Staff (owners?) create a welcoming atmosphere with attentive service. We enjoyed chatting with everyone behind the bar, and their dedication to their craft was clear. Every bite was perfectly handled, seasoned, curated. There were many types of fish we had never tried, but we felt safe in their hands! My husband and I were a little emotional at the experience that they were able to create for us. It's meals like this that remind you that food can create connections between people and cultures, surprise, and activate joy. read more

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I had to make reservations over a month in advance but it was worth it. The food was expertly put together, the chefs were hilarious and it's always good sharing an experiences with a small group of new friends. Im a sucker for the intimate setting of sitting around a small chef counter watching the experts prepare your meal, watching their process and getting to discuss with them what they're doing and what you'll be tasting. Do I remember what was said or exactly what I ate? Nope, but that doesnt matter. Its more about just living in the moment. This place is perfect for a date night for your sushi-loving partner. read more

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There's two different types of sushi in this world: Sushi-Wa, and everyone else. The people who worked there are some of the friendliest people I've ever met in the restaurant industry. Sitting right in front of them while they make the sushi is such a fun experience and you really feel like you can bond with the other customers who are sitting with you because it's so intimate. I think it's a must go in Charleston. It's well worth the wait and the money spent if you ever get the chance to go. I'm not gonna pretend that I know the names of any thing that I got, but it was all great. The sea urchin it was not for me and is not pictured, but it's an acquired taste. Everything else was excellent and so fresh. read more

Sushi-Wa - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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I'm kind of behind on posting a review on this restaurant, but I didn't want to not post about it because it was absolutely excellent. I went to Charleston to visit my sister and brother-in-law over Valentine's Day weekend and we were able to secure a reservation at sushi Wa and we had a great time. There are two owners and they're the ones that are making the sushi right in front of you. It is Omakase style and every single piece of sushi that I had was amazing and very unique from anything I've ever had. They suggested sake that would work well with what we were having for the night so we split a couple bottles . At the end of the experience you're able to choose, however many pieces that you liked from what they served us and they will make them for you again . One of my favorites was the Wagyu beef. It's a very small, intimate, place and they only have about 16 seats at the bar so it's really hard to get a reservation and if you do don't pass it up because we had a great time. Hopefully when I visit again we can come back and taste some more unique pieces of sushi ! read more

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The best omakase experience to date! With reasonable prices and enough food to leave you feeling full but not too stuffed this experience was everything! Would recommend pairing with sake or hot tea. Loved the service and ambiance. Only 12 persons at a time so the experience is small and intimate. Cannot wait to come back for another special occasion! read more

Sushi-Wa - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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highlight: If you're looking for the best sushi in Charleston, Sushi-Wa is the place to be! The fish is incredibly fresh, the flavors are mouthwatering, and every dish is presented with perfect artistry. The classy atmosphere and ample parking make the experience even better. Standout selections include the Wagyu, Otoro, and Aji! Each one truly unforgettable. Great staff and service too! read more

Sushi-Wa - Wagyu, Otoro, and Aji - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Incredible in all the ways! I have been waiting for three years to get into this place and we finally got in last minute for a birthday! It far exceeded our expectations! The small, intimidate setting was perfect! We were able to chat and meet new people. The food was in a class of its own! So much sushi and each one unique and different from the last! What a special experience that I would love the pleasure to do again! read more

Sushi-Wa - Inside - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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AMAZING omakase experience! The absolute best sushi (technically nigiri) in the Charleston area! This rivals places I've tried in larger cities -food: fresh fish, served piece by piece in traditional omakase style; $100 pp with optimal Waygu option at the end -drink: have lots of saki options and some beer, it is byob as well -service: excellent! on weekends this experience can take the full 3 hours depending on how much fun everyone is having! -ambience: so fun! Only limited seating around the sushi bar which makes it interactive and fun! read more

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Such a fun omakase experience! The fish was so fresh and the ambience in there is lovely. We had our baby with us and they were super accommodating. We will be back!!! read more

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Sushi-Wa makes the list as Charleston's must-dine sushi restaurant and after a night here I see why. It easily is one of my favorite dining experiences! I snagged a reservation as a solo diner for Wednesday night. Listen, this is the night you want because there's only one sitting (at the time of this review) which opens up more possibilities. The restaurant is much larger than the space requires as everyone is dining at the sushi bar. As others discussed it is intimate setting with a guarantee that you will engage with the sushi chefs. The setting is very simple and not much personality to the space but they offer a ton. Their sake selection is amazing. I started with the flight and then rolled into a glass of yuzu sake. It was delicious! Bright, crisp, and citrusy I found myself enjoying each sip. The sushi chefs were fabulous. Each piece of sushi was perfectly prepared, but they do everything. They pour the sake, explain the menu, and make sure everyone is served. They were warm, easy to talk with, and made ridiculously good food. As far as the food - it is at minimum a 17 course omakase. They had some fish that I've come to notice at every omakase I've eaten - New Zealand salmon, scallops, uni, and hamachi belly. These are favorites for a reason as they are always delicious. There were a few I rarely see like red snapper and ebi. Then they had a few that I've never seen like octopus and striped snapper. Each course was fantastic. Now here's why Wednesdays open up possibilities. With no second seating the chefs allow people to add more sushi or sake to their bills. There was no rush and both seemed eager to continue making amazing sushi. I was the third person to leave and there were still people ordering sushi. The meal lasted three hours and I loved it! read more

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I did the 5:15pm omakase seating. They open the doors just before the time slot. I enjoyed every piece & watching them be made with such care and precision. The service timing of everything is perfect, they come out as they are made. My top favorites were the scallop & wagyu beef, but everything is delicious. The scallop just melts in your mouth and the wagyu is juicy. At the end of the omakase experience, you can order more pieces of your favorites if you are still hungry. read more

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Such a unique experience for us & we loved every second! All pieces were delicious and thoughtfully prepared, with complimenting flavors. I'll be dreaming about the miso butter for a looooong time. The Chef was so knowledgeable, friendly and created a warm and relaxing atmosphere. read more

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My first omakase experience and boy was it a good one!! This is what Charleston had been missing. Every bite was better than the last and what a cool experience overall! If you are a fan of sushi and you've never had omakase, you MUST go!!! Reservations are hard to get but worth the wait! Counting down the days til I get to go again read more

Sushi-Wa - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Simply spectacular. It took me forever to get in here but it was worth the wait. There were ~16 courses and all were unique, fresh and delicious. The chef's are great guys, interactive and funny. Extensive sake list. Top 5 in CHS for me. read more

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Incredible omakase experience. The pace was relaxed, not rushed at all. The chef took time to explain each fish /flavors. Each bite was so flavorful! Ambiance was beautiful - quiet but lively at the same time. read more

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Finally got to experience Sushi-Wa. This place has been at the top of my list but reservations are quick to fill up. This intimate Omaska experience is next level. The two Chefs welcome you in and once everyone arrives the show starts. When I say show the food SHOW. Chef Chris leaves a memorable experience with all the knowledge he has about all the ingredients and the way they prepare each offering. They offer Sake pairings and other refreshments. No matter what add the Wagyu beef you won't regret it. The chef also will make more of any offering you enjoyed the most. My fave was the King Crab! But honestly, everything was phenomenal. Parking is great and the location is easy to find. I also love that you can see everything that's going on. I can't wait to go back. read more

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Amazing sushi that is such a fun experience. Definitely don't skip out on the waygu course. The saki/saki flights were also so good. Definitely hard to get a reservation but well worth it for any occasion. read more

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Sushi wa is a great place to experience omakase at a reasonable price. The place itself is a bit underwhelming but who cares, it's all about the fish. Make sure get get a reservation, the place is very small. read more

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Very good but not great - the fish is fresh and delicious, but the sushi rice was overcooked and mushy. There's not a high degree of service as the used paper towelette and wrapper sat on the counter for the entire meal, and you pour your own tap water from a large capped bottle. The sake' selection is extensive and excellent. read more

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We got lucky and landed a reservation at Sushi-Wa for my birthday - and were able to get childcare so we could actually go! WOOOHOOO!!! We arrived at 5pm for the 5:15pm omakase experience. The restaurant was empty when we came in, besides the chefs, and Chris introduced himself and went over the sake flight, selection and the single beer that they have on tap - Super Dry Asahi. When you book for omakase, it's just 10 of you sitting at the sushi bar. The restaurant is closed to the public, it feels so intimate and special. Dress code is simple, we dressed nicer because it was my birthday date night, and we don't get out for anything like this very often. I told my husband, "we're paying over $100 each, I'm going to dress up." But you could come business casual, or even dress up some jeans and I think you'd be just fine. The food. THE FOOD. It was incredible. My husband and I literally locked eyes with every bite because the food was so good. Even the starter "salad", a small bowl of raw fish and sauce, was fantastic. They serve one piece at a time, explaining what it is and where it's from. I believe we had 18 pieces in total, including one handroll. They also gave us the option of a roll with wagyu beef, and I don't each a lot of red meat anymore but we figured - we're already here, why not? And I am THRILLED that we did. That bite of steak nigiri was AMAZING. I love sushi and can usually eat my weight in it - I left delightfully full. We giggled the whole way home about what a delicious meal we had. I also really liked the 5:15pm time because the dining experience is about 2 hours, and you still have plenty of time to roll your full belly home. This is certainly a splurge event, one that we've saved specifically for and treated ourselves too. But we highly recommend it. Someone told me that it's one of the best food experiences in Charleston, and I completely agree. read more

Can't even begin to explain what an amazing experience this place is. Every single piece of nigiri was beautifully prepared. The rice was perfectly cooked with the tiniest amount of warmth so everything melted in your mouth. It's an intimate setting with two chefs who are always attentive which makes you feel special just being there. 100000/10 read more

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I went with my cousin while she was visiting from Chicago. It's a very intimate setting. There was a family beside me who were speaking Japanese to the chef as he prepared our food which was very cool. Everything was good. Maybe I'm just not cultured enough for the Omakase experience. I was hungry about an hour after we left. No doubt it was worth it. I just don't think I'll do it again. read more

Amazing! What an experience, this was my first time doing Omakase. The experience is unlike any other. From the second that I walked in, I felt like a VIP. Our server was knowledgeable, and we learned a little about him. It was a perfect balance of enjoying his company but he also stayed back enough that I could enjoy my friend with me. After every dish, including the appetizer, I kept on thinking this was my favorite thing I've eaten, but it continued to get better. Sushi was delicious, but I will rave about this because of the accommodation. I am allergic to shellfish, and a lot of times I get the look "why are you at a sushi restaurant" the answer is I love sushi. At Sushi-Wa, my food allergies were met with such kindness, they quickly assessed all of the fish I could not eat and made quick and delicious substitutes. At one point, our server had to repeat the fish, but gave me a different cut of the fish to give me a unique experience. I was absolutely blown away by how much they tried to make sure my experience was enjoyable. The woman sitting next to me, expressed her dislike of a certain fish, and they were kind to her too, and switched it out. Food: 5/5 but Service 6/5. It's expensive but worth the experience, I'll go again when I get the chance! read more

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Superb omakase. All the usual suspects plus a few fun ones. Tasty tomago. I'll make this a monthly thing for sure. read more

Sushi-Wa - Avo roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I had heard very good things about the authenticity of Sushi-Wa, that it wasn't like the vast majority of sushi bars in the South which offer a very Americanized version of sushi loaded up with all manner of fish-smothering sauces but instead stayed far truer to the Japanese ethos behind traditional sushi. Curious, I decided to try it with a friend who is Chinese and has been to Japan numerous times and knows sushi well. We both were very impressed. The interior is small and spartan but classy. It works for the type of food and experience they seem to seek to present and our waiter was enthusiastic and prompt. I did not speak with either sushi chef as both seemed to be kept busy with orders, but would have liked to as from what they were producing it seemed they knew their craft quite well. I ordered an oshinko, or Japanese pickle, assortment plate and it was a very generous assortment of various oshinko. All were crisp and tasty as they should be. If you go to a sushi bar which lacks oshinko, it also lacks authenticity. Some will only put oshinko in rolls, but still they should have it. I've been to some in the South where they don't even know what it is, and sadly these are places where people not really up on sushi have for whatever reason decided to open a sushi bar anyway. All the sushi is either fish or vegetables here. Chicken or other meat in sushi is a decidedly Americanized invention and to me a pretty sad one at that. You won't find that here: if you want chicken, go to the Filipino restaurant in the foodcourt nearby. I had yellowtail, salmon, and otoro and all--both rolls and nigri--were very good, very fresh. My friend ordered a vegetable roll which was, surprisingly, really amazing. Normally those are something that fails to interest me but his was as good in its flavor profiles as any of the fish. Throughout the experience our waiter was attentive. The only sushi bar in the entire South I've dined at which could surpass this one would be Kabooki in Orlando, but Sushi-Wa is nonetheless very impressive. Charleston is fortunate to have it and I'll be back. If you go, do understand this is traditional and no, you won't (thankfully) get the massive rolls with everything but the proverbial kitchen sink in them you find elsewhere. read more

