8 Must Try Japanese Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
The Japanese culinary tradition is full of unique dishes, drinks, and experiences. If you find yourself in the Charlotte metro area and crave a tantalizing plate of sushi or glass of sake, keep reading! We’ve compiled some of the best Japanese restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina as ranked by visitors and critics alike.
Photo Credit: usarestaurants.info
Musashi
10110 Johnston Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210,
(704) 543-5181
Musashi combines a modern, humble atmosphere with authentic Japanese cuisine. Although there are no hibachi grills, rows of tables make way for a long bar in the rear of the dining area where diners may observe skilled sushi chefs in their element.
While watching the sushi chefs hard at work preparing up to 33 different types of rolls, enjoy a variety of tempura, ramen, udon, soba, and teriyaki. We recommend the lunchtime bento boxes, which come with one of six base meat options and allow you to sample a variety of different appetizers, entrees, and sushi in a traditional presentation.
Photo Credit: usarestaurants.info
Nakato
University: 8601 University Executive Park Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262,
(704) 549-9966
Pineville: 8500 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226,
(704) 543-8899
Nakato is a family-owned pair of Japanese steakhouses within the Charlotte city limits. Hibachi entrees are front and center on the menu. The talented chefs entertain diners while grilling chicken, shrimp, salmon, scallops, red snapper, and steak to order. A variety of included side dishes, such as soup, rice, salad, and vegetables, will maximize value and turn your meal into a feast.
The attached sushi bar caters to lighter or more adventurous appetites, with 33 different rolls and fifteen types of nigiri or sashimi to choose from. Customers can pick their favorite sushi or mix and match with different combination plates.
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Futo Buta
222 E Bland St, Charlotte, NC 28203,
(704) 376-8400
Despite being located just outside the Bland light rail station, you’ll find that flavors at Futo Buta are far from bland.
Ramen is king at this restaurant. There are eight different recipes you can choose from, fusing a variety of Asian cultures together. The chefs will usually design a seasonal ramen to compliment local flavors and the tastes of the time. We recommend the Miso, which has smoked pork belly, an egg, corn, bean sprouts, and bok choy, for an authentic Japanese experience. Complete your meal with a variety of sliders and izakaya appetizers, which include as many vegetarian options as they do North Carolina-influenced Japanese barbecue.
Photo Credit: usarestaurants.info
Ru San’s Sushi and Seafood
2440 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203,
(704) 374-0008
Ru San’s is a modern sushi bar minutes away from downtown and Freedom Park. The menu is generous in size with rolls ranging from traditional crab and octopus to beef and egg omelet. Each kind is available a la carte to allow for for creative mixing and matching. Our favorite is the Midtown Special Roll, which have the perfect amount of sweetness and bold spice inside their cucumber wrapping.
If you’re hungry for more than just sushi, we recommend the extensive buffet with everything from fried rice to katsu-don and teriyaki.
Photo Credit: usarestaurants.info
New Zealand Cafe
1717 Sardis Rd N #6-A, Charlotte, NC 28270,
(704) 708-9888
The menu at the New Zealand Cafe stands out among Japanese restaurants in Charlotte. Owner Jackie Chen serves authentic Japanese sushi and nigiri in perfect balance with Kiwi-style meat and seafood entrees. Hungry palates can indulge in the New Zealand Chicken, which is cooked in a uniquely sweet but spicy fusion sauce. Each meal comes with salad, rice, noodles, and tempura shrimp.
Photo Credit: loopcharlotte.com
Room 112
112 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28254,
(704) 335-7112
Room 112 is in the heart of Center City, steps away from a variety of hotels and the Spectrum Center. As might be expected from a downtown restaurant, the Chen family keeps a modern, hip atmosphere with equally hip plate presentation. A fusion menu pairs traditional Japanese delights such as sushi and teriyaki with Chinese stir-fries, pad thai, and Singaporean mee rice noodles. We recommend the tuna tataki, which is served with a soy ginger citrus sauce and radishes.
Photo Credit: usarestaurants.info
Baku
4515 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211,
(704) 817-7173
Baku, located across from the SouthPark Mall, is a sophisticated restaurant for the truly discriminating palate. Rather than serving platters or bento boxes, owner Birdie Yang specializes in Japanese tapas. The perfectly individualized portions make it easy for diners to sample a variety of sushi, sashimi, maki, and grill selections.
Yang takes pride in each dish’s authentically-sourced ingredients and scratch cooking. The chefs prepare fresh gyoza dough each morning, while the sushi uses Norwegian mackerel, Hokkaido scallops, and fresh Japanese tuna. If you’re looking to indulge, we recommend the A-5 Wagyu steak roll with caviar and fresh truffles; it pairs perfectly with a shot of imported Japanese whiskey. For dessert, try some Cinnamon Sugar Beignets or Key Lime Yuzu Pie, both of which are house recipes.
Photo Credit: usarestaurants.info
Yume Ramen, Sushi, and Bar
1508 S Mint St, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28203,
(980) 858-5678
Our final destination on the search for Japanese restaurants in Charlotte is Yume, a quaint bistro located in the South End on Mint Street. Head chef Tony Yum and his wife Rosena create Japanese dishes with a hint of Western flair. Start your meal with the Okinomiyaki Fries, which are served with an Asian barbecue sauce and seaweed flakes. Alternatively, choose from any of the 55 varieties of sushi, including 22 maki rolls and 33 signature rolls. We recommend the uni roll, which Yum prepares with live sea urchin.
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