What locals are saying
O-Ku is widely regarded as Charleston's go-to upscale sushi spot on King Street, earning consistent praise for fresh fish, creative rolls, and a lively atmosphere — but its steep pricing (nigiri sold by the piece at $5–$16 each) is a frequent sticking point for locals. Some former regulars have noted frustration with menu changes that removed crowd favorites. The omakase experience draws strong reviews, and weekday happy hour is considered the best value entry point.
On socials
The nigiri bar is where O-Ku earns its reputation — Otoro, lobster with truffled ginger butter, wagyu with white truffle and caviar, and hamachi with truffle ponzu get called out by name as the orders to build a meal around. The miso-marinated sea bass holds its own from the mains list, and the in-house-grown wasabi is the kind of specific detail that keeps showing up in write-ups as proof this kitchen is serious; the caveat that surfaces almost as reliably is the check — nigiri priced per piece, not per pair, adds up fast, and the happy hour window (half-price sushi, early week) gets flagged as the smart play.
