Japanese RestaurantSushi RestaurantCocktail Lounge
O-Ku’s menu provides a fresh and innovative take on traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine. The South End restaurant offers rare and unique dining options along with traditional sashimi and specialty rolls, highlighting seafood from the finest fish markets in Tokyo and Hawaii alongside local and seasonal ingredients.
Reminiscent of traditional Japanese culture, O-Ku’s menu is comprised of signature starters, contemporary Japanese entrees and seasonal traditional sushi that reflect the uniquely designed space.
Many customers praised the attentive and friendly service, highlighting specific staff members who went above and beyond to enhance their dining experience.
Food Quality
The sushi and other menu items received high marks for freshness and flavor, although some customers noted inconsistencies in quality and preparation.
Atmosphere
The ambiance was frequently described as inviting and suitable for special occasions, though some found the lighting too dim and the music too loud.
Special Occasions
O-Ku is highly recommended for celebrations, with many reviews mentioning thoughtful gestures from the staff to make events memorable.
Value for Money
While some customers felt the prices were justified by the quality, others expressed concerns about the cost relative to the food and service received.
BD
Beth Dion
1 day ago
5.0
Had the absolute BEST time for my birthday! Meiling, Trey & Reggie were rockstars! Their teamwork lead by their incredible GM Lauren really made this experience unforgettable! Will definitely be back when I visit NC again and highly recommend this place!
GR
Gianna Rodriguez
3 days ago
5.0
O-Ku is definitely one of my favorite Charlotte restaurants, especially for high-quality sushi. We took a risk of showing up on a Saturday night w/ no reservation, but luckily there were seats open at the sushi counter so it was perfect.
Tonight we had Carson as our waiter and he was absolutely amazing. He was so gracious and never let us feel forgotten. Will definitely be coming back to sit at the sushi counter, & hopefully have Carson as our server again! Thank you to the whole crew for a wonderful night out.
RH
Rajim Harris
4 days ago
4.0
First, the sign for O-Ku was easily obstructed, so we ended up walking around the Sola Salon building to find it...when you see the field of glowing mushrooms, walk straight ahaed and yoi'll eventually see the sign on the corner of the building. O-ku have a warm atmosphere, and the staff was super friendly and accommodating. The food was good, but it wasn't the best. For example, we had the fried sweet and spicy shrimp at O-ku and Midnight diner and to me, the midnight diner shrimp was better. The food and drinks were good and if i was going with a group of people who wanted sushi, I'd recommend O-ku because the food is solid and it has a good vibe. We didn’t have to wait for a table because we made a reservation, and because it was a special occasion for me, they gave me a special menu which was dope.
ME
Madison Earley
Nov 3, 2025
5.0
I had such a great experience at O-Ku! It was my first visit, and they went above and beyond to make my birthday feel special. The food was incredible, and the service couldn’t have been better. I’d recommend O-Ku to anyone looking for a memorable night out! Our favorite dish was the blue fin carpaccio.
LE
London Eubanks
Oct 29, 2025
4.0
We went to have dinner last night after a friend recommended it to us instead of my usual fav for sushi. We got seated and were welcomed by the GM and the entire staff was so accommodating and helpful and kind. I enjoyed the CHERRY-YUZU SODA which is a twist on the classic Shirley temple. I also loved the lobster fried rice, it was smoky but rich and very loaded with lobster. The seaweed salad was ok, it wasn’t as crunchy as I’d hoped it would be but it was ok. The sushi I ordered(I believe it was a specialty) was not as great, but the presentation was beautiful. The overall aesthetic and ambiance was outstanding, it’s definitely a MUST try in Charlotte.
O-Ku specializes in traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine with fresh and innovative dishes, featuring seafood from the finest fish markets in Tokyo and Hawaii.
Does O-Ku accept reservations and how can I make one?
Yes, O-Ku accepts reservations which can be made through OpenTable at https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?rid=269437.
What are the operating hours of O-Ku throughout the week?
O-Ku is open Monday and Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM; and Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
What is the dress code at O-Ku?
The dress code at O-Ku is dressy attire, suitable for a refined dining experience.
Can I order food online from O-Ku?
Yes, you can order food online for takeout at O-Ku's ordering page: https://direct.chownow.com/order/21430/locations/31779.
What payment options does O-Ku accept?
O-Ku accepts American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, cash, debit card, and mobile NFC payments.
Is O-Ku wheelchair accessible?
Yes, O-Ku has wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms.
Are there any beauty salons near O-Ku where I can visit before or after dining?
Yes, nearby beauty salons include Sydney Greer - The Pretty Parlor Hair Studio, Vain & Luxe, Konjo Studio, Phenomenal Beauty, Sew Hair Extensions, Sola Salon Studios, MELT Salon CLT, Hair By Jen, Cj Wax Studio, XoCurls, Onceuponafro, Sola Salon Suites, In Sync Salon, Stylefx Hair Studio, The Nailnook, POPPY Southend Salon, Muse Hair Studio, Trance Salon, and Revive Salon Solutions.
Which nearby establishments can I visit for a coffee or a drink around O-Ku?
Nearby you can find South End Coffee Run for coffee and The Cocktailery, which is a flowers and gifts shop with a souvenir selection, and Big Ben British Pub & Restaurant as a local pub option.
Are there other restaurants near O-Ku that I might want to check out?
Yes, Tremont Kitchen + Bar and Rudino's Pizza & Grinders are nearby dining options you might enjoy before or after your visit to O-Ku.
Does O-Ku have a bar and serve alcoholic beverages?
Yes, O-Ku features a cocktail lounge and serves cocktails, beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages with a happy hour menu.