The lobster fried rice deserves its reputation. Everything else was good-to-very-good, but that dish is the reason to come back. Room looks great, lighting is flattering, DJ on weekends keeps it from feeling stiff. Service was attentive without hovering. It's expensive you'll feel it so go in knowing that and order the things they're actually known for instead of defaulting to rolls. read more

**** Yugenn is an outstanding restaurant that's far from your average sushi spot! The ambiance is beautiful, inviting, and creates the perfect atmosphere for a date night or family dinner. The food was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Every dish was beautifully presented, and the drinks were just as impressive. A special thank you to our hostess, Linda, whose attentiveness and warm hospitality made our experience even more memorable. She truly went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. If you're looking for exceptional sushi, amazing drinks, and top-notch service, I highly recommend Yugenn. Be sure to book your next dinner or family gathering here--you won't be disappointed! read more

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Over the weekend, we got to check out this new Japanese fusion place in South End... As anticipated, the place was very pretty and posh...with a sleek color motif of black and pink (one of my fave combos!). Since the weather was so nice, we decided to sit in their patio area...very nice! Can't say I loved the playlist (a bit busy and random...everything from soulful lounge music and hip hop, to Donna Summers, Salt 'n Pepper, etc.etc.), but I loved the overhead volume...giving the place a festive ambiance. I just hoped that the music would be a tad more relaxing and sophisticated...but then, I get it. Am sure the vast majority of folks coming here are in their 20's or 30's. Service was good. I think both Managers-Owners (?) stopped by our table to check on us...and our waitress did her best. However, we did find it odd that we had to ask for soy sauce and wasabi with our Unagi nigiri order. Maybe this had something to do with it being a fusion place? As for the menu, there were several tantalizing and interesting options. My husband and I both decided to start with 2 orders of Unagi (as an appetizer). Then we agreed to share their signature dish, Lobster Fried Rice, as well as 2 sushi rolls, "The Genie" and "Kimchi Fried Chicken". We also finished our meal with their Panna Cotta (with Strawberry). Well, we both thoroughly enjoyed everything...but our favorites were the Lobster Fried Rice and the Panna Cotta. Sushi Rolls were good, but I felt I've had better? The Lobster Fried Rice, however, was possibly THE best Fried Rice dish I've had to date! The Panna Cotta was amazing too...just wished there were a bit more of it? BTW, I liked their cocktail, "Lotus Milk Punch"...but here's the thing. Despite the lofty price point, there just wasn't much of it...as there was this big block of ice taking all the space (just as with Whiskey drinks). Also, I didn't feel that it was strong enough. So here's where I dock a star. I feel that when a drink is this expensive (20?!?), it should be well worth it. Despite the good taste, it fell a bit short on its stingy portion and weak alcohol content. One other minus I must mention is the lack of parking here. You just have to drive around until you find a space along the road. It's a good thing we came early! Still, this is a great, new addition to Charlotte...and it's a cute spot for a date night or a girl's night out. I'd definitely wouldn't mind returning to try a few more items on the menu...and a repeat order of their amazing Lobster Fried Rice! read more

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This restaurant is truly a hidden gem. The space is gorgeous and thoughtfully designed, creating a lively but comfortable atmosphere. The music and energy of the room made the whole experience feel special. Super cute for Faye night or girls night. The sushi was outstanding and incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. Every dish we tried was delicious, and the cocktails were just as impressive. What made the night even better was the hospitality. The staff and owners were warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. You can tell this place was created with a lot of care. Amazing food, amazing drinks, and an amazing experience. I can't wait to come back to my new favorite spot. read more

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I had a great customer service experience at Yugenn with my best friend a couple weeks ago!! The restaurant is gorgeous, even in the day time. This is a perfect date night spot!! The decor and the ambiance are definitely on point. I like that they offer valet out front, that's a huge help in South End. I ordered some sake, which was delicious. Our server was super helpful and had some great reccos. I decided to get two rolls for my meal, honestly because of the pricing. This place is not "affordable" to me. So, I limited myself to 2 rolls which were about $30 each! I don't remember exactly which two rolls I ordered. Both were just okay. I was a bit disappointed considering the price point. Maybe if I went back to try other dishes I would enjoy it more, but I don't think I'll be back. Cute spot for sure though! read more

