Below is a list of the top and leading Japanese Restaurants in Charlotte. To help you find the best Japanese Restaurants located near you in Charlotte, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Charlotte’s Best Japanese Restaurants:
The top rated Japanese Restaurants in Charlotte are:
- Musashi Japanese Restaurant – started in the Charlotte area since 1998
- O-Ku – offers a fresh and original take on traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine
- Futo Buta – its menu shows true respect to the history of Ramen
- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar – provides a wide range of fresh, handmade sushi
- Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar – has been a Charlotte tradition since 1976
Musashi Japanese Restaurant
Musashi Japanese Restaurant started in the Charlotte area back in 1998. They are situated in Hanaford Plaza [Suite 115] on Johnston Rd. They offer dining hours for lunch and dinner and are open six days a week. Their menu includes more traditional items found in Japan and the restaurant itself has a family atmosphere. Also, every so often, they update their specials down below so that you may get a better idea of what is offered at their lunchtime specials.
Products/Services:
Lunch Menu, Dinner Menu, Sushi Menu
LOCATION:
Address: 10110 Johnston Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210
Phone: (704) 543-5181
Website: www.musashi-nc.com
REVIEWS:
“Excellent food, great atmosphere, good prices! It felt like I was back in Japan. I’m very excited to go back and try more of their food.” – Michael S.
O-Ku
O-Ku offers a fresh and original take on traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine. The South End restaurant offers unique and exceptional dining options along with traditional sashimi and specialty rolls, highlighting seafood from the finest fish markets in Tokyo and Hawaii alongside local and seasonal ingredients.
Remindful of traditional Japanese culture, its menu is composed of signature starters, modern Japanese entrees, and seasonal traditional sushi that reflect the one of a kind designed space. The beverage program is built around quality ingredients that celebrate Japanese culture and Charlotte’s best providers with a refined blend of specialty cocktails along with premium sake, wine, and local beer selections.
Products/Services:
To-Go & Curbside Pick-Up, Reservation, Chefs Specialties, Makimono, Special Rolls, Nigiri & Sashimi, Toban Yaki, Traditional Maki, Drinks
LOCATION:
Address: 2000 South Blvd #510, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: (704) 594-1922
Website: www.o-kusushiclt.com
REVIEWS:
“Highly recommend this place if you love sushi or seafood and are willing to spend a little extra ($$$). They offer some of the freshest, flavorful fish in town and provide the best service I’ve experienced in Charlotte. There is an elevated atmosphere with cool vibes so be sure to dress up. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time or you will be waiting for up to an hour to sit down.” – Zach D.
Futo Buta
Futo Buta‘s chef and founder Michael Shortino a third-generation chef raised in New York. Shortino has traveled across the pond and throughout the U.S to hone in on his craft from Asian fare in 2006. In 2013, he brought the Robata technique to Charlotte, NC, and opened the first U.S location of the International award-winning London-based Restaurant Roka Akor in Scottsdale AZ.
He has now made it his M.O to showcase the exceptional combination of Japanese cuisine in the South starting with his rock n’ roll Ramen shop Futo Buta. Starting one of the primary Ramen shops in North Carolina in the spring of 2015. The menu shows true respect to the history of Ramen as a regionalized dish from locally sourcing the ‘Fat Pig” from the blue ridge mountains to the bowls made from Carolina clay in the spirit of rock. Shortino’s tour is continuing with his second location which started in downtown Asheville in 2009.
Products/Services:
Izakaya, Buns, Donburi, Ramen, Drinks
LOCATION:
Address: 222 E Bland St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: (704) 376-8400
Website: www.futobuta.com
REVIEWS:
“We had a great meal tonight and I was so happy to FINALLY find a place in Charlotte that I’m excited to review! Had a rice/tuna app, Brussels sprouts, sashimi, Raman soup, and veg buns. Everything was yummy! Great atmosphere. I know that this place will be a HIT once people find out about it.” – Laurie B.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar provides a wide range of fresh, handmade sushi, ranging from the traditional and true Cowfish fashion. Try their Fiery Dragon Roll, Tropical Storm Roll, an enticing ménage of sashimi layered above an avocado, cucumber, and Kani roll. The Cowfish burgers are created from ½ pound of natural beef, turkey, bison, or lamb. And all their meats have been raised humanely.
Products/Services:
Fusion Specialty Bento Box, Sashimi Bowl, Blackened Tuna Nachos, Firecracker Roll, Gimmie More S’more Shake, Jalapeño Popper Show-Stopper Burger
LOCATION:
Address: 4310 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 365-1922
Website: www.thecowfish.com
REVIEWS:
“What a great experience. Our waiter was phenomenal and the food was great. My wife loves her some sushi, me, not so much. I, on the other hand, love me a good burger and they have that aplenty. I love that they have different meats to choose from, I had lamb and it was delicious. Their fries are amazing, I’d say up there with some of the best fries I’ve ever had if not the best. We will definitely be returning here in the future.” – Thomas H.
Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar has been a Charlotte tradition since 1976. It was the primary restaurant in the area to provide a fantastic meal prepared by expert Hibachi Chefs in the traditional Japanese restaurant-style of Teppan Yaki. The Nakato family was happy to venture out a bit and open a restaurant in Springfield, Missouri, in 1995.
Again Nakato was the first of its kind in the area and the people of Springfield were happy to be introduced to Japanese Sushi andTeppan Yaki. Nakato Restaurant has been a family-owned restaurant for more than 30 years. They strive to offer their customers delicious meals and a memorable dining experience that will keep them coming back for more.
Products/Services:
Lunch Menu, Dinner Menu, Takeout & Delivery
LOCATION:
Address: 8601 University Executive Park Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262
Phone: (704) 549-9966
Website: www.nakato.com
REVIEWS:
“Ordered takeout to celebrate my daughter’s 7th birthday for eight people and everything was wonderful. All the orders were correct, delicious and the order was ready right on time. Well done Nakato, we will be back soon” – Scott H.
Shera Elliott graduated from the New Mexico State University with a major in biology and a minor in Biological Basis of Behavior & Health Care Management. Shera grew up in Los Angeles, but moved to Las Cruces for college. Shera has written for several major publications including the Albuquerque Journal and NPR. Shera is a community reporter and also covers stories important important to all Americans.