Saku Yakitori & Sushi Bar

I had a lovely experience at Saku Yakitori & Sushi. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the customer service was phenomenal—very patient and made great recommendations. They serve small plates, which I love because you can try a bunch of different things and share. I came on the perfect night, Tuesday, so it wasn’t crowded, and the setting was lovely and intimate. Parking is $15 in the Truist parking garage (unless you can find free street parking), and you can easily get to the restaurant through the Truist Center’s lobby. I’ll definitely be back!

Visited 5 months ago

Delicious sushi and small plates. Everything arrived hot and fresh with great flavor. The atmosphere is gorgeous. Service was personable. We enjoyed it and will return.

Visited 6 months ago

Reservations required, or get lucky and find a place at the bartop. Quality food made with love. Great service and wonderful vibe. Great place for a date night or night out with friends. Every dish is flavorful and fresh with flavor.

Visited 8 months ago

The restaurant is upstairs!!! We almost didn’t go because the first level had a lone, sad-looking figure and was otherwise empty. There is a second story! The food was amazing, the service was personable, the price point was surprising (happy hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). I recommend the calimari and nirvana sushi.

Visited 9 months ago

It was my son's 21st birthday, and he picked this place to have his first legal drink 🍾place was exquisite and clean. There were limited menu items since it was dinner, but their food was very delicious. The staff was friendly and tentative. Perfect place for that first date or night with the girls!

Visited 10 months ago

Love!

Spider roll and nirvana. Plum wine and a special cocktail from Kendra!!
Also bluefin tuna stick. Pineapple eel roll on the right, get some!!

Visited 8 months ago

Overall I enjoyed my experience there. I will say definitely make a reservation because they get super busy. My friends and I had to sit at the bar but it was still nice. The ambiance is sooo nice there & the service was great!

The food was great for what they have for vegan options but I wish they offered more. But the server who helped us recommended great vegan options. They have some veggie rolls, one tofu option & mushrooms. The drinks were good as well & the cocktail menu is nice. I will say be prepared to spend some money but it’s worth the price.

Visited a year ago

We visited Saku back in Sept ‘22 and had an amazing experience so we went back last month before heading to a show at the Belk Theatre. The service is top-notch and the food is delicious! Sushi was fresh and the rolls are in innovative without being pretentious. We had apps and rolls and even a surprise sake! The atmosphere is hip and intimate and perfect for a date night. We sat at the sushi bar this time but want to return when the weather warms to sit on the patio. We plan to go back this weekend before another show so we can enjoy food our kids don’t get excited about and maybe try some new items. Don’t miss this Uptown Gem!

Visited 2 years ago

When I moved to Charlotte, I was on the hunt for a great sushi spot, and Saku Sushi delivers on every level. The sushi is top-notch, and their menu has a wide variety of options to choose from. But what truly sets Saku apart is the incredible team. Jeff, Val, Emily, and Lynette always make me feel welcome. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and it’s become my go-to spot. I find myself coming back almost every week! If you’re looking for not only great sushi but also a place with outstanding service and a friendly vibe, Saku Sushi is the place to be.

Favorites: Earth and Sea, TLC, Nirvana, Powder Puff, Bushido, Tuna Tataki

Visited 4 months ago

Kelly was amazing she did an excellent job making sure my table was taken care of she also made us laugh definitely recommend.

Visited 4 months ago

Kelly was amazing! So sweet and very welcoming! 10/10

Visited 4 months ago

Excellent service and great food! Kelly was awesome!

Visited 4 months ago

Great food and Kelly was great!! 🎉

Visited 4 months ago

kelly was amazing, funny, and super attentive! didn’t feel rushed & was such a relaxed vibe.

Visited 4 months ago

Saku is my favorite sushi restaurant in Charlotte. In fact my only go to sushi restaurant. The energy is great here, and Panda is the best!! She is awesome and always takes great care of me! Her drinks are bomb! Come to Saku and ask for Panda! 💯

Visited 4 months ago

Great food. Kelly was our server and she was great. Very attentive and awesome personality and attitude. Gave great suggestions.

Visited 4 months ago

The Nirvana roll was absolutely delicious. Panda also provided excellent service

Visited 4 months ago

Very fun atmosphere with strong ambiance. Food is amazing. The Nirvana Roll was *almost* as good as our server Kelly.

Visited 4 months ago

Lovely time with Kelly :) Food was amazing and she had incredible suggestions!

Visited 4 months ago

The ambiance is so cute & unique here! All of our food was amazing and our server Kelly provided great recommendations. Will definitely be coming back!

Visited 4 months ago

I can’t say enough great things about my bartender, Jeff, from last weekend. He was incredibly friendly, highly knowledgeable about the drinks, and truly elevated our dining experience. Thank you, Jeff—you’re fantastic!

