For a dining experience that combines great service and dishes made with high-quality ingredients, you can’t beat a sushi restaurant. And, Charleston is the best place for great sushi in South Carolina.Here are 10 of the best sushi spots in Charleston, SC!
Table of Best Sushi Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina
| Restaurant | Popular Dishes | Price Range – Menu Link | Features | Google Rating |
| O-Ku | -Dumpling Dim Sum -Spicy Tuna Roll -Potato Roll | $$-$$$ Menu Here | -locally-sourced -sustainable ingredients | 4.4 stars/905+ Google Reviews |
| Sushi Wa Izakaya | -Dishes are based on chef preference and seasonality | $$-$$$ Website Here | -omakase experience | 4.9 stars/123+ Google Reviews |
| Shiki | -Teriyaki plate -Rainbow Roll | $$ Menu Here | -lunch specials -hibachi dishes | 4.6 stars/408+ Google Reviews |
| Hachiya Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar | -Surf n’ turf roll -Hibachi dinner | $$ Menu Here | -sushi menu, tempura & teppanyaki meals | 4.5 stars/1,498+ Google Reviews |
| 167 Sushi Bar | -Nigiri -Soft shell crab roll | $-$$ Menu Here | -intimate dining experience | 4.6 stars/136+ Google Reviews |
| Thai Elephant | -Volcano roll -California Roll 1983 | $$ Menu Here | -Thai dishes and Japanese sushi | 4.4 stars/237+ Google Reviews |
| Zen Asian Fusion | -Spicy Girl Roll -Sushi cake | $$ Menu Here | -Asian-fusion cuisine -Large bar and happy hour | 4.5 stars/1,548+ Google Reviews |
| Aji Asian Bistro | -Shrimp tempura roll -Hibachi bento box | $$ Menu Here | -Hibachi grill -Bento boxes | 4.7 stars/296+ Google Reviews |
| Wasabi of Daniel Island | -Red Dragon Roll -Diablo Roll | $$ Menu Here | -Large patio -Events and parties | 4.2 stars/505+ Google Reviews |
| Kanpai Japanese Restaurant | -Chef’s choice sampler -Potato Wrap roll | $$ Menu Here | -Bring your own drinks -Authentic Japanese cuisine | 4.2 stars/152+ Google Reviews |
List of Best Sushi Restaurants in Charleston, SC
Here is a list of the best restaurants for good sushi in Charleston, SC!
1. O-Ku
O-Ku specializes in authentic Asian cuisine. They source fresh fish and use local, sustainable ingredients in all of their dishes.
The menu has classic starters like miso soup and spring rolls and less traditional appetizers like a tempura fried shrimp salad. Of course, you will find many fresh sushi rolls on the menu as well. You can choose from 12 unique hand rolls, or try Nigiri and Sashimi, which is raw fish.
A popular roll here is the spicy tuna crunch roll, made with spicy tuna, cucumber, crunchy flakes, and eel sauce.
Location: 463 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
2. Sushi-Wa Izakaya
Sushi-Wa Izakaya offers an intimate omakase experience led by Chef Kazu Murakami. This style of dining is unique because there is no main menu, and the chef chooses the dishes for you.
Sushi-Wa is a great place to dine for special occasions like a birthday or an anniversary. Pro tip: you can keep the celebration going after dinner by checking out some of these fun ways to spend a weekend in Charleston.
They have affordable prices for the quality of food, and the unique experience makes for a fun night. They also have a large sake list and a good beer selection.
Location: 1503 King St Ext, Charleston, SC 29405
3. Shiki
Shiki is a restaurant on E Bay Street in Charleston that offers sashimi, traditional sushi rolls, and hibachi dishes. Shiki is Charleston’s longest-operating sushi bar and has been in business for 19 years!
The restaurant is small inside, so it’s best to book a table or order online.
Alongside a large nigiri and sushi list, Shiki offers hot dishes like chicken teriyaki, stir-fry noodles, and noodle soup. They also have a Bento Box lunch special Monday through Friday!
Location: 334 E Bay St Suite E, Charleston, SC 29401
4. Hachiya Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
Hachiya Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is a family-friendly Japanese restaurant with traditional hibachi-style dishes and delicious sushi.
