SHIKI

I was invited here for dinner recently, and even though I’m not a fan of seafood, I still had a great experience. The menu is extensive, so I was able to find something I liked that wasn’t seafood at all. My friends, who do love seafood, were really happy with their meals as well. The whole experience was enjoyable from start to finish. We had a reservation and were welcomed and seated right away. The waitress was very nice, polite, and knowledgeable, which made the evening even better. The place is small, but it feels cozy and welcoming. Even though it’s a tight space, it wasn’t loud or noisy, which I really appreciated. The desserts were delicious, and while I didn’t personally try the main seafood dishes, they looked fantastic, and my friends were very satisfied! Overall, it’s a lovely spot whether you’re a seafood lover or not, and I’d definitely recommend it!

Great time. Great Sushi. We love Tomi and wish her the best in all she does. Can't wait to return. The uni was the best I've had in Charleston. Fresh Japanese Uni. So good!!!

Amazing food and service. We didn’t have a reservation, but the staff did what they could to get us in and they did. Even brought us waters while we waited outside. Everyone was very kind and helpful. As for the food, outstanding! We got 2 rolls, lots of nigiri, and the yakisoba. Get the yakisoba!!! Wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it was but it’s a must order from now on. And great finish with the fried ice cream. We will be back!

best japanese joint youll find anywhere close, by far. been here multiple times for both lunch and dinner and it is always a treat. the sushi is always absolutely delicious. unadon--fantastic. the bento lunch is good. sake flight is a treat. ive even tried the A5 wagyu nigiri which is everything one could dream of. service is always impeccable here from top to bottom. atmosphere is great. the two-person table behind the entrance wall is my favorite spot to sit in any restaurant. if you know you know. thats the spot right there. these folks care about quality first and foremost and it shows in the food. delicious.

We arrived when the restaurant was opening and a line was already starting outside the door which indicated the experience was going to be something special. We started with crispy tuna oshizushi which was delicious. Tried some nigiri - sea bream, octopus, unagi, and sea urchin. The nigiri was lovely. For rolls, we had the spider roll, spicy tuna roll, spicy yellowtail roll, and the house special. The best sushi I've had in Charleston for sure. Our server and the overall experience was excellent as well. Highly recommend!

This is one of my favorite sushi restaurants in Charleston. The food is consistently delicious and fresh with bright flavors. I’ve never been disappointed! The service is excellent and it’s always pretty busy attesting to its quality and popularity. I always get the lemon salmon roll and various other rolls and nigiri.

Great experience and great food. Ordered the Kaisendon, food was exceptionally fresh, flavorful, and creative. Great place to try something new. Don't be afraid to put your faith in the chef(s) and order off the specialty menu. One thing of note that is not exactly a negative, just something that the restaurant should make new customers aware of. The dining area is very small and close to being cramped. That coupled with fairly loud club-type music could make the experience less than ideal for someone with anxiety. I did not mind it, but I was surprised at how loud and congested the restaurant was. You have to weave through servers, hosts, managers, customers, and random partitions just to use the restroom.

Great food! We went at lunch with my 2 nephews (7 & 9) and we had some amazing rolls. Our favorite was the lemon salmon and the Shiki crunch roll. Can’t wait to go again!

My husband wanted to have dinner at a sushi bar for his birthday, so after a quick search I stumbled upon Shiki. Many of the reviews I read mentioned it being the best sushi in Charleston. Even as we chatted with others about our plans for the evening, I kept hearing the same type of comments. And well... the reviews might be right. Upon arrival we were quickly seated at our seats at the sushi bar. Our waitress was super friendly and helped explain the menu to us and recommend options for our meal. We started with the gyoza and the crispy tuna - both incredible. The sauce that the gyoza comes with was delish! We also ordered a lemon salmon roll, which came out quickly after our apps were cleared. We finished that and wrapped up with the Chef's Special sushi and sashimi omakase. Can't wait to come back and try other menu items.

Located in a strip mall, this isn't the easiest to find, but it's well worth it. Make sure to make a reservation, especially if you want dinner service, as the space is small and their service time is long due to the time it takes to properly prepare the food. We had the omakase, and it was incredible, though it was served as a single plate rather than as a multi-course tasting menu. We had some sushi, sashimi, and nigiri that we've never had before. Extremely high quality and extremely fresh. I felt like the price was worth what we received. Our server was excellent and very knowledgeable about the menu. The wine and sake menu is long, though it is rather pricey. Their beer options were more reasonable.

