O-Ku

Such fantastic service and a fun Omakase experience. Nontraditional but they brought all different plates with tons of food for each course with the final round being the chef's Nigiri special. Certainly the best course with bold flavors and fresh classic Japanese ingredients. Our waiter Sam was fabulous and we even met the head chef, Max. They made the experience for our group of 11 very seamless and memorable!

Visited 4 months ago

First time here, and it’s now my favorite sushi spot in Charleston!

Food: The menu features unique ingredient combinations. We tried the Dragon, Potato, and Salmon with Lemon rolls—all were delicious, but the Potato roll was my favorite. The salmon was the best I’ve ever had: thick, juicy. Food deserves 11/10!

Service: Our waiter was friendly and complimented each of our choices, which was nice, but I’d rather hear is once or twice to be more authentic with compliments. They kept our water glasses full and guided us through the menu. also waiter asked about food restitutions. I appreciated that since I am pescatarian. Amazing staff—thank you!

Space: The design is impressive. We sat by the windows overlooking King Street. There’s also a bar area where you can watch the chefs prepare sushi, adding a special touch to the experience.

It’s a pricier place. We paid $110, including tip, for two people but left happy and full. My husband hates leaving a restaurant hungry, so we ordered plenty and were satisfied.

Visited 5 months ago

Yesterday, we celebrated my husband’s birthday at your restaurant, and everything was absolutely perfect! A special thank you to the chef for the complimentary dish and to our waitress for the outstanding service. Thanks to you, we had a wonderful and unforgettable evening. We will definitely be back!

Visited 5 months ago

One of my favorite spots in Charleston. The food, service, drinks, and atmosphere have been consistently fantastic for many many years. I love taking advantage of their Monday through Wednesday Happy Hour as well as their incredible full menu. They are perfect for a special occasion or just a regular old sushi craving. And just an added bonus they make my favorite cocktail of all time, the Sweet and Spicy 😋

Visited 8 months ago

Our dinner @ O-ku was a prearranged part of a first-time visit to Charleston. I choose not to pick into reviews or even a menu to keep the element of surprise to its max potential.
I felt my efforts were worthy! I was pleasantly surprised from the moment we were invited to our table, throughout the dinner, to the goodbye. I experienced an outstanding hospitality and dining. Everything I tasted was skillfully done and presented in an appetizing way. The service was highly professional: welcoming, tentative, friendly.

Visited a year ago

Jesus please visit this restaurant, Holyyy moly This was the BEST restaurant experience I’ve had in Charleston!!
Top 3 in life ! Our Server Sam was absolutely amazing. He was so knowledgeable, and so charismatic.! The food was to die for the drinks were absolutely amazing!! The atmosphere is top-of-the-line I will 100% be back. This will now be date night GO to !!

Visited 9 months ago

Great food. I was totally plastered though, but it looked good, so I assume the best. But no really, the seasoning was perfect on the dishes that we ordered.

Visited 6 months ago

Came for dinner to celebrate something. They mentioned it right away and were very generous celebrating with us. Tyler was an outstanding server as well!!
Started with bao buns and dumplings. Both were delicious. Never had bao buns before they were better than expected.
For sushi my favorites were the playboy and the fuego fiasco. Not too spicy and tons of flavor. We also got prawn queen and baby dynamite and they were good too.
We also got to try the usuzukuri and kanpachi carpaccio - both raw but sooo good and that’s not usually our speed. Try it! They finished with a glass of champagne for us :) highly recommend!

Visited 9 months ago

O-Ku is so delicious that I visited twice in a matter of a few weeks. The wings are so good and flavor was great. The “Playboy” roll and the Potatoe Roll were enjoyable as well as the O-Ku rock shrimp. My husband loved the Baos.

Visited 4 months ago

I do love me some O-Ku! The sushi here is great! They’ve got a bunch of wagyu options which are always my favorite! I love high end dining and this place fits the bill but I always feel like for the price the value isn’t there! The ambiance is great though and definitely make reservations as they are pretty busy being right downtown. We will definitely be back in the future!

Visited 4 months ago

This place has a great ambiance. The food was good but not great. I ordered the Kaarage Chicken, and it was good, but paying only 30$ for something I could have gotten from my local Japanese restaurant for more with the price. The servers were quick and attentive, and out of my scale, I rate it 4/10. Will be rating more restaurants in the Charleston area.

Visited 4 months ago

The atmosphere is great, very inviting and comfortable. Service was excellent. We explained our dietary restrictions and our server made recommendations. The rolls unfortunately weren't as excellent. We had two different ones with tuna and they were bland and had an off taste. The rest of our rolls were ok but nothing spectacular. The desserts were much better than the rolls. We would come back just for dessert and skip the rolls next time.

Visited 4 months ago

Best sushi we have ever had. The service, atmosphere and most importantly the food was superb. Highly suggest and will be back.

Visited 4 months ago

Such fantastic service and a fun Omakase experience. Nontraditional but they brought all different plates with tons of food for each course with the final round being the chef's Nigiri special. Certainly the best course with bold flavors and fresh classic Japanese ingredients. Our waiter Sam was fabulous and we even met the head chef, Max. They made the experience for our group of 11 very seamless and memorable!

Visited 4 months ago

Just an overall excellent experience. Looking forward to going here again when in the area.

Visited 5 months ago

First time here, and it’s now my favorite sushi spot in Charleston!