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I will say for the price point this is more of a special occasion place. It's gorgeous too and the service was excellent (Sophia was Amazing) The food was really great. The potato dish was spectacular, the rolls were good, the lobster fried rice was amazing. read more

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Yugenn strikes hot! As the Japanese concept of profound and mysterious beauty goes, yugen is not merely a name but a promise Lisa and her team deliver on nightly. From the moment you arrive, an invisible choreography begins: doors glide open, chairs ease back, and smiles arc across the room like lanterns, guiding you into a neon-bathed dreamscape where basslines throb and the most stylish of guests come and go like fireflies. The menu reads like a love letter to the ocean and the grill. Begin with the hamachi crudo--translucent petals of yellowtail electrified by lime zest and a whisper of chili heat--then surrender to the otoro nigiri, so buttery it melts like snow on the tongue, justifying every cent of its princely price. Even the fried heritage chicken is elevated: shatter-crisp skin giving way to juicy, flaky clouds of meat. Bring friends, bring a date, or simply bring your appetite for wonder. Yugenn is a weekend passport to the electrifying district of Tokyo. read more

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Went here Saturday night and they had valet, knowing how hard it is to find parking in south end, we just decided to do valet. 20$ which isn't bad, that's uptown parking prices. When we arrive, there wasn't anyone that the front desk to greet us, it took a while before someone can answer help us out. We were then taken to our table. The ambiance and looks in the restaurant is pretty, pretty table and lighting. Definitely a good place for girls night. The staff was nice. The drinks were good and pretty and reasonable priced. The lobster fried rice was delicious but too small of a portion for the price. We got different sushi rolls to share but nothing was out of the ordinary. It was an okay roll. Overall nice place to come to, I just wouldn't go back since I already tried it. read more

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I made a reservation for a Saturday night at 7:30, which was booked a week out and it was not hard to reserve for the time I wanted. Parking was easy, but limited in the specific parking deck I found, which was located in the deck that is attached to the apartment building where Yugenn is located. The restaurant outside and inside is modern and decorated nicely. The staff were very friendly and hospitable. There was also a DJ playing, not overly loud and added a nice vibe. I ordered a mocktail from their menu, which I always appreciate when mocktails are listed. For my food choices I ordered the lobster fried rice, which was my favorite dish. I also got the scallops and the Royal King roll. The scallops were very small, but tasty and the Royal King, while fresh lacked flavor. For dessert I ordered the pandan tiramisu and that was the perfect balance of sweet and earthy from the matcha. While the restaurant is beautiful and classy, I will say it was a bit expensive for what it is offering. If you are looking for a fun place to go for a night out, this may be the place for you. read more

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Yugenn is a stunning new addition to the Queen City. The interior is beautifully designed modern, elegant, and clearly created with attention to detail. It's the kind of space that makes you excited to sit down and eat. I ordered the lobster fried rice, it was absolutely delicious rich in flavor and definitely a highlight of the meal. I did get multiple rolls as well and they were great. However, the portion sizes are quite small, which our server did mention ahead of time. I would not order any of the nigiri as they weren't as good as the rest of the meal. Still, for the price point, it felt a bit overpriced for what you actually get. I left feeling like I could've used just a bit more food. That said, the quality is high, and the ambiance is top-notch. I'd consider coming back for a light meal, but if you're expecting a filling dinner, just be prepared to order multiple dishes and paying about $100+ per person. read more

Yugenn - Menu - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Cute spot great staff we love Charlie and Nick They're a great bartenders. Great conversation. The place looks very good. They have a Dj come in on the weekends, sexy, and sultry vibes. read more

Yugenn - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The service was EXCELLENT. The drinks and food quality were also outstanding. The ambiance is super sleek and sexy and they even valet which is nice for that area of Southend. My only concern is the portion sizes for the price. For Southend it seemed a little pricey but I'll def be back! Perfect for a date night. read more

Yugenn - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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If you haven't been here yet, idk why you're waiting for. I used to work in the food hospitality scene in Manhattan, and Yugenn exemplifies just that. Came here for a birthday celebration. They have a patio area, lots of mirrors for the women in the bathroom, gorgeous color theme throughout the floor plan. The best outlier during this dining experience was the customer service. The best customer service I've gotten in Charlotte all 2025. My only gripe is the platform they use for reservations. I will absolutely be back. The drinks were divine. I had to run my drink back twice. I hope they implement a Happy Hour situation at some point. ALL of the food was fresh and made with meticulous care. Yes, you can actually taste the difference when the chef and food is pristine. We got the coconut mango sorbet, chocolate mousse (this was so decadent. A table favorite), sunset blvd maki roll, Breakfast in Hokkaido drink, and the fried chicken. They also have a DJ on the weekends that plays the saxophone. read more

Such a great place to eat at. The decor is beautiful. Decided to go for a girl's night as some friends were in town. The decor is truly photo worthy. The staff super nice. Loved the owner came around to the tables and introduced herself and checked on everyone. The food was absolutely delicious. Can be pricey if you're on a budget but Ayyye I say splurge on yourself sometimes. It's a must try restaurant. My lobster friend rice and sushi rolls were superb. Please give it a try and let me know what you think. read more

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I'm genuinely blown away by Yugenn. I live in Los Angeles, where incredible sushi is the norm, so I honestly wasn't expecting Charlotte to match that level, but this place surprised me in the best way. We started with cocktails. The Lychee Clover Club was bright & refreshing without being overly sweet, and the Lotus Milk Punch was so clean & beautifully clarified that you can taste every layer. We also ordered The Shokunin, and it was absolutely worth its premium price. It was silky, rich, and complex, with a wagyu washed depth, barrel strength warmth, & a subtle umami smoked finish that I LOVED! It's one of those drinks that makes you pause after every sip to enjoy the flavors. For food, the quality speaks for itself. The Yugenn lobster sashimi was so fresh, delicate, and thoughtfully presented. The Pink Temptation was such a standout we ordered it multiple times! The toro is rich, buttery, and just perfect. Melt in your mouth delicious! When I order toro this is the quality I expect. The Lobster Fried Rice was perfectly seasoned with huge generous amounts of tender lobster... easily the best fried rice I've had anywhere. The Carbonara with uni & caviar was another highlight, creamy, salty, luxe, but somehow not heavy. & the star of the night...The off menu Jewel of the Sea. Toro, uni, & caviar in one bite with seaweed to wrap it into the perfect hand roll. Absolutely unforgettable!!! The uni quality here is soooooo good and fresh. The space is beautiful, warm lighting, modern details, and a chic, energetic vibe. Service was attentive, friendly, & perfectly paced. & for anyone who truly understands high quality sushi and premium ingredients, the pricing makes complete sense. You can taste exactly what you're paying for. Charlotte has been lacking this caliber of elevated dining, & I genuinely hope the city continues to get more restaurants of this quality. Yugenn is setting the standard, & I'd highly recommend it for date nights, celebrations, or anytime you want something exceptional. read more

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Absolutely amazing dining experience! Beautiful decor and everything on the menu is delicious. Bar Manager Nick with Charlie and Evie make exceptional cocktails and can create one based on what you like. Great for date night, groups, and the solo person that wants to be included in a warm, friendly environment. 5 stars all the way. read more

Wow! Wow! Wow! This place was amazing! I go out to eat with friends so we can order a variety of dishes and try different things. Their social media looks soooo good that I was hesitant. I was hesitant, because I thought maybe their social media is great and their food is lacking....we've all experienced that scenario, BUT that was not at all the case! Everything we tried was delicious!! Sooooo delicious! For the sake of transparency, we ordered.... Hamachi crudo King salmón crudo South end Royal king Red dragon Chutoro nigiri Lobster fried rice Filet mignon Potato foie ve And a special of noodles with scallops Every single dish was SOOO DELICIOUS! We look forward to coming back! Chris, our server, was on top of everything and gave us great recommendations too. Great service, food, drinks, music, ... everything! We also tried the drinks: Last Call, Lychee Clover Club, Old Fashioned, and Osaka Sour....all drinks were spot on too! read more

