Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Calgary / Southern Alberta
  4. Calgary
  5. Mission
CHEF DARREN MACLEAN - SHOKUNIN, Calgary, AB
Icon

SHOKUNIN

CAN$31 to CAN$50
Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 22 times today
Experiences are available.
  • 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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • 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

What 29 people are saying

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

NoiseModerate

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 "outstanding" dining experience with "great dessert, great drinks, great food." Guests rave about the "fantastic" omakase experience, "exceptional service," and "very high quality food." The atmosphere is "welcoming" and interactive, making it a "must-try" for both unique and classic Japanese dishes.
29 Reviews
  1. eugene

    VIP

    San Francisco

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  2. LauraC

    Manitoba

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Karen

    Unspecified

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Amber

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding! An experience of a lifetime. Great dessert, great drinks, great food. Can’t go wrong with anything.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Calvin

    VIP

    Calgary

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The daily fresh sheet of sushi and sashimi is awesome. Service was exceptional.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Roy

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Chef Darren and Staff are making Food sing from the first taste to the last . WE Enjoy everything we order But the Wagyu Pastrami Sando was out standing 5 STARZ and the SUSHI as well 5 stars thank you SHOKUNIN

    Is this helpful?

  7. Claude

    VIP

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best Japanese restaurant in Calgary. Please don't go as I really like being able to get a table

    Is this helpful?

  8. Tyson

    VIP

    Calgary

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Omakase Experience was awesome. Really good food and service. Cool to watch the chefs prepare the food. Would recommend

    Is this helpful?

  9. Lama

    VIP

    Calgary

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic Experience – A Must-Try! Had an amazing experience here! From start to finish, everything was spot on. The atmosphere was welcoming, and our waitress was incredible—she really knew her stuff and helped us choose the perfect dishes when we weren’t sure what to order. We tried the sashimi, scallops, and negitoro. Everything was delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented. It was great getting to try new things, and I’d absolutely come back for more. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Jordan

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely great service. Live and friendly environment. Great food!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

SHOKUNIN is rated 4.7 stars by 29 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 22 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
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo