Otto Izakaya Downtown Introduce
For discerning diners in Greenville, South Carolina, especially those with a keen appreciation for fresh, high-quality sushi and authentic Asian flavors, **Otto Izakaya Downtown** has firmly established itself as a culinary jackpot. This isn't just another sushi spot; it's a vibrant establishment that delivers a symphony of flavors, exceptional service, and a beautifully appointed ambiance that leaves a lasting impression. From the very first bite to the last, Otto Izakaya aims to elevate the dining experience, making it a clear favorite for locals and visitors alike in the heart of the Upstate.
What truly sets Otto Izakaya Downtown apart is its commitment to distinct flavors and a meticulously crafted menu that highlights the freshness of each component. Whether it's the crispness of the cucumber in a sushi roll or the savory depth of their unique appetizers, every dish is designed to be a standout. This dedication, combined with a staff that treats every guest like a regular, creates an atmosphere that's both relaxed and luxurious. For South Carolinians seeking an unforgettable Japanese and Korean dining adventure, Otto Izakaya Downtown offers an experience that consistently exceeds expectations, often leading to immediate return visits, sometimes even on the very same day!
Otto Izakaya Downtown is ideally situated at **802 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA**. This prime location places it right in the heart of downtown Greenville, a bustling and highly desirable area known for its vibrant culinary scene, picturesque Falls Park, and lively atmosphere. Being on South Main Street means it's easily accessible for anyone exploring the downtown area on foot, by car, or via ride-sharing services.
The restaurant's downtown presence offers significant advantages in terms of accessibility. Customers praise the **easy and available free parking**, a crucial benefit in a busy urban core where parking can often be a challenge. This convenience encourages both planned visits and spontaneous drop-ins. Its central location also makes it a perfect choice for combining a delicious meal with other downtown activities, whether it's before a show, after a stroll along the Reedy River, or as a central meeting point for friends and family. Otto Izakaya Downtown’s strategic placement ensures it's a convenient and highly desirable dining destination for the Greenville community.
- Dine-In Service: Otto Izakaya Downtown provides a beautifully appointed and relaxed ambiance for a full-service dining experience, suitable for lunch and dinner.
- Extensive Sushi Menu: Offers a wide array of classic and specialty rolls, including the highly praised Alaska Roll (salmon, avocado, cucumber), Spider Roll, JJ Spicy Roll (spicy tuna, cucumber, topped with spicy tuna, crunch, jalapeño, garlic, scallion), Lobster Tempura Roll, and Eel with Seared Tuna. Nigiri and sashimi options (Maguro/Tuna, Hamachi/Yellowtail, Sake/Salmon, etc.) are also available.
- Creative Asian Appetizers: Features unique and delicious starters such as Umami Brussels (flash-fried, teriyaki glazed), fresh-made egg rolls, Kimchi Fries, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Dynamite Mussels, and Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice.
- Korean & Japanese Entrees: Beyond sushi, the menu includes popular Korean dishes like Bi Bim Bap (traditional Korean sizzling hot stone bowl with choice of Bulgogi beef or tofu) and other kitchen entrees such as Teriyaki Stir Fry, Karaage Chicken Wings, Bulgogi Sliders, and Kalbi.
- Desserts: Offers delightful sweet endings, including cheesecake (sometimes offered on the house for returning customers).
- Beverage Service: Provides a selection of beverages, including "astounding" tea, alongside other drink options to complement the meal.
- Exceptional Customer Service: Highly praised for its friendly, professional, fast, and attentive staff who treat customers like regulars from the first visit.
- Reservations: Accepts reservations, which can be beneficial, especially during peak dining hours.
- Exquisite Sushi with Distinct Flavors: The sushi is consistently highlighted as "light and delicious," allowing diners to "taste EACH component" – from fresh salmon, avocado, and cucumber to scallions. Specialty rolls like the JJ Spicy Roll are described as "mind-blowing" and a "perfectly balanced symphony of flavor."
- Mind-Blowingly Delicious Appetizers: Standout appetizers include the "Umami Brussels," which are so delicious they are hard to resist before the main course, and "fresh-made" egg rolls.
- Outstanding and Attentive Service: The staff, particularly servers like "Bam" or "Pam," are repeatedly praised for being "AMAZING," "kind, professional, and completely understanding," treating first-time visitors like regulars with fast and friendly service.
- Beautifully Appointed and Relaxed Ambiance: The restaurant's decor is described as "relaxed yet beautifully appointed with nods to Korean and Japanese culture," including "Korean posters at the entrance," creating an inviting and well-kept environment that is "not aged" and "clean."
- Exceptional Overall Dining Experience: Customers consistently report being "pleasantly surprised by every aspect" of their meals, from food to service and ambiance, leading to immediate decisions to return.
- Generous Gestures: The restaurant has been known to offer complimentary desserts, like cheesecake, to returning customers, further enhancing the feeling of being "spoiled" and valued.
- Suitable for Multiple Visits in One Day: A significant highlight is customers' enthusiasm to return for dinner after an amazing lunch, underscoring the high quality and consistent satisfaction.
Otto Izakaya Downtown in Greenville, SC, is known for offering some attractive promotions that enhance the dining experience, particularly during specific hours. Based on available public information, the restaurant traditionally offers:
- Two Happy Hours: They often feature traditional drink specials during two distinct happy hour periods.
- Early Happy Hour: Typically runs from **4-7 p.m. daily** (Monday-Sunday), offering discounts on house liquors, draft beers, domestic bottles, and wine by the glass.
- Late-Night Sushi BOGO: A highly popular promotion, they offer **Buy One Get One (BOGO) sushi starting at 10 p.m.** This is a significant draw for late-night diners and sushi enthusiasts.
These promotions, especially the late-night sushi deal, make Otto Izakaya Downtown an even more appealing choice for those looking for great value alongside high-quality Japanese cuisine. It's always a good idea for potential diners to confirm the most current happy hour times and BOGO sushi details directly with the restaurant, as promotions can sometimes be subject to change.
To experience the exceptional sushi and Asian cuisine at Otto Izakaya Downtown, make a reservation, or inquire about their menu, you can reach them through the following contact details:
- Address: 802 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
- Phone: (864) 568-5880
The friendly and professional staff will be delighted to assist you and ensure a memorable dining experience.
For the residents of Greenville, South Carolina, **Otto Izakaya Downtown** is not just a sushi restaurant; it has truly become a culinary landmark and a hands-down favorite. Its suitability for locals is evident in the overwhelmingly positive, almost effusive, testimonials from patrons who describe their visits as "absolute culinary jackpots" and "mind blowingly delicious." This deep level of satisfaction makes it a prime choice for various local dining needs.
One of the most compelling reasons for locals to frequent Otto Izakaya is the **consistently exceptional quality of its food**. The ability to "taste EACH component" in their fresh sushi rolls, coupled with "mind-blowing" and "perfectly balanced" flavors in specialty items like the JJ Spicy Roll, sets a high bar. Furthermore, their unique and highly praised appetizers, such as the "incredible" Umami Brussels, ensure that every part of the meal is a delight. This focus on distinct flavors and fresh ingredients appeals directly to a local community that appreciates genuine culinary excellence.
Beyond the food, the **outstanding customer service** is a significant draw. Patrons are treated "as though we were regulars" from their very first visit, thanks to a "kind, professional, and completely understanding" staff. This level of personalized and friendly attention creates a welcoming atmosphere that fosters loyalty and encourages repeat visits—sometimes even on the same day! The "relaxed yet beautifully appointed" decor further contributes to a pleasant and inviting dining experience, suitable for family outings, gatherings with friends, or a special date night.
The convenience of its **downtown location with easy and available free parking**, combined with appealing promotions like the late-night BOGO sushi, makes Otto Izakaya highly accessible and a great value. It’s a place where locals can easily drop in for a quick, high-quality lunch or settle in for an extended, memorable dinner. For South Carolinians in Greenville, Otto Izakaya Downtown represents the pinnacle of Japanese and Asian dining, offering an experience that is consistently delicious, welcoming, and truly unforgettable.
Otto Izakaya Downtown Menu
Vegetarian Rolls
- Veggie Rolls US$8.00
Choose a veggie!
- Vegetarian Roll US$11.00
In: avocado, asparagus, cucumber, inari, yellow daikon.
Noodles
- Otto Ramen US$14.00
With enoki, mushrooms, carrot, zucchini, bell peppers, onions.
- Yaki Udon US$14.00
Stir fried noodles with mixed veggies, yaki sauce.
Assorted Nigiri
- Nigiri 12 Pieces US$47.00
Chefs' choice.
- Nigiri 8 Pieces US$37.00
Chefs' choice.
Rice
- Kimchi Fried Rice US$19.00
With Korean kimchi and bacon topped with sunny up egg.
- Japanese Curry US$14.00
With white rice. With potato, carrot, onions, over a bed of Rice. Topped with scallions, seaweed flakes.
- Fried Rice US$14.00
Wok style, stir fry with your choice of meat. Mixed with veggies, soy sauce, kalbi sauce, topped with scallions, sesame seeds.
- Bi Bim Bap US$20.00
A traditional Korean hot dish. Carrot, zucchini, bean sprouts, romaine, spinach on top of rice. Topped with sunny up egg. With white rice.
Assorted Sashimi
- Three Fish Sampler US$36.00
3 varieties of assorted sashimi, tuna, yellowtail, salmon (3 pieces each).
- Five Fish Sampler US$52.00
5 varieties of assorted sashimi, tuna, yellowtail, salmon, red snapper, octopus (3 pieces each).
Sushi Starters
- Yellowtail Jalapeño US$18.00
Thinly sliced yellowtail with jalapeños, ponzu sauce.
- Spicy Tuna Nori US$17.00
Fried Seaweed Chips Served w/ a Spicy Tuna Avocado Dip, Topped w/ Eel Sauce, Masago, Jalapeños, and Scallions
- Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice US$17.00
Lightly deep fried rice planks topped with spicy tuna, jalapeños, tobiko, shredded nori, bonito flakes and sweet chili
- Ahi Hawaiian US$16.00
Rice topped with masago. Seared tuna, avocado, spicy mayo.
- Dynamite Mussels_8 US$16.00
Mussels with spicy mayo and crab salad. Baked, topped with masago scallions eel sauce. 4 pieces.
Nigiri/Sashimi
- Hamachi/Yellowtail US$9.00
- Smoked Salmon US$8.00
Tuna maguro.
- Kinmedai/Red Snapper US$7.00
- Escolar/White Fish US$8.00
- Maguro/Tuna US$8.00
- Tamago/Egg US$6.00
Egg omelet.
- Ebi/Boiled Shrimp US$7.00
Boiled shrimp.
- Inari/Fried Sweet Tofu US$6.00
Fried sweet tofu.
- Unagi/BBQ Eel US$9.00
BBQ fresh water eel.
- Sake/Salmon US$8.00
Salmon, available as nigiri (2 pieces) or sashimi ( 2 pieces).
- Masago/Smelt Roe US$8.00
- Kani/Crab Stick US$7.00
Crab stick.
Combo Deals
- Single Combo US$19.00
Choose an appetizer then choose your entrée! Price will vary depending on options
- Double Combo US$36.00
Choose 2 appetizers then choose 2 entrées! Price will vary depending on options
Soup / Salad
- Spicy Mayo US$0.75
Otto's signature spicy mayo sauce. Great for sushi and other fried items
- Avocado Salad US$15.00
Avocado slices, steamed shrimp, crab sticks, daikon, beets, asparagus, tamago, ponzu sauce.
- Miso Soup US$6.00
Served with seaweed, tofu scallions.
- White Sauce US$0.75
Otto's signature white sauce. Great for fried rice and sushi
- Kani Salad US$16.00
Seaweed salad, kani, daikon, beets, crab salad, freshly mixed greens, cucumbers, ponzu sauce.
Meats
- Bulgogi US$24.00
With white rice. Thinly sliced beef, stir fried in sweet soy sauce veggies. Topped with scallions sesame seeds.
- Karaage Wings US$21.00
With izakaya fries. Crispy wings tossed in sweet and spicy chili sauce, topped with scallions, peanuts, sesame seeds.
- Teriyaki Stir Fry US$18.00
With white rice. A classic stir fry cooked in a flaming hot wok with teriyaki sauce.
- Spicy Pork Belly US$29.00
With white rice. Sliced pork belly marinated with gochujang mix. Stir fried with veggies, kimchi. Topped with sesame seeds, scallions.
- Bang Bang Chicken US$19.00
- Bang Bang Shrimp US$19.00
Battered and breaded with panko and house made Japanese batter. Fried to a delicious crisp and served with fresh French fries and sweet Thai chili sauce
- Kalbi US$33.00
With Izakaya fries. Tender Korean short ribs marinated in kalbi sauce, topped with scallion, sesame seeds.
House Specialty Rolls
- Playboy Roll US$17.00
In: red snapper, spicy tuna, asparagus. Out: shrimp, eel sauce, spicy mayo, sriracha, furikake.
- Samurai Roll US$16.00
In: spicy tuna, cucumber. Out: Eel, inari, crunch, scallion, masago, Eel sauce, spicy mayo, wasabi mayo.
- Philly Roll US$12.00
In: Smoked salmon, cream chz, avocado. Out: scallion.
- L.A. Roll US$10.00
In: crab stick, cream chz, avocado, cucumber. Out: sesame seeds.
- Kamikaze Roll US$17.00
In: spicy tuna, cucumber. Out: yellow tail, scallion, sriracha.
- Rainbow Roll US$17.00
In: crab stick, cucumber, avocado. Out: tuna, salmon, red snapper, shrimp, avocado.
- Hurricane Roll US$17.00
In: spicy salmon, yellow tail,cucumber. Out: salmon, yellow tail, avocado, spicy, mayo.
- J.J. Fire Roll US$18.00
In: spicy tuna, cucumber. Out: spicy tuna, crunch, masago, jalapeño, garlic scallion, eel sauce, spicy mayo, wasabi mayo, sriracha.
- American Tuna Roll US$16.00
Spicy tuna cucumber topped with tuna avocado spicy mayo and eel sauce.
- Lobster Tempura Roll US$18.00
In: lobster, spicy mayo. Out: shrimp, avocado, masago, eel sauce.
- Spicy Tuna Roll US$11.00
In: spicy tuna, cucumber. Out: scallion.
- Typhoon Roll US$17.00
In: spicy salmon, yellow tail, avocado. Out: salmon, yellow tail, avocado, jalapeño, sriracha.
- Shrimp Tempura Roll US$13.00
In: shrimp tempura avocado cucumber. Out: masago eel sauce.
- Spider Roll US$18.00
In: fried crab, avocado. Out: masago, eel sauce.
- California Roll US$10.00
In; crab stick avocado cucumber. Out; masago.
- Alaska Roll US$12.00
In; salmon, avocado, cucumber. Out; scallion.
- Baked Salmon Roll US$16.00
In; crab stick, avocado. Out; salmon, scallion, masago, sesame seeds, spicy mayo, eel sauce.
- Otto Slammer US$15.00
In: tuna, eel, kanpyo, avocado. Out: crunch,scallion, masago, eel sauce, spicy mayo, wasabi mayo.
One Fish Rolls/Handrolls
- Salmon Roll US$10.00
In: salmon.
- BBQ Eel Roll US$10.00
In: avocado, eel.
- Tuna Roll US$10.00
In: tuna.
- Spicy Salmon Roll US$10.00
- Yellowtail Roll US$10.00
In: yellowtail, scallion.
Starters
- Gyoza (5 Pieces) US$0.00
Steamed, pan seared or deep-fried.
- Umami Brussels US$10.00
Glazed with teriyaki, topped with sesame seeds garlic salt.
- Tempura Shishito US$10.00
Shishito peppers deep fried, topped with eel sauce, spicy mayo.
- Shrimp Tempura US$13.00
Deep Fried Shrimp Tempura (4pcs) Served w/ Tempura Sauce
- Kimchi Fries US$15.00
Fries Drizzled w/ Black Truffle Oil and Grated Parmesan Cheese. Served w/ Spicy Mayo Dip
- Edamame US$7.00
Soft boiled soy pods dressed in soy sauce topped with salt parmesan.
Fried Roll
- Clemson Roll US$15.00
In: cream chz, crab stick, cucumber, avocado, masago. Out: eel sauce, spicy mayo, wasabi mayo.
- Izakaya Roll US$14.00
In: spicy tuna, cream chz. Out: eel sauce, spicy mayo, swt chili.
- Gamecock Roll US$17.00
In: avocado, tuna, salmon, red snapper, masago, cream chz. Out: eel sauce, spicy mayo, swt chili, masago.
Otto Izakaya Downtown Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great tea selection
- Sport
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Assistive hearing loop
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- University students
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Otto Izakaya Downtown Photos










Otto Izakaya Downtown Location
Otto Izakaya Downtown
802 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Otto Izakaya Downtown Reviews
Sitting over my empty plate right now… And, oh. my. gosh. I could go for at LEAST 3 more Alaska Rolls. The sushi was light and delicious, and their tea was ASTOUNDING! The best part especially about the sushi is that you can taste EACH component. The salmon, the fresh avocado and cucumber, the scallions… it’s so good! Would absolutely go again!! Kind of disappointed I didn’t get more… 🥲 Our server was Bam and she was AMAZING! She was kind, professional, and completely understanding! Not only did we go for lunch, we came back for dinner! (Yeah.. that’s how good it is.) For dinner I split the umami Brussels and had the Spicy Tuna roll. I had to TRY to contain myself around the Umami Brussels before my sushi, though, it felt impossible due to its deliciousness!! 😵💫 In the end, they even ended up giving us a cheesecake on the house for coming back! Another delicious food… We were absolutely spoiled!! LOVE THIS PLACE! — A SC local
March 31 · Amelio ZambranoMy daughter and I love to try new sushi places, but it is always a gamble. Our lunch and subsequent dinner (same evening) were absolute culinary jackpots!!! We went in blind knowing nothing about this wondeful establishment and were pleasantly surprised by every aspect of our meals. From the friendly and fast service of our wonderful waitress Pam, who treated us as though we were regulars despite it being our first visit. To the mind blowingly delicious appetizers, sushi, and dessert (even the tea was excellent). The ambiance was relaxed yet beautifully appointed with nods to Korean and Japanese culture. My daughter and I especially loved the Korean posters at the entrance. But the star of the show was the food. We both had sushi for lunch. My daughter had the alaskan with salmon, and I had the spider rolls, the JJ spicy rolls, and the shrimp tempura. The spicy rolls were mind-blowing! Every element of flavor was distinct and complimented each component of the roll. A perfectly balanced symphony of flavor that had me wishing I had a bigger stomach. Each roll was just exceptionslly well executed from plating to composition. After our lunch, we walked the beautiful downtown for a couple of hours and kept gushing about how good our lunch was, which led to the question of where to go for dinner........ we looked at nearby places but ultimately decided that lunch was so amazing at Otto Izakaya that we wanted to return for dinner lol. The staff was so friendly and welcoming and seated us almost immediately despite being busy. We were lucky to be seated in Pams section again and the service the second time around was just as kind and wonderful. The fried Brussel sprout appetizer was incredible and II had to have the JJ spicy again as well as the lobster rolls and the Eel with seared tuna, SO GOOD!!!! This amazing meal was capped off with the most silky smooth slice of cheescake that just sent the experience into orbit. We have officially found our favorite place to eat in Greenville, hands down no contest. We will be back and would just like to thank the amazing staff and chefs for making our night so great and memorable.
March 30 · Z ZFood was absolutely incredible. Fish was very fresh, the bowl of rice was seasoned perfectly. Got served by Dylan at the bar, he was very attentive without lingering. The bar manager Matt made the whole night worth it- I hate I don’t live closer I would definitely make this a weekly visit!
February 02 · Hush KitThe Clemson Roll was just... amazing. Our waitress was so cool and sweet too!
May 25 · AshThe food was made fresh and full of delicious flavors. I had the; Izakaya Tempura Roll, Pork Dumplings (panfried); and Miso Soup w/ tofu! It was all very delicious and the total for all of it was around $50 so a little pricey but it was worth it for the amount.
December 29 · pluto
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