Visited 4 months ago

Jeff served me last weekend and was awesome! Friendly and my drinks were great. I’ll definitely be back since I work in Uptown

Visited 4 months ago

I’m from Monroe and I go here at least once a week. Staff is always friendly and food is superb. Very convenient location near the hornets stadium. Ask for the sushi chefs special. They don’t miss

Visited 4 months ago

Visited 4 months ago

Two stars for the amazing fries, but the sushi was not good. I'd rather stick to Mr. Tokyo tbh. Made reservations for the second floor which I'm glad we did bc the bottom floor was so boring? But the tables were less than a foot apart so we heard every word of the conversations beside us and what was supposed to be an intimate date, was very disappointing. Yes the decor was pretty but the rest did not live up to it. Also what was the point of asking if it was my birthday if you weren't gonna do anything?

Visited 5 months ago

I had a lovely experience at Saku Yakitori & Sushi. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the customer service was phenomenal—very patient and made great recommendations. They serve small plates, which I love because you can try a bunch of different things and share. I came on the perfect night, Tuesday, so it wasn’t crowded, and the setting was lovely and intimate. Parking is $15 in the Truist parking garage (unless you can find free street parking), and you can easily get to the restaurant through the Truist Center’s lobby. I’ll definitely be back!

Visited 5 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

The staff working there on a Friday evening were VERY nice and the atmosphere is nice too. The lights, the blossoms, very pretty and it wasn't busy so a chill relaxing time.

The food tasted fine, but it was expensive for very little. I know for some that's not a problem, but in this economy I can't pay $80 for us 2 on a date night to still be hungry. We each got 1 sushi toll and 1 yakitori. The sushi I got was supposed to be a salmon roll, but barely had any fish. I paid $20 for a roll which was basically just rice....

Visited 6 months ago

Delicious sushi and small plates. Everything arrived hot and fresh with great flavor. The atmosphere is gorgeous. Service was personable. We enjoyed it and will return.

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

Alex is amazinggg

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

Nice little place. Food was good not a lot of selection on rolls.

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

Great food but bad service - missing food, missing cutlery and this meant everything went cold. In saying that, the food was very tasty and very well cooked.

Visited 7 months ago

Saku is pretty great sushi. I especially love the takoyaki and golden dragon roll. The atmosphere and house music in the background make it a perfect spot for a date or a quick bite. Never really had a problem with reservations or just walking in.

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

We dined here on a Tuesday for dinner; very quiet which is what we wanted! We had the Nirvana, Bushido, and Saku Rainbo rolls....all delish! I recommend all of them, you won't regret it! The sauces were so creamy and I could taste every ingredient. Also, Valerie was super friendly!

Visited 7 months ago

Came here from out of town- we were here for the bengals game - this was not of the best spots we ate in charlotte! High recommend

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

Excellent location, the service is top notch and a wonderful atmosphere. Great miso soup and the sushi, but the plates are served scarcely.

Visited 8 months ago

Everything we had was amazing.

Visited 8 months ago

Reservations required, or get lucky and find a place at the bartop. Quality food made with love. Great service and wonderful vibe. Great place for a date night or night out with friends. Every dish is flavorful and fresh with flavor.

Visited 8 months ago

Love!

Spider roll and nirvana. Plum wine and a special cocktail from Kendra!!
Also bluefin tuna stick. Pineapple eel roll on the right, get some!!

Visited 8 months ago

Wasnt busy but the food took well over 45 minutes and it was only sushi that was ordered. The drinks were not good the 2 completely different drinks tasted like buttery popcorn. Dont come here for quicker food and good drinks wont find it here

Visited 8 months ago

Alex and Valerie were truly superb had Amazing service, amazing flavors, amazing people, amazing decor, love this place will definitely recommend to anyone trying to have a truly amazing experience!

Visited 9 months ago

The food was delicious, the service was excellent, I would definitely come back!

Visited 9 months ago

Such an awesome atmosphere and the food is incredible.

Visited 9 months ago

Updating my review because I worked with Saku to cater my 150 guest wedding this past June. I couldn’t be more happier with the results! The process of building the menu was smooth, especially for an indecisive person like myself. 😅

Yakitori, Pokebowls and Sushi rolls were SUCH a hit at my wedding. Guests of all ages were raving at the selection and so impressed with taste - (from my younger nieces and nephews to my Asian aunties)

What was most amazing was how proactive the Saku team was for prep, they covered many things that I didn’t think of while planning.

They also worked with me to decorate the food table to go along with my wedding decor/colors, arrived at the venue earlier than our wedding party to set up and prep.

Our venue host also commented how they were impressed Saku’s team did with communication, set up and clean up.

I love Saku casual dates but especially love them more know that I’ve gotten to work with them for my husband and I’s special day!!!

