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O-Ku

Name: O-Ku
Address: 463 King St, Charleston, SC, United States, 29403
Telephone: (843) 737-0112
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

$30 and under

Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 30, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 51 times today

Good for special occasions
Lively
Great for creative cocktails

O-Ku, a Japanese restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, is a triumph of execution and concept. The restaurant's menu is a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine, and it features fresh, seasonal ingredients that are prepared with care. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are both complex and delicate. Focused on incorporating authentically Japanese flavors into the fare, O-Ku's menu is comprised of signature contemporary Japanese entrées and traditional sushi of the season reflecting the uniquely designed space. Guests can enjoy chef specialties including kurobuta pulled pork don-buri, braised short rib with shiso pesto, coconut curry, and hakozushi a box-style sushi. A wide variety of nigiri, sashimi and crudos are also available. The beverage program at O-Ku is a sophisticated blend of specialty cocktails, premium sake, bubbles, red and white wines and unique beer selections.

Order delivery or takeout

Why they're an Icon

From the OpenTable editors: James Beard semifinalists Steve Palmer and Kimball Brienza of the Indigo Road group opened the first O-Ku in Charleston in 2010. The modern Japanese restaurant deals sushi in every form—sashimi, nigiri, rolls, hand rolls, and cones—in a sleek black space filled with twisted tree branches. Esquire called it one of the hottest openings of 2010, Travel + Leisure ranked it one of the best sushi restaurants in the country in 2013, and today it counts eight locations across the South.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Cocktail Bar
Hours of Operation
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(843) 737-0112
Website
https://www.o-kusushi.com/location/o-ku-charleston/?y_source=1_ODE4NDQwNjctODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual

Location
463 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Neighbourhood
Downtown Charleston
Cross Street
King Street & Radcliffe Street
Parking details
O-Ku is located on Upper King Street which offers ample on-street parking.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Popular dishes

Miso SoupUS$4.00
EdamameUS$5.00
Spicy EdamameUS$6.00
Truffle EdamameUS$7.00
Seaweed SaladUS$7.00
House SaladUS$7.00
mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots choice of ginger or sesame vinaigrette
Madai Crudo*US$18.00
shiso, lemon, olive oil, yuzu kosho
Usuzukuri*US$18.00
salmon, pickled wasabi stem, chives, black salt, truffle ponzu
Beef Tartare*US$19.00
avocado, quail egg, pear, gochujang, rice chips
Kanpachi CarpaccioUS$19.00
amberjack, cilantro, serrano, cucumber spicy sesame ponzu
Spring Rolls*US$14.00
tuna, salmon, whitefish, mixed greens, potato crisps, avocado, cilantro aioli, sesame sauce
Maguro TatakiUS$18.00
seared yellowfin tuna, Japanese dressing, microgreens
Brussels SproutsUS$14.00
sweet & sour, sesame, chives
Tokyo WingsUS$17.00
gochujang, chives, sesame seeds
Rock Shrimp SaladUS$18.00
tempura fried shrimp, spicy aioli, mixed greens, carrot-ginger vinaigrette
Pork Belly Bao BunsUS$16.00
house-made pickles, lettuce, kimchi puree
DumplingsUS$8.00
crispy pork & chicken gyoza, scallion & sesame soy vinegar
Lobster TemakiUS$30.00
butter-poached lobster, asparagus, chives, beets, cilantro aioli, black salt
Crispy RiceUS$18.00
diced salmon, tuna, whitefish, yuzu kosho aioli, volcanic black salt, lime zest

Hot Plates

Honey-Ginger ChickenUS$21.00
crispy chicken, green onion, black sesame seed
Beef Short RibUS$34.00
kabocha puree, haricot verts, tomato
Curry UdonUS$27.00
red coconut curry, udon, shrimp, sweet onions & peppers, cilantro
Salmon Miso YakiUS$27.00
pan seared, citrus miso, brussels sprouts
Pork BellyUS$24.00
crispy pork belly, teriyaki glaze, mushrooms, sauteed greens, kimchi chili

Tobanyaki

LobsterUS$30.00
mushrooms, truffle-garlic butter, chives
A5 Wagyu (per oz)US$30.00
highest quality japanese black cattle, onions, garlic, fresh wasabi

