Sole' Sushi Bar and Grill: Fresh Fish and Japanese Cuisine in South Carolina

What to expect at Sole' Sushi Bar and Grill

Sole' Sushi Bar and Grill serves contemporary Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on fresh sushi, sashimi, and cooked dishes that blend traditional technique with modern presentation. The restaurant operates as a full-service sushi bar where chefs prepare rolls and nigiri to order, alongside grilled entrées and appetizers. The dining experience centers on the sushi counter, where you can watch preparation, or table seating for a more casual meal.

The menu balances classic sushi offerings—California rolls, spicy tuna, salmon nigiri—with house specialties and seasonal preparations. Cooked options typically include teriyaki dishes, grilled fish, and tempura. The bar stocks Japanese beer, sake, and cocktails designed to pair with the food. Sole' positions itself as a neighborhood spot rather than fine dining, with moderate pricing and a relaxed atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

• Sole' operates a full sushi bar where chefs prepare rolls and nigiri fresh to order, and you can sit at the counter to watch the work.
• The menu includes both raw preparations like sashimi and nigiri, and cooked options such as teriyaki and grilled fish for diners who prefer them.
• The restaurant serves Japanese beer, sake, and house cocktails designed to complement sushi and Japanese dishes.
• Seating is available both at the sushi counter and at tables throughout the dining room, so you can choose the experience that suits you.

Where Sole' fits in South Carolina's dining scene

Japanese sushi restaurants have become established in South Carolina's larger cities and suburbs, but quality varies widely. Sole' occupies the middle ground—more serious about sourcing and technique than casual chains, but without the formality or price point of high-end omakase venues. This makes it a practical choice for weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual groups.

The restaurant reflects a broader shift in South Carolina dining toward cuisines beyond Low Country staples. While Charleston and Columbia have multiple sushi options, Sole' serves communities where Japanese restaurants are less common, filling a gap for diners who want fresh fish prepared with care but don't want to travel far or spend heavily.

How to order at the sushi counter

If you sit at the sushi bar, you order directly from the chef or a bartender standing behind the counter. This is the most interactive way to eat at Sole'—you can ask questions about what's fresh that day, request modifications to rolls, or ask for recommendations based on what you like. Chefs typically prepare each order as you request it, so timing is staggered rather than all dishes arriving at once.

First-time sushi eaters often feel uncertain about what to order. Starting with a California roll or spicy tuna roll is a low-risk entry point; both use cooked or processed ingredients and familiar flavors. If you want to try raw fish, nigiri—a small mound of rice topped with a single piece of fish—is simpler than rolls and lets you taste the fish clearly. Tell the chef your comfort level, and they can guide you toward options that match it.

Sushi and raw fish: What's actually in it

Sushi refers to the rice preparation, not the raw fish. Sushi rice is seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt, then cooled to room temperature. Nigiri is sushi rice topped with a thin slice of raw or cooked fish. A roll wraps sushi rice and fillings in seaweed (nori) and is sliced into pieces. Sashimi is raw fish alone, without rice—it's not technically sushi.

Most sushi restaurants, including Sole', source fish from suppliers who freeze it to a specific temperature to kill parasites, making it safe to eat raw. This is standard practice in the United States and is required by food safety regulations. If you're pregnant, immunocompromised, or uncomfortable with raw fish for any reason, the cooked options—teriyaki, tempura, grilled fish—are equally satisfying and don't require explanation to the staff.

Pairing drinks with your meal

Japanese beer—typically lighter and crisper than American styles—pairs naturally with salty, umami-forward sushi. Sake, a rice wine, ranges from dry to sweet and from delicate to bold. A dry sake complements raw fish without overpowering it; a slightly sweet sake works well with spicy rolls. If you're new to sake, ask the bartender for a recommendation in the price range you're comfortable with, and they can suggest a bottle or glass that matches your meal.

Cocktails at sushi restaurants often feature citrus, ginger, or wasabi to echo Japanese flavors. Non-alcoholic options—tea, soft drinks, or house-made beverages—are equally valid. The goal is something that refreshes your palate between bites, not necessarily something that "matches" the food in a formal sense.

Timing, reservations, and what to know before you go

Sushi restaurants often have predictable rush periods: Friday and Saturday evenings, and lunch on weekdays when office workers stop in. If you prefer a quieter experience or want more attention from the chef, weekday afternoons or early evenings are typically less crowded. Many sushi bars take reservations for tables but operate the counter on a first-come, first-served basis—if you want to sit at the bar, you may need to wait during peak hours.

Dress code at Sole' is casual; there's no need to dress up. Bring cash if you plan to tip at the counter, though most restaurants now accept card payments. If you have allergies—particularly to shellfish or sesame—mention them when ordering, as many sushi preparations include these ingredients or are prepared near them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sushi safe to eat if I'm pregnant?

Raw fish carries a small risk of listeria, which can affect pregnancy. The CDC recommends pregnant people avoid raw fish, including sushi. Sole' and most sushi restaurants offer cooked alternatives—teriyaki, grilled fish, tempura, and cooked rolls—that are safe and delicious. Tell your server you're pregnant, and they can point you toward these options.

What's the difference between sushi and sashimi?

Sushi is seasoned rice, usually topped with or wrapped around fish and other ingredients. Sashimi is raw fish alone, sliced thin and served without rice. If you want to taste the fish clearly without the rice, order sashimi. If you prefer the combination of flavors and textures, sushi is the better choice.

Can I bring my own soy sauce or condiments?

Most restaurants provide soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger at the table or counter. Bringing your own is not necessary and may not be welcomed. If you have a specific brand or type you prefer, ask the server what they have available.

What should I order if I don't like raw fish?

Sole' serves grilled fish, teriyaki chicken or beef, tempura (battered and fried vegetables or shrimp), and cooked rolls made with ingredients like crab, shrimp, or avocado. These are not "lesser" options—they're full menu items with the same care in preparation. Start with a teriyaki dish or a California roll if you want to ease into the restaurant's style.

How much should I tip at the sushi counter?

Tipping at a sushi counter follows the same guidelines as tipping a bartender: 15 to 20 percent of your bill is standard. If you're paying cash and tipping in cash, place it directly on the counter or in a tip jar. If you're paying by card, you'll be asked to add a tip amount when you sign.