Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    MESU

    4.3 (412 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    MESU Photos

    Business Info

    MESU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Loud

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - MESU

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Bluefin Tuna Nachos
    Andrew P.

    This place is a great blend of Mexican and Japanese cuisine if you need a quick bite after walking up King Street! The service and food delivery were exceptionally fast and friendly. I had the bluefin tuna nachos which were well presented and abundant with fish, but did have that high quality bluefin tuna texture I'm used to. For my main meal I had the Birria ramen that I ate with excitement, but was a little disappointed with the lack of meat in the ramen and the over abundance of cheese in the taco to dip in their broth. The noodles were quite firm to my liking! I would definitely go back and try out more simple items rather than the "fusion" stuff.

    Tempura Tuna Roll
    Nick S.

    Tacos & Sushi? Sign me up! Mesu is an awesome Mexican Sushi fusion restaurant on King Street! The aesthetic here is great & the vibes are perfect for a meal with friends or a date night! There's bound to be something for everyone no matter what you're craving; & it's all delicious! If you have a hard time choosing between so many tasty options, I totally recommend trying a little bit of everything! The sushi is incredibly fresh and well prepared. The bao bun rocked & all of the taco combinations hit the spot! You need to check them out!

    Paige D.

    I have been on the fence about trying this spot because sushi and Mexican food didn't sound like a good mix. Through a Yelp experience I had the opportunity to try it and I am happy to report that the food was amazing!! I was pleasantly surprised. I was there for a Halloween event so all of the spooky cocktails were crafted to fit the occasion and tasty. The bartenders were the only staff members I had the chance to interact with and everyone was nice. The food itself: there was an assortment of sushi to choose from, street corn ribs, birria, dumplings, and tacos. Every bite I had was great. I'll def be coming back with my friends so they can enjoy a Mesu experience as well.

    Katie F.

    Tonight I crept into the Mesu Halloween Bash, and it was such a vibe! The place was alive with hauntingly good music, eerie lights, and plenty of spooky energy. My top food picks were the crispy rice and the Mesu Roll -- a lighter sushi with ahi tuna (my fav), avocado, white fish, tomatillo salsa, and cilantro. It was a fresh, flavorful contrast to the other fried treats at the party. The restaurant was transformed into a haunted hideaway draped in cobwebs and Halloween décor. The wait staff kept the plates coming and the tables clear. The only slight delay was at the bar, where our spooky-themed cocktails took a bit longer to brew... but honestly, with the high vibes, we didn't mind.

    Noor S.

    We went to Mesu for dinner and had a great time! They were kind enough to seat us with about 5 minutes left before the kitchen closed which we really appreciated. We started with the street corn which came cut into long pieces instead of on the cob and it was incredible. We also got the guac queso and salsa sampler which is such a good app choice if you're with a group. The sushi was surprisingly really good too and super fresh with no fishy odors. We tried a few different tacos and the Baja fish taco had a bit too much slaw on top which kind of took away from the other ingredients but overall everything else was solid. Definitely would recommend this spot for small bites and drinks!

    Brandi W.

    I recently visited Charleston for our birthday getaway and this was the first place. I stopped and got some food. It was really close in the neighborhood that I was staying so we were able to walk to it. We went during happy hour wish a happy hour from 4 to 6. They had a new appetizer which was the calamari and pork belly and I decided to try it. It was pretty good, but I will say that it was overpriced for the portion size. I believe I paid 22 or $23 for it. The margarita was also on the happy hour menu. And it was a great price and tasted delicious. It's for my entrée. I got the brisket nachos, which was an amazing portion for the price of $20. I found it interesting that they used Gouda cheese, extra cheese a choice on their different tacos and nachos. I thought it was an interesting mix of flavors because the spot is a Asian Mexican fusion. I really enjoyed everything that I had. I love the ambience inside. It's a very cool spot. Loved all the different pictures on the wall. And the service was really good. We asked the young lady about the different items before we ordered and she gave a really honest opinion. And I really appreciated that. I would definitely come back and try some more items when I'm back in town!

    hamachi took
    Malu G.

    very GOOD sushi!! I'm obsessed with this place!! The vibes are fun and definitely try the lychee martini SO GOOD! I would just come here for the sushi, I'm Mexican and i've had better tacos... and tacos don't go on flour tortillas. Aside from that, I love it here and i'm obsessed.

    Pulled chicken taco
    Liz G.

    I'll preface my review by saying I definitely would come back and try this again. Maybe I just didn't order the right things. I was super excited to try this spot because it's a mix of my favorite things - Mexican and sushi! The queso was very good but I didn't love the seasoning on the chips, it was a bit overpowering. The fried pickles were delish! I ordered a smoked chicken taco - there was a ton of slaw on it, like way too much, and the chicken flavor was good but SO rich that I couldn't finish it. I ordered a shrimp tempura roll and it was very good but was missing cucumber. My friend also got the same roll and hers had cucumber in it. A mistake for sure but I was disappointed. However the atmosphere and service of this spot is awesome! They were able to accommodate a large group of 12 and was fast and friendly. Like I mentioned before, I would definitely try this place again but would order different things.

