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Shikiji Japanese Noodles & Sushi
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sushi Bars Japanese, Sushi Bars [Edit]
1608 Centre St NECalgary, AB T2E 2R9
(403) 520-0093
- Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon, Wed-Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Shikiji Japanese Noodles & Sushi
Review Highlights
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"This was my first time trying their Chili Goma Ramen." In 2 reviews -
"...afterwards, but try the fatty pork in the noodle dishes, it..." In 3 reviews -
"I had the Nabeyaki Udon, which is always one of my..." In 5 reviews
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Princess T.
Calgary, AB
4/30/2012
whenever i have some time to stop by this little gem, i do!
one of my all-time favs in calgary! -
Review from Nyssa R.
5/24/2012
Although I normally take every opportunity to have sushi that I can, and rarely order BBQ or ramen from Japanese restaurant, this place is known for its ramen so I definitely recommend that you try that if you go here.
The few pieces of sashimi I did try was fine, but at $2/piece and it not being extraordinary, you're missing out by not having the ramen.
The parking around here can be a bit tricky. It's on Center street and 16th ave, so if you're coming from the East you might want to turn before Center St. and find parking somewhere along there. There are a few spots reserved along the south side of the building for Shikiji guests, but unless you're coming North on Center St., it can be tricky like I said.
Like most people said, the Chili Goma Ramen is probably the best. It's spicy, and you can order an extra side of "spicy" for $1, and it's delicious. You get to crush your own nuts or whatever with a mortar and pestle which is kind of cool, and gives you something to do while you're waiting. I like the Shio Ramen a lot too. All the flavours are tremendously delightful, except it will leave you pretty thirsty with all the salts/etc. in the broth. Totally worth it though.
Great for a Saturday or Sunday lunch... the servers are always very nice and friendly and the food has always come out quick during my visits thus far. -
Review from Ilana L.
Southwest Calgary, AB
5/7/2012
Nom, Nom, Nom!! This place is so yummy! I really can't say enough good things about it. Firstly, the Chili Goma Ramen is to die for. It is spicy (but not too spicy) and has this rich, complex flavour that I would eat every meal of every day, if I could. I certainly am no expert on Ramen, never having been to Japan, but it was seriously fantastic- the soup came in a huge bowl with a charming wooden ladle. The noodles were fresh and addictive and the extra pork that I ordered on top was delicious. I do wish there was a chicken version of their Ramen -maybe one day! We also ordered a large sake to have with the meal which was hot and delicious. And we had the tempura salmon roll which just melted in my mouth - it was so, so good! The service was friendly, a bit perfunctory but that's ok, and I was a bit disappointed in some inflexibility for our order (eg. When you order Ramen you can choose whether you want it lean or fatty - my hubby asked if he could have a couple of each and was told 'no'. Why would that be? It's obviously just added in top just before serving?) But that is a small quibble.
I hope there are plans for a SW location but until then we're going to keep making the trek - its worth it! -
Review from laura r.
5/2/2012
The Chili Goma Ramen is totally worth the drive down 16th ave during rush hour and the akward series of left hand turns I have to make to get to Shikiji. This delicious ramen has the perfect combination of spicy and nutty flavours. Now when I feel like eating ramen, only the Shikiji Chili Goma ramen will do!
I'm a bit of a baby when it comes to sushi. I only eat veggie rolls, so I can't really comment on the sushi menu. If anyone cares, the cucumber rolls are great :) -
Review from Stacey L.
Calgary, AB
3/12/2012 9 Check-ins Here
Shikiji is the kind of restaurant that's so good, I almost don't want to encourage more people to go there because that makes it more crowded! We've been going here for years and have tried most of what they have to offer. The food is always fresh, the staff is friendly and attentive, and the ambiance is intimate and a bit funky.
If you have never tried it, lunch is a great time to stop by! You'll save a bit of money ordering from the lunch menu, and you can take a bento box for great variety and value. ($10 on average, includes a small miso soup, bowl of rice, and chicken/beef plus a few sushi rolls, depending on what you choose. They have 8 varieties). Their ramen is delicious and the portion is huge. I haven't had anything here I didn't like. They're always prompt to refill drinks, even taking a pot of tea away to refill it, but won't disturb you too much.