Food: The menu features unique ingredient combinations. We tried the Dragon, Potato, and Salmon with Lemon rolls—all were delicious, but the Potato roll was my favorite. The salmon was the best I’ve ever had: thick, juicy. Food deserves 11/10!

Service: Our waiter was friendly and complimented each of our choices, which was nice, but I’d rather hear is once or twice to be more authentic with compliments. They kept our water glasses full and guided us through the menu. also waiter asked about food restitutions. I appreciated that since I am pescatarian. Amazing staff—thank you!

Space: The design is impressive. We sat by the windows overlooking King Street. There’s also a bar area where you can watch the chefs prepare sushi, adding a special touch to the experience.

It’s a pricier place. We paid $110, including tip, for two people but left happy and full. My husband hates leaving a restaurant hungry, so we ordered plenty and were satisfied.

Visited 5 months ago

The quality of the food and the presentation is amazing. We enjoyed the entire dining experience from the appetizer to the dessert. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Visited 5 months ago

Visited 5 months ago

Yesterday, we celebrated my husband’s birthday at your restaurant, and everything was absolutely perfect! A special thank you to the chef for the complimentary dish and to our waitress for the outstanding service. Thanks to you, we had a wonderful and unforgettable evening. We will definitely be back!

Visited 5 months ago

The A-5 Wagyu is one of the best things I have ever eaten. Wish I could get it back home.

Visited 5 months ago

Visited 5 months ago

Waaay overpriced (spent about $500 for 2 people). Nothing too spectacular about the food, and the dining area was extremely loud. Glad that people are enjoying themselves, but don't come here for a quiet or romantic night out.

Visited 5 months ago

Really good happy hour!

Visited 5 months ago

Enjoyed our meal. Great service. It’s pricey for the amount of food you get. It’s good sushi though.

Visited 6 months ago

We had a great experience and meal with excellent service! Highly recommend, and if you like a more interactive meal or part of the meal, try the Tobanyaki - it was fun and delicious...

Visited 6 months ago

Great food. I was totally plastered though, but it looked good, so I assume the best. But no really, the seasoning was perfect on the dishes that we ordered.

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

Overpriced Sushi...

Visited 6 months ago

The food was fantastic!

Visited 6 months ago

Nos encantó la comida, el lugar y la calidad de los productos. El servicio pudo mejorar ya que parecía que , cuando nos sentamos (8:30 pm) ya tenían prisa para que nos fuéramos, pero realmente la comida superó este tema del servicio. Como recomendación la mesera nos llenaba la copa de vino hasta el borde , imagino que por prisa, pero no es así no es elegante. Incluso nos dijo si queríamos un recipiente para llevarnos el vino a las 9:20 pm en vez de dejarnos disfrutar la botella

Visited 6 months ago

Absolutely amazing restaurant. Our server Alyssa was beyond fantastic. The manager Sam stopped by our table multiple times throughout the experience. Top notch service, and some of the best bites of food we have had in a very long time. Unsurprisingly, another mind-blowing experience by the Indigo Road group. I couldn’t recommend this restaurant and commend its staff highly enough.

Visited 6 months ago

My husband and I made reservations while vacationing in Charleston. Our server, Kristen, was great. She was very informative of the menu and made great recommendations. We had Usuzukuri which was absolutely delicious. The sushi rolls we got were the Dragon King, Baby Dynamite, and Tuna Tataki Roll. All were really good. Our favorite roll was the Tuna Tataki Roll. Which is saying a lot for me as I am not normally a tuna girlie.

Visited 6 months ago

Thursday night dinner couple weeks ago. DO NOT wait until day of to get a reservation as it is a popular place. For good reason. Atmosphere was great, it's very clean and well cared for. The menu has quite a few items not available where I live, which I took advantage of.
The A5 Wagyu beef nigiri was one of the best things I have ever eaten. Ran into someone who had also tried it and they agreed.
Sea Urchin-also my first time. Was very fresh as well, but honestly don't see what Anthony Bourdain saw in it. Not a dig on O-ku, just my palate.
Bao BUns were a great appetizer.
Great place, will revisit if we ever go back to Charleston

Visited 6 months ago

I was blown away by my experience. Every dish was mouthwatering & inventive. The staff was the standout—welcoming, knowledgeable, and expedient. O-Ku is the rave on King St!

Visited 6 months ago

One of our absolute favorite spots in Charleston! Every visit to O-Ku is a memorable one, and our recent experience was no exception.

We had the pleasure of being served by Kat, whose warm and attentive service made the night even more enjoyable. She guided us through the menu with spot-on recommendations, making us feel welcome from start to finish. She seemed to be really proud of the quality of the food and restaurant.

The sushi? Phenomenal, as always – fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. And don't even get us started on the fried rice; it’s absolutely delicious and could be a meal on its own. The ambiance here is perfect, striking just the right balance between lively and relaxing, making it the ideal spot whether you're out for a special occasion or just a casual dinner. O-Ku continues to impress, and we can't wait to come back!

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

Great sushi

Visited 7 months ago

We had another great meal there with our toddler. Sushi is excellent and always very high quality. Sam was our server and he was very attentive. They were busy and the manager went above and beyond to address a minor issue. Will continue to come back here for sure!!!

Visited 7 months ago

Visiting Charleston for the weekend & everything was great! The dumplings, o-ku rock shrimp, & potato roll was our favorite. The letters to Asheville cocktail was delicious.

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

I came here today with some friends and had the most amazing time! Our server Alyssa was so nice and friendly! I'd absolutely come again :)

Visited 7 months ago

Our server Alyssa was amazing! 3rd time coming in and she recognized us! The manager Sam stopped by our table several times for a few laughs and some advice on the menu.

