Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar Introduce
nakato japanese restaurant
Are you a North Carolina local in the Charlotte area, searching for a Japanese dining experience that consistently delivers delicious food, lively entertainment, and a truly welcoming atmosphere? Look no further than Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, a beloved establishment that has been serving the Charlotte area since 1976. This isn't just a place to grab a bite; it’s a destination where the sizzle of the hibachi grill meets the artistry of sushi, all underscored by exceptional service. If you appreciate a fun dining experience with fresh ingredients and a team that remembers your name, Nakato is your ideal spot.
Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar offers a diverse menu that caters to all preferences, seamlessly blending the excitement of a steakhouse with the elegance of a sushi bar. Their traditional teppanyaki cooking is a highlight, where skilled chefs prepare your meal right before your eyes, using only the finest selection of beef, seafood, and chicken. This interactive dining style creates a "fun dining experience" that's perfect for families, groups, or anyone looking for more than just a meal. For those who prefer classic Japanese fare, their sushi bar boasts a wide selection of nigiri sushi, sashimi, and rolls, all made with the freshest seafood.
What truly sets Nakato apart is the warmth and dedication of its staff. Customers consistently rave about the "super friendly" host staff who "know our party by name," making every visit feel personal and special. Bartenders like Allissa are praised for their "fantastic, excellent service and amazing energy," while hibachi chefs like Tuan are celebrated for their skill and ability to provide a great show. And let's not forget the food itself: the garlic noodles are a particular favorite, described as "seasoned well" and so delicious that many "always order extra!" With good portions and an inviting decor featuring "soft lighting," Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar provides a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable experience that keeps locals coming back for more.
Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar is conveniently located at 8601 University Executive Park Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA. This prime location places it within the bustling University City area of Charlotte, making it highly accessible for residents across the city and surrounding communities in North Carolina. University Executive Park Drive is a well-known and easily navigated area, ensuring that finding the restaurant is straightforward whether you're coming from the university campus, nearby residential areas, or other parts of Charlotte.
The restaurant's setting within University Executive Park provides ample parking, contributing to a hassle-free arrival for diners. This ease of parking is a significant advantage, particularly for those looking for a planned group outing, a family dinner, or a relaxed evening with friends without the added stress of navigating congested urban areas or struggling to find a spot. Its established presence in a lively part of Charlotte also makes it a practical choice for those already in the vicinity for work, errands, or entertainment.
For locals in North Carolina, especially those in the northern and eastern parts of Charlotte, Nakato's address means it's a convenient and desirable choice for various dining needs. Its accessibility ensures that more people can discover and enjoy the exciting hibachi, fresh sushi, and excellent service that Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar is well-known for, reinforcing its status as a valued local dining option.
- Teppanyaki (Hibachi) Dining: Experience live culinary entertainment with skilled chefs preparing your meal right at your table. Choose from a variety of proteins like chicken, steak, shrimp, scallops, salmon, and lobster, served with vegetables, soup, salad, and your choice of steamed rice, fried rice, or the famous garlic noodles.
- Full Sushi Bar: Offers a wide selection of fresh nigiri sushi, sashimi, and an extensive list of sushi rolls, including popular choices like the Spider Roll, Nakato Roll, Sunfire Roll, Volcano Roll, and Dragon Roll.
- Traditional Japanese Cuisine: Beyond hibachi and sushi, the menu includes authentic Japanese dishes, appetizers, soups, and salads.
- Appetizers: A diverse range of starters such as Edamame, Gyoza (pan-fried pork dumplings), Shumai (shrimp dumplings), Shrimp Tempura, Vegetable Tempura, Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna, Squid Salad, Seaweed Salad, and Bacon Wrapped Scallops.
- Soups and Salads: Classic Miso Soup, Clear Soup (mussel broth), House Salad with ginger dressing, Kaisou Salad (seaweed salad), and Ika Sansai (seasoned squid salad).
- Ramen & Noodle Dishes: Includes Tonkotsu Ramen, Tempura Udon, Nabe Yaki Udon, and various stir-fried Yakisoba options (Veggie, Chicken, Shrimp, Beef).
- Fried Rice Options: Offers Veggie & Egg, Chicken, Shrimp, Beef, and Seafood Fried Rice.
- Full Bar Service: A selection of alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and sake to complement your meal.
- Dine-In Service: Provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere with "soft lighting" and "nice decor."
- Takeout & Delivery: Convenient options for ordering menu items for pickup or delivery through online platforms like DoorDash and Postmates.
- Reservations: Available through platforms like OpenTable, recommended for securing your spot, especially for hibachi tables or during peak hours.
- Catering Services: Offers options for private parties and events, including magnificent sushi platters and on-site hibachi chefs.
- Engaging Hibachi Show: A key highlight is the interactive and "fun dining experience" provided by the hibachi chefs, who cook meals with flair right at the table. Chefs like Tuan are specifically praised for being "always great!"
- Exceptional Customer Service: The host staff are "super friendly and know our party by name," creating a highly personalized and welcoming experience. Bartenders like Allissa are noted for "fantastic, excellent service and amazing energy."
- Delicious Garlic Noodles: A standout favorite among customers, described as "seasoned well" and so popular that many "always order extra."
- Fresh and Excellent Sushi: The sushi rolls, including the Spider Roll, are consistently rated as "fantastic" and made with fresh ingredients.
- Good Portions: Customers appreciate the generous serving sizes, ensuring that everyone leaves "stuffed" and satisfied.
- Inviting Atmosphere and Decor: The restaurant features "really nice" decor with "soft lighting," creating a relaxed and pleasant ambiance, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Consistency in Quality: Many customers are regulars who have been visiting for years, a testament to the consistent quality of food and service.
- Diverse Menu for All Tastes: Beyond the popular hibachi, the extensive sushi bar and traditional Japanese offerings ensure there’s something for every palate, making it suitable for varied groups.
Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar frequently provides appealing promotions and special offers for its valued North Carolina customers, enhancing their dining experience and offering great value. These often include:
- Groupon Bucks Program: Nakato participates in the Groupon Bucks program. By claiming the offer in the Groupon app and making a purchase directly at the restaurant, customers can collect $2 Groupon Bucks to use on a future Groupon purchase. This is an ongoing way to get a little extra back on your dining.
- Lunch and Dinner Specials: While specific rotating daily specials are not detailed, Nakato offers separate lunch and dinner menus with varying price points for their hibachi and sushi items. Lunch portions for hibachi, for instance, are generally more affordably priced, making it a great option for a midday meal.
- Gift Cards: Nakato offers gift cards, providing a convenient way to share the Nakato experience with friends, family, or colleagues. These can be purchased and delivered in various formats.
- Catering Packages: For larger gatherings or private events, Nakato offers catering services, which can include magnificent sushi platters and potentially on-site hibachi chefs. While not a direct discount, these tailored services provide value for special occasions.
For the most current and specific details on any limited-time promotions, seasonal offers, or changes to their special programs, North Carolina locals are highly encouraged to visit Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar's official website, check their social media channels, or call the restaurant directly. Staying informed ensures you can take full advantage of the excellent value and experiences Nakato has to offer.
For those eager to experience the delicious food and vibrant atmosphere at Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, here’s how you can get in touch or find their location:
- Address: 8601 University Executive Park Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA
- Phone: (704) 549-9966
- Mobile Phone: +1 704-549-9966
Feel free to use the provided phone numbers to make a reservation, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours or with a larger group for a hibachi table. Their friendly staff will be happy to assist you with any questions about their menu, catering services, or current operating hours. Located conveniently on University Executive Park Drive, Nakato is easily accessible for diners throughout Charlotte and the surrounding areas, making it a practical choice for your next Japanese dining adventure.
For locals across North Carolina, particularly in the bustling city of Charlotte, Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining destination. It consistently delivers on its promise of a memorable Japanese culinary experience, perfectly aligning with the diverse preferences and needs of the local community.
One of the strongest reasons for its local appeal is the captivating hibachi experience. It's not just a meal; it's an interactive show that adds excitement and entertainment, making it an ideal choice for families, celebrations, or simply a fun night out with friends. The skill and personality of the hibachi chefs, like Tuan, create a dynamic atmosphere that keeps guests engaged and entertained, a unique draw for diners seeking more than just food.
Furthermore, the consistent quality of the cuisine, from the "fantastic" sushi to the "delicious" and "seasoned well" garlic noodles, ensures that every dish is a delight. The generous portions mean that guests leave feeling fully satisfied, offering excellent value for the dining experience. The option to choose between the lively hibachi side and the more serene sushi bar also caters to different dining moods and preferences, adding to its versatility.
Crucially, the "super friendly" and "fantastic" service stands out. The staff's ability to know regulars by name and their overall attentiveness create a welcoming and comfortable environment that encourages loyalty and repeat visits. This personal touch, combined with the exciting atmosphere and delicious food, firmly establishes Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar as a cherished part of Charlotte's dining scene, making it a must-visit for any North Carolina local seeking an authentic and enjoyable Japanese culinary journey.
Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar Photos










Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar Location
Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
8601 University Executive Park Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA
Nakato Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar Reviews
Love Nakato’s! The host staff are super friendly and know our party by name! We have a few favorite chefs, but Tuan is always great! Favorite part of my food is always the garlic noodles. They are seasoned well and I always order extra! Good portions and a fun dining experience.
Mar 27, 2025 · Brittany ChinAllissa at the bar was absolutely fantastic, excellent service and amazing energy. We had some sushi rolls the spider roll was fantastic. The decor was also really nice loved the soft lighting.
Jan 10, 2025 · Cynthia LaRocheWe went for the first time to a Hibachi restaurant and brought our 6 month old - we had a great time.Good price for the quality of food and the show you get. I wish there would be an explanation in the binging of what’s served, in which order and how to each and what to expect. The server forgot my rice but they were all really nice and did a great job.The restaurant itself is huge. Reservation is requires and parking is plenty available.
Jan 19, 2025 · VanessaUpdated review 2025Nakatos 😢 oh how I’m so disappointed in your chef for messing up my Birthday dinner. I use to absolutely love this restaurant, I have never had a bad dinner here. It started off so good we were seated fast and the host was very nice. When the waiter came is when it went downhill. He was confused on every order he took at the table, which eventually confused the chef later on. Well I ordered the veggie hibachi and I would think if I don’t eat meat, please don’t use the same utensils on the veggies. I guess some restaurants need a better understanding of this. My daughters wasn’t told you only offer the one type of shrimp and no longer have the appetizer shrimp that they order and was willing to pay more for. That would have been nice to know along with my other daughter being served boneless chewy chicken thighs instead of breast which makes a BIG difference in taste. But the stealer of the show was the crunchy vegetables and the fried rice. Why in the world was the whole table of 10 people at least served EGG FRIED RICE??? Where were the vegetables. The chef could not cook, I’m not sure if he was new or not but he needs better training and timing for the food. Not to mention the waiter only came back once after we were sat. Do better!!! I would recommend anyone that goes to Nakatos to try Fuji it’s cheaper and the food is way better and the chefs still entertain while cooking.Old Review- The food is alright, but the wait for a table is ridiculous. If it wasn't my daughter 16th birthday I would not had wait. The 2hr wait that was suppose to be a 1hr wait would've been so bad if the hostess would come around and ask if everyone okay, offer water or anything . Work on better customer service its to many restaurants for them to think people have to put up with the bad customer service. Now I see why I haven't been there in years.
Jan 21, 2025 · Let's Talk about itI visited this location to celebrate a birthday; upon entering, we were greeted warmly by the receptionists. The decor was very beautiful inside and out. The bar in the lobby area offered many draft options and cocktails (very reasonable on price). The dining experience was a 10 out of 10, the cooks were very personable and entertaining. They even came out to sing happy birthday once in English, then again in Japanese which was cool! The whole experience was WONDERFUL, will be back. Thanks for hosting us!
Mar 03, 2025 · Denisha Wiggins
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