Japanese Restaurants in Charleston
Discover the best japanese dining experiences Charleston has to offer
Frankie Ramen at Pinky & Clydes
Frankie Ramen in Park Circle is a casual spot serving rich, flavorful ramen broths that a lot of locals rave about. It's a small, friendly place with great people behind the counter and solid bowls if you want straightforward Japanese-style ramen.
Sushi-Wa
Sushi-Wa is a lively, casual omakase spot in Charleston where the chefs bring in top-notch fish from around the world and even finish the meal with a standout beef bite. If you like traditional sushi pieces and want to split a bottle of sake with friends, this is a local favorite with rave reviews.
Hachiya Ramen - Mt. Pleasant
Hachiya Ramen is a casual, family-friendly spot in Charleston known for super authentic Japanese ramen and a crew that knows their stuff. People also rave about the club and fries, and service is consistently excellent.
Konnichiwa WANDO
Konnichiwa WANDO is a casual new Japanese spot off Clements Ferry that locals say is already firing on all cylinders. Expect straightforward shrimp, chicken and steak options — good for a first-timer who’s not sure what they want.
Frankie Ramen
Frankie Ramen is a casual spot tucked behind a bar where people rave about the pork ramen and those ridiculous $1 dumplings with your choice of sauce. It’s low-key, friendly, and exactly the kind of place you’d stop by on a Wednesday night with friends.
Yoshi Poke & Kitchen
Yoshi Poke & Kitchen is a casual spot for poke bowls and rice plates where people rave about the chicken teriyaki bowl, tuna options and the steak. Service is friendly, orders are fast (I’ve heard 15 minutes on the dot) and folks also like the gyoza.
Maguro Sushi Bar
Maguro Sushi Bar is a quiet, casual spot for solid sushi and sashimi — portions are generous and the lunch specials are a great deal. Staff are friendly and attentive, and locals say the fish is fresh and flavorful without breaking the bank.
Konnichiwa
Konnichiwa is a casual Japanese spot in Charleston that folks go to for solid sushi, jalapeño tempura starters, hibachi chicken and even tuna or steak options. It's family-friendly and reliable for birthdays, takeout, or an easy dinner — reviews say the sushi and hibachi are especially good.
SHIKI
SHIKI is an intimate, casual spot in Charleston that does sushi and Japanese comfort food — people rave about the sushi selections and I saw beef pho and a Steak Hibachi dinner on neighbors' plates. If you want solid tuna and fish options without a stuffy vibe, it's worth a reservation.
Poke Burri / Lifting Noodles Ramen
Poke Burri / Lifting Noodles Ramen is a casual spot that does build-your-own poke bowls and ramen-style dishes — folks rave about shrimp tempura bowls, salads, wings and wraps. Service is friendly (owner even let us taste sauces) and portions are decent for the price.
HOKKAIDO RAMEN HOUSE
Hokkaido Ramen House is a casual spot that actually delivers solid bowls of ramen — people rave about the shrimp, beef, ribs and chicken options and even the crystal shrimp dumplings. Locals say it might be the old Red Bowl rebranded, but the food and cocktails are real-deal and the service is friendly.
MESU
MESU is a casual, slightly upscale spot doing a Mexican-sushi mashup — think fish-forward rolls, tacos, and pork dishes with a fun, buzzy vibe. Prices lean toward the higher side, but folks rave about the rolls and the friendly service so it's worth trying if you like inventive fusion.
Aji Asian Bistro
Aji Asian Bistro is a casual spot in Charleston known for solid sushi (people rave about it) and cocktails like lychee martinis. Customers also mention dishes like karaage, unagi don, and soupy chicken, beef, or shrimp options.
Masa Japanese Restaurant
Masa is a cozy, casual spot for sushi and Japanese comfort food in Charleston — people rave about the shrimp and tuna pieces and even the chicken dishes. It’s laid-back (we once felt a little ignored at first, but the food was worth it), and solid for lunch or a relaxed date night.
