Shokunin

Reviews

• A H.

  star star star star star 28 June 2026

  Easily the best sushi in town, as well as by far the best ramen. There are other decent sushi restaurants downtown but they're extremely American; Shokunin is the only traditional Japanese you'll find in town.
  
  The fish is very fresh, never frozen, and you can taste the difference.
  
  Don't miss the donkatsu ramen, probably my favorite dish in the city in winter.
  
  This is your one-stop for Japanese cuisine in Lincoln.

• Scott N.

  star star star star star_border 18 June 2026

  I was very excited to try Shokunin Sushi. From the reviews, it looks like it's only been open a couple months, but reviewers raved about it.
  
  We went on a Wednesday and arrived around 5:00 (they opened at 4:00). We were the first customers.
  
  I was a little disappointed they didn't have plum wine. I was more disappointed they didn't bluefin tuna belly. I had prepared. I knew exactly what I wanted and when they told me they couldn't prepare bluefin tuna belly sashimi, I told them I had to reevaluate my life.
  
  The waiter said they could provide bluefin tuna belly nigiri, but I didn't want rice getting in the way. I appreciated the honesty and unwillingness to serve less than perfect bluefin tuna belly sashimi.
  
  We ordered edamame and I planned on and did order the Ika-sukada-yaki, or grilled squid. I made a fool of myself when the waiter let us know the ika-sukada-yaki would be out in a few minutes and I asked, "and the squid?" Well... live and learn Japanese.
  
  Oh... since they didn't have the bluefin, I opted for the salmon. Each of the chef's selection sashimi is supposed to be five pieces, but the chef provided three pieces of salmon and three pieces of salmon belly. The waiter said the chef provided salmon belly since the bluefin wasn't available. Oh my! More on this later...
  
  Okay, I guess later is now. The salmon belly.. I'd never had it. I guess I've never had any fish belly. I didn't know what to expect. I was shocked. The salmon belly was flavorful. I didn't put anything on it and it seemed a bit bland at first. As I swallowed, I noticed an amazing, almost smokey flavor filling my palate. It was if I was struck by a flavor wave that just kept giving. Many thanks to the chef for providing an experience that was a first for me.
  
  Oh... and the ika-sukada-yaki, aka grilled squid, was just a delicious as I expected. It had a lovely, grilled flavor reminiscent of steak. The delicate sauce with sesame seeds was a perfect compliment to the squid.
  
  My friend has the Donkotsu Ramen. She really enjoyed it.
  
  I'd come back again and again if I lived anywhere near Nebraska.

• Kent M.

  star star star star star 13 June 2026

  Wowzr here now. Actually am gone away 20 minutes ago. So I had mackerel sushimi, a spicy roll, and a spicy seafood ramen. All was excellent sitting at sushi bar. I'll be back!

• Robin K.

  star star star star star 12 June 2026

  BEST sushi In Lincoln. Tony took care of us at the sushi bar. Go here!  Now!  It's that good.

• Sherry X.

  star star star star star 11 June 2026

  A group of colleagues and I wanted sushi last weekend, and settled on Shokunin after reading reviews for every sushi restaurant in Lincoln -- and I can say this place 100% lives up to the hype! The sushi was fantastic, and even those of us who come from coastal regions were very impressed by the quality of the fish. One person tried the udon and liked it, and four of us split a great bottle of sake, which I wish I could remember the name of. The environment and decor were both very nice, and the staff were super sweet and accomodating. They were also the ones who recommended the sake to us, and were very knowledgeable about the entire menu in general, fielding all of our questions professionally. This place is definitely a strong contender for "best sushi in Lincoln", and we are already planning a second trip here to try more menu items!