This is hands down the best sushi restaurant in town! The restaurant is tucked away in a shopping center and is small but mighty. The sushi is nothing short of exceptional--each piece is a work of art, showcasing the freshest, highest-quality fish and meticulous craftsmanship. The variety on the menu is impressive, from classic favorites like melt-in-your-mouth tuna and salmon to creative rolls that surprise and delight. The attention to detail is impeccable, with perfect rice texture and beautifully balanced flavors. What truly sets this place apart is the care they put into every aspect of the experience. The chefs' passion for their craft is evident, and the staff go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable meal. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this sushi restaurant is an absolute must-visit. You'll leave craving your next visit!

I knew it would be good when I got there at 11:30 on a Thursday and it got progressively more and more packed. At lunch time that's a great sign. Sushi cuts and rice absolutely perfectly prepared and service was wonderful. A couple more unique nigiri pieces that are hard to find in other places. Like baby octopus and marinated jellyfish. Absolutely yum!!

Everything was amazing from beginning to end! Quality of the sushi was superb. It was our first time here but won't be our last. Definitely make a reservation because it's a small space. Can't wait to go back!

This is likely the best sushi place I have ever been to, and that says a lot. Came here with my oldest son and was pleasantly shocked to see that the gyoza was very clearly made in-house rather than being premade and frozen, and they were outstanding. The cucumber breeze was a unique treat as well. I had 3 pairs of nigiri, they were specials and I don't remember what they were, but I was totally blown away. And my son really thought his spicy salmon roll was a knockout and got a second one even though he was already pretty full. Red bean mochi didn't feel nearly as chemical as others I have had. Service was impeccable and the interior is pretty swank and chic. I expected it to be less nice so we rode our motorcycles there and despite all the gear we had on, not only were we welcome, they offered to hold our helmets in the office for us. Over all, great place. Prices were high and FULLY justified by the quality. J.Ja

Amazing amazing sushi. Didn't have a huge appetite coming in so just started with some nigiri and two rolls. The salmon nigiri melted in my mouth and tasted so fresh. The Green River roll was nicely balanced with the Shiki super crunch (never had korean pear in a sushi roll before!!) Everything was delicious.

Our dining experience at SHIKI was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we were seated, our server Michael made us feel right at home with his friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge of sushi. He expertly guided us through the menu, helping us choose the perfect rolls based on our preferences. The standout roll of the evening was undoubtedly the Volcano Roll, topped with a spicy creamy carrot chili that added an unexpected and delightful kick. We enjoyed it so much that we ordered another. A close second was the SHIKI Super Crunch, which featured the delightful addition of Korean Pear, adding a unique texture and crunch to the roll. We were consistently impressed with every sushi roll we tried, as well as the expertly prepared Tempura. Each dish was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The atmosphere at SHIKI is vibrant and energetic, which does mean it can get a bit loud when the restaurant is at full capacity. To ensure you have the best experience, I highly recommend making reservations in advance. Overall, SHIKI exceeded our expectations, and we look forward to our next visit. Highly recommended for sushi lovers!

Shiki looks unassuming on the outside, but the food is amazing and the interior is adorable! Since it is such a small space, you need a reservation to guarantee a spot. I was able to make same day reservations though! We got lucky, someone canceled! Even though this is a sushi spot, they had vegetarian options, and they had non-sushi options like the pork katsu. Their veggie sushi roll was SO good. I love when places get creative with veggie rolls and put a variety of veggies in. I also tried the roll that had lemon and jalapeño. I'm not the biggest fan of crab, but this roll was amazing. The lemon adds the perfect amount of zest! Plus, it's fun to try rolls I've never seen before. Even though we were absolutely stuffed, I needed to order the fried ice cream. It was SO GOOD. The fry batter is super light and crispy, and the red bean ice cream was amazing. If you're in Charleston, you should definitely try to get a reservation here!

Actually the most delightful experience. The food was fantastic and our server, Vic C, was fantastic! Welcoming experience with great music, cannot wait to come back!!!!

