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SHOKUNIN

Name: SHOKUNIN
Address: 2016 4th St SW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2S 1W3
Telephone: (403) 229-3444
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.8

Visa Dining Collection

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Japanese

2016 4th St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1W3

Make a reservation

2 people

May 13, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 31 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Innovative
Hot spot

Located in Calgary’s Mission neighborhood, Shokunin is led by Chef Darren MacLean and fuses Canadian ingredients with Japanese techniques. Since 2016, it has earned recognition among Canada’s Top 50 Restaurants for its modern izakaya flavors.

At its core are Yakitori and Omakase offerings, where grilled meats and seasonal ingredients shine. “Shokunin is a symphony of fat, salt, and fire,” says Chef MacLean. As Calgary’s first yakitoria, it features over 25 cuts of chicken and meat, prepared on a Japanese Robata Grill for unparalleled flavor.

The menu includes Chef MacLean’s Okami Kasu beer, brewed with sake kasu, and a curated sake selection. Seasonal produce, often from Chef MacLean’s own garden, highlights Shokunin’s dedication to local ingredients. This blend of tradition, innovation, and artistry has made it a leader in Canada’s culinary scene.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Darren MacLean

From the OpenTable editors: Shokunin, the flagship of Chef Darren MacLean (of Netflix fame), has earned eight consecutive appearances on Canada’s 50 Best Restaurants. This must-dine Calgary restaurant marries Japanese tradition with Canada’s finest ingredients, some sourced directly from the chef’s own farm. Renowned for its Yakitori Omakase Experience, Shokunin offers an immersive dining experience with expert grilling, inventive cocktails, and a curated sake list. Late-night energy and old-school hip-hop create a vibrant atmosphere, solidifying its place among Canada’s top culinary experiences.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
Japanese, Izakaya, Yakitori
Hours of operation
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(403) 229-3444
Website
http://www.shokuninyyc.ca/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
2016 4th St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1W3
Neighborhood
Mission
Cross street
Free underground parking located on 4th st between 20th and 21 ave SW
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Yakitori Omakase Experience
CA$95.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
Experience the exclusive Shokunin Yakitori Omakase, a 12-course journey with only four seats available each evening. Set at the Robata grill, this intimate yet relaxed setting offers direct interaction with the chef, evoking the charm of a hidden Tokyo izakaya. Savor sashimi, six yakitori preparations, and a consommé crafted from paitan ramen broth, culminating in dessert. Paired with cocktails, sake, or Japanese wine, this is an unforgettable dive into Japanese flavors and craftsmanship. Chefs tip: Upgrade to the beeswax aged Japanese A5 Wagyu beef to really enhance the experience.
Dining Table Reservation
Multiple dates available
Welcome to Shokunin. Our classic dining experience is available for table reservations, while patio seating is weather-dependent and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Chef's Bar Reservation
Multiple dates available
Join us for our classic Shokunin experience with a seat at our Chef's Bar overlooking the kitchen.

What 65 people are saying

SHOKUNIN reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Calgary / Southern Alberta
Japanese
Calgary
Japanese

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Shokunin offers an exceptional dining experience, renowned for its "incredible seafood" and unique omakase options. Guests praise the friendly staff and describe the atmosphere as "welcoming" and "relaxed." While some find it "a bit pricey," the "quality and creativity" of the dishes make it a top choice in Calgary.

66 Reviews

D
David VIP
Calgary123 reviews
5.0
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
terrific cooking and service as usual. Four of us shared some torched salmon, squid tempura, bison tataki, Napa cabbage, chicken wings, shiitake, grilled rice ball with egg, two desserts, and a couple of bottles of junmai daiginjo. Highly recommend this place.
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T
Thanh
Tampa14 reviews
3.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We were genuinely excited to dine at this restaurant, especially given its unique story. The service was excellent, and the ambiance and decor transported me right back to my time in Japan—it truly captured the atmosphere beautifully. While the sushi was absolutely phenomenal—fresh, flavorful, and artfully prepared—the rest of the menu didn’t quite meet our expectations. Dishes like the yakitori, cabbage, and bone marrow with escargot felt more like elevated street fare, but came with a steep price tag that didn’t quite match the experience. That said, I’d definitely return for the sushi alone—it was the highlight of our meal.
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J
Jaret
Toronto1 review
5.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Did the Omakase. Nothing to say but incredible. Food, drinks + service all top notch. Price was very reasonable for this level of experience. One of the more unique tasting menus I’ve had. Will be back and highly recommend to anyone.
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C
Crystal
Calgary2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The experience at Shokunin was lovely. Sitting in front of the chefs watching them create all the tasting menu items was fascinating. The tasting menu was incredibly delicious and packed amazing flavours and creativity into the dishes. The cold shuck scallop was a magnificent start with beautiful citrus freshness. We got the optional Wagyu, which was so worth it and by far a stand out dish. The sake tiramisu dessert was a perfect ending to this phenomenal experience. Will definitely be back!
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G
Gigi
Calgary1 review
5.0
Dined on May 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a fantastic evening here! Every dish was beautifully prepared and bursting with flavor, the ambience struck the perfect balance between lively and relaxed, and our server Ashley made the night even better with her friendly, attentive service and great recommendations. Highly recommend—we’ll definitely be back.
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T
Talin
Edmonton1 review
5.0
Dined on May 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Yakitori Omakase experience was so cool! Honestly the most fun I have probably ever had at a restaurant and the courses were unbelievably good! Great service, super cool to interact with the chef as well!
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S
Sharon VIP
Calgary7 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had the Omakase with drink pairing…AMAZING! Every bite has incredible flavours and a great experience to watch the chef’s prepare in front of you. Thank you Adam for making it extra special.
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M
Melany
Calgary1 review
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was delicious and the waitress was very nice!
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S
Shelby
Calgary1 review
5.0
Dined on April 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great experience. Food was amazing and the service was as well!
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C
Clara
Calgary2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My go-to favourite place. I go all the time with my parents, and even visit alone. High quality fish in Alberta is hard to find, but Shokunin has incredible seafood. Salmonbelly aburi is to die for, as well as the kale salad! Very friendly staff, and fair prices.
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FAQs

SHOKUNIN is rated 4.8 stars by 65 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

May 13, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 31 times today

Experiences are available.

2016 4th St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1W3

Additional information

Cross street
Free underground parking located on 4th st between 20th and 21 ave SW
Neighborhood
Mission
Hours of operation
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
Japanese, Izakaya, Yakitori
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.shokuninyyc.ca/
Phone number
(403) 229-3444

SHOKUNIN

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

Experiences

Yakitori Omakase Experience

Dining Table Reservation

Chef's Bar Reservation

Menu

What 65 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is SHOKUNIN restaurant rated?

Is SHOKUNIN currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information