What better way to celebrate after a long day of work than with some fresh sushi? The city of Charlotte offers a wide selection of sushi restaurants perfect for unwinding and relaxing with friends. From traditional salmon rolls to creative sushi burritos, there is something for every sushi fan in Charlotte, NC. 

Are you planning to celebrate a friend’s birthday soon? Don’t forget to purchase them a gift they will love! If they are an avid foodie or if they simply enjoy dining out, consider purchasing a virtual GiftYa card for them. GiftYa cards are completely customizable, and can be applied to a number of different restaurants around Charlotte. Since they are also virtual, you won’t have to worry about your loved one misplacing them. 

1. Akahana Asian Bistro Bar & Sushi

Lively and vibrant Asian restaurant serving Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese food

Treat yourself to a platter of delicious sushi. Image courtesy of Akahana. 

1308 The Plaza | Charlotte | akahanacharlotte.com

Located in the center of Plaza Midwood, Akahana Asian Bistro serves as a popular hub for authentic and inventive sushi. Everything from Baby Octopus to White Tuna is featured on the menu. In addition to its fine selection of sushi rolls, Akahana Asian Bistro also serves savory appetizers and spirits. Akahana offers a wide selection of specials, such as the Cheesy Crab Stick appetizer and the Ocarina Roll. 

Not sure what to get? Start your meal off with a Sushi Sampler. This small dish includes cucumber, tuna, salmon, and shrimp rolls. You can then treat yourself to a Sake Flight, which features any three sakes from the menu. As for the entree, you can choose a combination of any of the restaurant’s fine selection of sushi or its hot dishes such as the Pepper Steak or the Seafood Hot Pot. 

“Service is always fast and friendly and sushi is always on point, if you’re looking for good sushi at a great price this is it! Also, During the week they have NC draft specials and offer a good selection of beer.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Akahana Asian Bistro Bar & Sushi.

2. Koi Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Elegant sushi bar that offers an eclectic variety of dishes

120 N Sharon Amity Rd | Charlotte | koishicharlotte.com 

If you are on the hunt for fresh and inventive sushi, you’re in luck. Maki rolls, nigiri sushi, and more traditional Asian meals await you at the Koi Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Cotswold. For some creative maki rolls, try the Koishi Signature. This sushi roll is filled with deep-fried spicy tuna, avocado, and special sauce. If you’re a vegetarian, we recommend trying the A.C.A.C. Roll, which features asparagus, cucumber, avocado, and carrots. Hand rolls and nigiri are also served at this popular sushi destination. 

“Delicious sushi and the best veggie spring rolls in town — perfectly cooked and seasoned. Excellent miso soup, spicy salmon roll, spicy tuna roll, and hot lover roll are all favorites.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Koi Restaurant & Sushi Bar.

3. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

A unique bar that serves fresh sushi alongside custom-made burgers

Check out The Cowfish’s strange, yet tasty dish called the Burgushi®. Image courtesy of The Cowfish. 

4310 Sharon Rd | Charlotte | thecowfish.com 

At The Cowfish, guests are treated to a unique restaurant concept that offers both sushi and burger dishes under the same roof. While most burger and sushi ingredients remain separate from each other, the Burgushi® presents an innovative and fascinating concept to guests. These mini burger rolls are stuffed with all-natural beef, cheese, and bacon. The chef then wraps this unique concoction in soy paper and potato strings before flash frying it. 

If you aren’t quite ready to mix your burgers and sushi together quite yet, don’t worry. The Cowfish offers a wide selection of sushi trays and burgers that remain in their respective lanes. Spiked shakes, handcrafted cocktails, and soft drinks are also available to enjoy alongside your unique dishes! 

“Been coming here for several years now, but haven't written a review. Always good experiences when dining in, usually with a party of 5 or more. Service is good and the food has always been excellent. Great vibe in the restaurant and well worth a wait.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar.

4. Sushiya Japan

Popular sushi destination that serves creative and savory dishes

8200 Providence Rd Suite #500 | Charlotte | sushiya-japan.com

Located inside the Arboretum Shopping Center, Sushiya Japan serves as a popular sushi bar for hungry residents in Charlotte, NC. Its hand cut sushi and classic Japanese dishes attract visitors from around the city. 

Have you ever tried sake? This popular Japanese rice wine is served in a special bottle at Sushiya. Japanese beer such as Sapporo and Kirin Ichiban are also perfect for enjoying alongside a dish of fresh sushi. 

“My go-to order is the Charlotte roll, and since I'm extra, I order a side of shrimp (yum yum) sauce to put on top. It's a great fried roll both dine-in and for takeout, surprisingly. My boyfriend's favorite is the Panther roll.  He also likes trying different things though and he's never been disappointed.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Sushiya Japan. 

5. O-Ku Sushi

Chic sushi spot in Charlotte known for its creative options

Check out the Aji Hamachi, Tai, and Sake Nigiri. Image courtesy of O-Ku Sushi. 

2000 South Blvd Suite #510 | Charlotte | o-kusushiclt.com

O-Ku Sushi serves delicious, handmade sushi using a southern approach. Chef Michael Chanthavong collects only the freshest sushi from countries around the work including Norway, Hawaii, and New Zealand. O-Ku Sushi offers a number of different Chef Specialties such as the South End Shrimp and the Dumpling Dim Sum. Rolled sushi, nigiri, and sashimi are also served. If you’re in the mood for something hot, try the Chicken Teriyaki or the Blue Crab Fried Rice. No matter what dish you choose, you are sure to be impressed by its savory and authentic taste. 