    Tequila list
    Mia L.

    This place was incredible from start to finish! Such a fun artistic atmosphere. Great service. The drinks were all creative and delicious- not overly sweet, just the way we like them. Every item we ordered off the menu was a home run- we will be going back to try more. We got a bunch of Mexican and sushi rolls for the table to share and were so glad we got to sample so many things. The sushi rolls were all very creative and delicious, out of the ordinary sushi rolls. The tacos were perfect and I have never eaten a better torta! Our kids enjoyed everything with us, including the mocktails. This place deserves a star! Can't wait to visit Charleston again to return here!

    Emma P.

    I think I need to give this place another shot. I was super unimpressed with the food but it has such great ratings. The meat in the tacos was super dry and bland. The bun bao were good and I'd definitely order them again. Dessert tasted like a grocery store frozen cake. I'll go back and update my review because again, everyone seems to love them place.

    Trio dip
    Al N.

    Went here for the yelp elite Halloween party and it did not disappoint. Tons of sushi and tacos to choose from. They had Halloween themed drinks and a DJ. Could not have asked for a better place to celebrate Halloween

    Heather A.

    We had such a great time at the Halloween party hosted at Mesu! I was always a little scriptural of the Japanese Mexican fusion concept but it honestly works so well. Everything I tried was so yummy and the staff was so kind and accommodating. Over all 10/10. I definitely intend on visited here for dinner another time.

    Pork Gouda
    Kathleen D.

    I really enjoyed every bite of my dinner at MESU. It was my birthday weekend, and we opted to do a night on King Street. MESU had reservations left, so we booked it but ended up opting to sit at the bar instead...as close as possible to the front door since it was FRIGID inside. Like we would've stayed longer and bought more food if we weren't both shivering. My friend mentioned the special occasion, and they gave a blow job shot (lol) and had me bang the gong. Cute little touch. We split the dip trio and opted for the avocado salsa, which was delightful. I also had the clothespin pork taco, and goooodness. It was tasty! For drinks, I had a nice glass of Rose and my friend had a beer. Service was great, prices were reasonable, and really other than the temperature, we loved our visit.

    Taco salad, veggie role, rainbow role

    See all

    5 years ago

    Nathan was an awesome bartender! Great food! Great service! We loved the sushi and welcoming atmosphere.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Food was yummy! Service was amazing too. Natalia was a great server! Would come back for sure. Fun sport for larger groups too!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Junko!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Priya R.
    210
    49
    0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Foodie J!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Had a great time here. The food and drinks were soo good. Best service in Charleston. Shout out to the best bartender ever, Mike!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Mahaliah!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Lisa!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Cami!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Max!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brooke L.
    258
    22
    12

    6 years ago

    My new favorite Charleston restaurant. The Mexican street corn is something I think about daily now. The Mesu roll was so good and fresh.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Our server lauren was phenomenal! this restaurant never disappoints. 10/10 recommend!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Camryn!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Mary!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Great service! Spent my birthday and Natalie was our server. Will definetely be back. She was amazing

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Ivanna!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Danielle!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Becca G.
    127
    118
    26

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Delish. Great for gluten free. (I have celiacs.) Server was fantastic. A bit noisy but a fun atmosphere.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Caley!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Food is good. Strongly recommend the egg roll and the guacamole. Chicken taco is also very tasty. Service was spotty.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    While staying across the street we decided to order a taco salad to go. The worst taco salad I have ever had!!!!Don't waste your money.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ken F.
    13
    48
    1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cori H.
    165
    16
    12

    4 years ago

    AJ was super helpful when we couldn't decide what to order. Super nice and very patient with two very indecisive customers!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Cori!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    AJ was so awesome!! Super helpful on the menu and drinks!! He was so great!! Would come back again for him!!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Nikki!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Our server AC was phenomenal. She was so informative and knew exactly what she was talking about. Definitely recommend!!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Sophia!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Thank you, Hannah!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lamar B.

    Lamar B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 8 of 11

    MESU Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - MESU

    You might also consider

    O-Ku

    O-Ku

    4.1
    (721 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$$

    We had the most incredible time celebrating my birthday at O-ku!…read more The team completely personalized my entire experience and made me feel so special on my birthday. Going that extra step certainly did not go unnoticed and something I value in a dining experience. First of all-- the matcha mocktail was a wonderful opener to our evening. We ordered the truffle edamame (our favorite), the chef's choice nigiri which was incredibly fresh, the salmon & lemon roll (a must order), and the spider roll. My partner said the mochi was the best he's ever had. We highly recommend this dining experience not only for the exceptional service but for the quality in every dish.

