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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
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 p.m.
Booked 21 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Hot spot
  • Innovative
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, Japanese (Izakaya), Japanese (Yakitori / Poultry)
  • 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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

    $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 57 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

    Innovative

  • Calgary

    Japanese

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Shokunin offers a "fantastic experience" with "outstanding food" and "exceptional service." Guests rave about the "Yakitori Omakase" and the "creative, delicious" dishes. While it can be "a bit pricey" and "noisy," the "welcoming atmosphere" and "knowledgeable staff" make it a "must-go" for Japanese cuisine lovers in Calgary.
57 Reviews

  1. Clara

    Calgary2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    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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  2. Dane

    Calgary1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    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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  3. Amy

    Calgary1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    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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  4. Greg VIP

    Calgary6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Celebration meal! Chelsea our server was awesome! Charming, friendly and super skilled. Food was all incredible and the drinks were top notch.

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  5. Matt

    Ottawa1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Gotta do the omakase, unreal, so many dishes we would have never tried! Outstanding food, will go again

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  6. Dave

    Calgary7 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Next level food, almost too difficult to decide which to pick without the help of our very knowledgeable, friendly & helpful server. Food was quick off the grill and the flavours were terrific. It was Friday night but felt slightly rushed otherwise a great experience and will return to finish up our menu tour.

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  7. PAVANA

    Hawaii6 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    It was very different from the usual service experience.

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  8. Francis

    Calgary2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing dinner!! Incredible food and great service from Helena!

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  9. Scott

    Vancouver1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Some of the best tasting food I've had. Lots accommodations for gluten-free as well.

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  10. Lahia

    Calgary8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was my first time visiting Shokunin, which I was excited for having used to write and pitch this restaurant to travel media often in a previous job. I took my sibling for their 30th birthday celebration, as they're an avid fan of Japanese food. We didn't know what to expect but we're wowed by the food and drinks we had. We ended up ordering 2 bison tataki because of how good it was! It is a bit pricey, so you need to be prepared for that, especially if you add cocktails. This has now entered our very small list of favourite places to go to in Calgary.

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FAQs

SHOKUNIN is rated 4.8 stars by 57 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

Booked 21 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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, Japanese (Izakaya), Japanese (Yakitori / Poultry)
  • 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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