The sushi selection is quite good, they have all the classics (try the negitoro! Sooo good) as well as "feature" rolls that often have more Western ingredients like the "Ragin' Cajun" roll. These are a fun but usually pricier way to try something a bit different. I've never had a roll here that wasn't delicious.
As other reviews have noted, the space is small and tables are limited. It's part of the charm, but it comes with a price! Make reservations if you can so that you aren't left waiting, because huddling in the very limited space at the front for 15-20 minutes isn't very fun. -
Review from Mark S.
Calgary, AB
2/20/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I have been to Shikiji several times for both Lunch and Dinner. My wife and I have been to several Sushi restaurant in the city, this is our favorite. We always have great service and the sushi is always fresh. The rolls have a generous portion of fish and are very flavourful. We always order Rainbow Roll, House Special Roll (massive roll) and the Prawn Tempura roll. I also like the Cajun Shimp Amebi. I have heard the noodle bowls and rice dishes are fantstic. I always say I'm gonna order one, but once I get there I go for sushi. I work in the hos[itality industry and have recommended Shikiji to several guests, always get a positive response. You can't go wrong with this place.
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Review from Kitty C.
Calgary, AB
8/19/2011
Hubby ordered the miso ramen and I had the warm shikiji soba noodles. My husband thought highly of the fatty pork in his soup. The sesame seeds he added made it smell amazing. Hubby gave it a thumbs up for extra veggies.
My soba noodles were served with 2 pieces of shrimp tempura, a little container of warm broth-sauce, and a tiny quail's egg on the side. The dish was quite rich and filling even though it isn't as soupy as the miso ramen. The veggies, tempura flakes, and the tofu added a lovely crunch and texture.
We both rolled out of there completely and utterly stuffed.
Great noodles.
The best ramen award still goes to Santouka ramen in Vancouver--but this is still definitely a recommend. -
Review from Starsia E.
Calgary, AB
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ever since watching a movie about the actual tradition of ramen in Japan I have been dying to have some traditionally made ramen from scratch. Finally I found this restaurant and ordered a pork ramen while Colin had the spicy ramen. I also ordered a negi toro roll. My soup was really yummy and fresh. I found the broth a little salty but other than that really flavorful. The noodles were fresh and cooked to perfection. The pork was very, very moist but I don't really eat pork so I tasted the pork then gave it to Colin. If I was a pork fan it would have been amazing by how soft and flavorful it was. The negi toro roll was one of the freshest I've ever had. The tuna was so fresh I ate Colin's rolls too. Colin didn't like his soup very much but for a good reason. It was meant to be spicy but even I didn't find it spicy and I am a real whimp with spicy things. Plus it tasted too much like peanuts. If I ordered for him again I would get him the pork ramen with spicy sauce on the side. Or the spicy soup with extra spicy and no peanuts. We had take out that night and I would love to dine in one night. They had a full bar and more rolls on the menu that looked yummy. I need to try a few more other traditional ramen restaurants before I can judge how good theirs really is. Of course if I could go to Japan I'd probably eat myself to death;)
The pork ramen was absolutely worth the drive to pick it up and I can't wait to try more items from this restaurant. -
Review from Jenn D.
This was my first time at Shikiji and I will definitely be back. I got tipped off from a coworker about this place and it was nothing short of expectation.
I went at 1130am on a Friday afternoon and the place was packed, luckily we got the last seats at the bar. So lesson learn't, it is handy to make a reservation here!
I had the: Chili Goma Ramen -Ground pork, green onions, shitake, bamboo shoots and noodles in a chili sesame soup base. This was exactly what I wanted on a chilly Friday afternoon to warm me up. It was so full of flavour and they definitely aren't cheap on the filings. I only made it half way through and boxed the rest for take home! So delicious.
I've heard the sushi here is amazing so I'll have to be back for another round soon!
It's a small joint along a busy street, but they make it feel warm and homey! I would recommend this place for a date night out as the lighting is romantic and intimate.