Original Review:
My friends and I typically frequent NoDa, Plaza Midwood - not so much uptown.

It was a great change of food scenery from the typical bar food I didn’t even realize I got used to having! (Wings, fries)

I’ve been twice now. First time I sat at the bar for a group of 4, second time my RSVP was bar (only thing left at time of booking) but we got lucky, saw an empty table (turns out an RSVP no showed and the hostess let us move).

Both visits were great!

Staff was friendly, quick and attentive.

Each of us got 1-2 different Yakitori and shared among us. Highly recommend doing that or going down the list in some way. Each item has its own individual taste/flavor. I could definitely taste the charcoal in the okra, pork belly and pineapple.

Sushi rolls we got Salmon Skin & Earth and Sea Roll. Salmon Skin was still crunchy - and hit the spot for me!

Poke Salad was also +++. Very fresh and the sauce on was flavorful and light.

Loved the aesthetic of this place and would totally be open to venturing into uptown again with a couple of friends.

Visited 9 months ago

The restaurant is upstairs!!! We almost didn’t go because the first level had a lone, sad-looking figure and was otherwise empty. There is a second story! The food was amazing, the service was personable, the price point was surprising (happy hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). I recommend the calimari and nirvana sushi.

Visited 9 months ago

The food was good. The beef skewers had a really good taste which had house seasoning, they were pretty small - would not consider that as a plate. The Nirvana sushi I got were actually really good as I like salmon and caviar. Compared with another favorite sushi place, Saku Yakitori overpriced their rolls. The waiter was kind of avoiding eye contact and when asked about recommendations didn’t give any details of value.

Visited 9 months ago

Beautiful restaurant, excellent food. Make sure you sit upstairs!

Visited 9 months ago

10/10 highly recommend went for a birthday dinner. Great atmosphere and food! Definitely would be back.

Visited 9 months ago

NOT A SUSHI place.
Just a bar with LOUD OBNOXIOUS music that they refused to turn down and a horrible perfume trying to hide the tobacco smell. The “SUSHI” menu is CRINGE… Just avoid if you want sushi. If you want a stinky & loud bar, this will work.

Visited 9 months ago

Gone here once before, was honestly really good. Went here the other day and the quality of the food has just really gone downhill.

Visited 10 months ago

My first visit, and the whole experience was terrific. Really delicious food and gracious service. Leah and Greg were great.

Visited 10 months ago

Love this place!

Visited 10 months ago

Food was tasty but incredibly overpriced. Come here and buy a single skewer for around $10 for the tiniest portion of meat on a stick you can possibly imagine. If you like wasting money, more power to you.

Visited 10 months ago

It was my son's 21st birthday, and he picked this place to have his first legal drink 🍾place was exquisite and clean. There were limited menu items since it was dinner, but their food was very delicious. The staff was friendly and tentative. Perfect place for that first date or night with the girls!

Visited 10 months ago

Great atmosphere and delicious food. If you like cocktails and fantastic sushi, Saku doesn’t disappoint. Make reservations in advance because it does get busy!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Had a quick small plate dinner after exploring Uptown/Downtown CLT. Prices are reasonable, quick service and delicious options. Ended up getting some steak,pork belly,and chicken yakatori and an order of dumplings, and some sushi rolls! Bartender was cool and talkative. Food was delicious and fast. Sushi rolls are good, larger rolls and fresh. Yakatori was hot and delicious!

Visited a year ago

The atmosphere, ambiance and service exceeded my expectations, the restaurant is beautiful to take in but not overwhelmingly so. Eyes were on my every move - when I moved an empty plate out of my way, before I could even set it down a server was there to take the plate away from my setting. Rosie and Val are happy, warm, welcoming, and will engage you in conversation and make you feel like one of the family there. And it does seem that all the employees act like family - everyone does everything, and so you don't have to wait for a specific server to add to your order, anyone will take it for you!

Here's my only criticism - give me at least soy dipping sauce with my sushi. It looks like you have to pay extra and specifically ask for it, which I've never done in any sushi restaurant I've been in. Usually, they bring you a bottle to pour from. OR! At least ask me specifically, because while I did see it in the bottom corner of the menu, I had long forgotten about it when I ordered my sushi. Ask me, what sauce do I want. And, don't charge me 50 cents, like it's busting your wallet to give me a small dipping plate of sauce. Seriously. Don't treat me like a child. I pay good money to be there, don't nickel and dime me.

Visited a year ago

Good food, best vibe

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Unfortunately, there was an extremely loud group in the dining room.

Visited a year ago

Waitstaff was so nice and attentive! I’ve got food restrictions and our waitress made sure to accommodate me perfectly! The food was amazing and the drinks even better! It was our first time there and we will definitely be back!