“I will say I've been to a few sushi spots in Charlotte and the fish is great quality. Even my friend who doesn't typically eat raw fish enjoyed it. The menu is on the pricier side but It's a great spot for a date night or girls night. Overall service was excellent, food was great and I'll be back again.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for O-Ku Sushi. 

6. Yama Asian Fusion

Expert-made sushi served in an upscale environment

Check out the Red Hot Roll served alongside Kappa, Tekka, and Spicy Tekka rolls. Image courtesy of Yama Asian Fusion. 

720 Governor Morrison St Suite #130 | Charlotte | ‍yamaasianfusion.com

Yama Asian Fusion is a popular sushi bar located in the neighborhood of SouthPark. Its filling Bento Boxes are a popular lunch selection among customers. Their Lunch Hibachi specials are another popular option, and are served alongside fried rice, ginger salad, and sauteed vegetables. Yama also offers a wide selection of specialty sushi, like their Crispy Bagel and Red Hot rolls. Want a hot entree? Try the Salmon Teriyaki or the Unagi Don. 

“For a sushi obsessed person like myself going to Yama for National Sushi Day was the best day EVERRRRR. And for the first time, I had Uni which is something I have been wanting to try forever. We had the Sushi love boat and a soup and salad. We had so much sushi and sashimi that we were both happy and full.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Yama Asian Fusion. 

7. Sabaidee Thai & Sushi

Delicious Thai and Sushi cuisine served in an upscale atmosphere

1048 Copperfield Blvd NE | Concord| sabaideethaiconcord.com

Sabaidee is a popular Thai food and sushi destination in Concord. Each of its dishes are made with the freshest ingredients. Not sure where to start? Try the Edamame as a light appetizer. The Sushi Appetizer is also great if you want a combination of sushi and Thai food for your meal. Popular Thai dishes such as Pad See-Eiw, Basil Duck, Choo Chee Salmon, and more are also offered on the menu. If you’re just interested in sushi, you can order a number of different rolls a la carte. 

“Had an afternoon appointment and went early, so I decided to stop into Sabaidee Thai & Sushi. I am so glad that I did.  This place has a great authentic feel and ambiance that makes you feel like you're in modern Thai.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Sabaidee Thai & Sushi. 

8. Pisces Sushi 

Classic sushi rolls and innovative specialty rolls served in a modern atmosphere

1100 E Metropolitan Ave Suite #120 | Charlotte | charlotte.piscessushi.com

Located just outside of downtown Charlotte, Pisces Sushi is known for its extensive menus featuring sushi, sashimi, nigiri, hibachi, noodles, and more. Pisces is most well known for its modern and unconventional take on specialty rolls. Guests also compliment their ability to serve vegan and vegetarian rolls that fit everyone’s needs. They also offer an Omakase menu which is a chef’s selection of fresh and high quality sashimi and nigiri. 

“Pisces is one of my favorite restaurants in Charlotte. They have a large menu that can accommodate everyone, including vegetarians and vegans. I highly recommend their crab wontons and vegan roll.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa for Pisces Sushi 

9. Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Standard hibachi setting with a sushi menu 

8601 University Executive Park Dr | Charlotte | nakato.com

Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar offers the traditional hibachi dining atmosphere with a classic hibachi menu. Hibachi offerings include one or a combination of proteins, onion soup, salad with ginger dressing, shrimp appetizer, hibachi vegetables, fried rice, and noodles. Guests also have the option to order from the sushi bar which includes a number of different rolls with raw, fried, and vegetarian options. They also have a house Nakato roll which is stuffed with shrimp tempura, crab stick, avocado, and topped with sesame seeds. 

“I came here on a whim late at night to go to the sushi bar with some friends. I had a great experience. We arrived within an hour of closing, but the sushi we had was fresh, prepared quickly, and had a nice presentation.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa for Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 

10. Musashi Japanese Restaurant 

Comforting environment serving sushi and traditional Japanese items

10110 Johnston Rd | Charlotte | musashi-nc.com

Musashi Japanese Restaurant offers a sushi bar menu as well as lunch and dinner service options. Their dinner menu includes a variety of appetizers, ramen, udon, and soba noodles, bento and jyu boxes, alongside tempura and teriyaki options. On their sushi menu, they have classic one piece rolls with a choice of fish as well as a variety of well known specialty sushi rolls, like the dodger, which contains tuna, kanikama, avocado, and tobiko. 

“Phenomenal, we went to another sushi spot first but the wait was too long so we came here, and now we will never go anywhere else. Real Japanese food and atmosphere, so peaceful and clean. I had several pieces of nigiri and the fish was fresh and delicious.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa for Musashi Japanese Restaurant 

11. Ru Sans 

Picturesque sushi at affordable prices

2440 Park Rd | Charlotte | ru-sans.com

Ru Sans is known for their stunning, picturesque sushi presentations, fresh, and high quality ingredients, and 20 years of service. They are rated among the top three best sushi restaurants in Charlotte! They offer an extensive sushi menu with classic and specialty rolls, veggie rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and temaki which can all be accompanied by house made sauces. When you visit, don’t miss out on your chance to try a sushi assortment and get a taste of everything they have to offer. 

“Ru Sans is one of my favorite affordable sushi restaurants that does not compromise their quality.  The waitstaff is always friendly- even during rush hour, which is much appreciated. I have been coming here for years and have never had a bad experience!” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa for Ru Sans

As you can see, there is no shortage of delightful sushi places to visit in Charlotte, North Carolina. What’s your go-to sushi order? Let us know!