Hachiya Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
Hachiya is a casual, family-friendly Japanese spot in Charleston where people rave about the ramen, sushi, steak and even the green tea ice cream. It's quieter than the teppanyaki places (chefs aren't as interactive), but the food — from steak to seafood to chicken dishes — gets consistently good marks.
JINYA Ramen Bar - Charleston
JINYA Ramen Bar in Charleston is a casual spot known for rich pork and shrimp ramen (and yeah, people even mention the tacos). Service can be friendly—lots of folks name servers like Ace—and reviewers give it solid marks overall.
KING STREET FOODS
King Street Foods is a casual, no-frills spot on King Street serving a mix of Thai and Japanese-ish fare — people rave about the chicken basil (kra pao), drunken noodles, and flavorful fried rice. It's the kind of place locals hit for late-night or lunchtime eats, though it can be quiet at odd times.
Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - James Island
Locals Sushi & Sports Pub on James Island is a casual spot where people go for sushi but lots of folks end up ordering burgers, sandwiches, fries and shrimp instead. It’s a relaxed, neighborhood place — decent tuna rolls if you want sushi, reasonable prices for pub food, and locals keep coming back.
167 Sushi Bar
167 Sushi Bar is a casual spot known for sushi like spicy tuna rolls, nigiri, and creative rolls people rave about. Locals recommend the sashimi and omakase-style bites—crowd-pleasing and relaxed, not fussy.
Cedar Creek Tavern Charleston
Cedar Creek Tavern is a casual West Ashley spot — part bar, part grill, part karaoke/comedy hang — where people go for wings, big nachos and steak plus cheap margarita specials and live music on Mondays. Service gets a lot of praise and the crowd gives it a Cheers-like neighborhood vibe.
Ginza Japanese Grill-North Charleston
Ginza Japanese Grill in North Charleston is a casual spot known for solid sushi and hibachi — people rave about the Tuna Poke bowl, the High Five roll, steak, shrimp and fish dishes. It’s a clean, no-frills place with separate prep stations for hibachi and sushi, great for takeout or a laid-back dinner.
Lifting Noodles Ramen
Lifting Noodles Ramen is a casual spot in Charleston for big bowls of beef ramen, Korean fried wings and Thai iced tea — locals rave about the beef bowl and crispy wings. It’s no-frills and relaxed, great for a relaxed weeknight meal or a first-time try.
Tokyo Bistro
Tokyo Bistro is a casual spot for Japanese food and sushi where locals rave about the hibachi — folks mention the filet mignon steak, pork, shrimp and hearty soups. Service gets shout-outs (Megan, Anderson) and people say it's a reliable, neighborhood place rather than fine dining.
Mei Thai Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Mei Thai is a casual spot in Charleston with solid Thai and sushi options—people rave about the pork, chicken, wings, soup and even the cake. Service gets high marks too (someone said they'd give it 10 stars), so it's a reliable, laid-back place for a birthday or first visit.
KatsubĹŤ
Katsubō Chicken & Ramen is a casual, quiet spot in Charleston where people rave about the chicken, sandwiches and the occasional bao bun special. It’s a laid-back place for a solid lunch — good food, fair prices, nothing fancy.
Zen Asian Fusion
Zen Asian Fusion is a casual spot locals hit up for reliable Asian and sushi fare — think beef and chicken dishes, tuna rolls, wraps and wings. Pretty popular (4.5 stars, lots of repeat customers), great for takeout or a relaxed weeknight meal.
Sushi Taro Japanese Restaurant
Sushi Taro is a casual, friendly Japanese spot in Charleston where people rave about the sushi and simple things like miso soup, salad, chicken and shrimp plates. It's the kind of place locals duck into for a spontaneous lunch or dinner — good service, solid food, and a relaxed vibe.