Visited a year ago

Amazing and fresh food, fantastic atmosphere and incredible service! AND Rossy is my new favorite bartender in Charlotte! 😍

Visited a year ago

It was a joy to visit. The atmosphere and decorations are so well done that you seem to forget your still in the US. Unique and delicious drinks.

Visited a year ago

Andy aka ALEX! Was a great help! Very knowledgeable of the menu and gave honest recommendations. Everything was great. Greats vibes. Great food.

Visited a year ago

Decided to visit and have a solo early dinner. I must say I was not disappointed at all. I ordered a miso soup, pineapple yakitori, pork belly yakitori, and the earth and sea roll. Everything was well seasoned, fresh, and absolutely delicious. I never tried Yakitori before, however I promise it won’t be the last time. The cinnamon and pineapple danced on my taste buds. The pork belly was crunch on the outside and tender on the inside. For drinks I enjoyed the watermelon red-bull margarita and a lemon drop martini. The service from the bar staff was attentive and personable. I will absolutely return to try more items on the menu! Highly recommended!

Visited a year ago

We had the most wonderful experience. Late Sunday dinner. Hubby said it was the freshest and most attractive sushi rolls he's had. Our server was a lovely young gal who was a joy to meet and chat with. Thank you!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Hidden gem-first time visiting Charlotte and was looking for some great cuisine. Luckily stumbled upon Saku and was not disappointed. Food was great, and servers were attentive. A definite must try if you’re in the area.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Earth & Sea Roll was one of the best rolls I’ve ever had.

Visited a year ago

Nice atmosphere, great food, great service!

Visited a year ago

Overall I enjoyed my experience there. I will say definitely make a reservation because they get super busy. My friends and I had to sit at the bar but it was still nice. The ambiance is sooo nice there & the service was great!

The food was great for what they have for vegan options but I wish they offered more. But the server who helped us recommended great vegan options. They have some veggie rolls, one tofu option & mushrooms. The drinks were good as well & the cocktail menu is nice. I will say be prepared to spend some money but it’s worth the price.

Visited a year ago

Friendly staff. I liked the atmosphere. Only thing I didn’t like is the space is too small. Not a lot of space to walk around. Great food! Cocktail Drinks are more expensive than the food. Overall, it was good.

Visited a year ago

i was just here for my boyfriend and i’s anniversary and it was such a nice experience! the hostess was so kind and helpful and our server emily was so sweet! would definitely come here again!

Visited a year ago

Terrible customer service and even though I had a reservation I waited more than 1 hour and I was not happy with that, the food took 1 more hour, they did not return to this place!! appalling

Visited a year ago

Had dinner there for girls night, sushi was amazing! Our bartender Rossy was such an amazing human, charming and super knowledgeable about the menu. She helped us pick out some great Sake and made our experience so memorable! Definitely adding Saku to our top sushi spots in town and will be heading back to see Rossy!

Visited a year ago

It was awesome! Anthony was a great server. Thank you!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

This is now my favorite Japanese restaurant in Charlotte. I lived in Japan for two years and am a long time lover of Japanese cuisine. I’ve tried everything in the Charlotte metro area and this is the stand out. The toro belly, garlic noodles, lamb pops and rolls were incredible. The roasted miso soup is next level also. The ambience couldn’t be cooler and the people who served us at the bar seating (Jeff and Rosie) were very kind and attentive. Can’t wait to come back.

Visited a year ago

Rosie was my server and did an excellent job! The food is superior and felt like being back in Japan. Would definitely bring a date here too.

Visited a year ago

Everything about this restaurant is so unique, the atmosphere, food, and servers are all amazing. The service is always great but the food is even more amazing.

Visited a year ago

best sushi experience in charlotte! the drinks were great and strong. the sushi was fresh and yummy. the ambience of the place is unique. the service was great!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

The ambience of the restaurant is literally to die for. I enjoy the music but my main focus is the service the servers were very hospitable and the food came out relatively quickly I would rate my experience 10/10:)

Visited a year ago

Killer place great atmosphere even better food heavy handed drinks all and all perfect spot

Visited a year ago

Our reservation was at 9pm, there was a misunderstanding with the table and they had it ready at 10:15pm, the host treated us so rude because we asked her why were they taking so long and she was treating us really bad and even though that happened we waited patiently. The restaurant closes at 11pm and they served us the food at 11:30pm, the order was incomplete and they had us eating in a rush, they did not tell us that the bar had closed so we only had water to drink. At the end the owner of the place stopped us to tell us that we were liars, because all of us wrote a bad review of the fatal experience and he treated us super disrespectful just like his host.
Mr Owner: you need to show your team with your example how to behave and not treat bad and humiliate your clients, we consumed at your restaurant and we payed our bill completely even after how you behaved with us. You should of came close to us and have at least an apology and not just start offending us by calling us liars, when you know that the truth is that at the end you and your team gave us a horrible experience since the beginning to the end. Your food is amazing but your team and yourself are very bad, I would tell you to work on it to better your restaurant.