    O-Ku on King St Charleston has been on my list for a while. What a beautiful large airy space. So…read moremany staff who attend to every need making the whole experience memorable. After looking at the menu we opted for the 6 course Omakase Menu ($150 per person) It was a phenomenal choice. Each dish better than the previous. Outstanding technique & presentation with the freshest of product. Omakase takes about 2 hrs which was perfect for us. The restaurant fills up pretty quickly and unless you want to sit at the bar (if available) book your reservation early. We parked in the visitors parking garage off of Ann St. it's very close by. Definitely check this gorgeous restaurant out.

    Photos
    Restaurant
    Restaurant
    Salmon O-Ku Nigri
    Salmon O-Ku Nigri
    Playboy Roll, which was to DIE for!! Highly recommend!

    See all

    Playboy Roll, which was to DIE for!! Highly recommend!
    Fuji Sushi Upper King

    Fuji Sushi Upper King

    3.8
    (205 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    when we first walked in, the host was super sweet. She brought us to the table and we started to…read morelook at the menu, tons of options which was nice. we put our order in and it was about a 30 minute wait, even the gyoza was a 30 minute wait. when the food came it was good but not the best sushi i've ever had. nothing too special about it. it was also FREEZING. definitely bring a sweatshirt. My friend also got the gyoza put on her bill even though she did not order one. Not an awful place !

    We stopped in here for a light bite and to escape the rain our first day in. I want to first start…read moreby saying the food and service were lovely. Sushi was flavorful, large pieces of fish and tasted fresh. Our server was attentive and provided excellent service. The restaurant has nice low lighting and has a welcoming atmosphere. My rating is reflective of the cleanliness of the restaurant. We walked in and almost turned around and walked out because the smell was so overwhelming when you walk in. Now, Charleston itself has a slight smell but it's very unappetizing to walk into sour/fishy smell. We decided to push through and try it because it was down pouring. The restroom is a single room, gender natural restroom. It was gross. The floors were sticky and slippery. Again, the food and service were great but I'd suggest giving a little extra attention to the cleanliness. They do offer a good lunch special. That was a bonus.

    Photos
    Fuji Sushi Upper King
    I love this saki serving set!
    I love this saki serving set!
    Fuji's newest location on Upper King St.

    See all

    Fuji's newest location on Upper King St.
    Hokkaido

    Hokkaido

    3.9
    (81 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    So first off, my wife and I came here since we were in the area and assumed it was affiliated with…read moreHOKKAIDO in Summerville but we were very mistaken and realized they are not. These are 2 totally different places. So I will echo everyone else with the complaints about the service and how you're treated when trying to get take out or dine in. The only good news is the lady/hostess with the glasses is equally rude and snarky with everyone so at least you can rest easy knowing it's not just you or personal lol. All jokes aside, she really needs someone to teach her basic customer service skills and how to speak to people. She is very aggressive and comes off very rude and flat out mean. To her she may not think that and I am giving her the benefit of the doubt here because she really does lay it on really thick. It's sad too because the sushi, Hibachi, and food here is actually good hence the 3 stars. We dined in and the place was decently clean and looked okay but it was dead and empty and I can only assume it's from all of the negative reviews about the customer service. I honestly don't foresee this place lasting too much longer if she doesn't either get help or get better training on how to speak and interact with customers and I am just talking about the mere basics here of customer service nothing else.

    I decided to order soba noodles with chicken. It has been my go to dish. The chicken was fresh and…read morethe portion size was great for the price. I typically order on a delivery platform. I have called a few time to get clarification on the menu and the staff is very pleasant.

    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    Hokkaido
    Hokkaido

    See all

    King Street Foods

    King Street Foods

    4.4
    (82 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    King Street Foods totally satisfied my Thai food cravings and then some! The drunken noodles were…read moreprobably the best I've had in the U.S.--medium spice was perfect, the chicken was tender and flavorful, veggies were crisp, and the noodles had the perfect consistency. Honestly, nothing about them I'd change--I'm ruined forever. We also got the avocado roll, which was refreshing and light, and the shrimp tempura roll, crispy, deep-fried, and just plain delicious. The service was amazing too--staff were so attentive and welcoming, checking in just the right amount without being overbearing. I wish I'd gone twice during the trip that's how much I loved it. If you're in Charleston and craving Thai, this spot is an absolute must!

    Solid Thai food with excellent noodles. King Street food had a large selection of Asian cuisine,…read morehowever, my focus was on Thai for lunch. The Thai Tea was made perfectly imo and was a generous portion. The Pad Thai had plenty of protein, the aforementioned excellent noodles, and just the right balance of peanut. The place is fairly large and was not very busy during my visit. Service was friendly and patient as I explored the full menu before deciding on my meal. Location is good as it seems to be in the thick of things on King Street. I'm not sure you'd come to Charleston looking for Asian food. However, if you have an inch that needs scratching, King Street Food will deliver.

