiences for the past 20+ years. He is driven by a clear vision: to connect people and cultures through food, creating shared experiences that transcend boundaries.

Born and raised in Japan, Kiyo began his culinary career in Tokyo, quickly rising to the role of executive head chef before relocating to New York in his mid-twenties. As he immersed himself in the city’s dynamic food culture, his work naturally expanded beyond the kitchen to menu development, management, branding, and creative presentation—bringing him to realize that more than great food, it is thoughtful creative direction that defines a restaurant’s success and cultural resonance.  

Since then, he has built a legacy of quiet influence, continuously redefining how Japanese cuisine is experienced in the U.S. and paving the way for a new generation of restaurants.

Known for his warmth, curiosity, and cross-cultural sensibility, Kiyo has a gift for drawing out each client’s authentic story to build bespoke concepts rooted in tradition yet alive with fresh possibility. Whether shaping a restaurant identity or crafting a menu, he delights in the collaborative process of creating experiences that seamlessly weave together food, culture, and community.

Today, alongside leading his own concepts, Kiyo is a creative director and trusted advisor to restaurant groups, food brands, and individual chefs, guiding them in building meaningful, enduring culinary experiences.

His influence is evident throughout iconic food establishments, including Bar Goto, Bohemian New York, Tonchin, Takumen, and Taku Sando.