Visited a year ago

Good Service , Good Staff, Good Food! What more can u ask for.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

the worst experience! If I could give 0 stars I would! I had a reservation at this place for a friend's birthday at 9pm, they made us wait more than 2 hours without looking for a solution! In the end they did not attend to us and the attitude of the people in charge was rude and arrogant! update: after making us wait! They gave us a table, they brought the food separately, it took them more than 45 more minutes to bring the food to the table! Then the complete meal DID NOT ARRIVE, they did not notify that they would close the bar! Then after paying, we were getting ready to leave, the OWNER stopped me, CALLING MY NAME AND SAYING THAT WE WERE LIARS, HE STOP US AT THE DOOR WITH A SUPER RUDE ATTITUDE AND CALLING US LIARS! He continued to try and argue that the review I left was wrong and argued with all of us, as you can imagine this completely ruined our night, and was COMPLETELY UNOROFESSIONAL.. REALLY THE WORST EXPERIENCE LIVED IN A RESTAURANT! I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

The best experience I’ve had from the moment we walked in the hostess were very kind. Fresh Sushi and amazing customer service to match. I can’t wait to come back! Thank you Emily and Rossy for taking great care of us. Will be back soon!

Visited a year ago

I enjoyed all the food and the service excellent. We were greeted by the kind hostesses and my server Emily was amazing. The food runners were so kind in explaining what roll was which. Highly recommend the nirvana roll and the Japenese street corn. I can’t wait to come back again !

Visited a year ago

Super nice environment, very aesthetically pleasing. I enjoyed all the food and the service even more! I was immediately greeted by the kind hostesses and my server was amazing. Even the food runners were all kind in explaining what roll was which. Highly recommend the nirvana roll!! Will come back again.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

I was tryna find something to eat with my girlfriend and we walked pass SAKU, our experience was Amazing and we loved the vibes and the staff was very welcoming and friendly, Saku’s sushi is one of my favorites in Charlotte, i love there sashimi its always fresh and delicious.

Visited a year ago

This venue is visually stunning, the food is fantastic and would highly recommend the truffle fries and the Japanese street corn. DEFINITELY WILL BE BACK.

Visited a year ago

Food was excellent, service amazing and sushi is always on point

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

first, we didn’t get the table we reserved then Waiter spilled the drink on me and my food (not her fault, the tables were uneven) but still, my food came back out and they re made it incorrectly and raw, when i didn’t want it anymore i was still going to get charged full price for something that was not my fault. then proceeded to tell me they took off the drink and food they spilled (which i shouldn’t have to pay for) and i ended up leaving w less than what i paid for and wet pants that smelled like vodka. won’t be returning.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

"Absolutely phenomenal sushi experience. Their quality of fish stands above the rest. I especially love their salmon nigiri and sashimi. They have high quality service despite it being relatively busy for a weekend. A must-visit for any sushi lover!"

Visited a year ago

$18 for two rolls of sushi, $1 worth of fish in those rolls. I'm genuinely appalled by how much they charge for their sushi vs the amount of fish you get. What a scam.

Visited a year ago

The first time I visited was for lunch (downstairs) and I wasn't super impressed. I'm glad I gave it a second chance because my dinner last night was SO good. I'll definitely be back.

Cute atmosphere, good sushi & excellent service. My server and the bartender (although I didn't order drinks) were both so attentive! I appreciate it.

The upstairs ambiance is even better than downstairs.

Visited a year ago

Great place! A little expensive, but quality and service was excellent

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Thank you so much I had a blast and will be back very soon!

Visited a year ago

The service and food was nothing short of quality. It was so great I went back twice on my short trip to Charlotte. The only thing I didn't care for was the garlic noodles (personal preference). However, the shrimp, chicken and lobster skewers were perfection as well as the crunchy tempura rolls and the lamb pops! Loved it! A favorite for my next trip to Charlotte.

Visited a year ago

This place is AWESOME!! I gave it 4 stars overall because I think there should be more vegan options, but the price, location, and staff are TOP NOTCH!

I have had the mushroom and tofu skewers, edamame, and seaweed salad. I have had the bar staff create mocktails for me as well. (I'm so grateful that they are so kind when I shyly ask for them to make me something, and I have no idea what.)

I went there twice, and for this being an uptown restaurant, I've had no issue with seating (and, again, the prices are great!)

Definitely come out to vibe here. Japanese decor is exquisite and I love the cherry blossom (sakura) tree. I have a similar one at home.

Visited a year ago

Absolutely impeccable. Everything from the beautiful floral ambiance upstairs, to the creative cocktail menu, to the delicious signature sushi rolls! I had the TLC roll and it was amazing: flavorful and balanced. The service from the entire staff was outstanding, to the point where I was notably impressed. Emily is a phenomenal waitress and made me and my friend’s visit to Saku a memorable one! I can’t wait to go back and I highly recommend this place.

Visited a year ago

Great drinks and really excellent sushi rolls. Cool environment and vibe. We will be back. recommended.

Visited a year ago

The manager working called security on me because I calmly requested a refund due to them bringing me one roll instead of the two orders that I paid for. The sushi served was subpar and the service was despicable. Would not return, would not recommend. Instead of listening , she immediately treated me as a threat . I requested a refund in her refusal to replace the order and she cited that it wasn’t their fault that I didn’t ‘read the menu correctly and they shouldn’t take the hit’.

Visited a year ago

The vibe is way cool here especially the second floor. The food is incredible. We got the edamame beans but you have to try the mix of garlic chili and truffle oil, insanely good. The sushi is killer and the wagu beef just melts in your mouth. Had a great time with top notch service.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Just visited for the first time, absolutely recommend! Great food, everything came out quick and fresh. Really nice and clean inside, great place to grab some food before a show or whatever.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

came in sunday evening and not sure why my friend thought to check the receipt just today but we paid for the wrong order. The bartenders/servers were definitely aware- when we paid the bartender pulled another server to the screen and they both made a face which i mentioned to my friend but he just shrugged it off. Now i understand what the face was for, I’ve mistakenly done this as a server and understand THAT FACE, I’ve just always went and fixed it unlike them. wish they would’ve mentioned it before we left, don’t think we would’ve paid as much (multiple meals and appetizers on the receipt, all we got was 1 sushi roll and a couple drinks). oh well, just won’t go back

Visited a year ago

Fun place, lame food.

Visited a year ago

Garlic noodles were cold and hard. We ordered 10 dishes off the menu. Everything except the noddles and bone marrow were good. We tried to return the bone marrow and the manager who never came to speak to us to resolve our issue told the waitress if there was more than one bite out of the food she couldn’t return it. There was 1 bite gone but I figure her bites are smaller than others? Disappointed to say the least, sushi is my fav.

Visited a year ago

Extremely high quality sushi such as tuna belly and scallops at a very reasonable price presented in one of the best restaurant decors I've experienced in my world travels. The cherry blossom ceilings are both gorgeous as a design element and for minimizing noise - a detail which is mysteriously often ignored in restaurant design. The Yakatori is sumptuous especially the lobster, bone marrow, and Japanese street corn. Saku's rolls are shockingly special and delicious. The wait staff is impeccable, a special shout-out to Ben who iinobtrusively served our every wish. Truly a five-star experience and we will be back, often!

Visited a year ago

This restaurant rests on gimmick. They play up the Yakitory which has no flavor other than the sauce. They could have just put it under a broiler oven to get similar effect. We got mushrooms, salmon, ribeye, and scallops. The sushi was on par with a decent Japanese restaurant but nothing special. The corn was in small slices that included the rib so you had to pick it up to eat it. Tasty but hard to eat. The lamb pops were good. The crispy chicken (which isn’t really crispy was very tender and tasty. The French fries were really good but you would hope the other Japanese items would outshine French fries - they don’t. All in all, we enjoyed it but may not go back.

Visited a year ago

Everything was 5 stars, an excellent place for every occasion

Visited a year ago

Food was fire 🔥

Visited a year ago

Very different than your typical asian restaurant. Everything you order by sides instead of whole dishes. It was good and a very different experience. I forgot my waiter's name but he was very good. Thank you!

Visited a year ago

The Sushi rolls are impeccable but the appetizer pricing is crazy and not worth it. Be prepared to spend $15-20 just for 3 scallops on a stick or 2 shrimps on a stick. 😂😂

Visited a year ago

Saku has instantly become one of our favorite downtown restaurants! The food is excellent and is a great price for the quality of sushi! They have an awesome drink menu, and the very relaxed atmosphere just makes for a really fun relaxed time out!

Visited a year ago

Service was great. Sake was great tasting and I will be back next time in town. Waiter gave us great suggestion on food and drink.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Beautiful place!!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Horrible service here by the owner. Would not recommend spending money here.

Visited a year ago

10/10 great for a date night or girls night on the town food was PHENOMENAL!!!! Beautiful decor

Visited a year ago

Simply outstanding. Here for a work trip in town. The service from the gent working the door, hostess, to the bartenders and manager was simply outstanding. The food was second to none and very fairly priced. The toro was as good as I’ve had anywhere in the world. Would make a trip back to Charlotte if only for this spot.