Came here for a birthday lunch and made a reservation since it is a very small establishment. I wouldn't come if you have a large party though - we had a reservation for 5 and were squished at our booth. Our server was a young man and he was so kind and knowledgable about the menu. We ordered a conglomerate of things and there were nothing but good things to say all around.

Made a reservation because I've heard it can be hard to get a table walking in. It was a little hard to find and a bigger and brighter sign could help but we called them and the host directed us lol Small, quiet place with limited seating. We snagged a 2 top towards the back. There's also seating along the sushi bar. Hidden gem! Owned by a father who's been a master sushi chef so we were excited! I love dumplings and shrimp shumai so those did not disappoint. The server recommend this cheesy krab bake thing, although it was tasty. The flavors were so rich and got overwhelming for me and very heavy. Our server was very knowledgeable and friendly, made recommendations and told us the specials. We ordered a small bottle of nigori to share. Now the sushi, very fresh and beautiful. I forgot what these were called but the one with the lemon slice was good, my only complaint was that the rind of course is bitter so I think if it was cut just a touch thinner it would've been more balanced. Onto the 2nd one. Holy cow, one of THE best rolls I've ever had. It's simple, but that Korean pear on the inside was what made it amazing. Mildly sweet with that nice crunch to the roll, complemented the shrimp and eel sauce. My husband literally ordered a 2nd one immediately after we finished that one. The yaki udon had great flavors and it was a big portion. My only complaint is that the noodles were just a bit over cooked and I just prefer mine more Al dente and chewy, especially with udon. But overall a great experience and very tasty food. We can't wait to go back! Our bill came and honestly I was surprised it was just under 100$.

Been there twice and it doesn't disappoints you , service wise, ambience wise it just reminds me of a small corner restaurants they have in

Top sushi spot in area. Small a bit noisy but food is tops. Parking tight; reservations recommended.

Oh my oh my this sushi!!!! I've had great sushi in In my time but I am ranking this the freshest and most delicious I've had una long time!!! Make a reservation as they do stay pretty busy. We came in for lunch and they added me to the waitlist and had us a table within 10 Min. They have a great menu with some great lunch special pricing. I highly recommend.

Shiki was a lovely sushi restaurant located in downtown Charleston where the old Blockbuster was. It's a very intimate vibe and very aesthetic. As soon as you walk in you're greeted by a lovely hostess that will seat you. Reservations are a must as they are always booked. We sat at the table where you could view the chefs craft all the food. It was a real treat watching them work. Our server recommended a lovely Chardonnay and recommended many popular options. We went with the lemon salmon, Japanese mussels, Isomaki, and the Shiki SC. All of these paired with the wine beautifully. Our favorite was definitely the lemon salmon and Japanese mussels. Shiki is a must and I highly recommend it!

A mighty fine gem hidden in a side street mall in downtown Charleston. My oh my. I've had sushi all over the country across nearly 40 years. This place rates. We had a chatty but fun server, the staff are pretty serious...three sushi chefs in a small counter bar and then a kitchen in back. Some table seating, it filled up, get a reservation for sure. It's our favorite kind of Japanese place because it's not just sushi, our son had teriyaki steak (superb) while my wife had her favorite soup (with some twists we've never seen) and the daughter had veggie sushi. Me? I had amazing sashimi of tuna belly, scallop, and yellowtail and fantastic rolls. Dynamite place.

This is my third time here - although it is pricey, it is the best sushi in Charleston hands down. I love the atmosphere - not pretentious like another good place downtown. Very welcoming - i wish the waiting area was a bit larger - the restaurant could gain a bit more space - fortunately when you are seated it is still pretty private. This last time, i came for my birthday since my daughter had not been with us the other two times. She loved it too so it helped restore that there is good sushi here! Surprised that they ran out of edamame at 630pm but all else was great.

Everything was delicious!! Highly recommend Shiki to anyone looking for an elevated sushi/sashimi restaurant

Our first time at Shiki was for dinner with a group of six- we had a reservation and were sat right on time in a great spot by the window. Our server was lovely and very patient with our rowdy gang. We ordered the love boat and a few more rolls to share, plus our non-seafood friend had hibachi beef. Every bite was outstanding and just so fresh and tasty- I couldn't stop eating! The volcano roll was to die for. The cherry on the top of the visit was the Japanese toilet in the powder room- heated seat?! Bidet and dryer?! So awesome. Will definitely return.

