Saku Yakitori & Sushi Bar — Restaurant in Charlotte

I had gone out for my girlfriend's birthday for just a nice night out. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the hostess who was both attentive and adept as she shuffled through the parties waiting to be seated.

The tables are great, chairs very comfortable. Definitely a place I would enjoy lounging and eating the wide variety of tapas and rolls they had to offer.

The larger issue was the ever deteriorating level of service as the night progressed. It was rather confusing as the number of patrons dwindled and yet table touches became less and less and long moments of empty waters/drinks ever more. Our server would be standing by the well appearing to look around at their tables, and yet us, not even 4 ft away, sitting there for almost twenty minutes, beverage-less. Then they proceed to go sit against the bar.

The food was fresh and very tasty, though don't order the shishito peppers. They're bland. One of my favorite snacks to make at home. Sushi was prepared to perfection, the wasabi (though unfamiliar with the appearance as I've only seen fresh wasabi in other ways) was good.

I only wish there wasn't such a large gap between our appetizers and our meals, of which were ordered simultaneously. Also, or table would have benefitted from a more attentive server. Would have prevented the awkward juggling of dishes as empty/finished courses sat on our table until or after the next course came. Pre-bussing is just as important as bussing a table. No one wants to eat from only 3 square inches of their table.

Lastly, we waited almost thirty minutes just to receive the check, which only occurred after getting the bartender involved. I enjoyed the conversation with my girl, but we were trying to celebrate, but at this point we might as well have moved in.

I was hoping for a better night. Though disappointed, the food was still good. May come back for takeout, but beyond that, not too impressed.

Oh, and the drinks are good, just pray they also come out in good time. It was amazing to see 2 bartenders doing nothing while I'll order hadn't been made. Though I don't blame them, I don't think our order was put in... That was eighteen minutes of waiting with an empty bar and 8 filled tables.

The best service we had that night was the hostess and the food runner. Wish I had tipped...

Updating my review because I worked with Saku to cater my 150 guest wedding this past June. I couldn’t be more happier with the results! The process of building the menu was smooth, especially for an indecisive person like myself. 😅

Yakitori, Pokebowls and Sushi rolls were SUCH a hit at my wedding. Guests of all ages were raving at the selection and so impressed with taste - (from my younger nieces and nephews to my Asian aunties)

What was most amazing was how proactive the Saku team was for prep, they covered many things that I didn’t think of while planning.

They also worked with me to decorate the food table to go along with my wedding decor/colors, arrived at the venue earlier than our wedding party to set up and prep.

Our venue host also commented how they were impressed Saku’s team did with communication, set up and clean up.

I love Saku casual dates but especially love them more know that I’ve gotten to work with them for my husband and I’s special day!!!

Original Review: My friends and I typically frequent NoDa, Plaza Midwood - not so much uptown.

It was a great change of food scenery from the typical bar food I didn’t even realize I got used to having! (Wings, fries)

I’ve been twice now. First time I sat at the bar for a group of 4, second time my RSVP was bar (only thing left at time of booking) but we got lucky, saw an empty table (turns out an RSVP no showed and the hostess let us move).

Both visits were great!

Staff was friendly, quick and attentive.

Each of us got 1-2 different Yakitori and shared among us. Highly recommend doing that or going down the list in some way. Each item has its own individual taste/flavor. I could definitely taste the charcoal in the okra, pork belly and pineapple.

Sushi rolls we got Salmon Skin & Earth and Sea Roll. Salmon Skin was still crunchy - and hit the spot for me!

Poke Salad was also +++. Very fresh and the sauce on was flavorful and light.

Loved the aesthetic of this place and would totally be open to venturing into uptown again with a...

When you walk into Saku you know you are in for a visual and culinary experience. I went on a busy Saturday night before a comedy show and the only reason I was late to the show was because I kept wanting to try more food on the menu. Everything you order peaks your curorisity and tastebuds. As a fan of bourbon, I started off with the Lemongrass Ginger cocktail, the lemon and honey mixed perfectly as I waited for the first dishes. I started easy and worked my way up the menu. I will say to make it through the menu it will take two to three more visits. For this visit, I stuck with the Yakitori and small plates menu. First up was the Saku fries. I would have liked a little more truffle aioli, only to have more of a dipping sauce for th few fries that wasn't covered in the goodness. Up next was the Yakitori offering of Ribeye, pork belly, and shoshito peppers. Of everything I ate to this point (yes there is more) the ribeye was the star. The housemade sriracha with the five spice is a perfect bite. I say the ribeye was number one until the lamb pops hit the table. Lamb cooked to a perfect temperature, and the chimichurri added that nice contrast with the lamb. I also can't forget about the Miso Togorashi Corn which was cut into little ribs and makes you wish for a whole cob of corn.

A huge compliment to the staff because the service matched the food. Rozzy was attentive and able to answer any questions. You can tell the staff knows the menu and the suggestions to fit your palate were great. I also got to speak with one of the owners to share my experience and compliment the service.

The goal of the restaurant is to serve great food and drinks in an atmosphere you will never forget according to its website. They definitely did that from first glance to the last bite. I've ate at many sushi and yakitori restaurants across the nation and this is one of the tops. A great place for a meal, date night, or a stop when visiting...