They have a large sushi list with over 40 signature rolls and sashimi specials. They even have poke bowls on the menu!
If you come here, you have to try the surf n’ turf roll! This roll is made with shrimp tempura and topped with seared beef, ponzu, hot sauce, and wasabi mayo.
Hachiya Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar Menu
Location: 688 Citadel Haven Dr, Charleston, SC 29414
5. 167 Sushi Bar
167 Sushi Bar is a 24-seat sushi bar on East Bay Street in Charleston. It’s the perfect place for a date night or a more intimate dining experience! But, if you aren’t able to get a seat at the bar, you can always order takeout.
167 Sushi Bar features fresh nigiri with selections that change daily. The menu also has a small selection of maki hand rolls. And, they use unique ingredients in their hand rolls, like chili jam and pickled mushrooms.
Location: 289 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
6. Thai Elephant
Thai Elephant in James Island offers authentic Thai food for dine-in, carryout, and even catering. Along with traditional Thai cuisine, they have some of the best sushi in town.
This Thai restaurant has everything from noodle and fried rice dishes to flavorful curry dishes. They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on their menu.
But, you have to try their sushi! One of their most popular rolls is the California Roll 1983. This is a fun take on the classic California Roll and includes crab meat, avocado, cucumber, and fish roe.
Location: 915 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
7. Zen Asian Fusion
Opened in 2010 by the Zhou family, Zen Asian Fusion is the place to go for a fully immersive dining experience. They are dedicated to quality, which is seen not only in their food but in the customer service and restaurant environment.
Zen Asian Fusion has an extensive sushi menu. They have both traditional hand rolls and more unique rolls that come wrapped in things like cucumber or a soybean sheet.
Along with great food, Zen has a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. The lounge area is the perfect spot to enjoy happy hour with drink specials and appetizers.
Location: 2037 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
8. Aji Asian Bistro
Aji Asian Bistro is a Hibachi and sushi restaurant known for its Bento-style meals. These Japanese box-style meals come with soup, an appetizer, white rice, and a sushi roll.
You will find simple, traditional rolls on the menu at Aji Asian Bistro. The best way to try a variety is by ordering the sushi box, which comes with 4 different types of sushi and a seaweed salad.
The interior is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly. This is a great spot to check out for a quick lunch!
Location: 1011 Harbor View Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
9. Wasabi of Daniel Island
Wasabi is a modern restaurant with a lively atmosphere on Daniel Island that offers Japanese fusion cuisine and creative sushi rolls. You’re guaranteed a great time dining here!
The menu features traditional maki rolls, specialty rolls, and selections of fresh raw fish. You can also ask for omakase nigiri and sashimi, which means the chef will make a special plate just for you.
Wasabi has a nightly happy hour that you don’t want to miss. During happy hour, you can get special pricing on drinks, appetizers, and even sushi!
Location: 194 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, SC 29492
10. Kanpai Japanese Restaurant
Kanpai is an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant located in a strip mall in Mount Pleasant. But, don’t let the location or size of the restaurant fool you! This hidden gem is loved by locals.
Kanpai is known for its fresh and made-to-order sushi. Each roll is hand-crafted, made with quality ingredients, and beautifully presented.
A few favorites here include the Firecracker roll and the Nigiri or Sashimi sampler. And, you have to try the Potato Wrap roll, which is made with shrimp tempura, avocado, shoestring potatoes, spicy chili, and eel.
Kanpai does not sell alcohol, but you can bring your own drinks.
Kanpai Japanese Restaurant Menu
Location: 1035 Johnnie Dodds Blvd suite b-9, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Conclusion to Best Sushi Places in Charleston, SC
As you can see, there are many great restaurants to choose from in the Charleston sushi scene. Enjoy these excellent sushi spots!
And, Charleston isn’t the only place in SC and GA with great sushi! Atlanta also has some great sushi spots. Check out 10 awesome sushi spots in Atlanta.
Make Your Own
If you want to try making your own sushi rolls at home, check out this all-in-one sushi-making kit. There are many step-by-step guides online to walk you through the process!
