At Nikko Japanese & Sushi Bar in Charlotte, NC, we believe that sushi is not just food; it’s an experience that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences or taste preferences. Since our establishment in 1999, we’ve made it our mission to create a welcoming atmosphere that caters to various guests, from sushi aficionados to those discovering Japanese cuisine for the first time.

Embark on a culinary adventure at Nikko Japanese & Sushi Bar and discover the art of pairing delectable sushi with the perfect accompaniments. From traditional favorites to innovative combinations, our sushi experts are here to guide you through an exciting journey of flavors and textures that complement our exquisite sushi creations.

Embark on a culinary journey that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body at Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar. Discover a delectable array of healthful dining options inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine that promises freshness, quality, and flavor with every bite.

At Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, we believe that special occasions deserve an extra touch of magic. Imagine celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate milestones surrounded by the vibrant flavors of authentic Japanese cuisine. With our reputation as the best Japanese restaurant in Charlotte, we invite you to elevate your special moments with us.

At Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Charlotte, NC, we believe that sushi is more than just food — it's an art. If you're passionate about sushi and want to try making it at home, we've got you covered with this comprehensive guide. Let’s dive into the essentials of modern sushi making!

Welcome to Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, a culinary haven where the love for sushi intertwines with a dedication to well-being. Join us on a voyage that celebrates the seamless fusion of enticing flavors and nourishing benefits found within our selection of contemporary sushi rolls.

Join us as we delve into the health benefits of sushi, a culinary treasure revered for its nutritional virtues and delectable flavors. At Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Charlotte, NC, we're passionate about sharing the wholesome goodness of sushi with our community. From our vibrant city location, we invite you to discover how sushi can enhance your well-being while tantalizing your taste buds.

When you think of late-night dining options, sushi may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, for those seeking a unique and delicious dining experience, Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Charlotte, North Carolina is the place to be. With its trendy atmosphere and mouth-watering sushi creations, Nikko is the go-to spot for late-night sushi delights.

Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Charlotte, North Carolina, offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that takes you on a journey from sea to table. The concept of using the freshest ingredients in Japanese cuisine is deeply ingrained in the culture, and Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar truly embodies this philosophy. Continue reading to learn more about our dedication to fresh ingredients!

At Nikko Japanese Restaurant, we believe that dining is not just about taste but also a visual feast. Our sushi bar is a canvas, and our skilled chefs are artists, creating masterpieces that not only delight the palate but also captivate the eyes. Step into a world where modern sushi presentation is elevated to an art form, making your dining experience at Nikko truly unforgettable.

Sushi has become a popular dish served worldwide, but there are still many misconceptions surrounding this traditional Japanese cuisine. At Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Charlotte, NC, we want to debunk these myths and educate our customers about the true nature of sushi. Let's explore four common misconceptions and set the record straight!

Nikko Japanese & Sushi Bar is your go-to destination for delectable sushi and authentic Japanese cuisine in Charlotte, North Carolina. As a prominent Japanese sushi restaurant established in 1999, we take pride in not only delivering high-quality, exquisite sushi but also in providing an unrivaled dining experience. In this blog, we'll share four expert tips on how to make the most of your sushi adventure while immersing yourself in the modern sushi culture.

One of the most captivating aspects of Japanese food is its deep connection with the changing seasons. Japan's culinary tradition takes full advantage of seasonal ingredients to create dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also celebrate the beauty and diversity of nature. At Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Charlotte, our meals mirror the natural rhythm of life. Keep reading to learn more and visit us to try these delights for yourself!

At Nikko Japanese Restaurant in Charlotte, our lunch menu offers a wide variety of delicious and authentic Japanese dishes. Whether you're a casual diner or a serious foodie, we have a number of must-try items that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Check out four of our favorites below, then stop in and visit us for lunch today to try one of our picks or find a new favorite!

