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CHEF DARREN MACLEAN - SHOKUNIN, Calgary, AB
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SHOKUNIN

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Visa Dining Collection

CAN$31 to CAN$50
Japanese
2016 4th St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1W3

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 23 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.
    Yakitori Omakase Experience Photo

  • 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.
    Dining Table Reservation Photo

  • 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.
    Chef's Bar Reservation Photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 64 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

4.7
4.7 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.

64 Reviews

  1. Thanh

    Tampa14 reviews

    3.0

    Dined today

    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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  2. Crystal

    Calgary2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    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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  3. Gigi

    Calgary1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    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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  4. Talin

    Edmonton1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    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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  5. Sharon VIP

    Calgary7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. Dane

    Calgary1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Yakitori Experience was the best dining experience we've ever had. The service staff were friendly right from the time we entered until we left. The meal with the drink pairings were incredible and left us very satisfied and full by the end of the night. It was great to be able to see the food cooking and have Chef Keisuke answer our questions and explain the processes and techniques they were using. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who enjoys amazing food and a great, welcoming atmosphere.

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  10. Amy

    Calgary1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service was FANTASTIC! We were sat right at the front window of the kitchen to watch all the preparation, the ambiance felt so light and everyone working there were in great moods! It truly is worth checking out and if you can do the chefs tasting with drink pairing I highly recommend it! The automatic gratuity is worth it too!

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FAQs

SHOKUNIN is rated 4.7 stars by 64 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Calgary / Southern Alberta
  4. Calgary
  5. Mission

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 23 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for SHOKUNIN

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
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