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Nigiri on a white plate.
A selection of nigiri from O-Ku.
O-Ku

8 Spots for Sushi in Charlotte, North Carolina

From serious sashimi to all-you-can-eat rolls

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A selection of nigiri from O-Ku.
| O-Ku

Charlotte’s sushi scene seems to grow each year, as new destinations continue to pop up in Uptown and the surrounding suburbs. Grabbing sushi is often a time to socialize over tasty bites, so many of these establishments have the desired atmosphere for a fun evening with friends. There’s also more casual spots for patrons simply looking to satisfy their sushi craving. Whether there’s a special occasion or it’s simply a day where raw fish is a must, these seven Charlotte spots have sushi lovers covered.

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Yume Ramen Sushi & Bar

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Explore a range of Japanese cuisine at Yume, from ramen to yakatori to donburi to sushi. The extensive list of signature rolls goes beyond what most restaurants offer. For those who can’t decide, let the kitchen choose with a $150 omakase experience (advance reservations required).

Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

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Those looking for a buzzing atmosphere should head to Nikko, where the restaurant offers a seemingly endless selection of sushi rolls. There’s also sake, nigiri, and daily specials. 

Rockin' Rolls Sushi

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At Rockin’ Rolls, customers can choose from over 50 menu items that pass by each table on a conveyor belt. The eatery has appetizers like shrimp shumai, sushi, and specialty rolls at the all-you-can-eat feast, which costs just $17.

O-Ku has made a name for itself in cities like Charleston and Atlanta by offering high-quality fish, inventive rolls, and playful cocktails. The Charlotte location is no different — be sure to try the scallop and salmon filled Mermaid roll or go big with the Hot & Heavy roll, which is stuffed with tempura lobster and avocado before it’s wrapped in tuna and topped with eel sauce, spicy aioli, and Sriracha. 

A line of nigiri next to a yellow cocktail.
Nigiri at O-ku.
O-Ku

Yamazaru Sushi & Sake

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Cozy spot Yamazaru is go-to for American classic (think plenty of cream cheese) and specialty rolls, but many claim the chirashi bowl is the can’t-miss on the menu. If the dining room is full, there is outdoor seating.

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

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Sushi and burgers? It may sound odd but it definitely works at Cowfish, where diners can choose from a variety of specialty rolls or create their own. For the ultimate fusion experience, check out the “burgushi” section of the menu, which has items like double-cheeseburger roll wrapped in soy paper.

New Zealand Cafe

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The fact that there’s $1.95 nigiri and almost 20 rolls for less than $7 doesn’t mean the kitchen skimps on quality at this laid-back destination. Be sure to sample at least one of the New Zealand dishes like the Queenstown’s crispy chicken in between bites of sushi. 

Prime Fish

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After opening in 2020, Prime Fish rose to the top of Charlotte’s list of best new restaurants for a good reason — chef Robin Anthony offers Tokyo-style sushi and expert sake pairings. Anthony recently opened an omakase restaurant and reservations are almost impossible to secure.

Yume Ramen Sushi & Bar

Explore a range of Japanese cuisine at Yume, from ramen to yakatori to donburi to sushi. The extensive list of signature rolls goes beyond what most restaurants offer. For those who can’t decide, let the kitchen choose with a $150 omakase experience (advance reservations required).

Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Those looking for a buzzing atmosphere should head to Nikko, where the restaurant offers a seemingly endless selection of sushi rolls. There’s also sake, nigiri, and daily specials. 

Rockin' Rolls Sushi

At Rockin’ Rolls, customers can choose from over 50 menu items that pass by each table on a conveyor belt. The eatery has appetizers like shrimp shumai, sushi, and specialty rolls at the all-you-can-eat feast, which costs just $17.

O-Ku

O-Ku has made a name for itself in cities like Charleston and Atlanta by offering high-quality fish, inventive rolls, and playful cocktails. The Charlotte location is no different — be sure to try the scallop and salmon filled Mermaid roll or go big with the Hot & Heavy roll, which is stuffed with tempura lobster and avocado before it’s wrapped in tuna and topped with eel sauce, spicy aioli, and Sriracha. 

A line of nigiri next to a yellow cocktail.
Nigiri at O-ku.
O-Ku

Yamazaru Sushi & Sake

Cozy spot Yamazaru is go-to for American classic (think plenty of cream cheese) and specialty rolls, but many claim the chirashi bowl is the can’t-miss on the menu. If the dining room is full, there is outdoor seating.

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Sushi and burgers? It may sound odd but it definitely works at Cowfish, where diners can choose from a variety of specialty rolls or create their own. For the ultimate fusion experience, check out the “burgushi” section of the menu, which has items like double-cheeseburger roll wrapped in soy paper.

New Zealand Cafe

The fact that there’s $1.95 nigiri and almost 20 rolls for less than $7 doesn’t mean the kitchen skimps on quality at this laid-back destination. Be sure to sample at least one of the New Zealand dishes like the Queenstown’s crispy chicken in between bites of sushi. 

Prime Fish

After opening in 2020, Prime Fish rose to the top of Charlotte’s list of best new restaurants for a good reason — chef Robin Anthony offers Tokyo-style sushi and expert sake pairings. Anthony recently opened an omakase restaurant and reservations are almost impossible to secure.

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