The food is amazing, but the service is truly what sets this place apart from the rest!

Visited 7 months ago

Like many places in Charleston, the food and vibe at O-Ku was great, however, the service was OUTSTANDING. Kristen (I hope I’m spelling her name right) was our server and it was one of the best experiences my girlfriend and I have had. Her recommendations were spot on, she was very attentive, and she made O-Ku a spot that we will definitely be back at more often. Highly recommend.

Visited 7 months ago

Second Saturday I go to give it another chance. I ordered lobster maki end niguiri ,and it arrived after 30 minutes. Everything was ugly. I think they need a little organization in the food, especially in the presentation. The place is very nice,, but the food is very late.

Visited 7 months ago

Great sushi
Nice ambiance
Good cocktails

Visited 7 months ago

We sampled an extensive selection from the menu, and every dish was exceptional—no complaints at all! Each item stood out on its own, but blending flavors from different cuisines elevated the experience to another level.

Visited 8 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

I got cocktails, buns and sushi :) everything was good except the sushi is not worth it, fish were not fresh but other than that was perfect. 🫶🏻🩷

Visited 8 months ago

Food is good but similar to lower priced places. I got the fuego fiasco roll and the dumplings. The dumplings were delicious and came out fried (no option for steamed). I also tried the sugar and spice cocktail. This was a habenero infused and spiced vodka drink with a sugar rim. Tasty, hints of apple, not spicy. I eat a lot of spicy food, so it may be muted for me, but the spice was barely detectable. Otherwise, tasty, and I'd drink it again. Overpriced completely. The roll I got was $15, and that was the cheap one. There were things on the menu I'd try but were priced at $30 or $60 for a small portion. It's not worth it, IMO. The server split the dumplings without direction when we asked for split checks which I thought was a nice touch (I ordered and we shared and I would have happily paid for the whole thing but no one complained). The decor was beautiful, but it was super dim. For me, as a 40+ with fading eyes, the menu was hard to read. I didn't love that but muscled through (I forgot to bring glasses that I have). My friend pulled out his phone flashlight to read. Overall, it was good but I'd probably not eat there again because of prices. I can get the same quality of food and service and similar experience at far lower prices elsewhere.

Visited 8 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

Tyler was amazing this evening, very kind, and very knowledgeable! As a waitress, i really appreciated it and thank you for making our time here pleasurable!

Visited 8 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

One of my favorite spots in Charleston. The food, service, drinks, and atmosphere have been consistently fantastic for many many years. I love taking advantage of their Monday through Wednesday Happy Hour as well as their incredible full menu. They are perfect for a special occasion or just a regular old sushi craving. And just an added bonus they make my favorite cocktail of all time, the Sweet and Spicy 😋

Visited 8 months ago

Incredible staff and ambiance

Visited 8 months ago

Came for dinner to celebrate something. They mentioned it right away and were very generous celebrating with us. Tyler was an outstanding server as well!!
Started with bao buns and dumplings. Both were delicious. Never had bao buns before they were better than expected.
For sushi my favorites were the playboy and the fuego fiasco. Not too spicy and tons of flavor. We also got prawn queen and baby dynamite and they were good too.
We also got to try the usuzukuri and kanpachi carpaccio - both raw but sooo good and that’s not usually our speed. Try it! They finished with a glass of champagne for us :) highly recommend!

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 9 months ago

Amazing! The food and service was top notch and they made me feel extra special for my birthday! I’d give 6 stars if I could.

Visited 9 months ago

LOVE this restaurant! We are locals and we used to come a lot, but we have stopped going because you took away the Teriyaki Chicken dish, and replaced it with Karrage Chicken. This Karrage is just greasy chicken nuggets. Please bring back the Teriyaki Chicken! Also please bring back the Buffalo Cauliflower! It’s so much better than the Brussels Sprouts. We realize that you need to change up the menu, but leave the favorites on the menu and try new things tool We miss O-Ku and would like to start coming back.

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 9 months ago

Food was beautiful to look at and delicious to consume. Service was excellent and a cozy atmosphere.

Visited 9 months ago

Had a group of 8 for my bachelorette party dinner and had such a great time! Food was delicious and our server, Alexis, did a great job and made us feel so welcome and celebrated. Highly recommend!!

Visited 9 months ago

The Lemon roll was absolutely ridiculously amazing. The service was top notch and friendly. We shall return. Ps - the crispy rice is a must as well.

Visited 9 months ago

My family and I didn’t have a reservation but the hostess was very accommodating even with a 20 minute wait. Our server, Rachel, was super kind and extremely helpful. Special shoutout to them!

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 9 months ago

Jesus please visit this restaurant, Holyyy moly This was the BEST restaurant experience I’ve had in Charleston!!
Top 3 in life ! Our Server Sam was absolutely amazing. He was so knowledgeable, and so charismatic.! The food was to die for the drinks were absolutely amazing!! The atmosphere is top-of-the-line I will 100% be back. This will now be date night GO to !!

Visited 9 months ago

Gran variedad de opciones para cenar. Y me asesoraron y prepararon un menú especial sin gluten. Lo disfruté muchísimo.

Visited 9 months ago

We went in for some cocktails. They were very tasty. The atmosphere is cozy. The staff is very friendly. We didn't order food, but I think we'll definitely come back on our next vacation and try it.

