We came for a birthday dinner on the early side on a Sunday night with a reservation. It was busy and it took a bit for our server and chef to come which was ok since we could all talk and enjoy a drink. The chef was entertaining, a little quiet but we enjoyed the show and atmosphere. I ordered the vegetables and fried tofu. There was a ton of veggies but not too much tofu. The tofu had no flavor and was just ok. The rice was delicious. This is a fun place for a dinner or birthday - easy to find with plenty of parking. read more

Ordered dinner from the sushi area. The food is cooked in the kitchen and brought to you- not a hibachi show - the shrimp is considerably smaller and sorta tough . The fried rice is NOT the same as the chef show - but the price is also much cheaper. Nakatos on a budget .... read more

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We went to the location last night arrived at 8:50 walked inside the restaurant and asked to be seated. The hostess said we're closed. We close at 9 o'clock then lock the front doors I have never ever been to a restaurant with such horrible customer service unfortunately, I will not be back. Who knows if the food is any good or not but the service was terrible. read more

Family owned since the 70s, nakato is a charlotte staple for special occasions and fun date nights. Not only do they have a mouth watering hibachi menu, they also boast a great sushi menu prepared at their sushi bar chef. My typical order begins with a sushi roll, following that I get the hibachi scallops and New York strip. The main courses come with a lot of sides and apps. They start you off with a salad and onion soup, both of which are brought out before the grill gets going. Then you receive a hibachi shrimp appetizer, followed by hibachi veggies containing zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, and carrots. Next is the garlic noodles and your main protein. Oh, and can't forget the fried rice! Always a good time! read more

Nakato - Nakato Onion Soup - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Decent Hibachi experience in Charlotte! Definitely recommend making a reservation. We got seated right away with ours and there was a long line of people when we arrived waiting to get their names in. There's not a ton of options for hibachi tables in Charlotte. I would honestly recommend doing one of the travel ones that comes to you for the best experience. But as far as restaurant hibachi tables this one was average if not a little above! Our chef was a lot of fun and interactive. Although he didn't have us catch shrimp in our mouths! They were very good about drink service and came around often to see if anyone needed another drink! The food portions were large! We had to take a lot of it home with us, but it was delicious! We usually get some combo of either shrimp, chicken or filet! Overall a good experience! read more

Nakato - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted by the staff. They were very pleasant. The atmosphere was typical of a Japanese restaurant. We made reservations for 7pm, and I must say, we were seated on time. Immediately, our server (very kind) came to the table/grill and took our drink orders. We didn't wait long to receive those. Upon her return, she took our orders. We started eating the soup (tasty) and salad brought to us, which we finished, but they forgot to bring out our appetizer. We didn't have to mention the appetizer to the server, but it was eventually brought out to us. We didn't have to ask for refills on the drinks as our server was attentive and monitored the table well. As we finished that, the chef pulled up to the table to confirm and cook our food order. He was very nice and had a great sense of humor. Now, the food wasn't what I've grown accustomed to when it comes to Japanese restaurants up North, such as this one, but it was good enough for me to feel I'd come back there again. Would I recommend this restaurant? Absolutely!!! read more

I don't see why this place has low scores? It's a cute Japanese gril with awesome sushi. We tried the Volcano Roll, which is my new favorite. It's a Fried California Roll with Crab and Carrot toppings. It's not hot at all but it's delicious. We had a small party of 2 and ordered the Filet Mignon, Shrimp, Chicken, and a Hibachi Dinner that includes a NY Strip Steak and chicken. The cook was even and made perfectly. The traditional accompaniments of Onion Soup and Ginger salad were delicious. The ginger wasn't stringent either but more mellowed out. I was disappointed in the Yum Yum sauce as it was watered down. The service was great. The safe was attentive and focused on all their tables. Ours had 3 birthdays being celebrated that night! It's a great spot for a family sitdown experience. read more

Nakato - Fire - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Busy and noisy ... but we were celebrating, so it worked and food was good. Everybody smiling at the entertainment

Went for my sons birthday - it was his first hibachi. The food was excellent - service was great. The whole fire onion tower was probably the best I've seen. I love the show of hibachi but sometimes don't love when you can't really converse during it - but for this we could chat and interact in a perfect mix. He devoureddddd his meal. I like to have leftovers :) I wish they were open a little later. But it was a Tuesday night, A friend also got the birthday special for him - so there was cake and singing and they take a group photo and print it and put it in a little cardboard frame folder for you, super cute. read more