Happy Eating!
Jenn -
Review from Kathy J.
Calgary, AB
7/10/2011
Had the most deelish meal last week at Shikiji. The place was packed with Japanese people, which is an excellent sign that the food's good - and it was.
Aside from the top notch food, we had excellent service from the host and the waitress.
Two thumbs up. -
Review from Al B.
Calgary, AB
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
At this point I've been to Shikiji twice. Both times have been fantastic and it's close to becoming my favourite sushi spot in YYC.
First suggestion, MAKE A RESERVATION! Tonight my friend and I showed up at 7pm(on a Monday) and without a reservation there was a 15 minute wait for a table. Not too bad of a wait, but do keep that in mind.
Mondays are a great night to go, why? It's Martini Monday, I've made it through most of the martini list now and each one has been well made and great flavours. Some very Asian inspired through the use of Sake and Soho, some more contemporary such as the Bill Murray, a martini made with espresso vodka, Baileys and vanilla vodka.
The sushi on both visits has been perfectly rolled with the freshest ingredients. I described the Negitoro roll to my friend who had until this visit, never tried it as: "think of it as a tuna sandwich with an abundance of creamy mayo, it has that texture." Of course it doesn't have mayo in it, that would be an abomination! It was all about the texture, creamy smooth and a beautiful blending of the flavours.
The BC roll is probably the best one I've had outside of Vancouver(I'm an ex-vancouverite) and is certainly the best one I've had in Calgary. The salmon skin was delightfully crispy and and the dollop of unagi bbq sauce finished it perfectly.
Will I go back? Oh yeah! -
Review from Johnny W.
Calgary, AB
7/23/2011
Just another one of those crappy days in Calgary today with enough rain to cause flooding all over the city, and lightning that set a condo building ablaze, and a cold wind that makes you dig for your parka. All that;s missing is the funnel clouds. Oh, that was last week!
On top of feeling a little depressed, this sudden change in weather gave me a splitting headache that just wouldn't go away. The remedy, I figured, was some shopping therapy, to be followed by a warm bowl of ramen. After an hour at Holt Renfrew, it was off to Shikiji for the other half of the prescription.
We started off with an order of pork gyozas and an order of tuna tataki, which was a special of the day. The gyozas were delicious, with a nice texture that was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. In fact, you get a nice burst of pork juice when you bite into one The tuna tataki is a piece of albacore tuna that is seared on the outside and served rare on the inside. You get six slices that is covered with shredded lettuce, red cabbage, and drizzled with some ponzu sauce ( citrus and soy). The crispness of the veggies and the suppleness of the tuna, tied together by the sharp acidity of the ponzu sauce proved to be a nice combination.
When I ordered the ramen with the miso broth and bbq pork, my server asked if I'd prefered it lean or fatty. Fatty, of course. The only other place that offered me a choice was Kintaro's in Vancouver. Yeah, I know animal fat ain't good for you but it's better than the lean stuff that most places serve which tends to taste like cardboard. In fact, the two pieces of fatty pork that was served in the ramen was so succulent ( it melt in the mouth), I ordered a side order for $4.00 more ( 4 slices). My GF had the curry katsu don which is a breaded piece of pork cutlet served on a bed of rice with a japanese curry sauce, which is milder than an Indian curry. The curry sauce, that was served on the side, was actually a beef curry as there were chunks of beef and carrots in it. Man, talk about your double-double! The dish also came with a bowl of miso soup.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable and inexpensive meal. Just what the doctor ordered for such a lousy day. In fact, as we left the restaurant, we noticed that the rain had stopped, the wind had died, and the sun was peeking through the clouds. Heck, even my headache was gone!
On a footnote, Shikiji closes quite early, 9 pm, even on weekends. Also you should always make a reservation if you can. When we were there at 8pm, the place was packed with people waiting in the doorway. Unless you have a reservation, you'll likely get turned away. -
Review from Agnes C.
Mmmmm mmmm my tummy is satisfied. I went to Shikiji for lunch today. It's a great place for a hot bowl of Japanese ramen on such a cold day.
