A self-taught chef and his partner with a background in Japanese cuisine were co-workers when they decided to open a restaurant of their own. They named it ‘Shokudo’, meaning ‘cafeteria’ or ‘dining hall’, out of a desire to create an easy-going dining experience. Monthly-changing prix fixe menus include popular items such as chawanmushi and mini burgers. Gyudon is a call-back to an earlier era when they managed a late-night eatery. With creative fare based on Japanese dishes, this shokudo is growing steadily in popularity.