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 9 months ago

깨끗하고 친절한 식당 같아요

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 10 months ago

Visited 10 months ago

Crunchy crab roll, bao buns, and chicken dumplings. All pretty delicious.
Bao buns were the least favorite, but the other two were great. Would come back!

Visited 10 months ago

We were disappointed with O-Ku. We had a reservation and were seated by two tables of loud obnoxious colleges girls. The girls took a lot of the servers time, hence the mediocre score. For the value, the food quality and the overall environment, I doubt we will return. Disappointed.

Visited 10 months ago

This was a great experience. Really nice to stop and have drinks and appetizers before going to another restaurant for dinner, but you could definitely stay for a meal.

Visited 10 months ago

Visited 10 months ago

Visited 10 months ago

We’ve come to O-Ku on a Sunday and it was super busy. We got a seat at the bar and ordered many things off the menu. The bao buns are yummy & the sushi rolls are really fresh and delicious.

Visited 10 months ago

We have been to Oku twice and each time had Sam as our server. The sushi is a tasty mix of fresh ingredients. The vibe is like a Vegas lounge. And Sam is the mood, cool, confident and captivating. He makes the experience with his excellent recommendations and service. Ask for Sam and you won’t be disappointed!

Visited 10 months ago

The best spring roll I have ever had

Visited 10 months ago

Good food. But the music did not at all match the clearly Modern Japanese vibe they show. But music makes the atmosphere. Shame the foods good. The beach techno weird music.

Visited a year ago

Our dinner @ O-ku was a prearranged part of a first-time visit to Charleston. I choose not to pick into reviews or even a menu to keep the element of surprise to its max potential.
I felt my efforts were worthy! I was pleasantly surprised from the moment we were invited to our table, throughout the dinner, to the goodbye. I experienced an outstanding hospitality and dining. Everything I tasted was skillfully done and presented in an appetizing way. The service was highly professional: welcoming, tentative, friendly.

Visited a year ago

Best restaurant in Charleston

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Can’t say enough spectacular

Visited a year ago

I read through reviews to see what other folks felt about this place, and in general I agree. The sushi is great and food tasty. I'd recommend that some of the dishes include a side of white rice. The hot dishes like the beef short rib and the chicken karakage have a great sauce and are very flavorful. They would pair well some rice! Also, if you do order the rice, you get a small bowl with some rice haphazardly thrown in the bowl. It's weird the presentation of the rice is so poor, relative to the presentation of the other food there.

So yes, a really good restaurant that could get even better by upping their rice game.

Visited a year ago

Some of the best sushi I have ever had. The place has a nice atmosphere and the server was spot on with his recommendations. Must the the Black Magic rolls!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Food was absolutely excellent. The place had music that seemed a little too loud. Even though my eyes are perfect, I had a bit of trouble seeing the menu because the lighting was a bit low. The service was the main reason I'm giving it three stars. Our waitress only came to the table about five or six times in total. We had glasses that needed refilling and sushi that needed ordering, but she kind of just avoided us it seemed. At the end of the day, I would recommend this place as it seems like my experience was probably a fluke, but it was my experience nonetheless.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Best sushi we have had since living on the west coast. Highly recommend.

Visited a year ago

As my wife and I wandered the streets of Charleston looking for a place for dinner we saw a small line forming outside the restaurant. We took this as a sign to give them a chance. Lemme say, well worth it. 10/10 experience with our super attentive server Lily. We had A-5 Wagyu tobanyaki, sushi, dumplings, fried rice and mochi.

Visited a year ago

O-Ku really was such an experience. It was my friend’s birthday and they really went above and beyond. There was a lot of detail put into her special day. The food and drinks were amazing and the ambiance is great.

Visited a year ago

Had dinner here last night and the food was phenomenal. Our waiter Sam made our whole night. He was awesome. Will going back again soon

Visited a year ago

What a wonderful dinner last night with friends. Not only was the food and ambiance amazing the outstanding service provided by Sam was spectacular like no other. Very attentive and was a huge part of making our dining experience fantastic! Can't wait to go back :)

Visited a year ago

Great good, great service, great ambiance...loved it

Visited a year ago

Sam at O-Ku deserves some international recognition for his service. He is absolutely phenomenal and one of the main reasons we continue to frequent O-ku after 10+ years. Management has remained at the highest standard after a few changes over the years. They really have it together over here and I would highly recommend!

Visited a year ago

Took my boyfriend here for his birthday and received the best service I've ever had in Charleston. Alexis was amazing. Highly recommend!

Visited a year ago

Lovely food. They were able to cater for celiacs too.

Visited a year ago

great service, atmosphere and food. high end and high prices but you get what you pay for right? go for happy hour to get good deals on food and drink. thanks to the ownership for hiring high end people and training them. they made our dinner wonderful. the sushi was great too, in all of its iterations. very nice menu with lots of options. one complaint, the dumplings would have been much better had they been pan fried vs deep fried. sake options during happy hour were a very nice touch. again, a wonderful example where paying attention to detail pays off.....great job! one other negative is that there is no happy hour on thursday or friday.

Visited a year ago

Loved it. Got the playboy sushi roll

Visited a year ago

Guys fr best sushi I’ve ever had in my life

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

The spring roll appetizer is so unexpectedly delicious! And all of the rolls are fresh and unique. Drinks were strong too, everything you could want!

Visited a year ago

O-ku signature series was fantastic. Toro, absolutely perfect. USUZUKURI, absolutely delicious. The spicy edamame was soupy, if it was dry it could have already been outstanding.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

We had dinner here while visiting from Canada and were very happy with.our experience. Food was delicious, atmosphere and service was perfect. Added bonus, it was happy hour when we went!