Sides

Fresh WasabiUS$9.00
Pickled Wasabi StemUS$7.00
Side VegetablesUS$7.00
Sushi RiceUS$6.00
Fried RiceUS$7.00
KimchiUS$5.00

O-Ku Omakase*

Creative & Artistic Multi-Course Tasting MenuUS$150.00

Signature Temaki [Handrolls]

OtoroUS$13.00
cucumber, lemon basil aioli
KanpachiUS$10.00
muscovado miso, wasabi greens
Bluefin TunaUS$10.00
honey miso, mustard greens
Ora King SalmonUS$10.00
togarashi aioli, cilantro
A-5 WagyuUS$13.00
balsamic glaze, mint
Snow CrabUS$13.00
lemon aioli, arugula

O-Ku Signature Nigiri [1pc]

A-5 WagyuUS$17.00
seared, soy glaze, caviar
YellowtailUS$10.00
miso mustard, scallions
TunaUS$7.00
wasabi zuke, chives, togarashi
SalmonUS$10.00
togarashi aioli, lemon zest, ikura
OtoroUS$17.00
chives, black salt, pickled wasabi stem
LobsterUS$17.00
poached lobster, truffle-ginger butter, caviar, chives, red salt
MadaiUS$15.00
shisho, lemon, red salt
O-Ku - Nigiri Flight [All 7]US$85.00

Nigiri [1pc]

Scottish SalmonUS$7.00
Ora King SalmonUS$9.00
Maguro [Tuna]US$8.00
Toro [Bluefin Belly]US$13.00
EBI [Cooked Shrimp]US$5.00
Hamachi [Yellowtail]*US$8.00
Kanpachi [Amberjack]US$10.00
Saba [Mackerel]US$4.00
Ika [Squid]*US$5.00
Unagi [Freshwater Eel]US$6.00
Hotategai [Scallop]*US$7.00
Wagyu [Beef]US$9.00
Madai [Japanese Snapper]US$10.00
Ikura [Salmon Roe]*US$6.00
Uni [Sea Urchin]*US$16.00
Tamago [Sweet Egg]US$5.00
Quail Egg*US$2.00
Tako [Octopus]*US$5.00
Amaebi [Sweet Shrimp]*US$13.00

Sashimi [2pc]

*Please note there are some [1 pc] offerings in this category

Scottish SalmonUS$9.00
Ora King SalomUS$11.00
Maguro [Tuna]US$10.00
Toro [Bluefin Belly]US$13.00
EBI [Cooked Shrimp]US$7.00
Hamachi [Yellowtail]US$10.00
Kanpachi [Amberjack]US$12.00
Sabra [Mackerel]US$6.00
Ika [Squid]US$5.00
Unagi [Freshwater Eel]US$8.00
Hotategai [Scallop]US$9.00
Wagyu [Beef]US$9.00
Madai [Japanese Snapper]US$12.00
Ikura [Salmon Roe]US$6.00
Uni [Sea Urchin]US$16.00
Tamago [Sweet Egg]US$5.00
Quail Egg
Tako [Octopus]US$7.00
Amaebi [Sweet Shrimp]US$13.00

Hakozushi [Box Style Sushi]

Black MagicUS$30.00
tempura fried lobster salad, crispy onions, squid ink rice, masago, spicy aioli, chives
Sake-TakiUS$25.00
seared salmon, spicy fish, asparagus, yuzu tobiko, cilantro aioli
Salmon BeetboxUS$28.00
beet cured salmon, panko fried scallop, umeboshi, lemon basil aioli, cilantro

Makimono [Rolled Sushi]

Veg RollUS$10.00
cucumber, mixed greens, avocado
Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll*US$14.00
spicy tuna, cucumber, crunch, eel sauce
Crab Crunch RollUS$12.00
crab salad, avocado, cucumber, crunch, eel sauce
Firecracker Roll*US$14.00
crab, avocado, asparagus, tempura fried, topped with spicy fish, serrano, eel sauce
Salmon and Lemon Roll*US$16.00
salmon, lemon, crab salad, avocado, cucumber
Tuna Tataki Roll*US$17.00
seared tuna, tempura shrimp, avocado, eel sauce, spicy aioli
Potato RollUS$17.00
tempura shrimp, avocado, wrapped with fried shoe-string potatoes, eel sauce, sweet chili mango
Rainbow Roll*US$17.00
crab, cucumber, topped with salmon, tuna, shrimp, avocado, masago
Surf N Turf Roll*US$18.00
seared beef, tempura shrimp, avocado, microgreens, potato crisps, balsamic glaze
Fuego Fiasco*US$18.00
spicy tuna, cucumber, yellowtail, avocado, cilantro, serrano, sriracha
The Playboy Roll*US$19.00
tempura shrimp, cucumber, spicy tuna, salmon, avocado, yuzu miso, microgreens

