I'm giving O Ku four stars because of how incredible our server was. It took FOREVER for us to receive our food and as a result, our sweet server gave us three appetizers to try over the course of a couple of hours. We got the edamame and then seaweed salads. I will definitely be ordering the seaweed salad again and highly recommend it. We got an assortment of rolls and they were all excellent! We also ordered the soba noodles which were too spicy for my tastebuds but still delicious. I tried the strawberry basil lemonade which was good but the basil was too heavy in my opinion. For the second one I asked for only one basil leaf to be added to the drink and it was MUCH better. Perfect place for a special evening out with the girls but maybe a little too loud for a romantic evening with your SO. read more

O-Ku - Strawberry Basil Lemonade (ask for only one leaf unless you like a basil heavy taste) - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Definitely a treat-yo-self meal, but it's been months since I've been, and I still remember how great the meal was. Service was good too for how busy they were. I know O-Ku stays booked! read more

Delicious! We ordered takeout and got the Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll, Potato Roll, and dumpling dim sum. Everything was well prepare and traveled well. Will definitely be coming back to dine in. read more

Visited at the tail end of lunch service, and seated right at the sushi bar. Wait staff and sushi chef were very friendly. We were even provided a free sample of the firecracker roll. Lunch menu was quite small, but still offered standard fish varieties. That being said, we were advised to return for dinner service when there would be a more extensive menu. Quality for cost, O-ku was good but not great if you are a sushi snob but will satiate your sushi craving read more

O-Ku - Sushi and Sashimi lunch bento box, Tuna Tataki roll in the back - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Fuck this place. Ordered online. It took two hours for $170 of mediocre sushi which arrived without chopsticks, wasabi, or napkins. The hostess was super rude. The quality of the tuna tartar was unacceptable. Find another place. read more

Way over priced. Paid $18 for 7 pieces of chicken teriyaki. Ridiculously overpriced!!!! Highly disappointed in this place and will not go back. read more

O-Ku - Chicken Teriyaki - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I have been wanting to come here since I moved to Charleston. I don't know why I waited so long. First off, I want to compliment the Asian/modern; clean look the interior design displays. Absolutely stunning. In addition, the food matches the tastefulness of the restaurant. It just so happened to be restaurant week in Charleston and O-Ku has a four course meal for $35. So, I started off with miso soup. The typical salty warm broth I was expecting. Next served, the raw thinly sliced flounder with lemon was refreshing and light. Third, the surf n turf sushi roll was something I've never tasted before. Very original with a meaty taste and crispy crunchies added on top for more texture. My absolute favorite was the Salmon Lemon Roll. Wow. Talk about fresh. Then to end the meal, I had a chocolate dessert. I don't know what it was called but I will return to this restaurant just for this chocolatey goodness. Overall, the dinner was perfectly timed between courses, the server was knowledgeable and personable (I do not remember her name but she was fabulous), and all courses were stunningly presented on special dishes and tasted equally as good. Definitely a great place to go on a date and try new things!! Will definitely be returning read more

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O-Ku is a perfect choice for sushi, and cocktails-except-the prices are definitely at tourist $$$$. The cocktails are about $14 each, and the food is high as well. However, the sushi is outstanding. I also love atmosphere. The service was mediocre-our server didn't seem too interested in our table, and also seemed to not be on top of her game. The water filled people did a good job with the refills-thank goodness or we may not have gotten any. The spicy tuna roll is one of the best I have ever had. Everyone at the table was pleased with the sushi, and it met all expectations. When my budget allows, I will return! read more

The salmon and lemon roll was frigging great. Maybe the best roll I've ever tasted. Great ambiance and good drinks as well. read more

O-Ku - Rainbow Roll and Salmon and Lemon Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

The sushi is fantastic! A wonderful mix of traditional plates as well as their own unique, inventive dishes. The tuna carpaccio was A+ and a real testament to the quality and freshness of the seafood. The service was friendly, prompt and polite. We were walk-ins on a Saturday night and grabbed a few delicious cocktails at the bar while waiting for a table. Both experiences were wonderful. Bonus points for the affirmations in the ladies' room! read more

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Yes on any regular day this sushi joint can be a little pricy BUT THE KEY IS TO HIT THAT 5pm HAPPY HOUR DUH! You gotta be there at 5 exactly to grab good seats at the bar because they do fill up quick. You get great roll options for half off. We were also able to order a bottle of the Black Gold sake for like $40 vs $80. That was definitely a highlight. Service was great. And the sushi was so tasty read more

