Ginza Japanese Steakhouse: Teppanyaki Cooking and Sushi in South Carolina

What Ginza Japanese Steakhouse offers

Ginza Japanese Steakhouse is a teppanyaki restaurant where chefs cook your meal on a large iron griddle right in front of you. The experience combines live cooking performance with Japanese cuisine—you watch skilled chefs slice, flip, and flame your protein and vegetables as they work. Beyond teppanyaki, Ginza serves sushi rolls, nigiri, and appetizers from a full bar.

The restaurant operates in South Carolina with locations that draw both first-time diners curious about the teppanyaki format and regulars who return for specific dishes or the energy of the open-kitchen experience. Seating is typically arranged around the teppanyaki tables so groups can watch the cooking together, making it a social meal rather than a quiet one.

Key Takeaways

• Ginza's main draw is teppanyaki—chefs cook your steak, seafood, and vegetables on a griddle in front of you, which takes longer than standard cooking but includes the performance and interaction.
• The menu includes sushi rolls and nigiri alongside teppanyaki entrees, so diners who prefer not to sit at the cooking tables have other options.
• Teppanyaki seating is communal or semi-communal, meaning you share a table with other parties, which works well for groups but not for those seeking privacy.
• Prices reflect the live-cooking format and table-side service, so expect to spend more than at a casual sushi spot but less than a fine-dining steakhouse.

How teppanyaki dining works at Ginza

When you order teppanyaki, you are seated at a large flat griddle with other diners or your own group. A chef stands on the other side and cooks your entire meal in front of you—typically starting with vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and zucchini, then moving to your protein (steak, chicken, shrimp, or scallops), and finishing with fried rice or noodles. The cooking takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on what you order.

The chef uses two metal spatulas to chop, flip, and arrange food on the griddle, often with theatrical flair—stacking onion rings, tossing shrimp into their mouth, or creating small volcano shapes with the rice. This is part of the experience. You can ask questions, request adjustments to seasoning or portion sizes, and watch the technique up close. Most chefs are accustomed to diners taking photos and videos.

Teppanyaki meals usually include soup, salad, and a beverage with the entree, so the full experience is longer than ordering sushi or appetizers. If you are on a tight schedule or prefer a quieter meal, the sushi bar or regular tables may suit you better.

Menu options beyond teppanyaki

Ginza's sushi menu includes traditional rolls (California, spicy tuna, Philadelphia), specialty rolls with creative combinations, and nigiri (individual pieces of fish over rice). Appetizers typically feature edamame, gyoza (dumplings), tempura vegetables, and sashimi platters. These items are prepared in the kitchen and brought to your table, so they arrive faster than teppanyaki.

The bar serves beer, sake, and cocktails, with some locations offering Japanese whisky or specialty drinks. If you are dining with someone who does not want teppanyaki, you can order from the sushi or appetizer menu while they sit at the cooking table, though this splits the group's experience.

What to expect on your first visit

Arrive with a sense of openness to the performance aspect—teppanyaki is as much about watching the chef work as it is about eating. The noise level is higher than a typical restaurant because of the griddle sounds and the social energy of shared tables. If you are sensitive to heat or smoke, sit farther from the griddle or choose sushi seating instead.

Dress code is usually casual to business casual. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for groups or weekend dining, because teppanyaki tables fill quickly and the chef can only serve one table at a time. When you call or book online, mention the size of your party and whether anyone has dietary restrictions—chefs can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy-conscious meals, but they need to know in advance.

Bring cash or a card for tipping. Teppanyaki chefs typically receive tips directly from diners, separate from the server's tip, because the chef's skill and entertainment are central to the meal. Most diners tip the chef 15 to 20 percent of the teppanyaki portion of their bill.

Pricing and what's included

Teppanyaki entrees range in price depending on your protein choice—chicken is usually the least expensive, followed by shrimp, then steak or scallops. Most entrees include the griddle-cooked vegetables, rice or noodles, soup, and salad. Sushi rolls and appetizers are priced separately and typically cost less per item than a full teppanyaki meal.

Some locations offer lunch specials at lower prices than dinner service. Beverages, including alcohol, are additional. The total cost for one person at teppanyaki is usually between $25 and $50 before tax and tip, depending on protein choice and location.

Locations in South Carolina

Ginza operates at multiple locations across South Carolina. The specific addresses, hours, and phone numbers vary by location, so check the restaurant's website or call ahead before visiting. Some locations may have different menu offerings or special events, so it is worth asking when you make your reservation.

Hours typically include lunch and dinner service, with some locations closed on certain days of the week. Holiday hours may differ, so confirm before planning a special occasion visit.

Best times to visit and what to bring

Weekday lunches are often less crowded than dinner service, which means shorter waits and a more relaxed pace at the griddle. If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, weekend evenings draw larger groups and more energy. Birthdays and celebrations are common at teppanyaki restaurants—many chefs acknowledge special occasions with a brief performance or song.

Bring a camera or phone if you want to photograph or video the cooking. Most chefs welcome this. If you are bringing children, teppanyaki can be engaging for older kids who enjoy watching the cooking, but very young children may find the noise and heat overwhelming. Discuss your group's comfort level when you make your reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sit at the teppanyaki table, or can I order from a regular table?

Most Ginza locations allow you to order sushi, appetizers, and some entrees from regular tables or the sushi bar. However, teppanyaki entrees are only available at the cooking tables. If your group is split between teppanyaki and sushi orders, ask the host how they handle seating—some restaurants can accommodate both at the same table area.

What if I have a food allergy or dietary restriction?

Tell your server and the chef about allergies or restrictions when you order. Chefs can prepare meals without certain ingredients, use separate utensils, and adjust seasoning. Call ahead when you make your reservation so the kitchen can plan accordingly, especially for severe allergies.

How long does a teppanyaki meal take?

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour from the time you sit down, including soup and salad before the griddle cooking begins. The actual cooking takes 20 to 30 minutes. Sushi and appetizer orders arrive much faster, usually within 10 to 15 minutes.

Can I make a reservation for teppanyaki, or is it first-come, first-served?

Reservations are recommended and often necessary for teppanyaki seating, especially for groups or weekend dining. Call the restaurant directly or check their website for online booking. Walk-ins may wait significantly or be turned away during busy times.

Is teppanyaki more expensive than regular sushi restaurants?

Teppanyaki entrees typically cost more than sushi rolls because you are paying for the chef's time, performance, and table-side service. However, the meal includes multiple courses (soup, salad, vegetables, protein, rice), so the total value depends on what you order and compare it to.