Visited a year ago

It was my first time there. The food was awesome. Service and atmosphere was on point.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

We love coming to O-ku, it feels metro being right on King Street.
The appetizer summer roll is unreal! The sauce the soooo good.
Pictured is the rainbow roll, a little small for the price. The sake is speciality and the sake flight lets you try some different ones. I recommend a reservation because sometimes it is busy!

Visited a year ago

This place is wonderful. The cocktails, appetizers and sushi are amazing. Some of the best sushi we have had! The atmosphere is fun and laidback. The staff were so friendly, helpful and attentive. Thanks for the wonderful experience O-Ku!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

likely spot with great staff. sat at the bar and had a great time w the bartender leading our journey

Visited a year ago

Best Japanese food in Charleston

Visited a year ago

I loved the sushi rolls that I had. They were very different and fun. They have a great bar that you can sit at as well.

Came back again, sat at the bar. Fantastic old fashion, and he the spicy tuna roll and the surf and turf. Highly recommend the surf and turf.

Visited a year ago

O-Ku never disappoints. Truly the best sushi. It’s so incredibly fresh. The restaurant atmosphere is fancy and relaxing. Our server was kind and took good care of us. I would definitely recommend making a reservation as they are always busy!!

Salmon and Lemon Roll and the Surf and Turf Rolls are my two personal favorites!

Visited a year ago

Lilly was WONDERFUL! Sushi and sake flight were great!

Visited a year ago

Misled by positive reviews we decided to try this place and were disappointed how mediocre their sushi was. The flavor was just not it. You can see in my pictures that even the presentation left something to be desired.

Visited a year ago

Mediocre Food-Slooooowww Service

We ordered take out. We were told when it would be ready. We arrived a few minutes prior. And THEN proceeded to wait thirty five minutes for our order to be prepared. No apology.
When we arrived at our hotel (eight minutes) and opened our take out boxes we were rewarded with sushi that was turning brown.
And the prices? Almost $200 for five rolls.
Surely there has to be better sushi somewhere in Charleston.
Strongly NOT recommended.

Visited a year ago

My wife and I have been going through the alphabet with restaurants we haven’t been to in the Charleston area. The letter “O” has been far and away our best experience. Tyler was so welcoming and friendly. He took a genuine interest in what we were doing and it was really fun to engage with somebody who cared about the experience they were delivering. We “deleted” all the dishes we ordered and wouldn’t change a thing we ordered. Brussel sprouts, usuzukuri, rock shrimp, and kaarage. Can’t wait to go back.

Visited a year ago

Cannot say enough! From our amazing server (Tyler was fantastic) to the atmosphere to the food.. everything about this was exceptional! This will be a must stop any time we are back in Charleston!

Visited a year ago

Fantastic! Great food, drinks and vibes! Great staff too!!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Delicious, highly recommend

Visited a year ago

Ella was great and the food was even better. Would highly recommend for any occasion.

Visited a year ago

Food amazing as always and Ella what a great server!!

Visited a year ago

I’m sure that this place has potential. But I wouldn’t recommend the omakase. We didn’t feel like it was worth the price at $150 pp. They did try their best to fix it halfway through the experience. But we still left disappointed in the food. Also whatever the cookie/cake dessert was that they served us was inedible. Such a weird flavor/texture profile. The desserts they had showing on the actual menu sounded way better. Even though we didn’t like our food here, that may be different for others. The servers and atmosphere was great though!

Visited a year ago

The food was delicious! The happy hour specials are also a good deal on your wallet. But even if it were full price, it would have been worth it. The staff are very professional and responsive. We will definitely come again!

Visited a year ago

Great ambience. Service was very friendly and sushi was top notch.

Visited a year ago

Difficult to read menu due to low lighting however waiting staff very helpful in assisting us yo choose dishes. Cocktails were good.

Visited a year ago

First time there but hubby got called into work so we had to leave... but our service was so great ! On point so sweet and explained everything to us with it being our first time there... had the spring rolls before the call and they were amazing

Visited a year ago

Wonderful service, great food, and great drinks in a cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Visited a year ago

We finally got to Oku Charleston and now we are already planning a return visit!
When you enter the restaurant, you can literally feel that you are in for a treat because the style and atmosphere radiate a welcoming energy: it is cool, clean and sophisticated yet relaxed.
EVERY single morsel of food was beautiful and delicious. We were a larger group and ordered many items all of which far exceeded our expectations.
The cocktails were expertly crafted.
Stephanie the manager was amazing! On a busy evening, she was right in there supporting her amazing team but never appeared hurried or frenetic—it is no wonder this place runs so smoothly!
Alyssa, our server, did an outstanding job with our large group which we greatly appreciated.
Don’t miss this gem on Upper King Street!

Visited a year ago

Placed an order for take out on 1/21/24.
Picking Up asked for chopsticks. They said they’re in the to go bag. I came home and discovered NO chopsticks, NO soy sauce, NO WASABI, NO GINGER!
Sushi were tasty ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Service - such a disappointment… ⭐️
…service industry is in such crisis right now…not doing basic things but expecting tip on every step made…

Visited a year ago

Tasty food....totally worth it !!!

Visited a year ago

Edited: This was my first time visiting. Brought visitors to Charleston for their anniversary. Service, food, and drinks were amazing.

