Miyabi Kyoto Japanese Steak & Seafood House: Teppanyaki and Sushi in South Carolina

What to expect at Miyabi Kyoto

Miyabi Kyoto brings teppanyaki theater and sushi craftsmanship to South Carolina diners who want more than a meal—they want a performance. Chefs cook directly in front of you on a flat iron griddle, slicing and searing beef, seafood, and vegetables with precision and flair. The menu balances this high-energy dining with a full sushi bar where chefs hand-roll nigiri, maki, and specialty rolls to order.

The restaurant splits its personality between the teppanyaki side, where you sit at communal tables around the cooking surface, and the sushi bar and dining room, where you can eat more quietly if you prefer. Both sides draw from the same kitchen, so whether you want interactive entertainment or a traditional sit-down meal, the ingredients and technique are consistent.

Key Takeaways

• Teppanyaki seating puts you at a table with other guests while a chef cooks your entire meal on a griddle in front of you, making it a social and visual experience.
• The sushi bar and dining room offer a calmer alternative if you prefer to order without the theatrical element.
• Signature dishes include wagyu beef, lobster tail, scallops, and specialty rolls that combine traditional Japanese technique with house creations.
• Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for teppanyaki seating, because tables fill quickly during dinner hours.

The teppanyaki experience and what you'll order

Teppanyaki dining at Miyabi Kyoto works like this: you sit at a long table with other diners, a chef stands on the opposite side at the griddle, and you order from a prix fixe menu. Most entrees include a protein (beef, chicken, shrimp, scallops, or lobster), fried rice cooked to order, vegetables, and soup or salad to start. The chef seasons and cooks everything in front of you, often with theatrical knife work and flames that rise from the griddle.

The beef options range from standard cuts to premium wagyu, which costs more but delivers a richer, more tender result. Combination platters let you choose two or three proteins if you want to sample different flavors in one sitting. Vegetarian teppanyaki is available and includes tofu, mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, and other vegetables cooked the same way.

Timing matters: a full teppanyaki meal takes 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish, so plan accordingly if you have somewhere to be. The pace is deliberate—the chef is cooking for multiple people at once and building flavor as they go.

Sushi and the full menu

The sushi menu includes traditional nigiri (fish over rice), sashimi (sliced fish alone), and maki rolls. House specialties like the Miyabi roll and dragon roll combine cooked and raw elements, avocado, cucumber, and sometimes spicy mayo or eel sauce. If you are new to sushi, the California roll (imitation crab, avocado, cucumber) and Philadelphia roll (salmon, cream cheese) are familiar starting points.

Beyond sushi, the kitchen serves appetizers like edamame, gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), tempura shrimp, and seaweed salad. Entrees include teriyaki chicken, salmon, and shrimp; udon and ramen noodle bowls; and donburi rice bowls topped with protein and vegetables. These dishes work well if someone in your party does not want sushi or teppanyaki.

Sake, beer, and Japanese whisky round out the drink list. The restaurant also serves standard cocktails and soft drinks.

How to reserve and what to know before you go

Call ahead to reserve a teppanyaki table, especially on Friday and Saturday nights or if your party is larger than four people. Walk-ins can usually sit at the sushi bar or in the dining room, but teppanyaki seating fills fast. Some locations take reservations online through their website or third-party platforms; check which method works for the Miyabi Kyoto location nearest you.

Dress code is casual to business casual—no special attire required, but the restaurant is not a quick lunch spot. Expect to spend at least an hour and a half if you choose teppanyaki. Parking is typically available on-site or in a shared lot depending on the location.

Teppanyaki tables seat groups of varying sizes, so you may dine with strangers. If that does not appeal to you, request a private teppanyaki table when you reserve, though availability and pricing may differ. The sushi bar and dining room tables are standard restaurant seating without the shared-table setup.

Price range and what to budget

Teppanyaki entrees typically range from the mid-20s to mid-40s per person depending on the protein you choose. Wagyu and lobster cost more than chicken or shrimp. Sushi rolls run from the mid-teens to mid-20s each, and nigiri or sashimi platters vary by the type and quantity of fish. Appetizers, soups, and sides add to the bill.

Drinks, tax, and tip are separate. Many diners order multiple rolls or appetizers to share, which can increase the total. If you are budget-conscious, the sushi bar and dining room tend to be less expensive than teppanyaki, and lunch menus sometimes offer lower prices than dinner.

When to visit and what the atmosphere is like

Lunch service is quieter and often faster than dinner, and prices may be lower. Dinner is busier, especially Thursday through Saturday, and the teppanyaki side becomes a lively, social space with multiple chefs working simultaneously. If you want a calm meal, lunch or early dinner on a weeknight suits you better.

The restaurant's decor blends modern and traditional Japanese elements—clean lines, soft lighting, and sometimes wood or stone accents. The teppanyaki side is louder and more energetic; the sushi bar and dining room are more subdued. Both spaces feel upscale without being stuffy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sit at a teppanyaki table with other people?

No. You can order from the sushi bar or sit in the dining room instead. If you want teppanyaki but prefer privacy, ask about booking a private table when you reserve, though this may have different pricing or availability.

What if I do not like raw fish?

Teppanyaki is a good choice because all the protein is cooked on the griddle. The sushi menu also includes cooked options like California rolls, Philadelphia rolls, and tempura shrimp rolls. Teriyaki, ramen, and donburi bowls are fully cooked alternatives.

Can I bring a large group?

Yes, but call ahead to reserve. Large groups may be split across multiple teppanyaki tables or seated in the dining room. The restaurant will work with you to accommodate your party size and seating preference.

How long does a teppanyaki meal take?

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour. The chef cooks everything to order in front of you, and the pace includes appetizers, soup or salad, the main course, and sometimes dessert. It is a full experience, not a quick meal.

Is there parking?

Most Miyabi Kyoto locations have on-site or nearby parking. Check the specific location's address to confirm parking details before you visit.