Sushi was okay but severely overpriced. I liked their sake selection and the servers were knowledgeable. What made our experience uncomfortable was that we kept being brought food which was later taken back because it wasn't ours. One order came with miso soup so we thought it was ours but hadn't touched it but a minute later they took it back and said it was mistakenly brought to us. This happened three times and we were hesitant to dig into anything because of it. Seems like there's a lot of disorganization with orders.

Best sushi in town. This was my go-to takeout place during COVID and it's great to be able to dine in again. Didn't love the service on our most recent trip, but the food is so good, I really don't care. Make a reservation if you can! This place fills up on weekends especially. All of their nigiri is incredible and pretty well priced. The toro was the most expensive at $15 for 2 pieces, but everything else was closer to $5-8 for 2 pieces. I also love the cucumber roll (diced perfectly), spicy tuna (my fav!) and the yellowtail roll (recommend without avocado - it's just unnecessary and takes up too much space). And they have a parking lot which is unheard of for downtown Charleston!!

Great sushi in downtown Charleston. Ample parking and reservations are a must. Staff is super friendly and helpful.

This is THE best sushi I've found in the low country! The ingredients, knife skills, flavor profiles are able to rival larger cities like NYC, LA! Service was great as well! There wasn't much that I didn't like. Ambiance was great as well! Shopping center has parking, though limited.

I'm a self proclaimed sushi expert! 35 years of eating sushi in many many different places, in my mind, makes me one of the best. (Again, at least in my mind) I've had sushi in and around Charleston for the past 8 years I've tried almost every place, or so I thought. I don't know why I past over this place on Yelp many times, but I did and boy am I sorry. Like most of the other reviews point out, it's a small cozy place with limited seating. Make a reservation! While they do accommodate walk-ins, plan to wait...a long while. That's how popular this place is. Now, down to the details. The service was excellent. Our Server was top notch. Informative, quick, and attentive. Couldn't ask for more. The sushi, best selection I've seen in and around Charleston. The variety is better than anywhere, from The Peninsula to Summerville. If I am wrong, let me know where the place is and it will be next on my list. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious. Saki was hot and very good too. Overall an amazing experience. Definitely recommend.

Delicious fresh fish! Service was kind and attentive to our table and made some excellent recommendation for Sake and Sushi. Restaurant has an omakase bar and tables. Cute vibe and amazing food!

The BEST and freshest sushi that I've ever we had! The service was excellent as well and there aren't very many seats so call to make a reservation. It has a modern decor. I'm fortunate to have this restaurant close to my home so it will be a regular visit for me.

What a find for sushi in Charleston!!! I went by my LA gut (Asian restaurants in strip malls are taste proven) and went to SHIKI while wandering on East Bay coming out of Harris Teeter and so glad I was a bit lost since I found my favorite sushi place in Charleston proper. Their sashimi, nigiri, and rolls are just excellent from the fish quality to various cuts needed from sashimi, nigiri, and rolls. And just as important as the fish, the rice in nigiri and rolls was just excellent! Also, the chef knows how to do the aburi method right. Doesn't matter if I go with a party of 2 or more, definitely get the love boat specials. It's worth it and a great start to see what fish you like that day. I am still a bit surprised to find this level of sushi in Charleston that is not drizzled in Sriracha or Wasabi Mayo or the special eel sauce. Moreover, they enjoyed their specialty fusion rolls as well because they got the base (seaweed, rice, and fish cuts) down!!! Loved the new decor. The right amount of Japanese art and not over the top and the lighting and wooden furniture gave warmth and coziness to the restaurant. Our service was amazing! I sadly forgot the lovely young lady's name, but she was the perfect balance of being efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable; adorable in her Michael Kors glasses. I went a second time during the same Charleston visit, and she was manning the hostess kiosk and was just as lovely the second time! I found the price point is quite reasonable for this level of sushi quality and service. Rather spend it here than other sushi places I have been in Charleston, which was all flash with bells and whistle but cannot get the seaweed and rice correct.

