17 Best Japanese Restaurants in Charleston

“The hibachi cooking is fun. There were children at our table.“

“Quickly became my favorite place. I've enjoyed everything I've tried, but I keep going back to the Anna Roll.“

“Amazing food, atmosphere and staff! Sushi and cocktails were phenomenal!“

“I just wanna hands down give this restaurant the best review I can give because they absolutely deserve it. I work as a chef downtown here and I’ve never had such a welcoming atmosphere. My daughter had turned 15th today and had to put together last minute plans because I worked today and they really helped with the celebration. Desserts were utterly tasteful and Sophia was an amazing server, even had everyone in the restaurant sign a birthday card for Ameriana’s bday, I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality. I will definitely be coming back soon! Happy New Years!!!!!“

“absolute best sushi and sashimi I've ever had“

“Food is awesome! Friendly staff, local owners. We are regulars here!“

“Delicious food, great atmosphere and unique drink options. Highly recommend.“

“I love hibachi and I’ve tried just about every single one in Charleston since moving here. This is by far the best one I’ve had. (Ordered through DoorDash) I got the steak with rice and it was so, so good. Both the steak and rice had such a great flavor. My favorite hibachi place now!“

“Food, music and alcohol. Enough said.“

“I have been looking for some Great Hibachi in Charleston since I got here last year…. Hands down this is where it is at! They give great portions and the food is seasoned and cooked to perfection. They have tasty hibachi veggies as well as amazing real sticky rice! I am so happy I decided to stop! Don’t let the non updated appearance fool you. This is definitely a great spot ! Ten ten I would recommend and I definitely will be back again!“

“Excellent sushi and even better service! Trey and Marshall are fantastic. Both have waited on me, and they go out of their way to be attentive and friendly. Kings Sushi has a very friendly atmosphere - very happy customer!“

“The food was decent but order was wrong. I ordered 3 sushi rolls, a seaweed salad & chicken fried rice for carry out. Instead of a seaweed salad I got a bowl with iceberg lettuce topped with avocado (house salad maybe?). Instead of the chicken fried rice I received a teriyaki chicken bowl. It all tasted good except I was disappointed in the Angry Dragon Roll I received - it has mango in it but the mango in the roll was so under ripe you couldn’t even tell what it was & it was very hard. I ordered this on a Wednesday night and it was dead inside when I picked it up. If I give them another chance I’ll definitely be checking the order before walking out with it.“

“We come to Kiawah Island for many years. One of our high high Lights is dining at Aji. We are from New Jersey and had the pleasure of having dined with on the delicacies created by Tim at our local sushi restaurant and are jealous that folks in Charleston have access to this great restaurant. We look forward to returning later in the year.“

“Good food at great prices, friendly accommodating staff.“

“My mom took me here after eating two slices of pizza and I was already full until my sister ordered me California rolls and I still ate it because it’s the best! I love it! From 6-year-old Lil Boy you gotta take my words! 😂😍❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 This js the mother reviewing now, lol My daughter ordered Tuna Belly sushi and she said it was phenomenal! The tuna was very fresh and tasty. I highly recommend it! My daughter says we are coming back. We even ordered To Go rolls. 😁 The service is excellent! We love it!!!!“

“We went to Sushi | Bar for Valentine’s Day and it was one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve had in Charleston.

It’s an 18-course omakase in an intimate 12-seat room around the chefs’ counter. The experience lasts about two hours and feels special without being stuffy. You’re welcomed with champagne or a non-alcoholic option, and the three chefs rotate presenting each bite, explaining the courses and keeping it interactive and fun. They actually encourage you to relax and talk with your neighbors, which makes it feel more like an elevated dinner party than a formal tasting.

Every bite was intentional and beautifully presented. We were obsessed with the house cucumbers served as a palate cleanser between courses. Standouts for us were a bright lemon bite, an indulgent truffle bite, and the Wagyu. It was unreal.

They have a sommelier who guides you through wine pairings, a Japanese whiskey experience, or by-the-glass wine and sake options. Dress is elevated casual, polished but not overly fancy.

Expect to spend around $265 to $350+ per person depending on if you purchase alcohol. It’s a splurge, but absolutely worth it for a special occasion or date night. Be sure to book at least 30 days in advance since it fills quickly. I highly recommend taking an Uber if you plan to enjoy the pairings, though street parking nearby is easy to find.

The staff is friendly, laid-back, and genuinely loves what they do. We will absolutely be back.“

“Thank you Mama Kim’s! Absolutely delicious plates of food served at lunchtime. Loved your warm and welcoming staff. From your two hungry Scottish 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 visitors this lunchtime 🙏To anyone reading this post, would highly recommend the ‘steak and chicken fried rice combo’ and the ‘chicken udon noodle’ dishes. omg! 👏“