O-Ku

For those in Greenville, South Carolina, who truly appreciate the art and flavor of Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi, **O-Ku Downtown** stands as a beacon of excellence. More than just a restaurant, O-Ku offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience where every dish is crafted with precision and the freshest ingredients. It's the kind of place that sets the standard for quality, making it the go-to choice for locals seeking an exceptional culinary journey that consistently leaves them wanting more, even after a multi-course tasting.

O-Ku Downtown has garnered a reputation for being "hands down the best sushi in Greenville," a testament to its dedication to superior taste and presentation. The atmosphere is described as "very laid back," allowing diners to fully immerse themselves in the experience without feeling rushed. For South Carolinians celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to indulge in top-tier Japanese food, O-Ku provides an unforgettable experience where service is superb, and the food speaks for itself. It's where fresh components, from the salmon and avocado to the subtle hints of scallions, truly shine through, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.

O-Ku Downtown is prominently located at **30 W Broad St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA**. This address places it firmly in the heart of downtown Greenville, a highly desirable and easily navigable area known for its vibrant restaurant scene, cultural attractions, and pedestrian-friendly layout. Its position on West Broad Street ensures excellent visibility and straightforward access for both local residents and visitors exploring the city center.

Accessibility in downtown Greenville is well-managed, with numerous public parking facilities available nearby. While O-Ku itself may not have a private lot, downtown Greenville boasts over 8,000 parking spaces, including free on-street options and multiple city garages just steps away from popular dining destinations. The Broad Street Garage, for instance, is conveniently located near O-Ku. Furthermore, the City of Greenville often offers free parking on weekends in select locations, enhancing the ease of access for diners. This strategic location makes O-Ku an ideal spot for combining a sophisticated meal with exploring the charming downtown area of Greenville, South Carolina.

• Dine-In Service: O-Ku offers a refined yet laid-back atmosphere for lunch and dinner, perfect for both intimate dining and group celebrations.
• Omakase - Chef's Creative Multi-Course Tasting Menu: For a truly immersive culinary journey, guests can opt for the chef's creative multi-course tasting menu, allowing them to experience a wide array of exquisite dishes expertly selected by the chef. All guests at the table must participate in this offering.
• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Selection: Renowned for its sushi, O-Ku offers a vast array of Nigiri (1 piece) and Sashimi (2 pieces) options including high-quality fish like Otoro (fattiest tuna), Akami (bluefin tuna), Sake (Scottish salmon), Hamachi (yellowtail), Uni (sea urchin), and more exotic choices like Shima Aji (striped jack) and Gindara (black cod).
• Specialty Sushi Rolls (Makimono): A creative selection of rolls, such as The Paladin (shrimp tempura, kani krab, avocado), Reedy River (torched salmon, kani krab, cucumber, avocado), The Upstate (seared beef, shrimp tempura, anchovy), Greenville Goddess (mango, cucumber, avocado), and The Falls (hamachi, spicy tuna).
• Small Plates (Chef's Specialties): An innovative selection of appetizers and smaller dishes, including Rock Shrimp (spicy aioli), Crispy Brussels Sprouts (sweet shoyu truffle), Salmon Usuzukuri (truffle ponzu), Hamachi Carpaccio, Akami Crudo, Otoro Shots (caviar, truffle ponzu, uni), Crispy Rice (spicy sashimi), and Wagyu Tartare Toast.
• Entrees: A curated selection of larger dishes such as Chicken Teriyaki, Braised Beef Short Rib, Pork Chop, and Seared Scallops.
• Teppan Dishes (Sizzle): Offerings like Lobster Teppan and Wagyu Teppan (A5 Wagyu by the ounce), providing a high-end cooked experience.
• Desserts: Unique dessert options like Ube Brownie, Sata Andagi (Okinawan donuts), and Yuzu Peach Eclair.
• Full Bar Service: A comprehensive beverage program featuring a wide selection of Japanese whiskey, sake, craft cocktails, imported and local beers, and wine. Their tea is also highly praised.
• Accommodates Dietary Needs: Demonstrated ability to cater to food allergies, making guests feel comfortable with prepared dishes.

• "Best Sushi in Greenville" (Hands Down): Multiple customer reviews emphatically state that O-Ku offers the best sushi in Greenville, highlighting its superior quality and flavor profile.
• Exceptional Freshness and Flavor Clarity in Sushi: Diners consistently praise the sushi for being "light and delicious," with the ability to "taste EACH component" – emphasizing the quality of individual ingredients like salmon, fresh avocado, cucumber, and scallions.
• Superb Food and Service: The overall dining experience is characterized by "superb" food and service, indicating a consistent commitment to excellence from both the kitchen and front-of-house staff.
• Inviting and Laid-Back Atmosphere: Despite its high-end offerings, the ambiance is described as "very laid back," creating a comfortable and enjoyable setting for guests. The decor is "beautifully appointed."
• Highly Recommended Omakase Experience: The Chef's Creative Multi-Course Tasting Menu (Omakase) is a significant highlight, offering a "great way to get a taste of many things" and providing a unique culinary adventure.
• Outstanding Appetizers: Dishes like the "Umami Brussels" are noted for their "deliciousness," making them a must-try.
• Accommodating for Food Allergies: The staff demonstrates an "amazing job at making me feel comfortable" regarding food allergies, showcasing a high level of attentiveness and care.
• Excellent Beverage Program: The tea is specifically called "ASTOUNDING," suggesting a high-quality beverage selection beyond just alcoholic options.
• Commitment to Customer Return: The positive experiences often lead to immediate plans for return visits, sometimes even for multiple meals in one day, speaking to the high level of satisfaction.

O-Ku Downtown in Greenville, SC, enhances its high-quality dining experience with appealing promotions, particularly its well-regarded happy hour offerings. Based on available information, O-Ku typically features:

• Happy Hour Specials: These promotions are a significant draw, making their exquisite food and beverages more accessible.
• Specific Happy Hour Times: While times can vary, O-Ku has been known to offer happy hour from **Monday to Thursday, typically from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM**, and also on **Sundays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM**.
• Happy Hour Menu Items: During happy hour, guests can often find discounted small plates and sushi rolls. Examples from typical happy hour menus at O-Ku locations include Rock Shrimp Tempura, Salmon Usuzukuri, Shishito Peppers, and select sushi rolls like the Mt. Fuji, The Classic, and California Roll at reduced prices.

These structured promotions provide an excellent opportunity for South Carolinians to experience O-Ku's renowned cuisine at a more accessible price point, particularly the sushi and select appetizers. For the most current and accurate details on happy hour times and specific menu offerings, it is always recommended to check O-Ku's official website or contact the Greenville location directly, as promotions can be subject to change.

To indulge in the exceptional Japanese cuisine and sushi experience at O-Ku Downtown, for reservations, or any inquiries, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 30 W Broad St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
• Phone: (864) 326-4812

The superb team at O-Ku will be delighted to assist you and ensure a memorable dining occasion in downtown Greenville.

For the residents of Greenville, South Carolina, **O-Ku Downtown** is unequivocally more than just a Japanese restaurant; it is a premier culinary destination that consistently delivers an unparalleled dining experience. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its unwavering commitment to quality, exceptional service, and sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance, making it a truly cherished establishment in the Upstate.

Firstly, the reputation for having "hands down the best sushi in Greenville" is a powerful draw. Locals who appreciate authentic, fresh, and meticulously prepared sushi will find O-Ku to be a consistent favorite. The ability to "taste EACH component" within a roll, highlighting the freshness of ingredients like salmon, avocado, and cucumber, speaks to a level of culinary artistry that sets it apart. The option of an "Omakase Chef's Creative Multi-Course Tasting Menu" further solidifies its appeal for those seeking a truly immersive and high-end Japanese dining experience in their own city.

Secondly, the **superb service** and "very laid back" yet "beautifully appointed" atmosphere create a welcoming and comfortable environment. Locals value establishments where staff are attentive, professional, and go the extra mile, such as accommodating food allergies with "amazing" care. This combination of top-tier food and genuinely excellent hospitality makes every visit feel special, whether it's for a celebratory occasion or a spontaneous desire for exceptional sushi.

Finally, its prime **downtown Greenville location** on West Broad Street, complemented by accessible public parking options, adds a layer of convenience. The attractive happy hour promotions, including discounted small plates and sushi, also provide excellent value, making the high-quality experience more accessible for a wider range of patrons. For South Carolinians who consider themselves sushi connoisseurs or are simply looking for a consistently superb and memorable Japanese dining experience, O-Ku Downtown is not just suitable—it's an essential part of Greenville's vibrant culinary landscape, ensuring that locals "will definitely return!"

O-Ku

30 W Broad St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA