Taste Of Tokyo

Food Review – Taste of Tokyo, North Charleston, SC
Visit Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025 – Around 6:00 PM

I have been a loyal customer of Taste of Tokyo for years since April 2019 because of the consistently tasty food. It’s been one of my favorite spots in North Charleston, and I’ve often recommended it to friends and family. On this particular visit, I was excited to bring my out-of-state relatives here so they could experience the food I’ve enjoyed so many times before.

While my relatives did compliment the flavor of the dishes, our evening took a disturbing turn that has permanently changed my opinion of this restaurant.

During the meal, one of my daughters pulled a metal strand—the type you might find from a metal food scraper—out of her bowl of her favorite dish. She showed it to the table, and I immediately brought it to the attention of one of the workers (an older lady who sometimes wears her hair in a ponytail). She agreed to remove my daughter’s meal from the bill, which I appreciated. However, she then handed us another dish intended for my other child, which felt strange given the seriousness of what had just happened.

By that point, our appetite and mood were gone. We decided to leave immediately, regardless of how much food was left uneaten.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only unsettling thing we saw. Two young men were sitting at a nearby table waiting for drinks. The youngest worker on staff dropped an empty glass cup on the floor. Instead of disposing of it, she picked it up, filled it with tea, and served it to one of the young men at the table.

This visit left me embarrassed, especially in front of my relatives, who I wanted to treat to a wonderful dining experience. Instead, they witnessed my daughter pulling metal out of her food. I am deeply grateful that my daughter always checks her food before eating—otherwise, the situation could have been far worse.

Sadly, I will not be returning to Taste of Tokyo. This was more than just an accident—it was a serious lapse in food safety and hygiene that I cannot overlook.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Hibachi Bowl, Steak, Fried Rice, Grilled Meat and Vegetables, Hihachi Shrimp Bowl, Shrimp Tempura, Shrimp and Broccoli, Side of Fried Rice, Hibachi Chicken

Had a great meal...👍

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 3

Definitely going back. The fresh to order buffet was different but do like the concept. Always freshly made to order.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We were craving hibachi, and Taste of Tokyo delivered exactly what we wanted. We weren’t quite sure how to order at first, but the hostess was kind and guided us through it. The food was delicious, and we really enjoyed our time there.

What truly stood out, though, was the integrity of the staff. We accidentally left our AirPods at the table and were just sitting in the car when one of the employees ran out to return them to us. You’ll even see her in our video (white shirt with ponytail, serving table)That kind of honesty is rare and unforgettable. It’s the little things like this that will keep us coming back. Thank you!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was our first visit, and unfortunately, it didn’t meet our expectations. Instead of receiving a menu, we were handed a piece of paper to write down our order. My husband chose an 8-piece sushi roll, while I went for the steak hibachi with broccoli and fried rice. To our surprise, we were charged for a buffet dinner, which felt overpriced for what we received. The food lacked flavor and didn’t offer much variety. Overall, it was a disappointing experience for $51, and we won’t be returning.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

underwhelmingly mediocre. nothing special. all-you-can-eat lukewarm sushi and the worlds most average hibachi bowl. the costumer service was ok. nothing overly extraordinary. prices are fair (ish) for what you’re getting.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

The food was delicious! 😋 I couldn’t finish all of my food and asked for a to go box. The lady said it was $5 extra for a to go box. It shouldn’t be that way.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Best Food Ever

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stomach immediately started to ache.
Food needs to be kept fresh.
Please make a card to leave on tables for directions in how to order as well.
This will and should go out of business soon if things don’t change

Food was great and big plates of food prices were great

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This restaurant was conveniently located near my hotel. I literally just walked over. It’s buffet style, but with a twist: the waitress gave me a pen and a paper to write down what I wanted. I really liked that approach because it helps reduce food waste. Just a heads up, there’s an extra charge if you leave food on your plate. Although I didn’t go with the buffet, I ordered a chicken bento box instead. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Great experience overall!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a restaurant that I eat all the time and the food is always nice. As of today, June 26, 2025 the broccoli was burnt. I asked for white rice and it looks like some is brown rice and the shrimps were hard. So in other words, the food was not fresh at all. Tried to explain the situation to them and they didn’t wanna hear it. Bad business.😡

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Food was good. Says unlimited but they asked if I was ready to pay after one serving instead of asking if I wanted anything els also they have a picture of a sushi buffet but there’s no buffet of sushi u have to pick what u want and no one was there other then staff

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 2

Worst hibachi I’ve ever had because chicken and steak were hard and dry and even the fried rice was hard…could only eat a couple bites and wish I didn’t get the old crappy portion for my dinner :( if it wasn’t delivery, I could have taken it to the counter to ask them to remake it :(

Went on a whim, the advertised price when you walk in is not what they charge. The food wasn't that great if it was 15 or 20 that would make sense, but they want 35.98 for the all you can eat, it is advertised that you can get up and grab what you want but that is not the case anymore. Honestly there are better all you can eat places in the area that are giving better food and environment like burnin 99 or better pricing for the food you are getting. Wanted to give the benefit of the doubt that the price we were charged was incorrect but unfortunately was not the case. Personally will not be going back due to price, lack of atmospher, and quality of food.