O-Ku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I have lived in Charleston since 1993 and have never been here. what a mistake on my part, I went last night and was amazed at the fresh ingredients, creativity, and passion of the Chef & staff. read more

O-Ku - this is a must-have at O-ku. Lobster and 3 types of mushrooms. cooked at your table. creamy truffle butter...mmmm! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

A well balanced experience of wonder and excitement, bar staff was amazing, pretty much picked my dinner,and sake choice:) A ++ would recommend to any beginner or sushi connoisseur:) Black and gold gekkeikan sake, is a must.... read more

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We came to O-Ku Charleston because we've been frequenting the Atlanta one, and haven't made it to Charleston just yet. We sat at the sushi bar and Ace (the sushi chef we sat in front of) took excellent care of us. We don't know what we did to deserve the attention to detail service by Ace but O-Ku Charleston (the original O-Ku) definitely lived up to the hype in our heads. Thanks, Ace! read more

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Finally a great meal with great service. We were excited for tonight's dinner (especially since everyone looked at us funny when we asked for a good sushi restaurant recommendation). The service was great and very welcoming. The food was delicious! The crunchy spicy tuna roll, although simple, was perfect spice and crunch - just amazing. The salmon sashimi was fresh and very tasty. We were pleased with our meal and will be return customers the next time we are in town! read more

Excellent happy hour deal and the truffle edamame were great. That said, quite over priced outside happy hour.

My friend decided about a month ago, she wanted us all to go out and dance! So we made 10PM reservations at O-Ku b/c we knew a DJ came in around 11 to get the party started. The manager, Kimbo (sp.?) recognized our friend Tracey as soon as we walked in so that's always a good thing to have happen at any restaurant. I love a good cocktail, and they have a menu full of fun options. I opted for the Lemongrass Tanqueray drink. One b/c I love lemon and two because gin is a go to liquor for me. It was fantastic! I think I ended up having 4 or 5 by the time we left. ;) I ordered the scallop roll b/c I'd never had a sushi roll with a scallop. The rest of the table ordered a different roll, the pork belly dish, and one of the special sashimi offerings. Since our reservation was so late and the place was packed, the kitchen had gotten behind. We were there for an hour and still hadn't gotten any food. (I didn't realize it had been that long b/c I was enjoying the company and cocktails!) So anyway, the server apologized for the wait and offered to bring out some edamame, and we excepted. The next thing we know, Kimbo comes from the kitchen and also brings us the Ika Sansai, cooked & seasoned squid with seaweed salad, and a plate of dumplings. So thoughtful of him! And it was all fantastic!! I was pretty full by the time the food came so I only ate two of my scallop rolls and one of the surf and turf rolls. The scallop was fried perfectly and the tonkatsu sauce, and wasabi aioli drizzled on top is what would have me order it again. Really solid roll. I also paid the extra buck to have it rolled in soy paper instead of seaweed. And as far as the dancing. I'm not a fan, but the DJ was great. Hey you get a few cocktails in me and start playing some old Snoop or 2Pac, I'm game to shake my booty!! read more

O-Ku - Surf and turf roll. The turf was great but I thought our surf was over fried. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Swanky but decently priced sushi in a seafood city. Night with the wife at a great location for a stroll after dinner. She loves a specific sushi roll and also gets the same thing but I like new and different sushi. I remember loving the Black Dragon Roll, as it was delicious and went down fast but nothing too memorable for the price. We also get edamame with sushi and it was kinda bland. The atmosphere is a swanky but the restaurant has beautiful style, tons of tables (entry and waiting is a little small). We had a reservation but had to wait 10 minutes to sit, which iterated me a bit, as the table was obviously empty. Waitress was new, obviously a little nervous but was great. She offered us a free sample of green-tea ice cream; it was delicious as well but I dont know if I could eat a full order. We had plans for dessert in mind already anyway (down the street at Jeni's 5 out of 5 btw). read more

Their wagyu app is one of the top apps I've had. You cannot go wrong with any of the sushi rolls, the rainbow roll being my top. Only complaint is their bar was a tad pushy and their drinks are super expensive compared to some other places. The food is what takes them above. read more

My boyfriend took me to O-Ku after I had complained of a sushi withdraw. we went for happy hour and luckily there was a few spots at the bar open. We got there a little after 5 after they opened and it was already super busy. We ordered edamame, seaweed salad, and a bunch of sushi rolls. Tip: sushi rolls are half price during happy hour. I ordered a sushi roll that was wrapped in shoestring potato and fried. Sounds crazy I know but it was amazing! The staff were all super nice and the atmosphere was really chill. This would be great for anything from date night to a girls night out. Great place! read more

Obsessed with the food. You will not be disappointed by going here. Sadly they don't take reservations but it is worth the wait!