What 2,747 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Charleston
Best Overall
Charleston
Best Food
Charleston
Best Service
Charleston
Best Ambience
Charleston
Best Value
Charleston
Innovative
Charleston
Healthy
Charleston
Hot spot
Charleston
Lively
Charleston
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

O-Ku in Charleston offers a "wonderful dining experience" with "amazing food" and "great service." Patrons praise its creative sushi, fresh ingredients, and vibrant ambiance. The attentive staff consistently enhances the dining experience, making it ideal for special occasions. While some find the noise level high, the overall consensus highlights O-Ku as a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts.

2,747 Reviews

L
Lina
Charleston
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious and the service was great! Our family had a wonderful time!
O-KuResponded 4 days ago
Hello Lina! We appreciate your feedback and are so glad your family enjoyed their experience with us! We hope to see you again soon! -O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?
S
Shana
Orlando
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved our Christmas Eve dinner this year. The food and drinks are always great and our server, Alexis was amazing! Order a drink from Alexa at the bar and you won’t regret it. And Steph always does a fanatic job making sure everyone is taken care of. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend!!
O-KuResponded 4 days ago
Hello Shana! We are so glad you enjoyed your experience with us on Christmas Eve! We appreciate your shoutouts to the team and can't wait to serve you again soon! -O-Ku CHS
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T
Tyler
VIP
New York City
154 reviews
5.0
154 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
All food and drink were top notch and wait service from Elle was outstanding.
O-KuResponded 4 days ago
Hello Tyler! Thank you for your feedback! We are so glad you enjoyed the experience and the service from Ella! We look forward to serving you again! -O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?
s
sharon
Charleston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The change in menu does not become the Oku of 1 year ago. Speaking from a local Charlestonian there are much better choices for sushi.
O-KuResponded 4 days ago
Hello Sharon! As a constantly evolving sushi restaurant, we strive to maintain consistency while also pursuing the greatest combinations of flavors to present to our guests. While this means that the menu changes throughout a year, we do our best to listen to our guests and the dishes they want to see on the menu. We hope you'll give us another shot to showcase the flavors that we feel align with who O-Ku is within the sushi world! -O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?
A
Annalisa
San Diego
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing dinner, service and food Sam our server was great very knowledgeable and not overbearing Highly recommend
O-KuResponded 4 days ago
Hello Annalisa! We are so glad to know you enjoyed your experience with us. Hospitality and a great experience for our guests is a top priority for us and we are so glad to know you felt that. We look forward to serving you again soon! -O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?
j
jim
VIP
Charleston
83 reviews
4.0
83 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We have dined here so many times now. Consistently good. If only they would bring back the spicy cauliflower app!!
O-KuResponded 2 days ago
Hello Jim! We are so glad you're able to feel and experience the consistency we aim to provide. We will keep the cauliflower app in our minds for a dish to bring back! Hope to serve you again soon! -O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?
J
Jeremy
VIP
Tampa
16 reviews
3.0
16 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Food was great. Service was good until the bar tenders friends came in, then we did not exist.
O-KuResponded 2 days ago
Hello Jeremy! We apologize that you felt you weren't a priority while sitting at the bar. We feel that our bar is a great spot to create an exceptional experience for our guests but seems like we missed the mark this time. Our hope is that you will come in to give us another chance to enjoy the experience we desire for all of our guests at the bar. -Sam Morgan, AGM O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?
T
Tom
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Exceptional experience tonight. Service was impeccable and made my birthday truly memorable and special
O-KuResponded 4 days ago
Hello Tom! We love to celebrate with our guests and are so glad we were able to make you birthday a memorable one! We hope it's the best year yet! -O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?
K
Kyra
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was great! Gave great recommendations and food was excellent. Great spot to come to while visiting Charleston!
O-KuResponded 4 days ago
Hello Kyra! We are so glad to know we created a great experience for you while visiting Charleston! We hope to serve you again soon! -O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?
N
Nina
VIP
Philadelphia
33 reviews
4.0
33 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We found Oku to be good but not exceptional. We had a selection of sashimi with the salmon selection tasting unusually fishy, which made me question the freshness. In addition we had 3 specialty rolls that were very good. Service was great!
O-KuResponded 2 days ago
Hello Nina! We apologize that you felt the sashimi was not up to your expectations but we are glad you enjoyed the rolls. We are always happy to correct any issue with food during your experience so please don't hesitate to ask in the future. We hope to serve you again soon! -O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?

