Charleston, SC, August 6, 2025
News Summary
Indigo Road Hospitality Group is launching a new Japanese restaurant named Shokudō on Upper King Street, Charleston. The eatery, led by Chef Masatomo ‘Masa’ Hamaya, will offer a menu featuring ramen, dumplings, and charcoal-grilled dishes. Scheduled to open in early fall 2025, Shokudō will introduce robata-style cooking and a design inspired by Japanese farmhouses. The outdoor beer garden will provide a unique dining atmosphere, adding excitement to Charleston’s culinary scene.
Charleston, SC – Indigo Road Hospitality Group is set to unveil its new Japanese restaurant, Shokudō, on Upper King Street in Charleston, creating excitement in the local dining landscape. The much-anticipated eatery will focus on a diverse menu featuring ramen, dumplings, and an array of charcoal-grilled meats and seafood.
Shokudō will become the fourth restaurant by Indigo Road to open in a half-mile stretch known for its vibrant culinary scene. This location was previously occupied by The Macintosh and Maya, which closed their doors in early 2024 due to disappointing performance.
At the helm of Shokudō will be Chef and Partner Masatomo “Masa” Hamaya, who is originally from Japan and trained in culinary arts in Tokyo. Chef Hamaya brings extensive experience, having worked in prestigious establishments such as Uchiko in Austin and Michelin-starred Ame in San Francisco. His deep-rooted knowledge of Japanese cuisine will guide the direction of this new culinary venture.
Shokudō will specialize in robata-style cooking, a traditional Japanese method that involves roasting ingredients over a charcoal grill, imparting a distinctive flavor that enhances the overall dining experience. The restaurant’s design will reflect the rustic beauty of Japanese farmhouses, embracing wabi-sabi principles, which celebrate imperfection and transience. Expect an inviting atmosphere featuring warm wood tones that promote a sense of serenity.
The dining experience will extend outdoors with a beer garden adorned with twinkling lights and communal seating, reminiscent of the Golden Gai area in Tokyo. This vibrant space will offer patrons a unique setting to enjoy their meals in the heart of Charleston.
The menu at Shokudō will encompass a variety of offerings, from regionally sourced seafood to local shrimp, highlighting dishes such as Tarvin Seafood dumplings and ebi chili. Additionally, the restaurant will serve salads, ramen, tempura, and a selection of sushi sourced from North Carolina, catering to a wide range of palates.
Scheduled to open in early fall 2025, Shokudō is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first Japanese cuisine establishment for Indigo Road, a group that oversees over 40 restaurants throughout the Southeastern United States. For those interested in keeping up with the latest news about Shokudō, updates will be available on their Instagram page @shokudochs.
Indigo Road’s expansion into Japanese cuisine is seen as a promising addition to Charleston’s thriving food scene, with many local food enthusiasts eager to try the unique offerings at Shokudō.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shokudō?
Shokudō is a new Japanese restaurant opening in Charleston, specializing in ramen, dumplings, and charcoal-grilled meats and seafood.
When will Shokudō open?
Shokudō is set to open in early fall 2025.
Who is the chef at Shokudō?
The kitchen at Shokudō will be led by Chef Masatomo “Masa” Hamaya, a Japanese chef with extensive experience in acclaimed restaurants.
What type of cuisine will be served at Shokudō?
Shokudō will feature robata-style cooking, as well as a selection of ramen, dumplings, sushi, and locally sourced seafood dishes.
Where is Shokudō located?
Shokudō will be located on Upper King Street in Charleston, SC.
Key Features of Shokudō
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Name | Shokudō |
| Cuisine Type | Japanese |
| Menu Highlights | Ramen, dumplings, charcoal-grilled meats, seafood, sushi |
| Chef | Masatomo “Masa” Hamaya |
| Design Inspiration | Japanese farmhouses, wabi-sabi principles |
| Outdoor Feature | Beer garden with communal seating |
| Planned Opening | Early fall 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Shokudō Opening
- Wikipedia: Japanese Cuisine
- Eater: Best Sushi in Charleston
- Google Search: Japanese cuisine Charleston
- Bon Appétit: Chinese BBQ with a Southern Spin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ramen
- Restaurant News: Jinya Ramen Bar in Charleston
- Google News: Charleston Food Scene
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