Yugenn is the kind of place that reminds you why going out to eat can still feel special. Nothing feels overdone or showy. The food is creative but grounded, and you can tell a lot of care goes into every plate. It's elevated without being intimidating, and every course builds on the last in a way that just makes sense. By the end of the meal, it's clear this is a restaurant that knows exactly what it's doing. What we ordered * The Yugenn (Lobster Tail Sashimi): The clear standout of the night. Incredibly fresh lobster layered with bright, savory flavors from the Tom Yum soubise, kaffir lime, and brown butter. Memorable, balanced, and the dish you keep thinking about. * Jewel of the Sea: Rich and comforting in the best way. Otoro, uni, caviar, and shiitake sauce wrapped in nori made every bite feel indulgent without being overwhelming. * Hotate: Light, clean, and refreshing with just enough punch from the sesame chili ponzu. * Uni: Creamy and indulgent, with the puffed rice adding a nice texture. * Unagi: Bold but balanced. The bone marrow adds depth without overpowering the eel. * A5 Wagyu: Melt-in-your-mouth beef with foie gras and caviar. Decadent but not heavy. * Seared Scallop: Soft, silky, and brightened up by the yuzu hollandaise and lemon zest. * Heritage Chicken: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor from the lemongrass and kaffir lime. * Potato Foie Ve: Rich, crispy, and absolutely worth ordering. One of the most satisfying dishes of the night. * Nasburi Don Buri: Earthy, comforting, and well balanced with eggplant, bok choy, and miso. * Lobster Fried Rice: Buttery, garlicky, and impossible to stop eating. * Chashu Miso Carbonara: Comforting and flavorful, blending Japanese umami with classic carbonara really well. * Pandan Tiramisu: Light, fragrant, and not too sweet. A perfect way to end the meal. 1000/10! Yugenn is a place you recommend to friends without hesitation. If you enjoy thoughtful food that's done really well and still feels approachable, this is absolutely a spot worth visiting! read more

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Where do I begin?! Yugenn is a vibe from start to finish. Beautiful, upscale, modern, and elegant. Perfect for date night or a girls night out. I've tried just about everything on the menu so far. From food to the amazing drinks, everything is full of flavor and delicious. Such a great experience all around. read more

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Visiting from Atlanta and was pleasantly surprised by the new addition to Charlotte's food scene. My husband was working locally and we were happy to find this place for a nice dinner with friends. The ambiance is great, nice lighting and great music--just enough for the vibes. We loved that the menu offered a large selection of different things. Their feature was a fried chicken dish that stole the show. We also really enjoyed their craft nigiri selection and small plates options. We will definitely go back when we visit again. I met the owners and I love the fact that it's family-owned. This is always a plus for me because you know there's a lot of thought in every touch. Good luck to you ladies! read more

Service and menu knowledge were impeccable, they did an excellent job of creating an experience for us. The food was some of the best I've had in Charlotte; thoughtfully prepared, original, creative, and so fresh. I will definitely be back and would recommend to anyone looking for absolutely top notch dining. read more

From the food to the service! Everything was great! Definitely have to come back and will be back! read more

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Let me say this... Yugenn is by far one of the best restaurants that has hit Charlotte. We went and it was absolutely spectacular. The vibe was immaculate, food was phenomenal, and the staff goes above and beyond to make sure your experience is a memorable one. Don't walk, RUN to Yugenn. You won't be disappointed! read more

Yugenn - Scallops - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Yugenn absolutely delivers on every level -- incredible sushi, perfectly crafted cocktails, and an atmosphere that makes the night feel special. I sat at the bar where Nick took great care of me, but what really stood out was how the whole team checked in throughout the meal -- everyone was friendly, attentive, and genuinely cared that I had a great experience. The food was beyond impressive -- every bite was balanced, fresh, and beautifully presented. The music and vibe were spot on, making it just as enjoyable to relax and take it all in. Easily the best food experience I've had anywhere. Highly recommend. read more

