If you’re seeking authentic Japanese cuisine in Mount Pleasant, we have broader guides for that. What you’ll discover here are the top eight restaurants for a very specific purpose: when you want the full dining experience, not just takeout. We prioritize quality above all, but the excellent news is: Most of these spots offer remarkable value, especially for such exceptional fare.
Tokyo Bistro
$ | (843) 971-0277 | WEBSITE
Tokyo Bistro is the Mount Pleasant version of those downtown Japanese spots. It isn’t tucked away in some hidden alley, but the food delivers that same satisfying quality. We prefer some of the fancier places, but if you’re in the shopping plaza area, this bistro will more than satisfy your craving for solid, reasonably priced Japanese fare.
A combination with the popular Spicy Tuna roll and Salmon Hibachi will run you about $32, and it’ll come with generous portions and that reliable hibachi flavor everyone loves.
Tsunami Japanese Restaurant
$ | (843) 881-7061 | WEBSITE
Tsunami’s fried rice is unmistakable: generous and flavorful, with big chunks of hibachi-grilled goodness. It’s almost its own genre, which makes sense for a neighborhood spot that’s become a Mount Pleasant staple. The friendly atmosphere feels like a welcoming family gathering, but the food is prepared with care. The spicy tuna is fresh, vibrant, and literally melts on your tongue. Go for the $28 hibachi dinner with fried rice, vegetables, protein, and miso soup.
Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill
$$ | (843) 856-5798 | WEBSITE
Fuji Sushi Bar & Grill offers great food, so you’re likely to find something you’ll love. The rolls here are perfectly cooked with incredibly fresh avocado and cucumber, and the nigiri are adorned with generous sides of ginger and wasabi. We usually go for one of their generous portions, like the hibachi steak cooked right in front of us, or the combination with miso soup and seaweed salad. The sushi is delicious, making it a local gem worth returning to for casual lunch or dinner.
Wasabi of Mount Pleasant
$$ | (843) 284-8337 | WEBSITE
Wasabi of Mount Pleasant is among Mount Pleasant’s most affordable Japanese restaurants. And thanks to the staff who not only keep your water glass filled, but answer questions about sushi roll ingredients and preparation methods, the experience is also one of the most enjoyable. So what’s it doing on a best-of list? For those who love sushi but not the $30-plus per roll prices elsewhere, Wasabi offers a delicious baked crab roll for $14, available for dine-in.
In it, you’ll find some of the same great flavors as in pricier spots—just plan to enjoy it fresh from the kitchen in the bright, pleasant dining room with comfortable booths or tables.
Umi Japanese Restaurant
$ | (843) 881-2286 | WEBSITE
Umi started as a hidden gem in Mount Pleasant, but their Japanese spot is secretly the best one. The bowls here are heartier and more generous than you’ll find at your typical lunch place, which means slightly more rice, but more importantly, more leftovers for the next day. Try the hibachi bowl with addictive umami rice, the sushi rolls with ginger salad, and the popular dinner bowl—the takeout for that one comes with quick and efficient service.
Sushi Taro Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (843) 388-7995 | WEBSITE
At Sushi Taro, a cozy Japanese spot tucked away in Mount Pleasant, the sushi shines. There’s a straightforward reason for that—it’s exceptionally fresh—but still, the quality elevates the meal. There’s a six-nigiri sampler for $22, but the twelve-piece selection for $35 offers far better value. The clean, lacquered tray arrives brimming with salmon, flounder, ama ebi and more.
Fuji Sushi & Bar & Grill
$$ | (843) 631-1448 | WEBSITE
Just a short drive from the heart of Mount Pleasant, Fuji Sushi & Bar & Grill is the solution for all your Japanese dining cravings, whether you’re with family, friends, or on a date night. They serve fantastic, top-notch sushi—like classic tuna rolls or chicken tempura for the kids—as well as satisfying hibachi meals, such as steak hibachi and tofu vegetable hibachi, all cooked fresh in the kitchen.
The friendly, attentive staff adds to the memorable experience, and the good-sized bar offers drinks like plum wine and cold sake. Dinner specials are available throughout the week, and the dine-in options, which aren’t on the takeout menu, make it perfect for both regular visits and special occasions. Fuji also accommodates group gatherings, in case your meal is more of a celebration.
Kanpai Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (843) 388-8001 | WEBSITE
You might know Kanpai as a cozy spot for Japanese-Korean fusion, but for a night when you just can’t face another decision, it’s worth knowing that their online ordering system makes takeout incredibly simple. We tend to opt for the sushi, which holds up beautifully, like the uni sushi that tastes so vibrant you might briefly feel like you should be enjoying it at one of their small tables. But no, stop—you deserve this convenience.
The tempura shrimp and bulgogi are also excellent choices that travel well, though be aware that some items might be unavailable and traditional Korean sides aren’t included. Still, at around $15-25 per main, it’s a delightful treat that will have you planning your next order before you’ve finished the last bite.