I like the Japanese interior design. I found it's very nifty. Yup, my friend and I went crazy today at lunch. We ordered 2 appetizers (taki yaki and small assorted tempura) and 1 California rolls on top of our big bowl of noodles (Chili Goma Ramen).
This was my first time trying their Chili Goma Ramen. Thanks to my friend for the recommendation! It was de-lic-ious! I really love how flavorful the soup base is. Also my first time trying their taki yaki (which is octopus balls), it was ok. It does smell and taste a bit too fishy, so if you don't like fishy stuffs, don't get this appetizer. Also I found that there are too much batter, so I am not a big fan of that either. There are 6 octopus balls for one order. Pretty good size for an appetizer for a group of 3 to 6 people.
The waiter we had was in training. He was attentive and polite. Actually I have always had good experience with Shikiji, so I am not surprised that the waiter-in-training is good. -
Review from jessica g.
1/5/2011
This place is amazing. We didn't try the sushi, but we had the appetizer of Tako Yaki, which were baked balls filled with octopus. I had seen these on an episode of No Reservations, when Tony spent time in Osaka, and always wanted to try them. Shikiji did not disappoint.
My husband had a combo, with the Soy Ramen soup and the Curry Donburi. It was ridiculously huge and delicious - a value for $15. I had the Nabeyaki Udon, which is always one of my favorites, and this was easily the best bowl of udon I have ever had. The flavors were rich and deep, so much more than the typical instant Dashi that so many places use. We want one of these in Houston. Please consider a franchise!!! -
Review from David N.
Calgary, AB
11/19/2010
This place rocks! I love sushi, but it is so hard to get really good fresh sushi in Calgary. We need a closer ocean! Since that won't likely happen, Shikiji will have to get me by. A lot of people think Shikiji is just a noodle place, and while their noodles are great, they are highly underrated in this city for their sushi and sashimi.
I highly highly recommend the Chirashi Sushi, but anything on the menu should be good.
Service is always good, but the food is why I keep going back!
Also, Shikiji is only a block from a very well reviewed sushi place, but I think Shikiji is so much better. -
Review from Alex L.
Calgary, AB
6/4/2011
yum yum yum. The lunch ramen specials are awesome, a good sized bowl of ramen, a salad and a rice/meat dish for a very decent price.
They also have udon, sushi & sashimi but really the best choice is the ramen.
It may make you feel guilty afterwards, but try the fatty pork in the noodle dishes, it is delicious.
Dinner noodle portions are huge and well worth the $12 - $15. If you are looking for a quick, hot and delicious meal north of downtown, this is the place for you. -
Review from Vince I.
Calgary, AB
9/28/2010
Gimme flavour.
On my fifth visit to Shikiji, I realize what keeps me coming back. There were enough people waiting for a table for me to realize I wasn't alone in my regard for the place. In fact, upon arriving at my table for two, the extra chairs were (graciously) stolen for other packed tables. In the end, I choose Shikiji for the noodles -- noodles with oodles of flavour.
The ramen are good enough -- the BBQ pork is a satiating and savory, and adding a side of Kimchi makes it complete for me. Yes, ramen good, but for depth of flavour, the Udon are the way to go. The "Shikiji" noodles are a loving spoonful of "Wild Plants", Deep Fried Shrimp, Tempura Croutons, Green Onions, Egg -- the broth is standout, worth slurping and making a mess (you've been warned!). The noodles could easily be shareable, and a generous selection of other decent (if mildly overpriced) options -- like tempura, seaweed salad, sushi -- could compliment the spread. -
Review from Mike M.
10/12/2010
Shikiji was very likely the best tasting sushi that I've had in this city.
The Sake was...intoxicating.
The service was also very helpful and polite.
Unfortunatley I found the atmosphere very loud, possibly thats to be expected on a Friday night though. Parking was a bit sub par too.
All in All it was a good expierience.
4 harajuku girls out of five. -
Review from Geoff B.
Strathmore, AB
8/17/2010
Every time I go here I order sushi -- some of the cooked meals look good, but that would mean eating less sushi. Every time it has been quick, fresh, and very tasty. It's often busy here, but it is worth the wait! The sushi and sashimi pieces do cost a bit more than some other places in Calgary, but it's worth it for the freshness and good service!