Nestled in the heart of Charlotte, Nikko Japanese Restaurant stands out as a true gem among the plethora of dining options available in the city. Offering an unforgettable dining experience, Nikko brings the flavors of Japan to life, earning its reputation as a renowned Japanese restaurant. From amazing sushi to a wonderful atmosphere, it is no wonder that Nikko has been voted the best sushi destination in Charlotte. But what makes our Japanese cuisine unique among other sushi restaurants? Learn more below, then visit us today to experience Nikko for yourself!

Visit Nikko Japanese Restaurant

Are you a sushi lover in Charlotte, North Carolina, and looking for a great place to take your family, partner, or even yourself for dinner? Look no further than Nikko, a Japanese restaurant known for its authentic and delicious cuisine. We offer an array of dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here’s a list of the top Japanese dishes to try at Nikko, one of the best restaurants in Charlotte. Check out our full menu and stop by today!

Visit Nikki Japanese Restaurant

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey through the diverse and delicious world of Japanese cuisine? Look no further than Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar! In this blog, we’ll introduce you to some of Japanese cuisine's most popular and delectable dishes. So grab your chopsticks, and let's dive into Japanese food's rich flavors and textures! Don't forget to visit us at Nikko to experience these dishes firsthand.

Sushi, a beloved culinary treasure originating from Japan, has become a global phenomenon enjoyed by people worldwide. As sushi has spread, its flavors, presentation, and techniques have evolved to suit local tastes and regional ingredients. At Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, we celebrate sushi's rich history and modern innovations. Join us as we explore how modern sushi has evolved over the years, and be sure to visit us to experience these delightful creations firsthand.

If you’ve ever been to Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Charlotte’s premier Japanese restaurant, then you already know that sushi is the star of our authentic, flavor-packed menu. But do you know the story behind how sushi was created? Or how it transformed into the delicious delicacy that people around the world love today?

If not, don’t worry! The experienced sushi chefs at Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar are here to share a glimpse of sushi’s rich history. This means that the next time you take a bite of our Negi Hama Roll or our California Eel Roll, you’ll be able to savor the flavors with a greater understanding of what makes this traditional Japanese dish so special. Continue reading below!

If you're a beginner and looking to try some of the best sushi rolls, then you've come to the right place. Nikko Japanese & Sushi Bar in Charlotte, NC is excited to introduce members of our community to traditional Japanese foods. But with regards to sushi rolls and their ingredients, there are so many varieties to choose from. It can be overwhelming to decide which roll you’re going to taste-test first, especially if you’re new to dining at an authentic Japanese restaurant.

Start with these recommendations from Nikko Japanese & Sushi Bar and visit us for lunch or dinner today!

Sushi is a traditional Japanese food that is a popular dish for lunch and dinner worldwide. Sushi is a type of Japanese cuisine dish that can be served in a variety of different styles, from the popular California roll to the more traditional nigiri. But if you’re looking to brush up on your knowledge before reserving a table at Nikko Japanese & Sushi Bar in Charlotte, NC, read on as we explore the different styles of making sushi rolls. Learn more down below and visit our authentic Japanese restaurant today!

If you’re a fan of seafood or Japanese food, you are probably familiar with sushi and restaurants that almost exclusively serve this delicious type of food. However, there are many different types of sushi to choose from! If you’ve visited Nikko Japanese Restaurant, you’ve likely seen sushi dishes and selections described with different words, but you may not inherently know the differences between these types of sushi dishes. Keep reading to learn more about the three types of sushi and so much more. Want to experience these dishes in person to really get a feel for the differences? Make a reservation at Nikko today and plan your visit!

If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, then you've probably had your fair share of sushi. And while there are many different types of sushi, two of the most popular are maki and nigiri. But what's the difference between these two popular sushi types?

Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, we have been serving traditional Japanese food including sushi for more than two decades! Located in the heart of Charlotte, our staff is dedicated to providing you with an authentic, unique Japanese dining service complete with expert sushi recommendations to make the most of your experience. Keep reading to learn more about these two most popular sushi offerings, and check out our sushi guide for more information!