O-Ku
O-Ku is a casual spot for sushi and Japanese small plates with a lively bar vibe — expect espresso martinis, truffle edamame, Annie’s dumplings and seafood or chicken rolls. Locals bring friends or family for a fun night out rather than a quiet dinner, and the food usually gets high marks.
Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - Mt Pleasant
Locals Sushi & Sports Pub in Mt. Pleasant is a casual, laid-back spot where people go for sushi (half-price roll nights are popular) and straightforward bar food like burgers, beef dishes, and fries. With a 4.5 rating and over a thousand reviews, expect good appetizers and reliable sushi without any fuss.
Lanna Thai Cuisine
Lanna Thai Cuisine is a cozy, casual spot in Charleston known for solid red curry and other Thai favorites — great for a low-key dinner date. Service is friendly (owners/servers like Fern get shout-outs), and prices are very reasonable.
Ichiban Steak House & Asian Fusion
Ichiban Steak House & Asian Fusion is a casual spot in West Ashley that does hibachi-style steak and chicken, plus sushi and Chinese-style soups. Folks say you can get seated quick for lunch and the sushi and hibachi are solid for a spur-of-the-moment meal.
Tasty Thai & Sushi
Tasty Thai & Sushi is a casual spot in Charleston serving straightforward Thai and sushi — people rave about the fish, chicken and beef dishes and even the desserts. Service is friendly, prices are reasonable, and locals (including some folks from Thailand) seem to like it.
Hibachi Hut
Hibachi Hut is a casual, no-frills spot in North Charleston known for hibachi steak and shrimp and that famous white sauce people rave about. Portions are generous and staff are attentive, though some diners say the food could use more seasoning.
Locals Sushi & Sports Pub - West Ashley
Locals Sushi & Sports Pub in West Ashley is a casual spot for reasonably priced sushi (the tuna gets mentioned a lot) and has a laid-back bar/sports vibe. It’s clean and cool on hot days, good for groups, though some people find the seating a bit uncomfortable for long hangs.
Mizu Sushi & Hibachi
Mizu Sushi & Hibachi is a casual spot for sushi and hibachi with solid tuna rolls and simple chicken hibachi that won't break the bank. Locals like the takeout and family dinners here—prices are pretty unbeatable for the neighborhood.
Mr. Pan Ramen House
Mr. Pan Ramen House is a casual spot for hearty bowls of pork, beef or chicken ramen and simple salads — great for a low-key meal or takeout (we picked up Mother's Day dinner here). It's not fancy, just solid ramen that plenty of folks — including my husband and me — were glad we tried.
Blu Smoke Pit
Blu Oyster Sushi & Seafood is a casual spot in Charleston known for fresh seafood — customers rave about the shrimp, tuna and salads, and some even stop by for pie. It’s a relaxed, honest place for a seafood meal rather than anything fancy.
Kings Sushi
Kings Sushi is a casual spot in Charleston known for an all-you-can-eat sushi setup where folks rave about the fish and even non-sushi eaters can find other options like steak. Service is friendly (Trey gets shoutouts) and the food is good, but not fancy—just a straightforward, casual meal.
Wasabi of Daniel Island
Wasabi of Daniel Island is a casual, reliable spot for sushi and Japanese staples — think fish rolls, miso soup, salads and even steak dishes — popular with locals after appointments or runs around the island. Service can be friendly (see the Jnae shoutout) and it’s an unpretentious, mid-priced neighborhood place.
Osaka Asian Bistro
Osaka Asian Bistro is a casual West Ashley spot that mixes sushi and Chinese/Japanese plates — expect rolls, tuna, tempura shrimp, soups and salads. Service gets good reviews (Ava mentioned by name), and the Sunny Roll (spicy tuna, tempura shrimp, light rice) is a local favorite.
Genji LLC
Genji is a casual sushi spot on James Island where locals say the sushi and rolls are a higher standard than most places — people rave about their sashimi and specialty rolls. It’s small, friendly, professional service, and a good pick if you want solid, no-frills Japanese food.