    Photos
    Restaurant/sushi bar
    Restaurant/sushi bar
    Taro kakigori
    Taro kakigori
    Tonkutsu (pork) Ramen, beef fried rice, Thai style crispy chicken wings with chili sauce

    See all

    Tonkutsu (pork) Ramen, beef fried rice, Thai style crispy chicken wings with chili sauce
    SHIKI

    SHIKI

    4.4
    (288 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    We enjoyed our meal at Shiki. The sushi was fresh, and their food and drink menu included a wide…read morerange of standard to premium selections, including fatty tuna, A5 wagyu, and Junmai Daiginjo. I appreciated how they filled their spicy tuna rolls with chunky pieces of fish instead of the usual ground tuna used in other sushi restaurants. Their offerings and methods of preparation, paired with their higher price point, suggests they are a higher end establishment. However, the atmosphere was undoubtedly on the casual side, and their service, although friendly and knowledgeable, exuded a lack of experience and the same attention to detail that they put into their food. This was especially apparent after coming from eating at other restaurants in a similar price bracket, where you can sense the waitstaff had a lot of pride and passion for their craft, and it didn't feel like it was just a job for them. In contrast, our experience at Shiki felt far more transactional, and lacked that "customer obsession" and genuine warmth. That said, it's difficult to judge a restaurant's culture just from a single night, and maybe other customers had a different experience from us. Ultimately, if good sushi is your priority and you are willing to splurge a bit, Shiki meets and even exceeds that bar.

    Living in Charleston, you'd think there would be a sushi spot on every corner with phenomenal…read morefresh-fish options. They exist, but some of the best are so unassuming you can walk right past them. Shiki is exactly that kind of place--a small, warm, inviting restaurant tucked into a strip mall that feels like a neighborhood secret. Loc, our waiter, greeted us as soon as we sat down with water, a friendly welcome, and a helpful walk-through of the menu. We started with wine and sake--always a promising beginning. The first course was seaweed salad with baby octopus, and I could have happily sipped that dressing like a cocktail. Light, bright, perfectly balanced, with tender octopus that added just the right bite. From there we decided to sample our way through the menu and ordered a lineup of rolls: Spicy Yellowtail, Spicy Shiromi, Rainbow, Spider, Lemon Salmon, and Eel. Each one seemed better than the last. The Spicy Shiromi was the clear standout--absolutely spectacular. What really sets Shiki apart is that every roll has its own distinct flavor instead of the one-note sameness you find at so many sushi spots. You can tell real care goes into the preparation. If you're searching for fresh, thoughtful, genuinely delicious sushi, don't overlook this little gem. Shiki is the real deal.

    Photos
    Very nice restrooms. They even have a bidet.
    Very nice restrooms. They even have a bidet.
    Crispy Tuna Oshizushi
    Crispy Tuna Oshizushi
    Special Crunch, spicy tuna, and lemon salmon roll

    See all

    Special Crunch, spicy tuna, and lemon salmon roll
    Republic Garden & Lounge

    Republic Garden & Lounge

    3.3
    (394 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    As featured on reality tv shows on Bravo, this place is often super crowded with a line out the…read moredoor. Being such a small space both indoors and out on the side patio though, this is not a place for anyone with claustrophobia. Unless you love tight, crowded and loud spaces, I wouldn't recommend it.

    We noticed the holiday lights outside and decided to stop in for a quick cocktail, as we had never…read morebeen before. The space was beautifully decorated for Christmas and felt very inviting and festive, so we were excited to check it out. Unfortunately, while we were at the outdoor bar, our server informed us that pets are not allowed unless they are service animals. We confirmed that this policy also applies to outdoor seating and were told it was due to insurance reasons. Because of this, we had to leave and take our business elsewhere, which was disappointing given how welcoming the atmosphere appeared. We ended up returning another day when it was just my husband and me because the Christmas décor was so beautiful we couldn't resist giving it another try. While the space itself was lovely, we weren't impressed with the drink options. I ordered an espresso martini and asked the bartender if it could be made with something other than Bailey's. He simply said no, without offering any alternatives or suggestions. It would have been nice to feel a bit more accommodated-Kahlúa, whiskey, or another option could have easily been suggested. In the end, I ordered the espresso martini anyway, only to see it poured from a box, which was another letdown. Overall, the ambiance and décor were great, but the service and cocktail experience fell short of expectations.

    Photos
    Inside Republic
    Inside Republic
    Pretzel
    Pretzel
    Pink Paradise Mojito

    See all

    Pink Paradise Mojito

    MESU - mexican - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...