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O-Ku, Charleston, SC
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O-Ku

$30 and under
Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 42 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Lively
O-Ku, a Japanese restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, is a triumph of execution and concept. The restaurant's menu is a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine, and it features fresh, seasonal ingredients that are prepared with care. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the flavors are both complex and delicate. Focused on incorporating authentically Japanese flavors into the fare, O-Ku's menu is comprised of signature contemporary Japanese entrées and traditional sushi of the season reflecting the uniquely designed space. Guests can enjoy chef specialties including kurobuta pulled pork don-buri, braised short rib with shiso pesto, coconut curry, and hakozushi a box-style sushi. A wide variety of nigiri, sashimi and crudos are also available. The beverage program at O-Ku is a sophisticated blend of specialty cocktails, premium sake, bubbles, red and white wines and unique beer selections.

Order delivery or takeout

Why they're an Icon

From the OpenTable editors: James Beard semifinalists Steve Palmer and Kimball Brienza of the Indigo Road group opened the first O-Ku in Charleston in 2010. The modern Japanese restaurant deals sushi in every form—sashimi, nigiri, rolls, hand rolls, and cones—in a sleek black space filled with twisted tree branches. Esquire called it one of the hottest openings of 2010, Travel + Leisure ranked it one of the best sushi restaurants in the country in 2013, and today it counts eight locations across the South.

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Cross street
    King Street & Radcliffe Street
  • Parking details
    O-Ku is located on Upper King Street which offers ample on-street parking.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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What 2,777 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Charleston

    Best Overall

  • Charleston

    Best Service

  • Charleston

    Best Ambiance

  • Charleston

    Best Value

  • Charleston

    Healthy

  • Charleston

    Hot spot

  • Charleston

    Lively

  • Charleston

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
O-Ku delights with a "refined dining experience" blending traditional Japanese flavors with modern twists. Guests rave about "excellent food and service," and the "stylish, welcoming atmosphere" perfect for any occasion. Standout mentions include "phenomenal sushi," attentive staff, and memorable special celebrations. A must-visit spot in Charleston!

2,777 Reviews
  1. Gabby

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food came out super quick and it was all delicious!

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  2. Nicole

    VIP

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    O-Ku did not disappoint! It was finally nice to visit the OG O-Ku, and our experience was made even better by our wonderful server, Alexis. She’s been with O-Ku for many years, and it showed—her recommendations were spot on, and she was incredibly personable. It’s rare to find that kind of experience and knowledge in a server, and she made the night even more special This was also a meaningful night out because it was Chazz first night out in Charleston—and he spent it with his mama, it was great to unwind over some amazing sushi in such a great atmosphere.

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  3. Sheri

    Orlando

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was amazing! You have to get the surf and turf roll! Service was ok. Server was a little rude to my daughter and her friends.

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  4. Kristen

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always so amazing - food, service, atmosphere. You definitely pay for it, but worth it if you’re up for the investment.

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  5. karen

    VIP

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious crispy rice and salmon lemon roll. Excellent service! Always a favorite of mine

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  6. Cotton

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful!!!! The best meal we’ve had in A long time!

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  7. Calli

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome experience!! Great food and cocktails. Went above and beyond to make our friend feel special for her bday - thank you so much!! Will definitely be back soon.
    O-KuResponded on February 3, 2025
    Hello Calli! We are so glad you enjoyed your experience with us! We love to celebrate our guests and make them feel special! -Looking forward to seeing you all again! -O-Ku CHS

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  8. Matthew

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food taste of excellent quality , cool presentation, great service, food came out quick and together.

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  9. Katherine

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another excellent dining overall experience at O-Ku. Service and food were fantastic. Ella, our server, was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Noise level was perfect - fun but still able to have conversations. Something for everyone on the menu.
    O-KuResponded on February 3, 2025
    Hello Katherine! We are so glad you felt your experience exceeded your expectations! We love to set the stage for a great dinner and are so glad to know you felt that! We look forward to serving you again! -O-Ku CHS

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  10. Scotti

    VIP

    Naples

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ella was the best server! Friendly and chill, she knew her stuff and was kind enough to chat with my family about the area and the college, as we were visiting from out of state. We were seated in a booth, as requested. The ambience is gorgeous and elevated but the atmosphere is not stuffy. Every plate that came out to us was even more amazing than the last. We were all very very happy we came here! My picky teen daughter loved it too. 10/10
    O-KuResponded on February 3, 2025
    Hello Scotti! Wow we can't thank you enough for all of your kind words! To know you enjoyed everything about the experience makes us overjoyed to hear! We do our best to cater to all eaters, even the picky ones! We look forward to serving you all again soon! -O-Ku CHS

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FAQs

O-Ku offers delivery in partnership with Chow Now. O-Ku also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (843) 737-0112.

O-Ku is rated 4.8 stars by 2777 OpenTable diners.

O-Ku does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 42 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for O-Ku

463 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Additional information

  • Cross street
    King Street & Radcliffe Street
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown Charleston
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Sushi, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    O-Ku is located on Upper King Street which offers ample on-street parking.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

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