Nakato - Hibachi - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I thoroughly enjoyed a birthday dinner at Nakato last night! It's been like a decade since I've gone to this type of restaurant so I was nervous excited lol. We had a reservation for 7:30, for a group of 4. We weren't seated until 7:45 and a server didn't come over until almost 8pm, so that was annoying. They were pretty busy, but the issue with this was they closed at 9pm. Towards the end of dinner I felt very rushed to eat because they were trying to close down. I get it, but it took them 30 minutes to even get us started. That's my only complaint. Now, on to the fun and yum! I ordered the teriyaki steak hibachi situation, it comes with miso soup, salad with ginger dressing, fried rice, noodles and vegetables! I was so hungry so I was too excited for all this food. I also ordered the Dojo sushi roll and OMG.....legit one of the best rolls I've had in a long while. The roll had a bunch of different types of fish, salmon skin, eel sauce...all of my fav things. It was phenomenal. My honey ordered the dragon roll and his was pretty tasty too! The rest of food was pretty good, of course I drowned it in the yum yum sauce (I mean that's why I was there lol). Everything was tasty, well cooked and hot. You really get so much food too. We all had a big old box of leftovers. I also ordered the hot sake with chambord and it was a nice addition to the meal and evening. Now, onto this theatrical presentation of a dinner. Amazing Chef, amazing show and great service! Our Chef wasn't super chatty like I'm used to in the past, but times have changed. He was definitely nice and had a joke or two, but he was pretty quiet the whole time. Our group of 4 chatted a bit and enjoyed the show. This was a great experience overall and I'd definitely come back again! read more

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This restaurant is the best place for hibachi! Watching it cooked in front of you is a treat! The soup, salad, noodles, shrimp, and sauce is the best. The waiter made sure that your glass would never go empty. The ambiance has an amazing Japanese feel with pretty furniture and paintings. Please I do recommend (it is a little pricy). read more

Nakato - Hibachi table - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Food was great and our chef/waitress were wonderful. It was my husband's birthday and they made him a little rice bowl with match (candle) on top. It was super cute. We will be back! read more

Always love the food and the Chefs are quite entertaining. Service is quick, great for groups or family gatherings.

We walked in on a Friday night w/o a reservation and fully expecting to not be accommodated but we took a chance. The hostesses were very friendly and politely asked if we had a reservation and when we said no they still helped us out by placing us at a table. It was a short wait, about 20 minutes. We were seated u see an air conditioning vent but moved when we asked for a different seat. The waitress was unbelievably nice and she dotted on us the whole time. The chef did a great job while putting in a show for a little boy who was experiencing his first time at hibachi. The food was delicious. Filet was perfectly cooked and the lobster, scallops, shrimp and salmon were cooked just right. read more

Nakato - Chef getting it done - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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I would give 0 stars if I could. 0% recommend ordering pickup from here or coming here in general. I was passing through, as I live 3 hours away. I ordered a shrimp and teriyaki chicken hibachi combination plate online and they gave me the wrong order. When I called they told me I couldn't get a refund unless I came all the way there and brought the food back. I offered to send them a picture but they refused to correct THEIR mistake, therefore I lost my money while trying to support their business. The restaurant manager as well as the employees lack basic customer service skills. This is the LAST place you should visit. read more

Nakato - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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They are reservation only. Staff is super friendly and accommodating. Since theres alot of hibachi id recommended people with asthma and weakness to smoke fair warning. Also, a huge number of birthday parties. If you're entertained by parents wrangling children like rabid animals, i definitely recommend this place. However, the light shines above all else. The sushi chef works on Saturday. OH MA GAWD. This man is funny, diligent , clean ive no complaints. I usually dont eat sushi out cause it's hard to find good quality , but this guy is right here. Hes the real fucking deal. I can't wait to go back for more. Oh yea, sushi bar accepts walk-ins. read more

Food was really delicious and the atmosphere was fun. Our chef was very entertaining. Chicken, shrimp, steak with scallops, everything was cooked perfectly. Usually save this place for special occasions but definitely will go back. read more