Sushi-Wa - Assortment of sushi. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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If you're lucky enough to get a seat at this 10 seat omakase restaurant don't hesitate to go - One of the best omakase meals of my 40 years of eating sushi! read more

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Best sushi I've ever had. The omakase-style meal leaves you perfectly content. Chefs Chris & Kazu do an amazing job. The sake flight is a must. I can't wait to go back! read more

This is the closest to the real deal when it comes to sushi. There is no set menu. They give you the freshest of what they have and educate you on sushi along the 2 hour journey as you're eating. Truly an amazing sushi experience that is worth every penny! read more

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This was our first time. Food was amazing. However It did take six months to get a reservation. read more

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The only sushi experience that will do for us in Charleston. Comparable to the highest end places we have tried in New York. Chris and Kazu are the best kind of experts - the kind who still love what they do, and it shows. Every piece is perfectly seasoned and composed. If you didn't like it here, you don't get it, and that's just fine with the rest of us. read more

Sushi-Wa - Chef Chris at work - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

We had a wonderful meal here. It was so wonderful I already plan to come back in November. Fish was fresh. Good selection of sake.

One of my favorite omakase thus far. Very much a white glove service and the staff is top notch. If you can get your hands on a reso, don't sleep on it. read more

My favorite sushi spot in Charleston and for those of you who know me, you know I love my sushi! Honestly not just the best sushi in Charleston but some of the best sushi anywhere! Chris and Kazu are awesome, sushi is always fresh and I love the intimacy of the experience:-) read more

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It's incredible rice and fish over and over again!!! An amazing date spot, just be sure to make your reservations far in advance. Pair your saki with whatever Chris and Kazu recommend. They only have 12 seats, you'll never run into your ex. read more

Sushi-Wa - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Outstanding experience at Sushi-Wa last night. We had the Sushi Omakase offering at the recommendation of the chef and it was amazing. The four of us decided it is by far the best sushi experience outside of Japan. It is an informal setting which is located in the "Square" of the former Workshop. The workshop area was booming with people, families, dogs enjoying the sunshine and near by Edmund's Oast & Rancho Lewis Each bite of sushi served up by Chef Kazu & Chef Chris. It's a very well oiled machine with 3 staff and a small amount of diners. I think 14 in all. We sat at the counter and watched the magic happen. Each serving of sushi was mouthwatering and described to us in detail. Some I was hesitant about but upon experiencing previous bites I decided that it has to be good. And it was.. to die for.. No need for any of the usual accoutrements that accompany this sushi. The flavor was all in the bite. It's the perfect spot for a very cool date night. I highly recommend it and will definitely return. Kudos to the chefs for outstanding fresh clean food. read more

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Very high quality omakase. These guys do it right. On par with some of the best New York and Seattle omakase. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Best Omakase experience for the price anywhere. Execution on par with the best Sushi Omakase experiences in New York or any other huge excellent food city. Pay no mind to the reviews like Lynn's below. If you're looking for a spicy mayo slathered Hairy Mexican Roll this is not the place for you. This is sushi that is well respected and treated with the utmost care. Lynn can go swallow a gallon of eel sauce and kick rocks. read more

I had one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. Top notch food, service, banter, and company. Could t recommend this place enough. If your in Charleston and you enjoy life...come here. read more

Sushi-Wa - Sushi Bars Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

My friend frequents Sushi-Wa and she suggested we try it. The restaurant is fairly small. The decor is simple. The walls are glass so you can look out into the Workshop's courtyard. The menu is limited but the food is high quality. The prices are on the high side but it's worth it. The sushi is so fresh and delicious. Our waiter was attentive. He explained each item we ordered. read more

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Sushi-Wa on King Street in Charleston is a great place to go for quality sushi and much more in a cool and unique atmosphere. The food here is very delicious and well prepared. The staff here is very friendly and accommodating to make sure that you have everything that you need for the best meal. read more

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