Golden Dragon II in Charleston: Sushi and Japanese Cuisine on King Street

What Golden Dragon II offers

Golden Dragon II is a Japanese restaurant located on King Street in Charleston's downtown dining district. The menu centers on sushi, sashimi, and cooked Japanese dishes, with a full bar that includes sake and Japanese beers. The restaurant operates as a sit-down establishment where you order at your table, and the kitchen prepares food to order rather than from a steam table.

The space itself is modest—a narrow storefront with counter seating along the sushi bar and a handful of tables. The decor is straightforward, with the focus on the food rather than elaborate theming. This is a working neighborhood restaurant, not a destination spot designed around atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

• Golden Dragon II serves fresh sushi and traditional Japanese cooked dishes from a small King Street location in downtown Charleston.
• The restaurant has a sushi bar where you can watch the chef work and a few tables for regular seating.
• Pricing is moderate for Charleston's downtown area, with rolls typically in the $8 to $16 range and entrées around $12 to $18.
• The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit for Tuesday through Saturday.
• Reservations are not always necessary for small groups, but calling ahead during dinner hours can save you a wait.

The sushi and raw fish offerings

The sushi menu includes standard rolls like California, spicy tuna, and Philadelphia, as well as house specials that rotate based on ingredient availability. Nigiri sushi—the style where a slice of raw fish sits atop a small mound of rice—is available for most fish types the restaurant stocks on any given day. The quality depends on the day's delivery, which is typical for any restaurant working with fresh seafood.

Sashimi platters let you order raw fish without rice, usually served with daikon radish, cucumber, and a small dish of soy sauce for dipping. Portions are reasonable, and the fish is sliced to order rather than pre-cut and sitting under a heat lamp. If you are new to raw fish, the staff can suggest milder options or explain what each type tastes like.

Cooked Japanese dishes and other menu items

Beyond sushi, Golden Dragon II serves teriyaki chicken and beef, katsu (breaded and fried cutlets), tempura, and donburi bowls—rice bowls topped with protein and sauce. Edamame, gyoza (dumplings), and miso soup are standard appetizers. These dishes are cooked to order and arrive hot, which means a slightly longer wait than you would have for a roll.

The restaurant also offers udon and ramen noodle soups, though these are not the elaborate, slow-simmered broths you might find at a dedicated ramen shop. They are straightforward, warming, and reasonably priced for a lunch or light dinner.

Timing, parking, and how to visit

Golden Dragon II is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, with hours typically running 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., though you should call to confirm current hours. Sunday and Monday are closed. The restaurant is located on King Street, which has metered street parking and several paid lots nearby. During peak dinner hours (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.), the restaurant can have a short wait, especially on Friday and Saturday.

If you are planning to go during dinner rush, calling ahead to let them know your party size can help. They do not take reservations in the traditional sense, but they can tell you over the phone whether a wait is likely and sometimes hold a table if you are close by. For lunch, waits are usually minimal.

Price range and what to expect to spend

A single sushi roll costs between $8 and $16 depending on the ingredients. Nigiri sushi runs $2 to $4 per piece, so a small plate of six pieces might be $12 to $20. Cooked entrées like teriyaki or katsu are typically $12 to $18. Appetizers like edamame or gyoza are $4 to $7. A bowl of miso soup is usually $3 to $4.

A typical dinner for one person—an appetizer, a roll or small entrée, and a drink—runs $25 to $40 before tax and tip. If you order multiple rolls or a combination platter, the bill can climb higher. The restaurant accepts cash and cards.

Sake and beverage options

The bar stocks a rotating selection of sake, ranging from dry to sweet and from inexpensive to premium bottles. The staff can describe what is available and suggest pairings with your meal if you ask. Japanese beers like Asahi and Sapporo are on tap or in bottles. The restaurant also serves standard cocktails, wine, and soft drinks.

Sake by the glass is usually $6 to $10, and bottles start around $30 and go up from there. If you are unfamiliar with sake, ordering a small glass to try is a low-risk way to explore it alongside your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Golden Dragon II good for beginners to sushi?

Yes. The staff will explain what different rolls contain and can suggest options if you are hesitant about raw fish. Many people start with cooked rolls like California or tempura shrimp, then branch out to raw options once they are comfortable. The restaurant is casual enough that asking questions is normal.

Can I get vegetarian or vegan sushi?

Yes. Vegetable rolls with cucumber, avocado, pickled radish, and other plant-based fillings are available. Tell your server you are vegetarian or vegan, and they can point out which rolls and dishes work for your diet. Some cooked entrées can also be made without fish sauce or animal products if you ask.

Do they offer takeout?

Yes, Golden Dragon II does takeout orders. Call ahead during busy times to place your order so it is ready when you arrive. Sushi travels reasonably well in a container, though it is best eaten within a few hours of being made.

What is the difference between Golden Dragon II and other sushi places on King Street?

Golden Dragon II is smaller and more casual than some competitors, with lower prices and a neighborhood feel rather than a polished dining room. If you want a quick, affordable sushi meal in a no-frills setting, it works well. If you are looking for an upscale experience or elaborate presentation, you might prefer a larger establishment.

Is there parking nearby?

King Street has metered street parking and several paid parking lots within a short walk. During the day, street parking is usually available within a block or two. At night and on weekends, the lots fill up faster, so arriving early or using a paid lot is more reliable than hunting for street parking.