What's not to love about an in-table hibachi dining experience! I've been to this specific location several times. During my most recent visit, we were celebrating my friend's son's 3rd birthday! We had reservations for 10 people (7 adults and 3 children). We were sat fairly quickly, within 10 minutes of the reservation time. The hibachi dining experience was great as always. So much fun to see first timers reactions. With a group of ten, we had a wide variety of dishes. From chicken, to salmon, to steak, to shrimp, to scallops - there's something for everyone! I even took a glance at the table next to us and saw the tofu. We all ordered the hibachi and/or teriyaki meals, which includes: soup, salad, appetizer shrimp, noodles and rice (we all opted for the fried option). For cocktails - we orders a couple mixed drinks and couple glasses of wine. There's ample parking! Give them a try! read more

Nakato - a chef preparing food on a grill - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Just paid over $90 for a meal for two and the cook never talked to us. He spoke Spanish to a couple he must of known and never acknowledged us or another couple sitting next to us except when he gave us our food. Worst experience ever! read more

I love Nakato I take all the people I know here. Everytime I go food is always delicious! Typically not too busy and service is pretty good.

The restaurant was easy to get into and our chef was quite entertaining. We enjoyed the Sushi and Hibachi. Our vegetarian was impressed by the selection as well. read more

We come here often for birthdays. It's usually pretty good. Last night was not. Hardly cooked our vegetables at hard. They were hard and we could barely eat them. Rushed us through dinner and didn't sing happy birthday after telling them it was our son's birthday. Fuji Japan in Rock Hill is much better. read more

We celebrated my husbands birthday here. For a Monday night, this restaurant was super busy. Service was really quick - we enjoyed each and every bite. Hibachi show was nice and skillful. read more

Been here a couple of times but tonight was amazing! Our chef Carlos was phenomenal and our waitress (don't remember her name) was always prompt and friendly! Went for my nephews 16th birthday and can't wait to go back! read more

Nakato - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

GREAT food and just a fun experience. Awesome chef and servers! Very clean, and good for families, including young ones! read more

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Prices are way too high. Service subpar, food just ok definitely not worth the money in my personal opinion.

Really fell off I remember going to Nakato years ago and being so impressed with the food and service, so when my family wanted to go for Japanese, that's where we went. Boy have they fell off. The first suspect thing was that all of the people of color were sat at the same table but maybe that was a coincidence. The food I thought was ok ( I had steak and chicken) but nothing to write home about. For what I spent for 3 adults including tip, let's say I think there are better options out there so won't be coming back any time soon. read more

Chose Nakato based on cars in front over a few others here and a big sushi bar because I'm here for sushi not hibachi. Sat myself, place is packed (accept the big sushi bar -6 of us) but hibachi tables all around and again, packed!! Sushi chef gave me a menu, had to wait for a manager to come by to get me a beer, but all ok on the service from my sushi chef. No so much on the waitress who will get the tip. I wish all tips went to the sushi chef as she literally has brought me nothing and manager also cleaned up my empty plates indicating - get them out of my way! As for sushi- very pleased. I like sushi, sashimi so small sashimi was 2 pieces of 4 fish. Quite good and fresh so A+ on the sushi. Second order was a dojo roll $13 so was expecting a pretty big roll- it was small actually but it was good and I dipped it in my sriracha sauce and perfect!! Having seen I was a done quick, I ordered a squid salad for desert. Don't eat a lot of sweets but certainly like a standard squid salad out of a bucket. I asked sushi chef for it and he handed it to me quick. So summary, busy place, not sure they are staffed right but I was good at the bar. Excellent sushi, good service from my sushi chef and manager, again- not from my server . Heard many complaints on service from hibachi tables but didn't affect me. Only lost a star as I have no cash, will add good tip to tab knowing a waitress who literally only brought me the bill will get it but hoping sushi chef will. Will I be back, sure. Good sushi . 5 stars will come with 5 star service which didn't happen- and the atmosphere was a bit loud for hibachi which I don't like so maybe if I bring a date- I won't notice!! Recommend !! read more

