There’s a couple of reason to be excited about Saku Yakitori and Sushi, one of 4 restaurants that opened in Charlotte last week. One reason is that Saku is bringing traditional Japanese flavors and cooking techniques to Charlotte, something the owners, Dao Nguyen, Sophia Lim, and Richard Tang, think is necessary in the city. Another reason is the stunning ambience, adding to the city’s already beautiful collective of restaurants.
Saku meaning “to bloom” is visualized perfectly in the restaurant that’s decorated with vivid pink cherry blossoms along the ceiling, cherry blossom trees against the floor to ceiling windows for an excellent dining backdrop, and in the wallpaper design decorating the columns of the full bar. There’s also stunning artwork designed by local artists, making Saku a beauty to behold.
Now, how’s the food?
As far as the menu goes, they utilize a robata style of grilling where quality cuts of meat and seafood are cooked over Japanese charcoal to perfection. These are their Yakitori or skewers which can come with scallops, pork belly, lobster or shoshito peppers. Their small plates include items like roasted bone marrow, fried calamari, garlic noodles, poke salad, and even A5 Japanese Miyazaki Wagyu. And of course, there’s a whole section of the menu dedicated to sushi (signature rolls, hand rolls, and nigiri).
For their cocktails, they all call back deliciously to the flavors of the restaurant. Try their Lemongrass Ginger Cocktail with bourbon, lemon juice, lemongrass, ginger, and honey or their Blushing Rose with Garden spritz, sakura vermouth, and grapefruit juice
The restaurant is two stories and is open for dinner by reservation only.
Where: 123 East 5th St Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28202