I have returned and the second time was absolutely amazing. From the service (Rachel at the bar and Alexis serving our table) to every bite we had and the drinks were on point! I love the menu all over the board. We had edamame, dumplings, chicken wings, fried rice, miso soup, short ribs, ginger chicken, and more. Everything was amazing!

Perfect for date night, first date, or even drinks and apps at the bar before dinner else where. But, you really don’t need to go anywhere else!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Delicious, amazing service. Sushi and bulgogi bao rolls fresh and delicious. Gorgeous slightly upscale feel. Recommend!

Visited a year ago

This place is amazing and delicious! Rachel gave my bf and I the best service we’ve had in a long time. Food was exquisite from appetizers to entre to dessert. I never eat a lot when it comes to sushi but I ate two apps, one sushi roll, and half of cheesecake by myself.. can’t wait for them to open their location in Tampa!

Visited a year ago

Dumplings are a must.

Visited a year ago

Upper King! So many delish spots to choose from. This may be my fav Sushi spot in Chuck. Service was exceptional.. and the drinks were well crafted. Their spin on an OF was interesting! Food Presentation and Atmosphere are rarely matched. Will visit next time in town.

Visited a year ago

Ok food, but subpar service. Couldn’t accommodate a large party, despite us asking nicely several times. If you’re a small party, go here. But if you’re a large party, go elsewhere.

Visited a year ago

Limited menu. Loud. Service slow. Not what I expected.

Visited a year ago

O-Ku is always an amazing choice. The sushi is top notch and the staff are always incredible. The atmosphere is amazing and we always have a good experience here. Must go in Charleston.

Visited a year ago

This restaurant was my first experience in Charleston ever and it was the best. The staff is outstanding, when I say the best I mean the best I have ever experienced. Food was fresh and taste good.

Visited a year ago

Wow - this place has really great apps.

The dipping sauce for the spring rolls was so good. And the spring rolls were filled with fresh fish.

The salmon with truffle dish, it paired so well. It was one of the most unique things I’ve ever tasted.

The lobster pot was fun and good, but I wouldn’t get it again.

The rolls my wife and I shared were potato and lemon salmon. The potato was very good, the crunch was interesting. However the lemon salmon was amazing, again a pairing that I never thought about for sushi. I really enjoyed it.

The drinks were underwhelming, I would pass on the alcohol.

Visited a year ago

Alexis, Dara and the other staff made sure our dining experience was fantastic. Food was excellent and service was professional and accommodating. We are very glad to have dined at O-Ku.

Visited a year ago

Eat sushi in Charleston

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Me & my partner decided to eat at O’ku for our 3 year anniversary and it was amazing. I tried the potato roll & she had the rainbow roll with pork dumplings as our appetizers. Everything was delicious we left all of our plates empty. Great job o’ku.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Considering O-ku is somewhat of a chain, the food is pretty good! I’ve had better sushi but this sushi is still super good! I go to the O-ku in raleigh, nc sometimes as well!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Some of the best sushi I have had in many years. The Beef Tartar was very tender and was paired with sliced avocado and diced apple which made an awesome combo. All the sushi rolls we had were excellent but out of all of them I could whole heartily recommend the Surf n Turf roll. The steak on top was well seasoned and rare, and the crab in the middle was a nice pairing. As a side note, the bar is very capable. The Old Fashioneds I ordered were made brilliantly. Props to Tyler for being an excellent.

Visited a year ago

The atmosphere and the food was wonderful but some of the employees mannerism and attitude towards African Americans was degrading.

Visited a year ago

Great food but the server was super grumpy and not friendly at all. Didn’t care at all about us. Food was delicious but when you don’t feel welcomed it’s not the best experience.

Visited a year ago

Enjoyed sushi, sake, and a seaweed salad at the bar during happy hour and thoroughly enjoyed myself! Great atmosphere and service. Can't wait to go back and enjoy their dinner in the dining room!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Had a great experience here. Alyssa was our server and she was extremely informative about the menu, attentive, and knowledgeable. The food was some of the best sushi I have ever had. Would 10/10 recommend and we will be back!

Visited 2 years ago

Was good when it opened many years ago. Menu is not exciting and the value is not good. The service is great and the decor is stylish and comfortable. It's a nightclub that has ok food.

Visited 2 years ago

Had great service here but unfortunately my honey chicken was very very chewy and overcooked, probably because it was modified to be gluten free.

Visited 2 years ago

This restaurant was hyped up to be the BEST sushi spot in Charleston. However, to our disappointment, it was not. My husband and I had ok service. We were somewhat snubbed by our waitress because we were not ordering drinks. The Brussel sprouts were the only items that had flavor from what we ordered. Menu is very limited and options weren’t broad. I will not be returning. Left our leftovers at the table. Atmosphere and aesthetics are amazing. But not $64 worth…ugh, such a disappointment.

Visited 2 years ago

I tend to not love trendy fusion places. What I really want out of a Japanese restaurant is a big plate of sashimi, rice on the side and some salad and miso soup. This is not the place for that. For $40, one gets 15 pieces of sashimi. Salad and rice are extra (rice $6!!!). Yet, the food was good. The spring rolls were substantial and some of the best I have had. The sauces were tasty with the right amount of punch. The Brussel sprouts were complimentary (perhaps because the hostess wanted to leave us on the street with my mom in a wheelchair when we were early for our reservation because we were trying not to be late not being used to wheeling around Charleston - another story). The Brussel sprouts were so good I would order them next time. We all liked mom's ginger chicken. The guys liked their rolls. I had a compressed rice entree (can't remember the name) which was different but good and definitely filled me up. Besides the hostess gaff, the service was excellent. The restaurant is a little loud but I am not young and hip which this restaurant is. My 4-stars are are as good as it gets in this category of restaurant.

Visited 2 years ago

Amazing experience! Food was fresh and delicious. Our server, Sam was genuinely nice and took great care of us with attentive service. And he made our experience 5 star. Thank you O-Ku for a great night out.

Visited 2 years ago

This was a top tier dining experience!! Lara made our time at O-Ku so special and fun. The drinks were amazing, we loved the truffle edamame, food was excellent. They were attentive to dietary restrictions (gluten-free).

Visited 2 years ago

Amazing quality of sushi, top notch service and drinks were amazing. A definite must visit.

Visited 2 years ago

On a weekend getaway I booked a reservation here for Saturday night because I figured by that point we would be ready for something other than shrimp and grits. We definitely were, and this place didn’t disappoint! We were originally seated beside a very loud group. I asked the hostess to move us and she very kindly obliged (and didn’t make me feel ridiculous for asking). We had the spring rolls for an appetizer and WOW they are wild - not at all what you would expect. Differently delicious in an amazing way. Our sushi rolls were also great. Our server Laura was efficient yet friendly. This place is a bit loud and scene-y but I think that’s the point - and anyway the food is amazing! If you’re looking for a change from the usual Charleston fare, definitely give this place a visit.

Visited 2 years ago

At the last minute, my husband and I decided to dine out before a concert. It began with the hostesses being so very warmly welcoming. Our waiter , Sam, was absolutely fantastic. The food was exquisite. Thank all of you for accommodating us , and making our evening begin so pleasurably.

Visited 2 years ago

I sat at the bar and had the pleasure of meeting O-ku’s Alexa, who served me the best cocktails, food, and atmosphere. Never thought I’d leave a review about miso soup, but O-ku’s miso is incredible. All of the food was excellent, as was the food and vibe. Can’t go wrong at this restaurant.

Visited 2 years ago

OK so I’m a sucker for sushi and I’ve had some amazing sushi in New York City!!! This place was recommended by one of our Uber drivers and I’m so glad we made it. From the drinks food service atmosphere everything was spot on. Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for some sushi while in town 🍣

Visited 2 years ago

This is my first visit to O-Ku and it will definitely not be my last. The rolls were so fresh and so delicious I was extremely happy with the meal. I was extremely happy with the service. I was just extremely happy. Please don't miss this place, especially during happy hour!

Visited 2 years ago

I love this place, nice writers and chilling place

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Great a atmosphere very urban and playful, yet classy but the service is stale and unpleasant. While the overall cuisine is good! Our waitresses brought us a bowl of noodles with dirty plastic stuck to the bottom of the bowl, how do you make mistakes like that.... They offered us no compensation and our server acted as though we should just get over it.....Wow!

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

O-Ku Charleston is a culinary masterpiece that adds a deliciously sophisticated touch to a day of pampering and relaxation. Following a rejuvenating escape at The Spa of Charleston, my visit to O-Ku was the perfect crescendo, offering an exquisite dining experience that elevated my senses to new heights.

From the moment I entered O-Ku, I was enveloped in an ambiance of elegance and refinement. After a day of unwinding at the spa, the restaurant's chic décor and tranquil atmosphere continued the theme of indulgence and tranquility.

The menu at O-Ku is a captivating symphony of flavors that pays homage to the art of Japanese cuisine. Each dish is a masterpiece, carefully crafted to showcase the delicate balance of ingredients and the artistry of presentation. The flavors unfolded like a tapestry of taste, creating an exquisite dance of textures and aromas.

Pairing my meal with one of O-Ku's expertly crafted cocktails was a true delight. The innovative libations were the perfect complement to the culinary journey, enhancing the flavors and creating a harmonious symphony of taste that lingered on my palate.

The service at O-Ku was impeccable, reflecting the same dedication to excellence that I experienced at The Spa of Charleston. The staff's attentiveness, knowledge, and genuine passion for their craft added an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening.

Dining at O-Ku Charleston after a day of relaxation at The Spa of Charleston was a sensory experience like no other. It's a combination that indulges your body and tantalizes your taste buds, creating a harmonious blend of luxury and culinary artistry. If you're seeking an unforgettable dining adventure that beautifully complements a day of pampering, O-Ku Charleston is the epitome of excellence. Prepare to be transported to a realm of culinary delight that leaves you feeling nourished, refreshed, and utterly satisfied.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Some the best sushi I have ever had. The presentation and the beauty of the sushi was spectacular. The atmosphere was like nothing I have ever experienced in Charleston, it like I was transported to the middle of the busy city of New York. Overall 10/10!

Visited 2 years ago

Sam our server was phenomenal! Best service we’ve had in quite some time. The food came out rapidly, and was stunning in appearance and on the palette.

Took the gold medal away from Chef & I in Nashville as my top spot!

10/10
Ask for Sam, he killed it!

Visited 2 years ago

The best 🍣 in Charleston

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Excellent food and service. Bella was awesome. It was my first time eating here and I will be back. Ordered the 2 of Potato Rolls, Tokyo Wings, Rock Shrimp Salad, Honey-Ginger Chicken and Fried rice. Since it was our first time dining they gave us an appetizer on the house: Waygu Tataki. We also ordered cocktails as well - Dockside & Basil Berry Lemonade. Everything was delish! The vibe, decor and music was everything. I would recommend this spot for a cute date night — you won’t be disappointed.

Visited 2 years ago

I have been eating out daily for many years in Charleston, so when I say "I've come across the best server in Charleston", I really do mean it. Keep in mind, I've been coming to O-ku for over thirteen years.

From the moment I was seated, my server, Ella, exuded a warm and genuine enthusiasm that set the tone for the entire evening. Her impeccable attention to detail and ability to anticipate my needs was nothing short of impressive. It was evident that she took pride in her role, making me feel like an honored guest from start to finish. You could tell she wanted to be there.

Throughout the meal, Ella struck a perfect balance between being attentive and respectful of my privacy. She gracefully timed her visits to the table, ensuring I had everything I needed without being intrusive. Empty plates vanished discreetly, and fresh utensils appeared effortlessly, all while maintaining a warm smile that made me feel at ease.

Beyond her extraordinary service skills, Ella displayed a rare ability to gauge my preferences and tailor the experience to my liking. After I ordered the Wagyu Tataki she took mental note that I would appreciate something very similar, the Usuzukuri. She surprised me with a menu item I have yet to try between courses, elevating the overall dining adventure to new heights.

As the evening progressed, it became evident that Ella possessed not only exceptional professionalism but also a genuine passion for making guests' dining experiences memorable. Her passion, knowledge, and genuine care for her craft made this dining experience one to cherish forever. Her presence transformed an already excellent meal into an unforgettable culinary adventure.

If you are fortunate enough to dine at O-ku, I wholeheartedly recommend requesting Ella to be your guide. Her remarkable service will elevate your dining experience to a level of excellence rarely found elsewhere. The memory of this extraordinary server will undoubtedly linger with me for many years to come, leaving me eager to return to O-ku to savor both the delightful cuisine and the unmatched service.

Thanks Ella.

Visited 2 years ago

Cute place and everyone was super nice food was great!

Visited 2 years ago

My boyfriend and I dinned here and had the best experience. Our server Ella was incredible! Timely service and excellent food.

Visited 2 years ago

Consistently fresh seafood & sushi that never fails to amaze. If we’re headed out & sushi is what we want, we go to O-Ku without question. Some say it may be pricey but I’ll argue to the grave, you get what you pay for. That being said, you’re safe to order anything on the menu and can be confident it will be delicious. Cheaper places tend to be great at a handful of items and the rest of the menu, mediocre (at best). Not with O-Ku, order anything and you will be impressed. Truffle edamame, dumplings/gyoza, surf-n-turf roll, are some of my favorites! Just go, you’ve read enough of this review….you will not be disappointed…..go

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Found a sushi gem on King Street! This restaurant has a great atmosphere and is very clean. The sushi is phenomenal! Super fresh with wonderful flavor. There is okay sushi, good sushi and excellent sushi and this is definitely a top two all time best sushi we’ve had! Kyleigh was our server and she was excellent as well, thank you Kyleigh. Well done! We also had the pleasant surprise with Happy Hour having the rolls we had planned on trying. The Firecracker roll is amazing. All rolls we tried were great! A definite winner for sushi in Charleston.

Visited 2 years ago

Not a single bad thing to say. Google says this is pricy but for the cost and food, I thought this was more along the lines of $$ rather than $$$. It’s definitely more on the expensive end if you’re looking for a casual dining experience but it won’t break the bank.

The food was absolutely delicious and it came out timely. The atmosphere is warm and the wait staff were all pleasant.

They had a large drinks menu include many different types of sake.

Visited 2 years ago

Great happy hour menu and gluten free options! They substitute real snow crab for the imitation crab to make the California rolls gluten free. I love the atmosphere too!

Visited 2 years ago

Such good sushi, it’s very fresh and delicious

Visited 2 years ago

Service was fabulous and so was the sushi!

Visited 2 years ago

The good was excellent! It was full of flavor, and the service was on point, I'll definitly go back!

Visited 2 years ago

Deception!!! the website description says they care about flavor and look but it’s too far to be a real sushi with the flavor and the look!
I can make better sushi at home!

Visited 2 years ago

We had dinner at sushi bar and
Chef Park was amazingly nice, so professional food was
Melting with beautiful presentation ,
Restaurant decor , light and service was perfect
Must try when visit Charleston !

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Great first experience at this restaurant. Been looking for really good sushi in the area and they had it. Happy hour specials are awesome with 8 dollar rolls. Very good friendly service and atmosphere.

Visited 2 years ago

Arguably best sushi in Charleston and if you can go during happy hour, some of their rolls and starters are half off (M-W-F, 5-7). Surprisingly the wings were one of the best dishes we had. Great aesthetic and wonderful staff.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Favorite place to eat sushi in Charleston! We love sitting at the sushi bar and watching the chef work their sushi magic. Favorite dish is the salmon lemon roll and the scallop crudo, although everything is absolutely delicious! Will return over and over again!

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Disappointing, the room and the service was ok but he food was subpar at best. I had the feeling we had entered another tourist focused food mill. Sushi was not fresh, ordered a chicken teriyaki just to see what the kitchen would do with something other than sushi it was inedible. Stay away

Visited 2 years ago

The sashimi was the absolute worst I have ever had, honestly think gas station sashimi would have been better. It was not fresh at all. The service was subpar as well, our drinks came out after we had eaten. Sushi was good but the sashimi was so bad it was hard to give anything above a 2-Star. Our server was very nice.

Visited 2 years ago