FAQs

O-Ku offers delivery in partnership with Chow Now. O-Ku also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (843) 737-0112.

O-Ku is rated 4.8 stars by 2747 OpenTable diners.

O-Ku does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 30, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 51 times today

Order delivery or takeout

463 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Additional information

Cross Street
King Street & Radcliffe Street
Neighbourhood
Downtown Charleston
Hours of Operation
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
O-Ku is located on Upper King Street which offers ample on-street parking.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.o-kusushi.com/location/o-ku-charleston/?y_source=1_ODE4NDQwNjctODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
Phone number
(843) 737-0112

Featured in

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

O-Ku

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

Charleston’s 12 most drop-dead gorgeous restaurants

The Best Bars for Foodies in Charleston

Gift card

Dumplings

Lobster

Lobster Temaki

Small Plates & Chef's Specialties

Miso SoupUS$4.00

EdamameUS$5.00

Spicy EdamameUS$6.00

Truffle EdamameUS$7.00

Seaweed SaladUS$7.00

House SaladUS$7.00

Madai Crudo*US$18.00

Usuzukuri*US$18.00

Beef Tartare*US$19.00

Kanpachi CarpaccioUS$19.00

Spring Rolls*US$14.00

Maguro TatakiUS$18.00

Brussels SproutsUS$14.00

Tokyo WingsUS$17.00

Rock Shrimp SaladUS$18.00

Pork Belly Bao BunsUS$16.00

DumplingsUS$8.00

Lobster TemakiUS$30.00

Crispy RiceUS$18.00

Hot Plates

Honey-Ginger ChickenUS$21.00

Beef Short RibUS$34.00

Curry UdonUS$27.00

Salmon Miso YakiUS$27.00

Pork BellyUS$24.00

Tobanyaki

LobsterUS$30.00

A5 Wagyu (per oz)US$30.00

Sides

Fresh WasabiUS$9.00

Pickled Wasabi StemUS$7.00

Side VegetablesUS$7.00

Sushi RiceUS$6.00

Fried RiceUS$7.00

KimchiUS$5.00

O-Ku Omakase*

Creative & Artistic Multi-Course Tasting MenuUS$150.00

Signature Temaki [Handrolls]

OtoroUS$13.00

KanpachiUS$10.00

Bluefin TunaUS$10.00

Ora King SalmonUS$10.00

A-5 WagyuUS$13.00

Snow CrabUS$13.00

O-Ku Signature Nigiri [1pc]

A-5 WagyuUS$17.00

YellowtailUS$10.00

TunaUS$7.00

SalmonUS$10.00

OtoroUS$17.00

LobsterUS$17.00

MadaiUS$15.00

O-Ku - Nigiri Flight [All 7]US$85.00

Nigiri [1pc]

Scottish SalmonUS$7.00

Ora King SalmonUS$9.00

Maguro [Tuna]US$8.00

Toro [Bluefin Belly]US$13.00

EBI [Cooked Shrimp]US$5.00

Hamachi [Yellowtail]*US$8.00

Kanpachi [Amberjack]US$10.00

Saba [Mackerel]US$4.00

Ika [Squid]*US$5.00

Unagi [Freshwater Eel]US$6.00

Hotategai [Scallop]*US$7.00

Wagyu [Beef]US$9.00

Madai [Japanese Snapper]US$10.00

Ikura [Salmon Roe]*US$6.00