Yugenn - Sashimi was amazing every last bite - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Best new restaurant in Charlotte. Fish is incredibly fresh and dishes are all very innovative. All nigiri pieces are great and cocktails are solid. read more

Amazing service and fresh fresh food! All of it!! Highly recommend!! Great music, ambience and food! Chris, our server, was outstanding! So friendly and recommended the best items to order. read more

A beautiful space and amazing food and the greatest service from Tiffany.. we tried the pink temptation and all the nigiri's... my husband is allergic to shell fish, but I tried the lobster fried rice he was very accommodating... also let our server Tiffany know about his allergy. He had a great Tuna dish.. I can't remember the name... had a bit of Sake , which our server was so great at recommending. Pros... great place for a date night, or a girls night out. Definitely need to dress up a bit, but jeans are still ok. My cons... parking is limited they do have a small parking lot. It is a vibe for sure and ask for Tiffany... amazing server. read more

We went on their opening weekend. The bar was beautiful the seats they selected complimented the aesthetic. The staff was warm and inviting as we were seated. It had a great vibe. The server had great suggestions for us. They were aware I had shellfish allergies. The lotus milk punch cocktail hit the spot. The Royal King was a tasty bite. They ran out of a few things but I will be back to try them! read more

Yugenn is a hidden gem with an upscale vibe and a perfect location. From start to finish, the experience was outstanding. The Saki and Kimchi Fried Chicken Roll were my absolute favorites both dishes had incredible flavor and texture in every bite. Our server was very knowledgeable and gave great menu recommendations. The entire wait staff was friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was perfect throughout the meal. Every dish we tried had a mix of textures and bold flavors that kept us wanting more. My mom and mother in law both loved it too and they're not easy to please! Definitely one of my new go-to spots. I'll be back for sure. read more

Went in tonight ordered a cocktail they did not have it.. ordered the hot entree of eggplant they were out of it.. I will say my Chablis was delicious.. left after appetizers read more

From start to finish, Yugenn absolutely blew us away. Chef Boi and Chef Marcos are true masters of their craft - every dish that came out was a work of art, both visually and in flavor. The foie gras was rich, silky, and perfectly balanced- the best I've had anywhere. The char siu pork melted in my mouth with that perfect sweet savory glaze, and the sushi? Impeccable. The otoro was buttery, fresh, and flawlessly cut. The cocktails were also creative, balanced, and beautifully presented without being overcomplicated or overpowering. Hope Yugenn will be with us for years to come!! read more

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I have become a regular to Yugenn. Best service! Best food!! And a great atmosphere! Hands down the best sushi in all of Charlotte by far!!

Hands down one of the best sushi experiences I've had in Charlotte. Yugenn is the kind of place that makes you slow down and actually enjoy every bite. The fish is ridiculously fresh, the cuts are clean and buttery, and every roll feels intentional not just thrown together to look fancy. What really sets Yugenn apart is the balance: flavors are bold without being messy, and the menu has that perfect mix of creative chef-driven options and classic sushi done right. You can taste the quality immediately, especially in the nigiri and sashimi. No heavy sauces hiding mediocre fish here this is legit. The vibe is also spot on. It's classy but not stiff, cozy but still feels like a treat. Staff were dialed in -- helpful, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited about the food. We got great recommendations and everything came out timed perfectly. If you're even remotely into sushi, Yugenn is a must. It's the kind of meal you keep talking about the next day and immediately want to go back for. Charlotte needed a place like this. 10/10. read more

Wow I tried out Yugenn last night with my friends and they took a group of us without calling in a reservation which we were happy for. We did family style ordering so we just ordered a bunch of their sushi and each bite just had so much flavor and different texture. Acouple of us had the hot plates which were all fantastic. The vibes were classy and sexy and our waitress was on point describing all the ingredients in their items. I didn't want a cocktail but after trying my friends I had to order one. Definitely a spot you have to try if you like top tier sushi!!!! read more