Shokudô
Japanese restaurant · Charleston ·
Robata grill izakaya with ramen, yakitori, hand rolls, and sake
Robata grill izakaya with ramen, yakitori, hand rolls, and sake
"Under chef Masatomo “Masa” Hamaya, this Charleston newcomer brings Japanese tavern fare to Upper King, offering skewers of grilled meats, ramen, fancy small bites, gyoza, creative desserts, and hand rolls made with local seafood. I found it more upscale than a typical izakaya yet still lively and casual: before sunset the room is calm with warm wood tones, glowing candles, and subtle artwork, but as it fills an upbeat soundtrack and a palpable buzz take over. The Japanese grill in the glowing window to the open kitchen becomes the star, sending smoky aromas through the dining room, and there’s a more raucous beer garden out back with neon lights and colorful murals. For must-orders, the uni toastettes—combining red urchin, lardo, and milkbread and topped with salmon roe—are a super-indulgent bite that had me melting from the buttery richness; the toro beef skewer delivers melt-in-your-mouth short rib with mushroom slices for extra umami and hints of grill char for smoke; and the Golden Arches Hand Pie, served in a red cardboard sleeve, is aces above the fast-food original with roasted South Carolina apples, butterscotch, a crisp flaky crust, and a side of miso caramel for dipping. A small insider touch: the big red neon sign at the back bar reads “mono no aware,” a nod to nostalgia and the beauty of impermanence." - Erin Perkins
"A posh Japanese tavern on Upper King, this spot serves kushiyaki (skewered meats), ramen, fancy small bites, dumplings, and hand rolls made with local seafood; chef Masatomo “Masa” Hamaya is working with Carolina fishmongers to bring in yellowfin tuna, red grouper, blue crab, vermilion snapper, and more. There’s sushi in the form of hand rolls (not competing with O-Ku for nigiri or sashimi). Grilled skewers go beyond typical izakaya fare with combinations like lamb shoulder with curry pickled onion and duck meatball with lotus root. “At Shokudô, we want to do something very special that is one of a kind,” says Hamaya. The design channels a Japanese farmhouse and the wabi-sabi aesthetic—calm interiors with warm wood tones, glowing candles, subtle artwork, and exposed brick—while outside a beer garden features a bright mural by local artist Nysa Hicks Puig, a full bar, and a neon sign translating to “mono no aware” (“the pathos of things”), basically business in the front and party in the back. The bar offers an extensive sake collection, patrons can peer into the kitchen, and the tranquil dining room is open Wednesday through Sunday." - Erin Perkins
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