Fuji Sushi Upper King
Fuji Sushi on Upper King is a casual, cozy spot — good for sushi, baos, or a quick shrimp, tuna, chicken, or steak plate and they do takeout too. Service can be friendly (our server Jester got a lot of praise), and it’s a relaxed neighborhood place, not fine dining.
Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill
Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill is a casual, cozy spot where locals pop in for sushi at the bar or a steak or pizza if you’re feeling less adventurous. Reviews rave about the tuna and “rockstar sushi,” and people say they’ve been coming back for years.
Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill - Kiawah
Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill on Kiawah is a casual spot for sushi and Japanese-style seafood where people also rave about the chicken dishes. Service gets good reviews even late, and the food is consistently well-presented without being fancy.
Mama Kims
Mama Kims is a casual, no-frills spot in downtown Charleston serving Korean/Japanese-style hibachi and rice bowls — people rave about the meat dumplings, hibachi plates, and shrimp with broccoli and fried rice. Portions are big and flavorful, but some find the steak/filet and mushroom bowls a bit salty, and the interior could use work.
Umi Japanese Restaurant
Umi Japanese Restaurant in Park West is a casual spot with solid, fast service and generous portions — people often mention the steak, shrimp, and tuna dishes. It’s a reliable, no-frills Japanese place locals pick when they want a straightforward meal.
Tsunami North Charleston
Tsunami North Charleston is a casual, laid-back spot where locals go for reliable sushi and big bowls of miso soup. The double crunch roll and a glass of sake come up in almost every visit — good food, friendly service, no fuss.
Seasons Of Tokyo Rivers Ave
Seasons of Tokyo on Rivers Ave is a casual, fast-paced spot where locals grab sushi, shrimp dishes, hearty chicken, and simple soups or subs. Service is friendly and folks say the chicken is especially well-seasoned — great for an easy, no-frills meal.
Wasabi of Mount Pleasant
Wasabi of Mount Pleasant is a casual Japanese spot known for sushi and a solid bowl of ramen soup that locals pop into for lunch. It's relaxed, has good happy hour service, and feels like a no-frills place for Asian food rather than fine dining.
P.F. Chang's
P.F. Chang’s is a casual, quiet spot downtown where you can get American-style Chinese favorites like ribs, chicken and shrimp, plus sushi and the usual salads and desserts. It’s a solid, no-frills place for lunch or takeout — the hostess was polite and accommodating when I went.
Ginza Japanese Grill - West Ashley
Ginza Japanese Grill in West Ashley is a casual spot for sushi and Japanese fare where people grab items like tuna, shrimp, chicken fried rice, steak, and dynamite rolls. Locals stop in after shopping or for weekday deals — it’s simple, reliable, and not fancy.
Seasons of Tokyo Tanger Outlet
Seasons of Tokyo at Tanger is a casual, no-frills Japanese spot that locals go to for reliable soup and chicken dishes. It’s clean, affordable, and consistently decent—nothing fancy, just a solid meal most times.
Kanpai Japanese Restaurant
Kanpai is a casual spot for sushi and Korean flavors — people rave about the shrimp and tuna sushi and the fresh sashimi and carpaccio. It's not fancy, just solid, neighborhood-level Japanese/Korean food that locals keep coming back to.
Jade Hibachi Grill
Jade Hibachi Grill is a casual, neighborhood spot with reasonable prices and solid hibachi plates—people rave about the chicken and shrimp. It's a cute little place nearby where you can get a filling, no-frills meal without breaking the bank.
Kanji Sushi Hibachi - West Ashley
Kanji Sushi Hibachi in West Ashley is a casual spot serving sushi plus hibachi-style chicken, beef, steak and shrimp — good for takeout or a no-frills dinner. Staff are friendly (they once gave extra sauce when a customer forgot their card) and reviews are mixed but many locals like the food.