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A FES up with Liz... F(ood): very standard Japanese hibachi fare. The soup much tastier than others with more sustenance in form of fried(?) onions. Salad on the watery side but this typical I've found in these spots and ginger dressing good. I like that they provide noodles and rice- I mean if I'm going to engorge I go all out. Good flavor for both. Glaze a bit much on chicken but steak cooked to appropriate request and yummy shrimp. Sauces - shrimp and steak both good. This food was good - not salivating by any means. E(nvironment)- I like the darker aspect of lighting and that the sushi bar with the floating boats right at entrance. Appropriate decor. S(ervice)- Greeted with a genuine smile and immediately sat. Granted we were the 5pmers on a Friday (#parentlife). Our server was wonderful and friendly to the kids (not always the case). Went out of way to meet our needs (extra forks, cleaning rice explosion from toddler, etc). Only somewhat negative was that the chef did less 'tricks' than I've experience elsewhere- no catching of the shrimp, beating rice heart, juggling, peeing boy water object. I wouldn't have cared except my kids first experience and we only got the fire onion and egg shells in the hat. Mr. True and I split our dinners with the kids. No upcharge! read more

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I want to preface this by saying I work in the restaurant industry. With that being said I understand the daily struggles that come with being a waitress. We were sat with a group of 5 other people, and the older gentleman addressed his shellfish allergy to the waitress. She proceeded to give him a look of disgust, which set the mood for the rest of the table. My friend never received her salad and when she asked for it, the waitress gave her nasty look. I ordered an alcoholic beverage and when I got it, it tasted god-awful! It was extremely strong and overpowering. I asked for a Margarita instead, which is such a classic drink, however it came out still overpowering and I couldn't even drink it. When I asked the waitress to remove the drink she sent the manager over and he proceeded to argue with me about the drinks. He told me that he's not willing to take the drink off because I had ordered one previously (that I didn't drink) and that I didn't like. The entire table was unimpressed with the way he handled the situation and I'm sure it reflected on their tips. I am so disappointed in the service and I will NOT be returning. read more

The food was cooked with no seasoning. It was like he was in a hurry. The server was not much better. Shouldn't have to ask for drink refills multiple times. read more

Arrived onsite for a 5pm reservation that was originally for 7 people. I called two days before to change it to 4. Upon arrival the host asked my name and confirmed that it was a party of 7 and I said no it should be 4. He looked at the book weird and then asked my phone number. Then tells me the reservation was for 2. After asking to speak with management who was extremely rude and told me there was nothing she could do as the book states what it states. After looking at the book myself you can clearly see that reservation was changed to 2 people. read more

Nakato - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

It was so busy! But the service was wonderful! We were seated relatively quickly on such a busy night without a reservation. Food was very good! It was a great experience. read more

Pretty yummy! Nakatos is probably my favorite restaurant in Charlotte. I'm a frequent visitor to the university location but I was near the Pineville location and thought I would give it a try. It's a little smaller than the university location but so nice and clean. They have this cute little sushi section with boats that float on water. We were immediately seated on an early Saturday evening. Our server wasn't the best but the food was great and the cook was full of energy. They are definitely quick and efficient. I will definitely be back! read more

Nakato - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The salad was OK. The ginger flavor was not as strong as it could've been but the vegetarian meal was very good rice, noodles, lots of vegetables, broccoli, carrots, onions, mushrooms, snow peas, and a sprouts. read more

Another Japanese grill place. This one has a sushi boat bar. It was Monday so no sushi on the boats. Ordered three rolls. The Spicy Snow read more

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Nakato is the OG and best Japanese hibachi in charlotte. Their suchi is top notch and you get huge portions with the hibachi meals. The hibachi chefs are great and entertaining too. read more

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absolutely disgusting!!! wouldn't recommend to anyone!!! service wasn't better either, paid $90 for food we didn't even touch.

DISGUSTING. Horrific experience. Extremely disappointed. Owners should be ashamed. Such a waste of money. No Japanese flair or culture. Management is a joke. Our server Allie was all over the place she gave us no eye contact or professionalism. When asked question about recommendations she rolled eyes and had an attitude. Told host and person on phone we had a birthday special and had to remind server we had a birthday. (Took away from the surprise) Food is gross. Very overpriced for basic food. Overcooked rice. Mediocre meat. Salmon was over cooked. No entertainment or tricks. Rubbery vegetables. Watery salad. Bland soup. Basic factory made cake for $7. Several employees touch face, hair, skin and don't wash hands. Ruined my birthday. We will be telling friends and family to stop coming here. read more

Nakato - Hibachi salmon - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Loved the food. Our waitress Ally was amazing and despite being busy, she was very attentive to what we needed and constantly moving to get things for people. read more