New Japanese restaurant opens with grilled meats and craft cocktails in Charleston

CHARLESTON — Indigo Road Hospitality Group has a new Upper King Street restaurant, its fourth along downtown’s crowded entertainment district.

The glitz and glam of Shokudô’s glass doors, buzzy ambiance and glowing open kitchen fit this tourist-driven part of Charleston. But the food and service within its four walls caters to visitors and locals alike.

Shokudô (show-ku-DOH), from the group behind O-Ku, Oak Steakhouse and Indaco, opened in October. The new establishment, located in the former home of Mexican spot Maya, promised Japanese cuisine cooked by a chef and partner who grew up there.

Patrons who visit the 479 King St. spot will typically find chef Masatomo “Masa” Hamaya in the kitchen or bringing food to guests in the lively dining room. The restaurant is his tavern-style love letter to robata cooking, which involves the roasting of meat, seafood and vegetables, often on skewers, over a flaming hot charcoal grill.

Two to three tasty bites of marbled toro beef or black cod glazed in a sweet, rich miso sauce can be followed by dumplings, sushi hand rolls and ramen. The offering hits on every aspect of Japanese cooking. 

The size of plates ranges from just a few bites to fully formed entrees. Your server will suggest two to three items per person, with at least one larger dish, such as Carolina Gold crab rice, in the mix.

Shokudô is open for dinner from Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays). For more information, visit shokudochs.com.