Sake House Japanese Sushi & Hibachi Restaurant
Sake House is a lively, casual spot in Charleston where people go for sushi, hibachi, and drinks — think California roll, spicy shrimp, spicy crab and bigger things like chicken or steak hibachi. It’s popular for birthdays and groups, with solid food and a buzzy atmosphere, not a fancy night out.
Yokoso Japanese Steakhouse North Charleston
Yokoso Japanese Steakhouse in North Charleston is a casual spot where the hibachi shows are the draw and people order lots of chicken, shrimp and steak pieces. Reviews are mixed but if you want a fun, loud night out with sushi and teppanyaki it's an easy, familiar choice.
James Island Fire Grill hibachi sushi
If you want casual hibachi and sushi on James Island, this is the kind of spot locals hit for quick chicken or steak hibachi (some people skip the veggies) and shrimp dishes. Expect fast, friendly service — I’ve seen chicken bowls, shrimp lo mein and rolls like the Telfair come through the counter again and again.
Tsunami Japanese Restaurant
Tsunami is a lively, casual spot in Charleston known for solid sushi—people rave about the tuna and other fish, and there's good chicken dishes too. It's a local favorite for a relaxed night out; service and the manager Michelle get a lot of praise.
Bushido Sushi & Hibachi Charleston
Casual spot for sushi and hibachi where locals rave about the Kamikaze and Sumo rolls and the filet hibachi — my neighbors eat here twice a week. It's a relaxed, budget-friendly place (some say the chicken is subpar) with a decent bar and takeout options.
Blackenese Soul Food Hibachi Food Truck Pop up and Catering
Blackenese is a casual soul food hibachi truck/pop-up that does catering and shows up at spots like Tanger Outlets. Folks rave about the chicken and steak hibachi — I’ve heard great things for both everyday meals and office catering.
Kanji Sushi Hibachi - Mount Pleasant
Kanji Sushi Hibachi in Mount Pleasant is a casual, no-frills spot where you’ll get big, reasonably priced rolls loaded with fish, shrimp and tuna. Service is friendly (especially indoors) and folks rave about eel and avocado combos and the hibachi chicken.
Jiang’s Asian Kitchen
Jiang’s Asian Kitchen is a casual spot in Charleston serving Chinese and Japanese-style plates — think lo mein, spring rolls, chicken, pork, shrimp, and hearty soups. Reviews praise the spring rolls and lo mein; it's a straightforward neighborhood place, not fancy but solid for takeout or a low-key meal.
Taste Of Tokyo
Taste of Tokyo is a casual, budget-friendly spot in Charleston known for hibachi: expect chicken, shrimp, and steak cooked right at the grill. It’s a convenient, no-frills place—lots of tourists and hotel guests stop by and reviewers give it about a 4-star vibe.
Hibachi Grill
Hibachi Grill is a casual, fast‑to‑go spot — not a sit‑down place — where people grab chicken pieces and wings with decent portions for the price. Service gets good marks, and with a 3.9 rating it's a solid, no‑frills option when you want quick Japanese‑style food.
ASIAN GOURMET
ASIAN GOURMET is a casual, no-frills spot in Charleston serving Chinese and sushi-ish options — people rave about the Kung Pao Chicken dinner combo, shrimp fried rice, spring rolls and wings. Service can be hit-or-miss, but if you care most about food (like I do), the dishes are solid and worth a stop.
HOKKAIDO Sushi & Hibachi
HOKKAIDO Sushi & Hibachi is a casual spot where people rave about the soup and even the club sandwich on the menu, with quick service after events like RiverDogs games. It’s not fancy—simple, affordable Japanese and hibachi fare run by a small, hardworking crew.
Japanese K
Japanese K is a casual, no-frills spot that's been serving locals for years — people rave about their shrimp and chicken dishes and say orders are always right. It’s not fancy (2.5 stars), but longtime regulars keep coming back.