Okinawa Sushi and Steak House: Japanese Dining in South Carolina

What Okinawa Sushi and Steak House Offers

Okinawa Sushi and Steak House combines two distinct Japanese cooking traditions under one roof: sushi crafted at the bar and grilled steak prepared at teppanyaki tables. The restaurant seats diners at the sushi counter for nigiri and rolls, or at flat-top grills where chefs cook proteins and vegetables in front of you. The dual concept means you can order sushi as an appetizer and move to a teppanyaki table for your main course, or stick with one style for the entire meal.

The sushi menu includes standard rolls like California and spicy tuna, as well as specialty rolls that vary by location and season. The teppanyaki side offers beef, chicken, shrimp, and seafood cooked tableside with fried rice, vegetables, and soup included. Both sections operate from the same kitchen, so the restaurant can accommodate mixed parties where some diners want sushi and others prefer the theatrical teppanyaki experience.

Key Takeaways

• Okinawa serves both sushi at the bar and teppanyaki at table-grills, so you can choose one style or combine both in a single meal.
• Teppanyaki tables seat groups and include a chef who cooks your food in front of you, making it a social dining experience.
• The sushi counter works for solo diners or couples who want to watch the sushi chef work while eating.
• Reservations are recommended for teppanyaki tables, especially on weekends, because seating is limited and chefs work one table at a time.

Sushi Counter Dining

The sushi bar is the quieter, more intimate side of Okinawa. You sit directly across from the sushi chef and order nigiri, sashimi, or rolls from the menu or by pointing to what you see in the display case. The chef prepares each piece to order, so you eat as they work rather than waiting for a full plate. This setup works well if you want to ask questions about what's fresh that day or request modifications to standard rolls.

Sushi counters typically move faster than teppanyaki tables, so this is the better choice if you're on a time limit or dining alone. The chef can also suggest pairings or recommend their most popular items. If you're new to sushi, sitting at the counter gives you a chance to watch how it's made and ask the chef about ingredients or preparation.

Teppanyaki Table Experience

Teppanyaki tables seat four to eight diners around a flat-top griddle where a chef cooks your entire meal in front of you. The chef performs while cooking—flipping shrimp into their hat, stacking onion rings into a volcano shape, and moving food around the griddle with precision. The meal includes soup, salad, your choice of protein, fried rice, and vegetables, all cooked and plated as you watch.

This style is more expensive per person than sushi, but the experience is social and the portions are large. Teppanyaki works best for groups, celebrations, or when you want entertainment with your meal. The chef controls the pace, so you can't rush; expect 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish. Reservations are essential because the restaurant can only seat as many teppanyaki tables as they have chefs available.

How to Reserve and What to Expect

Call ahead to reserve a teppanyaki table, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. When you call, tell them how many people are in your party and whether you have a preference for beef, chicken, shrimp, or a combination. The restaurant will assign you a chef and a table time. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so the chef can start on time.

Sushi counter seating is usually first-come, first-served, though you can call to ask how busy they are. If you want to combine both experiences, order sushi first at the counter, then move to a teppanyaki table for your main course—just let your server know when you arrive. Prices vary by protein choice and location, so check the menu or call for current pricing.

Okinawa Locations in South Carolina

Okinawa Sushi and Steak House operates multiple locations across South Carolina. Each location has both sushi and teppanyaki service, though the size of the teppanyaki section varies. Some locations are larger with more tables, while others are smaller and may have fewer teppanyaki grills available. Check which location is nearest to you and call to confirm their hours and current menu offerings.

Hours and reservation policies can differ between locations, so it's worth calling ahead rather than showing up without a reservation for teppanyaki. Some locations may close on certain days or have limited hours on weekdays. The website or a phone call will give you the most current information for your nearest Okinawa.

Dietary Preferences and Special Requests

Sushi chefs can work around most dietary restrictions because they build each piece to order. If you avoid raw fish, the chef can make cooked rolls or nigiri with cooked proteins like shrimp tempura or eel. Vegetarian rolls are standard on most sushi menus. Tell the chef your preferences when you sit down, and they'll suggest options that work for you.

Teppanyaki chefs can also accommodate restrictions because they cook your food in front of you. If you're vegetarian, they can prepare a plate of vegetables and fried rice. If you avoid certain oils or seasonings, you can request modifications. Communicate your needs when you make your reservation or when you arrive at your table, so the chef knows before they start cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for sushi counter seating?

No, sushi counter seating is typically first-come, first-served. You can walk in and sit at the bar. However, if you're coming during a busy time like Friday or Saturday evening, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes. Calling ahead to ask how busy they are can help you decide whether to wait or come back later.

What's the difference between nigiri and rolls?

Nigiri is a single piece of raw or cooked fish draped over a small mound of rice. A roll is rice and fillings wrapped in seaweed and sliced into pieces. Rolls are thicker and more filling, while nigiri lets you taste the fish more directly. Most sushi menus offer both, so you can order whichever appeals to you.

Can I order teppanyaki for just two people?

Yes, most teppanyaki tables can seat two people, though some restaurants prefer a minimum of four. Call when you make your reservation and tell them your party size. If they have a two-person table available, they'll seat you. If not, they may suggest the sushi counter instead, which is better suited for smaller groups anyway.

How long does a teppanyaki meal take?

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour from the time you sit down. The chef starts with soup and salad, then cooks your protein and vegetables on the griddle. The pace is set by the chef, not by you, so you can't rush the experience. This is part of what makes teppanyaki a social meal rather than a quick dinner.

What should I wear to Okinawa?

Casual dining clothes are fine for both sushi counter and teppanyaki seating. You don't need to dress up, but avoid very casual gym clothes if you're going on a weekend evening. Teppanyaki can get warm from the griddle, so consider wearing something you don't mind getting a little heat from the cooking surface.