If you know, then you know. How many sushi places really get it? They don't put cream cheese in every roll. They don't have hibachi and whatever the hell "white sauce" is... They serve genuinely really authentic sushi. Better get your reservations ahead of time cuz they book out for good reason.

Shiki was excellent- exceeded all of my expectations. We had reservations on a Tuesday, which I recommend as the place is small inside, and were seated promptly. The inside was very cozy and intimate. Our server was phenomenal- he spent extra time going over what was/could be made gluten free due to my allergy and was very patient with everyone in the group. The sushi was delicious- presentation was beautiful and it was all fresh and flavorful. Definitely one of the top spots in town.

21 years later and Shiki is still delicious! Opening the in early 2000s, shiki is a sushi staple in Charleston. You walk in to a small quaint space with a few tables and sushi bar seats. You're greeted with classic old school hip hop like Tribe Called Quest or Naughty by Nature. We always start with the Tuna Oshizushi which is tangy, creamy, crispy and perfectly delicious. For a group of four, we love getting the sushi boat as it's a surprise what rolls you'll get and the perfect amount of food for a group this size!

Probably the rudest experience in the three years that we've lived in Charleston. We walked out rather than continuing to be annoyed and forced to stand while there was a dead empty sushi bar and packed tables. Yes we had a reservation.

Had a server (Madelyn) chase me outside tell me to go f*** myself in front of at least 15 people. Tips reflect service and we had the absolutely worst. We order apps and beverages and received them promptly. After ordering two rolls for dinner, we received one and did not receive the second for at least 30 mins. In that time, the server never came to our table to check on us, never asked if we needed more drinks/water (completely out), never tried to explain what was going on. After flagging down someone else to inquire, I watched the gentleman discuss with the sever and could tell by the flurry of reactions something had went wrong. She took our ticket to the chef's counter and they threw our roll together. After receiving the roll she brought the check. Not that I expect things comped but the situation called for at least SOMETHING. A dessert? Comp the $12 roll? Maybe a glass of wine? At least a manager to apologize. My tip reflected the poor service, 20% is never a guarantee if you don't deliver. The server then after seeing what I did leave her, chased me outside to tell me it was not her fault. While I told her I understand things happen, her service was terrible and she ignored us for 30 mins. She lied and told me there was no manager. And then TWICE she yelled GO F$&@ Yourself when I told her I was appalled she chased me outside to discuss her horrible service. I did go inside and speak to the manager who apparently did exist. Fire the girl, she's going to cause more bad reviews with the way she treats people.

Best sushi spot in Charleston hands down! They stay busy for a reason. You won't find fried, cream cheese, Americanized sushi here! Just fresh, traditional, yet fun, innovative rolls with great fish! Highly recommend!

A small sushi place in downtown Charleston. This is some of the best sushi I have had. There is a unique selection of rolls, and the rolls are small in size, making them a single bite sized morsel. I love that! There is a great selection of sashimi- I really enjoyed the sake sashimi, which is salmon. It was fabulous. I had the Lemon Salmon roll, layered salmon, lemon, jalapeño, kani, with avocado. It was absolutely delicious and like nothing I've had before. The service was great. We didn't have to wait long for our food at all, and they were very busy! This place is fantastic and I highly recommend

Excellent date night spot! Everything was excellent and the server had great recommendations. Smaller place so make sure you get reservations ahead of time but well worth it!

Food was amazing! Ambience was great, cute quiet and traditional sushi. Really loved this night out with my wife. Would recommend to anyone. We also had some off menu items that were incredible. Our service was the best. I don't remember his name but thank you for all the recommendations. Sushi and sake we all top tier.

The best sushi you will ever have. Been going to them for over 15 years. Great quality and beautiful restaurant.

Fresh fish, great service, and clean/relaxing ambiance. We really enjoyed the scallop nigiri, inari, and the spicy tuna crispy rice dish. Will definitely be coming back next time I'm in Charleston. I do recommend a reservation, even for lunch, as it was very busy.

This is my favorite such spot in Charleston. The space is very welcoming with sushi bar seating and tables. The decor is pale wood and very zen and calming. The sushi and sashimi are excellent. We usually come for lunch, the lunch specials don't skimp on quality and the selection of fish used varies so you don't end up eating the same thing all the time. The staff are efficient and accommodating with allergies etc. It is a little off the beaten path but it is always busy (you might want to book) and is more of a spot for locals rather tourists. Bonus points for parking outside. Thank you Chef Park!

