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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

Nov 24, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 52 times today

Good for special occasions
Lively
Innovative

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, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 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 2,713 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

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Charleston
Best Overall
Charleston
Best Food
Charleston
Best Ambience
Charleston
Healthy
Charleston
Lively
Charleston
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

O-Ku is a standout sushi destination in Charleston, celebrated for its "amazing service" and "outstanding food." Diners love the creative sushi options and vibrant atmosphere, making it perfect for special occasions. With attentive staff and a menu praised for both variety and quality, O-Ku promises a memorable dining experience.

2,713 Reviews

S
Scott
Charleston
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ella was outstanding! Absolutely on point with recommendations, timing and overall excellent customer service. Every item we ordered was delicious!
Is this helpful?
M
Myron
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was a casual anniversary dinner. The service was fantastic, our food choice was spot-on and the price was fair. Thanks for the complimentary champagne. It was a pleasant surprise. We will return for a visit when we are next in Charleston.
Is this helpful?
T
Tony
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Oku=slay Food is amazing, second time visiting from Asheville and both times they make me wonder why we don’t have a Japanese restaurant like this back at home. Our server was perfect, she didn’t feel the need to smother us by coming up every 5 minutes and asking us how everything was which was a plus. She was able to give us some really good recommendations on vegetarian options (which more than most have to offer) it was a really welcoming experience. The food was really well done. plating was beautiful, food times were fast, and the deserts we tried were amazing. Little improvement is that if they played as much edm, they could have been playing more charli xcx. Iykyk
O-KuResponded 2 days ago
Hello Tony! Appreciative = we are! We are stoked to know that you enjoyed your experience with us on back to back visits. You highlighted all the elements of our guest experience that we work hard to embody. Thank you for your kind words and we hope to see you soon, (With one or two Charli XCX songs thrown in). -O-Ku CHS
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B
Brandon
Denver
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The A5 wagyu tobayaki was served with truffle butter (tallow is always best) and no salt was provided. Also both pieces of the otorro nigiri we ordered were extremely tough to the point my wife had to spit out one piece because she could chew it
Is this helpful?
M
Madeleine
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Sam was our server and he was great. It was our first time at O-Ku and he gave us the best recommendations. Everything we ate & drank was delicious!
O-KuResponded on November 13, 2024
Hello Madeleine! We are so glad you enjoyed the experience with us and we look forward to serving you all again soon! -O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?
F
Fran
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for our anniversary and the staff decorated the table. Alyssa/Ella were our servers, they both made sure our evening was special. Food was excellent as always. Thanks O-ku for a great evening.
O-KuResponded on November 13, 2024
Hello Fran! We love to celebrate here at O-Ku and making your night special was truly our pleasure. We hope to be able to serve you again soon!- O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food, great service. The Tokyo wings are a must.
Is this helpful?
S
Samuel
Coastal Georgia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food! Top quality sushi and amazing cocktails. Our waiter Sam was phenomenal. Highly recommend O-Ku! Will be making regular visits every time we are in Charleston. Side note - THAT OTORO THOOO!!
O-KuResponded on November 13, 2024
Hello Samuel! We appreciate your feedback so much! We are thrilled to know you enjoyed your experience with Sam and the team. Our otoro is top of the line and we can't wait to serve you again soon! -O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?
J
Jenny
Miami
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went last night to celebrate my husband's birthday. Food was delicious, service was great. Was a wonderful evening
O-KuResponded on November 9, 2024
Hello Jenny! We are so glad you enjoyed your husbands celebration with us. We love to celebrate and are so glad we could play a role in the night. Hope to see you again soon! -O-Ku CHS
Is this helpful?
C
Cassaundra
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have come to O-Ku many times over the years and have always loved it. However, our experience tonight brought it to a new level. I made a reservation for our anniversary several days in advance and they kindly reached out asking for things we enjoy doing together. When we arrived for our reservation the table was decorated with paper confetti and custom “Happy Anniversary” menus; with a card and gift on the table! It was a very thoughtful and classy gift related to what I had shared of our interests, and we were blown away by the thoughtfulness of it all. The food was incredible as it always is, and the service was OUTSTANDING, thanks to our amazing waiter Sam. This was the most perfect anniversary experience and I have O-Ku to thank for it completely!
O-KuResponded on November 9, 2024
Hello Cassaundra! We are honored to know that your celebration was so special! We do our best to go above and beyond with our food, service and anything we can do to make a night extra special for our guests. We hope to see you again soon! -O-Ku CHS
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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 2713 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

Nov 24, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Booked 52 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, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 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