It will be pricey if you order a lot of sushi and/or alcohol, but it's also definitely possible to eat here for under $15.Listed in: Calgary and area
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Review from S S.
Calgary, AB
10/23/2011
I have been here twice, once for lunch and recently for dinner.
The sushi was excellent. Everything tasted oh so very fresh and the flavors were good.
The dessert selection was excellent. Ordered the pumpkin souffle, presentation was good. A little light on the sugar and it lacked the 'just baked warm and toasty' quality.
Pricing was fair and portions were good. Service was also excellent. -
Review from Queenie M.
Calgary, AB
9/7/2010
Food: 3.5/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Overall experience: 3.5/5
(1- Terrible; 3- decent; 5- Fantastic)
This is one of the best places in Calgary for ramen! I usually don't get ramen at Japanese restaurants because they are often not worth it, but this is the only exception. I suggest getting the Shio Ramen ($10.60) which includes pork, green onions, bok choi and ramen noodles. The broth is extremely flavourful and the best I've had when it comes to eating Japanese noodles when I go out. Shio ramen is a type of ramen with a salt flavoured soup and Shikiji makes it just right without making the broth taste overly salty. There is a good helping of ramen noodles, but for my hungry guy friends it wasn't enough.
I only had their tuna belly roll which was really good and just melts in your mouth, but this place is way too expensive for sushi and Japanese food in general that I haven't come here except for lunch. For example, their donburi (rice bowl dish with meat and veggies) is at least $13 and can go up to $20 for items like sashimi or uni.
Overall, a great place for some of the best ramen and I will probably come back to try the other food. -
Review from Ljubica T.
Calgary, AB
7/13/2011
My husband and I ordered the Shikiji Udon bowls for dinner here. They were artfully presented, very tasty and memorable. My husband has a sensitivity to MSG so he was not feeling so well afterwards; despite this minor setback, we will be back for the fresh and delicious sushi.
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Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
10/16/2009
Bento box lunches are like a small gift from the food gods. I love them, and so I love Shikiji's lunch service because they have about ten different options for their bentos. Ten bucks gets you rice, a salad and a choice of two other options like sushi, teriyaki and tempura. I've been to lunch here about ten million times, and these bentos always leave me feeling like I'm about to explode in the very best kind of way.
Dinner service is also good. I'm a big fan of the hot Shikiji Udon soup, which is both weird (to me) and delicious. It comes with a quail egg on the side, which you cook in the hot broth. The thick, fresh udon is delicious and is topped by a fresh selection of japanese-style veggies and tempura shrimps. You then pour the broth over top so it is never soggy.
The tempura is fresh and maintains its crisp even when you dip it in the dipping sauce. And the sushi seemed to have gone downhill a while ago, but as of my last visit has regained its former glory. Even a simple sake (salmon) roll is inside out, with nori flakes and sesame seeds decorating the rice. I enjoy the spin on those simple favourites, so it is a major destination when I go out to eat. -
Review from Gabe A.
3/21/2011
Our intrepid friend Angelo is always on the lookout for new places of culinary adventure, and we came here one night at his behest. It is a considerable distance away, and we always compensate for this by ordering a wide variety of items to try out. Because we were in a ramen mood, I think two-thirds of our table ordered some variety of their ramen (I had the pork) as well as some sushi; let's face it, if you are in a Japanese restaurant, you need to get sushi. The smoked salmon was divine, very fresh and flavorful, and although the ramen didn't blow me away, it was filling and satisfying. The interior design is also warm and unique, and quite cozy. If you are in the area, definitely try it out, though be warned: they do close from 2-5, so don't get there at ten to two expecting lunch!
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Review from Julianna C.
Calgary, AB
7/31/2009
I've only been to Shikiji a couple of times, but I was never particularly impressed with it. I thought the prices to be high, for one thing. Also, I believe there was a katsudon with melted cheese on the menu, which I find just bizarre. I heard that it switched hands and really went downhill.