Visited a year ago

If I could give the service zero stars I would. My boyfriend took me to dinner last night(a Sunday at 830) and it was the most horrible experience. I've worked in restaurants in my younger years so I tend to have alot of patience. The restaurant was pretty dead. After almost 15 mins our server LEA finally came over. She gave us water and said she be back. Came back got our ordered asked my bf why he wanted a mocktail..like that was her business. The rest of the night she hardly came and checked on us but gave all of her attention to a table of 3 that was sat about 30 mins after us. Completely different energy with them. She continued to ignore us..never asking how are food was or if we needed anything. She came back only after my bf waved her down for the check. She then tried to hover as he signed the check. Horrible vibes..felt judged...food wasn't worth it..service sucked..LEA sucked..only thing nice was the Ambiance and still there is better and prettier and Charlotte. Harris teeter has better sushi.

Visited a year ago

Cozy place with great food, nice design, and good atmosphere.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Very enjoyable experience.

Visited a year ago

Best sushi in Charlotte!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

My daughter chose to have her birthday dinner here. We made reservations for 9pm and arrived about 10 minutes early. We were seated within 5 minutes. The staff was attentive and helpful, even with a full restaurant. The food and drinks were great. I'm sure that we'll visit again.

Visited 2 years ago

Bartender was lovely !

Visited 2 years ago

It was fine. Just didn’t hit me

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi had no taste and not well presented

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

I didn't really like the atmosphere downstairs which is completely different from upstairs. Too small to really enjoy it with everyone walking in the door by your table.
Food, Service, and Staff WAS GREAT though. High recommend.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Great food & drinks..The place is stunning. The service is a tad slow which is the only reason I took away 1 star..

Visited 2 years ago

I’ve been here two weeks in a row and it just keeps getting better!! We had the best waitress Rose who really brought the charm and gave us her valuable suggestions on food. She definitely has great taste. See everyone next week. ;) highly recommended the bone marrow and yellowtail belly! The lamb pops were also amazing. Enjoy.

Visited 2 years ago

Very expensive for plain fish and rice? $11 a roll for very small 6 piece? Disappointing

Visited 2 years ago

Came in with my fiancé and was served by Anthony. What do you know my server had the same name as me. He was super knowledgeable with the menu when we weren’t sure what we wanted to eat tonight. After patiently explaining the menu we order the most amazing food ever. Thank you so much Anthony for treating my fiancé and I so well.

Visited 2 years ago

One of our favorite go to places! Beautiful and tasty! On top of all, Anthony was by far the best server! Very friendly and attentive with a smile on his face the whole time. Will definitely be back again!

Visited 2 years ago

Anthony sou made my experience at saku yakitori a dream come true. Definitely recommend this spot for friends and family.

Visited 2 years ago

I had a great experience due to our service. Anthony was attentive, kind, quick, and was always there when I had all types of questions. He made sure everything was to our liking and no matter the problem he had a solution. The food just made it better and now I can't wait to go back. 10/10 recommend for anyone who enjoys great food and service.

Visited 2 years ago

Great food and beautiful setup. Anthony always provides great service and knows how to make you feel welcome!

Visited 2 years ago

I’ve never left a review for a restaurant before but this was the worst service I’ve ever experienced. First the hostess sees I’m on a date and decides it’s a good idea to sit us at a table that’s literally a foot away from a table with 2 other people sitting there. Like literally the tables are so small and right next to each other and she thought it would be a good idea to sit a couple next to two women just having their own casual conversation. So we had to ask her for another table with more privacy which the restaurant wasn’t busy at so there was no reason why we should have had to ask in the first place. Then we get to our table and it takes 10 minutes to get water. The guy comes out, gives us the water, asks if we’re ready to order so we order some apps. He leaves without taking our drink order. Again he leaves for another 10-15 minutes until I get up to look for him. He comes out with the guy behind him carrying the apps. Which were great. He finally takes our drink orders brings the drinks and Then guess what 15-20 minutes go by and he’s no where to be found. I have to get up, ask another server where ours went so she comes over and takes our order. They bring the sushi out and sauces don’t give us any napkins or anything. Our server takes another drink order. Brings the drinks out then just leaves the used glasses on the table. Lastly to top every thing off he was very prompt with asking if we wanted the bill. So then I also ordered a shot of vodka to go. He brings the vodka out and it’s garnished with a moldy lemon or I don’t know if they did that to lemon on purpose but it looked gross. I tell the server about it and he tries to take the lemon off with his fingers and I have to tell him to just replace the whole thing like I’m his serving trainer on his first day. This entire ordeal was so embarrassing and although the food was great I will never eat here again

Visited 2 years ago

The food is very good. Felt very judged in the atmosphere though. The waitress took forever doing everything, she barely checked up on us, we had to wait at least 25 minutes just for her to come and pick the check up, then another 20 to take the check back.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

excelent service and atmosphere!

