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CHEF DARREN MACLEAN - SHOKUNIN, Calgary, AB
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SHOKUNIN

CAN$31 to CAN$50
Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 20 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Hot spot
  • Lively
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

  • YYC EXP $75 Tasting Menu

    CA$75.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
    YYC EXP runs from March 14th to the 30th. Indulge in a 10 course tasting menu that features the best Shokunin has to offer. From Scallops and Sushi to Yakitori and Char Sui ribs from the grill, join us on a culinary voyage.
    YYC EXP $75 Tasting Menu Photo

  • 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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 43 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

    Innovative

  • Calgary / Southern Alberta

    Good for special occasions

  • Calgary / Southern Alberta

    Japanese

  • Calgary

    Innovative

  • Calgary

    Good for special occasions

  • Calgary

    Japanese

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
SHOKUNIN offers an "absolutely incredible" dining experience with "top notch" food, service, and atmosphere. Highlights include the Yakitori Omakase and YYC tasting menu. Despite a few critiques on ambiance and portion sizes, most agree it's a "fantastic" spot for Japanese cuisine with "exceptional" service.
43 Reviews

  1. Jocelyn VIP

    Calgary33 reviews

    5.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food. Noteworthy, wagu steak and gyoza but also crème brûlée

    Is this helpful?

  2. Darryl

    Calgary8 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    The food is fantastic! It feels a bit crowded and squishy so not an intimate experience.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Alan VIP

    Calgary11 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We went to Shokunin for the YYC EXP $75 meal and it was very good! The service was very fast and water was refilled regularly, however some servers seemed more rushed than others and made explaining the dishes seem like a hassle to them. It was also fairly loud and very busy but it quieted down at around 8PM. The food was delicious and a great menu choice to be adequately full, however it would be nice to see more for the steep price point.

    Is this helpful?

  4. James

    New York City2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    YYC experience is well worth the visit. Every dish was fantastic with the scallop and tiramisu being the stars. Will visit again in the future.

    Is this helpful?

  5. josee

    Calgary1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As usual, it was a great experience! The food and service were 5/5!

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Saskatoon1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We did the YYC tasting menu and it was absolutely incredible. The Food, environment and the service was top notch.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Marla

    Calgary3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We did the YYC food and drink experience with the drink pairing. It was amazing!!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Maninder VIP

    Calgary16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great experience. Food was delicious. Our servers were great!!! Already planning to return. Thank you Shokunin staff.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Stacey

    Vancouver1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I actually can't count how many times I've been to this restaurant. I was so happy to see Christian and Yan again yesterday. The food and service is always exactly what we want, and it's nice to see the same faces year after year. It's fun, it's consistent and the food is outstanding. I would follow Christian blindfolded down the street and trust him entirely with choosing dishes and drinks. Love you and see you soon.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Mariko VIP

    Calgary15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time! Went for the Yakitori Omakase experience and it was excellent!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

SHOKUNIN is rated 4.7 stars by 43 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Booked 20 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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