Yugenn

I’m a huge sushi lover and was hoping for a fantastic omakase experience. I knew the prices would be high given the quality they claimed to offer, and that was fine by me. We started with the Vietnamese Espresso Martini after asking if it was sweet the waiter said it would be, with a nice foam on top. When it arrived, there was no foam at all and warm, it honestly tasted terrible, one of the worst espresso martinis I’ve ever had. We also tried the Lychee Clover Club and the Lotus Milk Punch, and both were just as disappointing. For the sushi, I ordered the Otoro, Ora King and the sunset Blvd, The fish itself was good in quality, but the sauces they added on top completely overpowered the natural flavor of the fish. My friend had the Katsu Miso Carbonara, which she said was okay, but definitely not something she’d come back for. We also wanted to try the pandan tiramisu, but they were out of it, so we went with the coconut mango sorbet instead. It turned out to be a tiny scoop of ice cream drowned in way too much sauce, which ruined it. Service-wise, we felt rushed the whole time, but when we actually needed our waiter, he was nowhere to be found. The manager eventually stepped in and comped the undrinkable cocktails, which was appreciated, but it felt more like they were doing us a favor rather than simply providing the level of service you’d expect. In short, the restaurant has a lot of kinks to work out. The food presentation and ingredient quality show potential, but the flavors, drinks, and service don’t yet match the prices they charge. I wouldn’t go back, but if you decide to give it a try, just know it’s still very much a work in progress.

I’m genuinely blown away by Yugenn. I live in Los Angeles, where incredible sushi is the norm, so I honestly wasn’t expecting Charlotte to match that level, but this place surprised me in the best way. We started with cocktails. The Lychee Clover Club was bright & refreshing without being overly sweet, and the Lotus Milk Punch was so clean & beautifully clarified that you can taste every layer. We also ordered The Shokunin, and it was absolutely worth its premium price. It was silky, rich, and complex, with a wagyu washed depth, barrel strength warmth, & a subtle umami smoked finish that I LOVED! It’s one of those drinks that makes you pause after every sip to enjoy the flavors. For food, the quality speaks for itself. The Yugenn lobster sashimi was so fresh, delicate, and thoughtfully presented. The Pink Temptation was such a standout we ordered it multiple times! The toro is rich, buttery, and just perfect. Melt in your mouth delicious! When I order toro this is the quality I expect. The Lobster Fried Rice was perfectly seasoned with huge generous amounts of tender lobster… easily the best fried rice I’ve had anywhere. The Carbonara with uni & caviar was another highlight, creamy, salty, luxe, but somehow not heavy. & the star of the night…The off menu Jewel of the Sea. Toro, uni, & caviar in one bite with seaweed to wrap it into the perfect hand roll. Absolutely unforgettable!!! The uni quality here is soooooo good and fresh. The space is beautiful, warm lighting, modern details, and a chic, energetic vibe. Service was attentive, friendly, & perfectly paced. & for anyone who truly understands high quality sushi and premium ingredients, the pricing makes complete sense. You can taste exactly what you’re paying for. Charlotte has been lacking this caliber of elevated dining, & I genuinely hope the city continues to get more restaurants of this quality. Yugenn is setting the standard, & I’d highly recommend it for date nights, celebrations, or anytime you want something exceptional.

Yugenn absolutely delivers on every level — incredible sushi, perfectly crafted cocktails, and an atmosphere that makes the night feel special. I sat at the bar where Nick took great care of me, but what really stood out was how the whole team checked in throughout the meal — everyone was friendly, attentive, and genuinely cared that I had a great experience. The food was beyond impressive — every bite was balanced, fresh, and beautifully presented. The music and vibe were spot on, making it just as enjoyable to relax and take it all in. Easily the best food experience I’ve had anywhere. Highly recommend.

Where do I begin?! Yugenn is a vibe from start to finish. Beautiful, upscale, modern, and elegant. Perfect for date night or a girls night out. I’ve tried just about everything on the menu so far. From food to the amazing drinks, everything is full of flavor and delicious. Such a great experience all around.

Service was great, and the staff was very attentive. The atmosphere was pretty when you first walk in, but our table was down a set of steps in an area that felt unfinished. It was quiet, which was nice, but empty. The food was good, though definitely overpriced. The sushi rolls were over $20 each, and the alcohol menu was quite limited. We spent over $200 per person. I’d recommend trying the pasta if you go. It was the highlight of the meal. Due to the price, we probably won’t return.

Underwhelming and overpriced. The good: we enjoyed the Osaka Sour cocktail and the service was very friendly. Great location. The bad: incredibly overpriced (this is Charlotte after all) which would have been fine if the quality was there, and it was not. The nigiri (otoro & madai) were drenched in subpar sauces, the seared scallop overcooked, and don buri was just flavorless eggplant over white rice covered in yum yum sauce. The restaurant also appeared to offer $20 valet which feels a bit comical for SouthEnd. We left hungry and disappointed for $145.

Third time here since they opened and omg I’m obsessed!! 😍 If you’re into super fresh sushi like the spots in LA, NYC, or Japan — Yugenn is it. I’ve tried all the nigiri and pretty much the whole menu, and everything is sooo fresh and delicious! Been manifesting a place like this in Charlotte 🙌. The lobster fried rice and miso carbonara with uni are a MUST. Don’t sleep on this spot!! 🍣💯

The sushi was phenomenal—fresh, creative, and beautifully presented. Every bite felt carefully crafted. The atmosphere is equally impressive—modern, elegant, and comfortable, perfect for a date night or special evening out. You can tell a lot of thought went into the details here. Easily one of the best sushi experiences I’ve had in Charlotte. Highly recommend!