Visited 2 years ago

This has been a favorite of mine since opening. Can't say enough about the consistency. Great choices, awesome drinks, perfect for a date night or even a bite if you're alone. Definitely worth it.

Visited 2 years ago

Rose delivered amazing service, super hospitable, checked in all the time to ensure we had a great experience. A+ service from her and the entire restaurant!

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Great Service And Food Was Amazing. We Loved The Japanese Street Corn And The Pork Belly Yakitori.

Visited 2 years ago

The food was fresh, crispy in all the right places with exceptional taste.
Our server was very helpful and pleasant.
A perfect place to hang at the bar or sit for dinner.
Its just great when you find a restaurant that checks all the boxes.

Visited 2 years ago

If you’re going here because of the videos on TikTok . Save your time & money . 3 burnt mini lamb chops for $20+ no sides . Don’t expect to get full here , the portions are for kids meals . Basically paid $100+ for an appetizer and sour drinks ! Fruit flies were everywhere . The drinks were very BITTER . The atmosphere was cute , should probably go upstairs if you’re still considering this dump !

Visited 2 years ago

Me and my boyfriend went to this location today. It is so beautiful and comfortable the entire staff was so nice. The food was out of this world amazing the best sushi we ever had. Hand down this is a hidden gem and we will definitely be original customers for now on.

Visited 2 years ago

Beautiful atmosphere, food was delicious and somewhat quick, the drinks were fun. Such a cute date night and loved there was alot of places to walk to after.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

It is a bit pricey for the portion but it is still pretty good. The sushi was my favorite! I got it to go but it was so beautiful inside!

Visited 2 years ago

Service and atmosphere great but the spider roll sushi and vegetables dumplings was not so good. Also paid for an alcoholic drink but might as well bought a soda.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

The sushi was some of the best I've ever had and the atmosphere was really cool

Visited 2 years ago

We went for a date night dinner before a play at the Blumenthal. Cocktails were delicious, food was amazing and the service was great! Can't wait to go back.

Visited 2 years ago

Best Sushi I have ever had. My daughter had the Nirvana roll and thought it was best thing she has ever had. Service was good and nice atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

It was a cute place. The drinks were pretty good. Definitely not the most balanced. The food was questionable, especially the sushi. The salmon was chewy to the point we had to spit it out. Overall, not the greatest experience and will not be back.

Visited 2 years ago

I was not impressed by this restaurant. The sushi and rolls were okay, but nothing to write home about. The prices were high. The service was slow and indifferent, and the restaurant was noisy and crowded. I don’t think I will return to this restaurant or recommend it to anyone.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Atmosphere is great for dates & even a quick bite to eat. Bar is clean & wide. Staff was accommodating & efficient. Definitely will visit again.

Visited 2 years ago

I had spider roll, porkbelly and trumpet mushroom scewer, violet blossom and east meets west to drink. The truffle fries were so good. You will definitely need a reservation for dinner. I recommend sitting upstairs. Ben was nice and helpful with the menu.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Small but great place for delicious yakitori sticks.

Visited 2 years ago

The waitress was so sweet and kind. I really enjoyed her service, however I was there for a birthday party and had some really unusual things happen to my party. To begin, the fried chicken dish I got didn’t taste great. I struggled to finish it as it was dry and an odd type of sweet. In addition, we brought a cake for the birthday girl from home and they made everyone in the party pay an extra $3 for bringing a cake. The cake wasn’t even provided by the restaurant, all they did was give us plates and forks to eat the cake. That’s an extra $21 they made off of our party for nothing at all. Lastly the tax for the restaurant is 8.25%, and when we asked the manager why it was so high they said that it was NC state tax, which is a lie because the average restaurant tax is 7%. Overall, sushi and the waitress was great but the management and food was a little odd. I would prefer to eat somewhere that didn’t make me pay a tax for my own cake that I brought from home.

Visited 2 years ago

I enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere and scenery. Food was amazing even though portion sizes were small. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lamb chop that small. Nonetheless, a great place to eat!

Visited 2 years ago

I ordered the TLC and The Spider; both were absolutely disgusting. I had high expectations as the atmosphere is beautiful! I would like to point out the softshell crab in The Spider was not cleaned properly and had a grainy texture. The spicy southeast Asian fish in the TLC was chewy. Unfortunately, the restaurant has an over-the-top no return policy on food so if they make some low quality sushi and you don’t like the taste, you are forced to pay for the meal regardless of the quality. I will emphasize the server that assisted us as he was receptive of the feedback and cordial throughout our experience. After my experience, I know two things are certain; I will not be dining with this establishment again, and I am most likely going to need pepto bismol tomorrow morning.

Visited 2 years ago