This has officially become my airport/dinner ritual whenever I'm in Charlotte! Hands down our…read morefavorite all-you-can-eat sushi spot!
The staff has always been incredibly friendly, and we've even had the same waiter a couple of times now. He's consistently attentive, welcoming, and makes sure everything comes out quickly. Service has honestly been great every visit.
The restaurant itself is adorable. I love the futuristic waiting pods when you first walk in, and the oversized sushi chef statues are the cutest touch. The whole restaurant has a fun, modern atmosphere that's perfect for date night, dinner with friends, or just satisfying a serious sushi craving.
We always order the AYCE menu, and it never disappoints. Everything comes out consistently fresh, beautifully presented, and you can definitely tell they take pride in the quality.
We started with appetizers:
-Shrimp Lollipops were perfectly crispy on the outside while the shrimp stayed juicy and tender inside. Even though they're fried, the breading doesn't overpower the shrimp at all.
-Takoyaki had a crispy golden exterior with a soft, savory center filled with octopus. They're an acquired taste if you've never had them before, but they're worth trying.
-Fried Calamari was exactly what you want. Crispy, lightly seasoned, and tender instead of rubbery.
-And of course... we ordered two servings of Crab Rangoon because one is never enough! They're always hot, creamy and pair perfectly with the sweet chili dipping sauce.
Now for my absolute favorite...
The Carpaccio is honestly one of the best things. I could probably eat three plates of it if they didn't limit it to one order per person.
The fish is sliced incredibly thin, melts in your mouth, and tastes unbelievably fresh. Each variety has its own toppings that perfectly complement the fish, while the citrusy ponzu sauce ties everything together with a bright, savory finish.
We ordered:
-Salmon Carpaccio: Buttery salmon topped with crispy fried onions and scallions that add a great crunch.
-White Tuna Carpaccio: Delicate, silky, and incredibly clean tasting with tobiko adding the perfect little pop of texture.
-Yellowtail Jalapeño, and ponzu for a refreshing kick.
Then came the sushi rolls...
Every roll has its own personality, which is something I really appreciate. Some are sweet, others spicy, some rich and savory, and they're all put together really well without one ingredient overpowering the rest.
Our favoites included:
-Godzilla Roll: crispy shrimp tempura paired with creamy avocado and finished with rich eel sauce for a satisfying combination of crunch and sweetness.
-Fire Dragon Roll: packed with flavor and topped with spicy sauce that brings just enough heat without overwhelming the fresh fish.
-Spicy 2 in 1 Roll: Our ultimate favorite, great balance of fresh fish, creamy sauces, and spice. If you like rolls with a little kick, this one's an easy recommendation.
-Volcano Roll: one of the richer rolls on the menu with warm baked seafood and creamy sauces layered over the top. Comfort food in sushi form.
-Eel Avocado Roll: simple but always my delicious choice. The buttery avocado pairs perfectly with the sweet, smoky eel.
-Crazy Tuna Roll: fresh tuna with just enough spice to keep every bite interesting without being overpowering.
Less likely a fan of:
-Mango Tango Roll: the fresh mango added a bright sweetness that worked surprisingly well with the sushi. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the tomato since I didn't think it added much, but that's personal preference.
Even after all that... we somehow still made room for dessert!
Dessert:
-The Mochi Ice Cream is always fun. I love that they offer multiple flavors like green tea and mango. The chewy rice dough on the outside with the smooth, cold ice cream center creates the perfect balance of textures and isn't overly sweet.
-The Green Tea Ice Cream has a strong matcha flavor that green tea lovers will definitely appreciate.
-The Tempura Oreo reminded me of the deep-fried Oreo at our State Fair. The crispy tempura batter gives it a warm, doughy exterior while the Oreo inside becomes soft, chocolatey, and almost cake-like. It's indulgent and best shared.
-I had to mention the Macarons because they're one of my favorite desserts. I love that Sushi Taku rotates different flavors throughout the year, so there's usually something new to try each visit.
Between the consistently fresh sushi, excellent service, fun atmosphere, creative menu, and incredible value for AYCE, it's easy to see why this has become our tradition every time I fly into Charlotte. It can be tough getting on the waitlist during peak dinner hours since it's such a popular spot, but we've always been able to get a table by waiting a little while, or being added to their online waitlist. Every visit reminds me why I keep coming back, and I already know it'll be my first dinner stop the next time I'm in town.