Shokunin

- 952 60th St, Brooklyn, NY 11219

Located in the heart of Brooklyn, Shokunin stands out as a vibrant and multi-faceted Japanese dining experience, combining the popular appeal of an All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) buffet with the interactive fun of table-side Japanese BBQ, all alongside a dedicated sushi bar. The name Shokunin itself is a Japanese term that embodies the spirit of a craftsman's dedication and mastery, a philosophy the restaurant aims to reflect in the variety and quality of its extensive menu offerings. This establishment successfully caters to New Yorkers looking for both a high-volume, value-driven dining experience and a diverse range of classic Japanese and Asian comfort foods.

Shokunin is not just a sushi restaurant; it’s a full-service Japanese buffet destination designed to satisfy a wide array of cravings. Whether patrons are in the mood for fresh sushi rolls, hot kitchen-cooked items, or the thrill of grilling their own meats and seafood right at their table, Shokunin provides a comprehensive culinary experience. The venue is particularly "popular for" both lunch and dinner, drawing a consistent crowd of local groups and tourists seeking a fun, filling, and relatively affordable Japanese feast, often cited as offering better quality and value than many other similar spots in New York City.

The unique selling point of this Brooklyn spot is the sheer volume of choices available under the AYCE format, ensuring that every diner finds something to love. From popular appetizers and specialty cooked foods to a buffet-style assortment of sushi and various cuts of marinated raw meat for the BBQ, the restaurant provides a generous spread. Customer reviews frequently praise the quality of the cooked kitchen items, highlighting the takoyaki as a particular standout—potentially the best Osaka-style takoyaki available in Brooklyn—and noting the high standards of items like gyoza and salmon. This emphasis on having both strong cooked items and fresh sushi and grill options ensures that diners focusing on either side of the menu feel their preferences are well-catered to.

The atmosphere at Shokunin is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it an excellent gathering spot for groups of friends and family. The inclusion of outdoor seating further enhances its appeal, allowing guests to enjoy their meal in a relaxed setting. With service options including dine-in, takeout, and a generally highlighted "fast service" for non-peak items, Shokunin aims to provide a convenient and enjoyable dining experience for the demanding New York pace of life, from a quick weekday lunch to a long, sociable dinner.

Shokunin Japanese Restaurant is situated at 952 60th St, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA. This location places it within a lively and well-connected section of Brooklyn, specifically in the Sunset Park/Borough Park area, which is easily reachable by various transit options.

The restaurant offers several accessibility features, which is a major plus for New Yorkers with specific mobility needs or families with young children. The amenities include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating
• High chairs for children

For drivers, the area provides a mix of parking options, which is a key consideration in a dense borough like Brooklyn. Both free street parking and paid street parking are available, though space may sometimes be difficult to find. For those using public transit, the location is conveniently close to major thoroughfares, connecting it reliably to other parts of Brooklyn and the greater New York City area.

Shokunin is a full-service Japanese restaurant focusing on a comprehensive dining experience:

• All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) Buffet: The core offering, providing a fixed-price menu for unlimited dining across various categories, including sushi, appetizers, and BBQ meat.
• Japanese BBQ (Yakiniku): Featuring small grills at the table where customers can cook their selection of raw, marinated meats and seafood, offering an interactive and engaging dining style.
• Sushi Restaurant: A wide array of fresh sushi and sashimi options are included in the AYCE menu, catering to raw fish enthusiasts.
• Dine-in and Takeout: Guests can enjoy the full experience in the casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere or opt for convenient takeout.
• Outdoor Seating: Available for those who prefer an al fresco dining experience or during busy hours.
• Table Service: Ensuring a comfortable dining experience with staff available for ordering and refills, even within the buffet structure.
• Accepts Reservations: Available for planning, which is highly recommended for groups or during peak dinner hours, though patrons have sometimes noted surprisingly short wait times.

The distinct features that make Shokunin a destination spot for New York diners include:

• Dual Japanese Focus: Successfully merges the popular AYCE Sushi concept with Japanese BBQ, providing superior value and variety compared to single-focus restaurants.
• Exceptional Cooked Food: Highly praised by customers, with the takoyaki and gyoza frequently mentioned as particularly delicious and authentic, positioning the restaurant as a great spot for Japanese comfort food.
• Extensive Offering Categories: The menu includes appetizers (like Shrimp Samosa), small plates, various raw meats for grilling, sushi, and desserts (like Fried Cheese Cake and Ice Cream), appealing to diverse tastes.
• Beverage Selection: A full range of alcoholic beverages is available, including Beer, Wine, Hard liquor, and Cocktails, alongside fresh and mixed fruit juices (Orange, Apple, Grapefruit Mix, Spinach/Apple Mix, etc.), making it a great spot for an evening meal.
• Fast Service for Cooked Items: While BBQ raw meat can sometimes involve a wait, the kitchen-cooked food is often served quickly, which contributes to the overall "Fast service" highlight.
• Family and Group Friendly: The cozy atmosphere, ability to accept reservations, provision of high chairs, and popularity among groups make it an excellent choice for family gatherings or social outings.
• Late-Night Food Option: Caters to the New York lifestyle by offering late-night food, expanding its accessibility beyond standard dinner hours.

For reservations, takeout orders, or general inquiries regarding the AYCE and BBQ offerings, New York residents can use the following contact details:

Address: 952 60th St, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA

Phone: (718) 851-7888

For New Yorkers seeking a high-value, high-variety Japanese dining experience, Shokunin is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. The primary draw is the quality-to-price ratio within its All-You-Can-Eat structure, offering an expansive menu that is often judged to be better than most similar places in the city. The opportunity to indulge in a massive quantity of fresh sushi, hot appetizers, and tabletop BBQ for a single price makes it an exceptionally cost-effective option for large appetites or group dinners.

The strong emphasis on cooked Japanese comfort food—not just sushi—is a key differentiator. Patrons specifically rave about the kitchen-prepared items, particularly calling out the takoyaki as a must-try. This means that Shokunin is an excellent choice even for diners who may not primarily be sushi enthusiasts but still love classic Japanese dishes like gyoza or various appetizers.

The overall atmosphere is perfect for social dining. It’s cozy, trendy, and accommodates groups, making it an ideal place for a casual celebration or a fun night out with friends. The interactive element of the Japanese BBQ, where everyone gets to cook their desired cuts, adds an engaging layer of entertainment to the meal. Although there may occasionally be minor drawbacks, such as a wait for raw BBQ meats or un-iced water, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the food quality and overall value confirms Shokunin as a leading choice for a fun, filling, and diverse Japanese culinary adventure in Brooklyn. It is the definitive spot to go when you want to enjoy both quality sushi and fantastic Japanese cooked dishes in an AYCE format.

Shokunin

952 60th St, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA