Fuji Hibachi Wok & Sushi: What to Expect at This South Carolina Japanese Restaurant

What Fuji Hibachi Wok & Sushi Offers

Fuji Hibachi Wok & Sushi is a Japanese restaurant that combines two distinct dining experiences under one roof: teppanyaki-style hibachi cooking at the table and a full sushi bar. The hibachi side features chefs who cook your meal in front of you on a large flat griddle, performing knife work and theatrical plating as part of the service. The sushi bar offers traditional rolls, nigiri, and sashimi prepared by sushi chefs, along with cooked Japanese dishes like teriyaki and tempura.

The restaurant operates as a casual-to-upscale dining spot where you can watch your food being prepared, which appeals to diners who want entertainment alongside their meal. Both sections of the menu draw from Japanese culinary traditions but serve different purposes: hibachi is social and interactive, while the sushi bar works well for those seeking a quieter meal or takeout.

Key Takeaways

• Hibachi seating puts you at a large table with other guests while a chef cooks your meal on a griddle in front of you, making it a social dining experience.
• The sushi bar offers traditional rolls and nigiri alongside cooked Japanese dishes, with options for dine-in, bar seating, or takeout.
• Hibachi meals typically include protein, vegetables, fried rice, and soup or salad, with prices varying by protein choice.
• Reservations are recommended for hibachi seating, especially during dinner hours and weekends, since tables fill quickly.
• The restaurant serves beer, sake, and other beverages that pair with both hibachi and sushi offerings.

How Hibachi Seating Works

When you choose hibachi, you sit at a large communal table with other diners—typically four to eight people per table. A chef stands at the griddle in front of you and cooks your entire meal to order, starting with vegetables and fried rice, then moving to your protein. The chef's role includes both cooking and entertainment: knife tricks, food tossing, and interactive engagement with the table are standard parts of the experience.

Your meal arrives in stages. First comes soup or salad, then vegetables and fried rice cooked on the griddle, and finally your protein—chicken, beef, shrimp, or seafood combinations. The chef seasons and cooks everything in front of you, and you eat as items finish rather than receiving everything at once. This format means the meal takes longer than typical restaurant dining, usually 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish.

Hibachi works best if you enjoy social dining and don't mind sharing a table with strangers. If you prefer privacy, the sushi bar or a regular table in the dining room may suit you better. Parties of six or more should call ahead to ensure the restaurant can accommodate your group at one table.

Sushi Bar and Cooked Menu Options

The sushi bar serves traditional Japanese rolls—California rolls, spicy tuna, Philadelphia rolls, and specialty creations unique to Fuji. You can also order nigiri (fish over rice) and sashimi (sliced fish alone). Rolls come in standard and specialty varieties, with prices reflecting the ingredients: basic vegetable or cooked rolls cost less than premium options with multiple proteins or special sauces.

Beyond sushi, the menu includes cooked Japanese dishes: teriyaki chicken or beef, tempura shrimp or vegetables, gyoza (dumplings), edamame, and miso soup. These options work well if you want Japanese food but prefer not to eat raw fish, or if you're dining with guests who have different preferences. The sushi bar also serves appetizers like spring rolls and seaweed salad.

Takeout is available from both the sushi bar and the cooked menu. Many diners order sushi rolls to go, and the restaurant can prepare hibachi-style meals for takeout as well, though the theatrical element is lost. Call ahead for large takeout orders during peak hours.

What to Know Before You Go

Reservations are strongly recommended for hibachi seating, particularly for dinner and on weekends. Walk-ins may wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times, and there's no may provide a table will open. You can usually call the restaurant directly to book a hibachi table and specify your party size and preferred time. Some locations take reservations online through their website or third-party platforms.

Dress code is casual to business casual—no formal attire required, but avoid beachwear or athletic wear. The hibachi area can get warm from the griddles, so keep that in mind when choosing your clothing. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, inform your server or the chef before cooking begins, especially important at hibachi where the chef needs to know what to avoid.

Parking is typically available on-site or in a nearby lot. The restaurant is usually open for lunch and dinner, though hours vary by location. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as they may change seasonally or for special events.

Pricing and What's Included

Hibachi meals are priced by protein: chicken is typically the least expensive option, followed by shrimp and beef, with seafood combinations and premium cuts at the higher end. Each hibachi meal includes vegetables, fried rice, soup or salad, and your choice of protein. Prices generally range from the mid-teens to the low thirties per person, depending on what you order.

Sushi rolls vary in price based on ingredients and complexity. Basic rolls (vegetable or cooked options) start lower, while specialty rolls with multiple proteins or premium fish cost more. Nigiri and sashimi are priced per piece or per order. Appetizers, soups, and sides are additional charges.

Beverages—beer, sake, soft drinks, and tea—are ordered separately and added to your bill. Many diners pair sake or Japanese beer with their meal. Tax and tip are calculated on your final total, and most restaurants accept credit cards and cash.

Hibachi Versus Sushi Bar: Which Experience to Choose

Choose hibachi if you want entertainment, social interaction, and a longer dining experience. It's ideal for celebrations, group outings, or anyone who enjoys watching food being prepared. The interactive nature makes it memorable, and the chef's skill is part of what you're paying for. Hibachi also works well for families with children, as the performance aspect keeps diners engaged.

Choose the sushi bar if you prefer a quieter meal, want to eat quickly, or have specific preferences about your food that don't suit the communal hibachi format. The sushi bar is better for solo diners, couples on a date, or anyone who wants to customize their order without compromise. It's also the better choice if you're taking food to go or prefer to eat at your own pace.

Many diners visit Fuji multiple times and try both experiences. Some come for hibachi on special occasions and visit the sushi bar for casual weeknight meals. There's no single "right" choice—it depends on what you're looking for that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sit with strangers at hibachi?

Yes, hibachi seating is communal by design. If your party is large enough (typically six or more), you may be able to reserve an entire table for just your group. Call ahead to ask if this is possible. Otherwise, you'll share the table with other diners, which is part of the hibachi experience.

Can I order hibachi food to go?

Most restaurants can prepare hibachi-style meals for takeout, though the theatrical cooking element happens in the kitchen rather than in front of you. The food arrives in a container rather than cooked tableside. Call ahead to confirm they offer this option and to place your order.

What if I'm allergic to seafood?

The sushi bar menu includes many non-seafood options: vegetable rolls, cooked chicken or beef teriyaki, tempura, and gyoza. The hibachi menu also offers chicken and beef cooked without seafood. Tell your server or the hibachi chef about your allergy before cooking begins so they can avoid cross-contamination.

How long does a hibachi meal take?

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour from the time you sit down until you finish eating. This includes the chef's preparation time, cooking stages, and the pace of the meal itself. Sushi bar meals are typically faster, usually 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the restaurant is.

Is there a minimum spend or party size requirement for hibachi?

Requirements vary by location and may change. Some restaurants have a minimum per person for hibachi seating, while others don't. Call ahead to ask about any minimums or special policies for your party size and preferred time.