Dressy attire, great atmosphere. They have great happy hour specials, 1/2 off all sushi rolls. Otherwise, their rolls are quite pricey. My friends and I loved the salmon and lemon roll and the tuna tataki roll. Four stars because the service was a little slow during happy hour. But enjoy some cocktails, delicious sushi and you'll have a grand time :) read more

O-Ku - Salmon and lemon roll was delicious! I didn't care much for the potato roll (left). - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Of all the places in charleston to get sushi this is one of my favorites. It's causal dinning but still with an upscale feel. Great quiet atmosphere with mouth watering sushi that is just as good as it looks. read more

O-Ku - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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If you're looking for a jammin' Friday happy hour (with great happy hour prices!) and 5 star food, this is your place. Really, the food is fantastic. Reservations on a Friday are highly recommended (OpenTable). If you want an intimate dining experience, forget about it. As much as we loved our food, the cacophony of shouting was a bit unnerving. Our table, although close to the sushi bar, was near the waiter and restroom causeway. Don't recommend sitting there. Lines in the restroom, inscribed bricks on the walls (see photo), are telling of the crowd you'll find. Not our cupatea, but, again, great food. read more

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We were craving sushi so we decided to visit this joint before 7pm to take advantage of the happy hours. .unfortunately it is Saturday night and we were told happy hours are on Mondays; Wednesdays and Fridays! We ordered the firecracker roll which was ok..too much fried breading for my taste. The salmon and lemon roll and the tuna wrap roll both were great! Melted in my mouth..fresh and flavorful. Drinks wise I enjoyed a jasmanian Devil..SPICY but delicious! The setting was nice but didn't find it cozy. Our waiter was ok..not much energy! Prices were a little high.. but we enjoyed our dinner overall. read more

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LOVE LOVE this sushi spot. O-Ku is a premium sushi restaurant that I had bookmarked for a while since they also have a location in Atlanta (as well as other big cities across the U.S.) We ordered: miso soup, house salad w/ carrot ginger vinaigrette, salmon and lemon roll, rainbow roll X2, big eye nigiri, ebi nigiri. Miso soup 5/5: not watery or too salty; ample tofu and seaweed House salad: 4/5; only deducing a star because a few tomatoes were overly ripe/mushy/sour tasting otherwise the dressing was INSANE...this is definitely more of a side salad size though, so for the price I would skip this next time Salmon and lemon roll: 5/5 table handroll favorite! The lemon adds a refreshing bite and the crab on the inside makes this extra creamy. YUM Rainbow roll: 3/5 we each got one of these rolls and I typically always order the rainbow roll at a sushi place. I wasn't a big fan of the huge chunks of cucumber with the skin on inside the roll. All I could really taste was the cucumber essence. Most places put avocado on the inside, but O-Ku only puts the avocado thinly sliced on SOME of the pieces. Ebi: 4/5 good quality shrimp..not fishy. Definitely could have skipped this because it is literally 2 shrimp filleted down the middle haha. big eye: HOLY MOLEY GUACAMOLE this tuna was the freshest raw tuna I have EVER had.......speaks volumes seeing as I live on the coast and have had some pretty hard to beat tuna on vacations. read more

Just ok. I think very overrated. Will not return. Prices too high for the food received.

I struggle with this review because I loved the food here, but the service was lacking. We went to O-Ku during happy hour, which I understand can get busy, especially if the kitchen is backed up. At the same time, the communication was lacking from the staff. There seemed to be quite a few team members walking around to at least check in more often to order more drinks, add to our sushi order, etc. It seemed as if they didn't want us to order more food. Strange. Other than that, we ordered the O-Ku Spring Roll and the Lobster Temaki for starters. So good! It would be nice to have an even number of the Lobster rolls as three can be awkward to share for a couple. We had six rolls, and they were all good! The potato roll tasted like a French fry, but it was weirdly good. Once again, we thoroughly enjoyed the food. I just wish the service matched! Maybe next time we would need to try O-Ku not during happy hour. We would still recommend for yummy specialty rolls! read more

AMAZING! So fresh and delicious sushi! The fried rice is so so good! Great service, delicious drinks! A MUST GO!

Good food but service was SO SLOW. It wasn't that busy but our waitress hardly came by to check on us. We were also told we had to finish within a certain time slot to accommodate the next reservation - didn't feel great to feel "pressured" to finish our meal. Food was good but service needs improvement read more

My husband and I came here for the Happy Hour. We had 1/2 price premium Sake bottles and 1/2 sushi rolls. Threw in some fried rice at the end. Everything was amazing! Service was very good too. It was a nice break in the "normal" Charleston cuisine. Will go back next tine in Charleston. read more

Most amazing Wings I've ever had. 100% would go back. Service was great, sushi and rolls were some of the best I've had since I've been out here in South Carolina. read more

O-Ku is the spot in charleston. Late night? O-ku, happy hour? O-KU, can't decide where you want to go? O-Ku. Their rolls have a wide variety and they do not disappoint. Perfect size, perfectly packed and presented. I don't want to take off a star but the service here isn't the best. I don't know what it is but most the serving ladies/hostesses have a bad attitude and are extremely unwelcoming. This is a known charleston fact. read more

We made reservations for Charleston restaurant week. We ended up ordering from their regular menu and could not have been happier that we did. Probably because their restaurant week menu didn't have Otoro or Wagyu Tartare. Best sushi restaurant we have been to in Charleston! From our dinner to the staff, everything was memorable. We could tell that the staff worked harmoniously with one another to keep things running smoothly. read more

O-Ku - Otoro - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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I'm a local here in Charleston and have always heard wonderful things about O-ku, so decided to go for happy hour with friends tonight. Our server was kind at first, but quickly made it clear she would rather be somewhere else. The sushi was sub-par at best and I finished the meal extremely disappointed. The drinks were very small for the steep price and were lacking substance. The decor was dated, my seat cushion was fully ripped - I expect more from a place at this price point. I was excited to try what so many have deemed the best sushi in Charleston, but unfortunately do not see myself returning to this establishment. read more

Amazing! From start to finish! Great drinks, great food and excellent service! Fresh and delicious sushi and sashimi. The sushi rice was excellent as well. If I lived here, I'd be back at least once a week. Since three of my choices were unavailable, they made it up in spades. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! read more

For years, O-ku has been in my top 3 Charleston restaurants. Out-of-town visitors, birthdays, casual mid-week dinner -- it always hit the mark, with great food, ambiance and service. Unfortunately, my past two visits have been service disappointments and now will lead me to disregard this venue in a city offering so many great choices. Last night: While the front-of-house and wait staff are very good, the kitchen was glacially slow in preparing even appetizers. The busboy cleared our entire table after our appetizer -- judging the amount of time we had been seated surely meant we were nearing the end of our meal. November 1: Similar story, meals were approximately 60 minutes behind the appetizers. I love a leisurely dinner, but did not appreciate the chef's de-prioritization of our dining needs. I am an Indigo Road property fan -- Oak Steakhouse, Indaco, etc. But I will not be returning to O-ku. I regret writing this because, in terms of food, O-ku offers the best sushi east of Austin and south of Washington. read more

Really nice sushi place. Extremely busy during weekend nights so make sure you dress nice and make a reservation. Food was delicious and the service was great. read more

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The food here is amazing! My family and I went here and ordered 5 rolls and ate every single one of them. The food was so fresh and all the rolls were unique. The service was great and we had a great time. Highly recommend! read more

I would say this is hands down THE go to spot for sushi in the downtown area. You won't find your every day, run of the mill sushi here. The chefs do an amazing job. The service has been fantastic each time I have been, always very knowledgeable and right on point. -Most recently our server was Cameron who took great care of us.- The atmosphere has a classy feel, but still laid back. I like the over sized mirrors that accent the dark walls. They utilize every bit of space, that includes a bar overlooking sushi prep. On busy nights, expect a wait unless you have a reservation. Avoiding downtown because of parking? Not a problem, They offer complementary valet parking starting at 6pm every day. Trust me, it is totally worth it! read more

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