Firstly, love the location of this spot. It's a little hole in the wall in a complex on east bay st. Convenient but limited parking spaces. We didn't have reservations & it was packed when we walked in however, we only waited 20 mins for a table. Highly recommend making reservations. It was very neat inside! Softly lit & cozy. authentic atmosphere with seating surrounding the sushi chefs. We were frequently checked on by our waitress who helped with recommendations on what to order since everything looked good. We ended up going with miso soup as a starter to awaken the palate. Delicious. Great umami. The only down side was that it wasn't hot however, when we informed our waitress she replaced it within a few minutes. For sushi we went with the isomaki, lemon salmon & house special rolls. Personally, I very much enjoyed the rice to filling ratio. It was perfect. my favorite roll was the isomaki. The quality of the seafood shun through! lemon salmon roll was very fresh with a very necessary citrus punch. Portions are quite small. I definitely could've eaten more but was comfortable by the end of the meal & prices were reflective. can definitely see myself becoming a regular here & excited to try more items on the menu.

While SHIKI is in downtown, they have plenty of parking, I was greeted and seated quickly even though I was early for our reservation. Our server was quick to explain how the omakase was different from traditional, and wouldn't be piece by piece rather than a set. I will say I was worried when the first thing they brought out gyoza. It took them a while, and they were running behind so they ended up bringing an entire plate. Everything was delicious and fresh. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The restaurant is small, so it was a tight fit so it was difficult to have a conversation but we were still able to chat with the sushi chef. They cut the fish thicker than most places more than a centimeter thick, but definitely worth to try a variety of fish. They didn't have as wide variety as other places I've been but would go again!

Sushi was decent quality and rice was fine, but if I have to critique one thing, they were some of the tiniest pieces of nigiri and maki I have ever had (and I've had a ton of sushi). I would say that the rice was about half or less for both nigiris and makis and the size of the fish in the nigiri was super thin. Service was prompt and staff seemed nice. Location has some off street parking in a lot right in front of it. Rice for maki came from a machine that pressed it down. I think the only other place I've seen a machine like this was at Wegmans.

Shiki is the best sushi restaurant in Charleston hands down. I go so frequently, these photos are from multiple times. Everything I try is great. Will be coming here until I physically can't anymore!

I wanted to LOVE love Shiki after two tries but the Omakase I had on my second visit didn't hit like I was hoping. ALL their sushi is super fresh and flavorful. However, the omakase I had on my second visit was extremely heavy and left me with an oily stomach. Service was prompt for both takeout and sit-down. My server was friendly and even remarked he was helping to choose the omakase for the day(?!) Seating is intimate but clean and tasteful. I will be back to try again!

Some of the best sushi I've had in Charleston. Was very pleased with the taste although they were a little smaller than the average sushi roll. Also had the miso soup which was pretty good. It was not hot when they brought it out but I told them and they fixed it with no problem. Definitely recommend you make reservations if your coming in the weekend. But overall was very pleased. Not a really big spot but the vibe and music was nice.

This was easily one of the best meals we've enjoyed in Charleston! My husband and I enjoyed a variety of nigiri and it was truly a perfect meal made up of beautiful, fresh fish and well-balanced flavors. We had the delight of sitting at the sushi bar in front of Chef James -- he was very friendly and we enjoyed our conversation with him while watching him work his magic. Shiki had a slightly more upscale atmosphere but in a very comfortable, relaxed way. Our server provided a perfect service, was also very friendly and offered great recommendations. We can't wait to return for another amazing meal at Shiki and highly recommend you do the same!

This is the best sushi I have ever had, and I'm so glad we found this spot. We ordered some apps and the sushi boat, which had A LOT of sushi. There were so many different types of tuna from multiple oceans, and each bite melted in your mouth like butter. Everything tasted so fresh and tender, and the sushi rolls had great flavor combinations. I will most definitely be a returning customer.

This was our 4th time at Sushi and best time yet. Every time we have dined here it has been excellent. Our server Elliot was super helpful and knowledgeable of the menu. Every dish we shared was unique, fresh, and great. Definitely recommend.