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When it comes to Japanese sushi, there are two types of seafood lovers: those who love sushi rolls and those who prefer sashimi. While both are delicious, they are quite different. Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar offers world-class Japanese cuisine in Charlotte with premier sushi rolls and sashimi offerings at the forefront of our creations. Book a reservation online with us today and keep reading to discover more about the similarities and differences between sushi rolls and sashimi.

Sushi is a staple at our Japanese restaurant here in Charlotte. However, sometimes you may not feel like sushi, or you may not like sushi, and that's okay! Here at Nikko Japanese Restaurant, we pride ourselves on offering something for everyone. Learn about five amazing dinner options we offer if you don't want sushi, and book a reservation today!

Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar offers the best authentic Japanese-style food in Charlotte! We want your experience with us to be unforgettable, which is why we offer quality service and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We have been in business for decades, and we are proud to have had many loyal customers over the years. Read below to discover tips and tricks for diving into Japanese cuisine. Contact us today!

Have you been looking for the best sushi in Charlotte, NC? Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar is the place to go! Our Japanese restaurant provides an authentic and warm dining experience for all of our guests. Nikko Sushi has been serving Charlotte for over 20 years, and we are proud to be a part of the Charlotte community. You will be able to find a wide variety of sushi options on our menu, as well as traditional Japanese entrees, making our restaurant the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends, whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or a night out with a group of friends. We are not your average all-you-can-eat sushi place, but rather a sit-down and enjoyable experience. Keep reading to see what makes Nikko Sushi the best in the area!

Going out to eat at a restaurant should be more than just a tasty meal…it should be an experience! Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, offers delectable, authentic Japanese cuisine with an amazing atmosphere for any customer. Creating an experience is more than ordering the correct dish, it is about pairing your sushi platter with the perfect drink. Keep reading to learn more about the perfect sushi pairings to take your sushi meal to the next level.

Sushi is a popular Japanese food. At Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, we understand that beginning your culinary Japanese sushi journey may be intimidating, but we are here to help! We are an authentic Japanese restaurant excited to share our traditional cuisine with both experienced sushi connoisseurs and those who are experiencing their first taste of Japanese cuisine. Check out these four tips for eating sushi and our sushi guide to help you make the most out of your Japanese dining experience

Sushi is one of the most popular Japanese dishes in the world. It has a long and interesting history, and it has evolved quite a bit over the years. In today's blog post, we at Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar will be discussing a couple of ways of how modern sushi has evolved over the years. Order from Nikko — your local sushi restaurant in Charlotte today!

Sushi may very well be the most well-known dish among all the Japanese cuisines. It’s a delicious combination of seasoned rice, raw fish, and toppings. Fortunately, this iconic dish is not something you have to go to Japan to get. Delicious sushi can be found all over the world. In fact, if you are looking for some of the best sushi in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, you can stop by Nikko Japanese Restaurant, and we’ll treat you to some truly delicious sushi.

If you come into our restaurant, things are pretty relaxed. While our decor and ambiance are reminiscent of an upscale New York City restaurant, we don’t expect you to follow all of the Japanese restaurant manners. However, if you do ever get the chance to go to Japan and gorge on some of the world’s best food, you may want to brush up on your Japanese dining etiquette. For example, do you know if you should tip? What about how to offer compliment? Or how to properly use chopsticks? If not, don’t worry, 1) because you’re not alone, and 2) because today we at Nikko Japanese Restaurant would like to share with you some essential dining tips.

1. Although it could probably go without saying, be sure to greet your host when entering the restaurant. Even if you do not speak any Japanese, exhibiting a friendly and cordial smile will do just fine.
2. If, upon arrival, you are given a warm towel—called an oshibori—use it to wash your hands. It should not be used to wipe your face or any other part of your body. And after you have done this, try to roll it up in the same way that it was given to you then set it aside.
3. Don’t rub chopsticks together. This can be disrespectful to the Japanese restaurant since it may signal that you think their utensils are cheap.
4. Never leave your chopsticks sticking straight up in food. This too closely resembles a funeral ritual. Either lay them flat on top of your bowl or lean them on the chopstick rest. And after you have finished your meal, return your chopsticks into the paper covering if that is how they were brought to you.
5. Although it may be a common practice for U.S.-based sushi connoisseurs, never mix wasabi into your soy sauce plate. This is considered to be poor manners. Instead, if you want wasabi, you are expected to place a small amount directly onto the roll or under the fish.
6. Nigiri, which consists of a thin slice of fish on top of vinegar rice, can be hard to eat with chopsticks. For this reasons, it is acceptable to eat nigiri with your hands.
7. In light of the last tip, we should add that, while it is okay to eat nigiri with your hands, you should never eat sashimi with your hands. This is a Japanese cuisine reserved for chopsticks.
8. If you are sharing and taking something from a communal dish or someone else’s plate, you are supposed to turn your chopsticks upside down so that you are touching the food with the part that hasn’t been in your mouth.
9. When eating sushi, aim to eat it in one bite. Sushi is not meant to be cut in two, and if you do this, you will likely inadvertently cut the sushi chef’s heart in two.
10. Never point at someone using your chopsticks, and never pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks. Both of these behaviors are considered rude.
11. When eating soup, slurping with gusto is not only acceptable, it is considered to be in good taste—this is why if you go to any ramen or noodle shop in Japan, you are sure to hear a chorus of slurps and smacks.
12. The pickled ginger, known as gari, is not intended to be a sushi topping. Rather, it is supposed to be a palate cleanser eaten on its own.
13. While you can use a spoon, it is perfectly acceptable to eat your miso soup by picking up the bowl and sipping from it.
14. If you are eating with others, you should never pour your own drink. Pour your companions and then they should do the same for you.
15. Tipping is not customary in Japan. If you tip, don’t be surprised if your waiter comes chasing you down to give you the money you forgot. If you are truly impressed with your meal, however, some sushi bars will set out a special jar for you to tip the sushi chef. But perhaps the best tip is a happy “domo arigato” (thank you for the meal). Or alternatively, you could try to buy you and your sushi chef some sake and down it together.
16. As with stores all across Japan, small money trays are used when paying for your meal. This is also true for restaurants. Don’t attempt to hand money directly to your waiter. Instead, place your money on the tray.
17. If you were happy with your Japanese cuisine, be sure to compliment the chef. Sushi chefs, for example, spend a lot of time crafting the perfect rice to go with fresh fish. Acknowledging their effort can be the perfect way to end your meal and ensure a fantastic dining experience.

Japan is truly a unique country. The seamless blend of modern and ancient gives it a timeless feel that can be hard to put into words. However, in today’s blog, we at Nikko Japanese Restaurant are going to try. As owners of one of the best Japanese restaurants in Charlotte, Japanese culture, history, and, of course, food is an integral part of all that we do. To honor this influence, here are just a few of the reasons why you should travel to Japan if you ever get the chance.

If you are in the Charlotte area and in the mood for some seriously good Japanese food, look no further than Nikko Japanese Restaurant. Check out our sushi menu, dinner menu, and contact us if you have any questions. We also offer rooms for private parties as well as catering services!

Castles, Temples, And Shrines

If you take a trip to Japan, the temples and shrines that you will see are enough of a reason to visit the island. They are brimming with beauty and history. Although amazing temples are scattered all across the country, one of the best-preserved cities is Kyoto, offering nearly 2,000 temples all within the city limits. Similarly, the city of Nara is home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—as well as thousands of deer.

We know a thing or two about sushi—okay, this is a bit of an understatement. Let’s try again: we love sushi, and we have devoted an incalculable amount of time to perfecting the art of making it. This devotion, however, has not been for naught. Over the years, we have built a loyal base of patrons, and we have earned a reputation for serving up some the best sushi in Charlotte.

Though we live, eat, and breathe sushi, we know that this isn’t the case for everyone. Some sushi menus present a staggering number of options and trying to settle on one you feel good about can be quite a struggle. In today’s blog, we would like to welcome you into our sushi world by explaining some of the common types. If you are in the Charlotte area and craving seriously good sushi, stop in and see us! View our menu and contact us with any questions.

Maki

For most people, when they think of sushi, they are actually thinking of maki—i.e. fish, vegetables, and sushi rice layered and then rolled up in seaweed. Maki is traditional sushi, and it can be served cooked and or raw. Additionally, if rice is on the outside, it is uramaki. And if everything is scooped into a nori (dried seaweed) cone, it is temaki.

Though we specialize in sushi, here at Nikko Japanese Restaurant we love all Japanese food, and in today’s blog, we are going to talk about some of our favorite dishes. If you are in the Charlotte area and in the mood for some seriously good sushi, pay us a visit!

Sushi

What better Japanese food to kick this list off with than our favorite: sushi. As we’ve surely mentioned in past blog posts, great sushi (すし, 寿司, 鮨) is a work of art. To put it simply, sushi is raw fish, vinegared rice, and toppings. There are a wide array of sushi rolls out there, and sushi bars all over the world are serving up some truly delectable and original rolls. If you are interested in trying some of the best sushi in Charlotte, stop by Nikko Japanese Restaurant!

Ramen

If you ever venture to Japan—and you should!—you will be pressed to not find ramen on almost every street corner. Ramen (ラーメン) is a delicious noodles soup that is not only one of the most popular foods in Japan, but it is also one of the most inexpensive Japanese foods—a pretty awesome combination if you ask us. Additionally, one of the great things about traveling the country of Japan is trying all the regional variations of this iconic dish.

We get it—there are some nights when you don’t feel like going out. All you want to do is stay in and bask in the comfort of your own home. But what do you do when this need to be a hermit coincides with a fierce craving for sushi?

If your answer is to make your own sushi, you’re in luck! In today’s blog, we at Nikko Japanese Restaurant are going to give you some tips to make homemade sushi. Although we highly doubt, you’ll be able to create the type of delicious sushi that we serve—no offense, it’s just that we’ve spent decades perfecting the art of sushi making. It’s not arrogance, just matter of fact. Our pursuit of sushi perfection has earned us the reputation of having the best sushi in Charlotte.

Making sushi at home can not only be a fun activity but it can also be the way to a delicious dinner.If you decide to create your own rolls, follow these steps.

Gather Your Tools And Ingredients

If you have not made sushi before you likely won’t have these ingredients on hand. However, with a simple trip to your local Asian market, you can easily find the following items:

• Sushi rice
• Soy sauce
• Bamboo mat
• Plastic wrap
• Sesame seeds
• Nori
• Rice vinegar
• Wasabi
• Pickled ginger
• Fresh produce (e.g. green onion, cucumber, avocado, asparagus, bell peppers, and any other vegetables you’re craving.)
• Proteins (tempura, sashimi, tuna, salmon, etc.)

Sushi is a dish enjoyed by people all over the world. It’s a Japanese staple that has been around for over 700 years (however, the version of sushi we know and love has only been around for 200 years). Though there are a seemingly endless number of variations, most sushi is often considered to have a number of surprising health benefits. At Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, we have earned a reputation for serving up some of the best sushi in Charlotte. In fact, we were voted by the “Best of Charlotte” as being the destination for “The Best Sushi Experience.” In today’s blog, we would like to share with you some of the health benefits of our favorite food—sushi.

Heart Health

Sushi is known for having high amounts of concentrated forms of omega-3 fatty acids. This is perhaps the most sought after and cited benefit of sushi. These fatty acids act as a “good” form of cholesterol that helps to prevent clogged arteries. Omega-3 has also been linked to helping lower blood pressure. The types of sushi that are especially rich in omega-3 include lake trout, herring, tuna, and salmon.

Hormone Regulation

Many sushi rolls are wrapped in thin sheets of seaweed—or nori in Japanese. Seaweed contains a number of healthy minerals, the most prominent of which is iodine. This key mineral is an essential part of our diet and is especially important to the proper function of our thyroid glands. Though too much iodine can have negative effects, a proper level—like that found in seaweed—helps balance hormones and optimize metabolic activities.

Going to a dependably delicious Japanese restaurant and ordering a variety of sushi rolls is about as good as it gets. How could it possibly get any better? Well, for those who like to have a well-crafted alcoholic drink with their meal, the answer is simple: sake.

Sake (pronounced sa-kay) is a Japanese drink that is made by fermenting rice. It contains rice, water, yeast, and koji—a type of mold that converts the starchy rice into fermentable sugars that promote the production of alcohol. Though some often mislabel it as a wine, its taste and brewing process is not that similar to wine, and sake has a higher alcohol content than both wine and beer. Sake can be found in most Japanese restaurants, including our very own Nikko Japanese Restaurant.

Though we are regarded as having the best sushi in Charlotte—according to the Best of Charlotte—we also have a premium sake menu, which includes a range of different sake. To help prepare you for your next Japanese restaurant visit, we would like to share with you some information on the national beverage of Japan.

How Is Sake Made?

Sake is brewed from milled rice. When rice mills, it removes things like fats, proteins, and other elements that impede the fermentation process and alter the taste. The degree to which the rice has been milled—meaning, how much of the outer portion of each grain has been ground away—determines the strength and grade of the sake.

The term fine dining can bring to mind all sorts of ideas and images. It could refer to the atmosphere of the restaurant, the food that’s served, the overall experience, or perhaps something totally different and unique to your expectations. In short, it can mean something different for each restaurant and patron.

At Nikko Japanese Restaurant, fine dining is something we take very seriously. We are committed to providing the Charlotte area with incredible sushi and Japanese food, and an all-around exceptional fine dining experience. Check out our menu and plan your trip to try some of the best sushi in Charlotte.

Read on to learn what fine dining means to us.

Pride

As we’ve already mentioned, good sushi is a work of art. Because it is such a simple dish with few components, the small details, ingredients, and preparation are incredibly important. We obsess over these details and strive for perfection. What allows us to do this is the pride we take in our work and in serving our customers. Being recently voted “The Best Sushi Experience in Charlotte” has only added to our pride, and we hope that this passion and love is represented in every last detail of your dining experience.

At first glance, sushi seems rather simple—rice, raw fish, a topping, and…that’s it, right? Not exactly. When you take a closer look at sushi, you’ll find that great sushi is a true work of art. The world’s best sushi makers know this and are passionately committed to perfecting their craft. And when the ingredients are so simple, every ingredient and factor must be taken into consideration. This is why chefs obsess over every last detail of sushi preparation.

At Nikko Restaurant, we seek this same level of perfection. We know that the simplest foods can be the hardest to master, and we aspire to provide our guests with elegant, balanced, and perfect sushi. In addition to sashimi, our menu includes nigiri sushi—vinegared rice with a topping and draped with raw fish—and maki sushi—cylindrical pieces rolled together using a bamboo sushi mat. Come see why we were voted “Best Sushi Experience by The Best of Charlotte”.

Read on to learn about what makes great sushi great.

Rice

It all begins with the rice. In fact, the word sushi actually refers to the mixture of rice and vinegar, not raw fish. In western culture, rice is often viewed as a starchy staple that can’t be messed up and therefore doesn’t demand much attention when preparing. In Japanese culture, this is not the case. There is a high premium placed on rice and its preparation. And for sushi, the rice needs to be the perfect texture and have the right level of stickiness. If this is not achieved, it will fall apart when you lift it to your mouth.