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CHEF DARREN MACLEAN - SHOKUNIN, Calgary, AB
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SHOKUNIN

CAN$31 to CAN$50
Japanese

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2 people
20:30
Booked 22 times today
Experiences are available.
  • 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

  • Location
    2016 4th St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1W3
  • Phone number
    (403) 229-3444
  • 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
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa

Experiences

  • YYC EXP $75 Tasting Menu

    CA$75.00 per person

    Prepaid

    14 Mar 2025 - 30 Mar 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 36 people are saying

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
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • 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 boasts "exceptional service" and an "amazing experience," with dishes like the yakitori omakase and daily sushi fresh sheet receiving high praise. Guests commend Chef Darren for his "masterfully prepared food." The restaurant is celebrated as the "best Japanese restaurant in Calgary," offering a unique dining atmosphere and "fantastic" taste.
36 Reviews

  1. Maninder VIP

    Calgary16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    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.

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  2. Stacey

    Vancouver1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    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.

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  3. Mariko VIP

    Calgary15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

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

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  4. Jason VIP

    Calgary54 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What an outstanding experience the food was amazing so happy we finally made it there. We will be back soon.

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  5. Hua

    Calgary1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 8 March 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The skewers were way too salty—so salty that even without dipping sauce, they were still overwhelming. Definitely not something kids could eat. As the server mentioned, the portion sizes for other dishes were also extremely small. Given the prices, the value for money is quite low. It seems like these dishes aren’t meant to fill you up but rather to pair with drinks. Additionally, the ambience was extremely dim. While I understand this is meant to create a certain mood, it was so dark that I could barely see what I was eating. I’d recommend adding small hanging lights** over each table—it wouldn’t disrupt the atmosphere but would at least provide basic visibility. If you're dining as a family of three**, this place might not be ideal. It’s more suited for grabbing drinks with colleagues or friends**. Many reviews overhype it, but in reality, it’s not as great as expected…

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  6. robert VIP

    San Francisco30 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 6 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was a deliciously amazing experience. We went with the omakase meal and added a few things. Highly recommend going the same. What a delightful experience.

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  7. eugene VIP

    San Francisco31 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 4 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    yakitori is truly a unique experience! The creativity and presentation was exceptional. Every type had its own unique flavor and texture. What a glorious culinary adventure. The sakes were decent but I have been to restaurants with better selection. The service was excellent.

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  8. Hazel VIP

    Baja California3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food is top notch, service was incredible and they made the effort to accommodate our large group of 6. Keep in mind, we made a reservation but the restaurant is on the smaller end so a group of 6 is a large group. Our server was fantastic! Overall fantastic experience, recommended for an amazing meal in a lively restaurant.

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  9. LauraC

    Manitoba8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My second experience here and just as delicious as the first. The server was very knowledgeable and helpful. Everything about the meal was great but it was quite noisy, hard to hear my friend sitting across from me.

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  10. Karen

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 27 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was amazing, the Chef was very helpful as was our server Adam . Would totally recommend the yakatori omakase with drinks pairing. Will definitely return.

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FAQs

SHOKUNIN is rated 4.8 stars by 36 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
20:30
Booked 22 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for SHOKUNIN

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

Additional information

  • Phone number
    (403) 229-3444
  • 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
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
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