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O-Ku, Charleston, SC
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O-Ku

$30 and under
Japanese

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 49 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
Gift card

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What 2,779 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 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!

2,779 Reviews
  1. Kyle

    VIP

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    we sat at the bar and Katie was just great. Made the experience even better.
    O-KuResponded 1 day ago
    Hello Kyle! We can't thank you enough for your kinds words about Katie and are so glad to know she made your experience better! We hope to serve you again soon! -O-Ku CHS

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  2. Isabella

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We came to celebrate some birthdays and it was the best experience! Will definitely be coming back!

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  3. Gabby

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 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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  4. Nicole

    VIP

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2025

    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.
    O-KuResponded 1 day ago
    Hello Nicole! We can't thank you enough for your kind words about O-Ku and Alexis! She is a crucial part of our team and we are thrilled to know you felt so taken care of by her. Your feedback helps remind of us of what we do and why we do it and we can't thank you enough! -O-Ku CHS

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  5. 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.
    O-KuResponded 1 day ago
    Hello Sheri! We are so glad to know that you enjoyed the surf and turf roll! We ran it as a special and it did so well that we felt it needed to be on the menu for people like you! We apologize that you felt that our team was rude to your daughter as that is not our intentions nor expectations. We will take your feedback into our future training sessions and always strive to get better as individuals and as a team! We hope to see you again soon!- O-Ku CHS

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  6. 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.
    O-KuResponded 1 day ago
    Hello Kristen! Thank you for the kind words. We truly value feedback like yours and hope to continue to elevate the guest experience in every way! -O-Ku CHS

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  7. 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
    O-KuResponded 1 day ago
    Hello Karen! we appreciate your feedback and will definitely pass your compliments off to the team! We hope to serve you again soon! -O-Ku CHS

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  8. 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!
    O-KuResponded 1 day ago
    Hello Cotton! We appreciate your kind words and love that after 10 years the experience was just as great! We hope to see you again soon! -O-Ku CHS

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  9. 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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  10. 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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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 2779 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
11:30 PM
Booked 49 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.

Send a gift card
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