Sakura Japanese Steakhouse + Sushi: Teppanyaki Cooking and Fresh Sashimi in South Carolina

What Sakura Offers

Sakura Japanese Steakhouse + Sushi combines two distinct dining experiences under one roof: a teppanyaki counter where chefs cook your meal in front of you, and a sushi bar serving nigiri, rolls, and sashimi. The teppanyaki side is the draw for many visitors—a chef stands at a flat iron griddle and prepares beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetables tableside, often with theatrical knife work and flame. The sushi menu runs from classic rolls like California and spicy tuna to nigiri with fresh fish, plus appetizers like edamame and gyoza.

The restaurant operates as a full-service establishment with a bar, so you can order sake, Japanese beer, or cocktails alongside your meal. Seating at the teppanyaki tables is communal—you sit with other diners at a long counter facing the chef—which shapes the whole experience. It is not a quiet, intimate setting; it is lively and interactive, with the chef's performance part of the meal.

Key Takeaways

• Teppanyaki tables seat groups of diners together facing a single chef, so expect a social, theatrical dining experience rather than a private one.
• Teppanyaki entrees typically include protein, vegetables, fried rice, and soup, and prices reflect the tableside preparation and chef's time.
• The sushi menu offers both cooked and raw options, so diners who prefer one or the other can find what they want.
• Reservations are strongly recommended for teppanyaki seating, especially on weekends, because tables fill quickly and walk-ins may face long waits.

Teppanyaki Dining: What to Expect

When you order teppanyaki, you are not ordering a plate of food prepared in the kitchen and brought to your table. A chef will cook your entire meal on the griddle in front of you, which takes time—typically 20 to 30 minutes from the moment the chef starts. This is part of the experience, not a delay. The chef will slice your protein, arrange vegetables, and often perform tricks like flipping shrimp into their hat or stacking onion rings on the spatula.

Teppanyaki entrees come with soup (usually miso), a salad with ginger dressing, fried rice cooked on the griddle, and your choice of protein. Beef options range from sirloin to filet mignon; chicken and shrimp are also standard. Vegetarian teppanyaki is available, built around mushrooms, zucchini, onions, and broccoli. Prices are higher than a typical steakhouse because you are paying for the chef's labor and the theatrical preparation, not just the food itself.

Sushi and Raw Fish Options

The sushi bar operates separately from teppanyaki and moves at a normal restaurant pace. You can order rolls, nigiri, or sashimi without waiting for a chef to cook your meal tableside. The menu includes familiar rolls like spicy tuna and California, as well as specialty rolls that vary by season and the chef's offerings. Nigiri—a slice of fish over pressed rice—is available with salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and other fish depending on what is fresh that day.

If you are uncertain about raw fish, the menu has cooked options: shrimp tempura rolls, eel (which is cooked), and California rolls made with imitation crab. Many people new to sushi find these a good starting point. The sushi bar staff can describe what each roll contains and suggest options based on your preferences.

Making a Reservation and Timing Your Visit

Sakura takes reservations, and for teppanyaki seating they are nearly essential on Friday and Saturday nights. Without a reservation, you may wait 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on how many teppanyaki tables are in use. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6 p.m.) are typically less crowded. If you walk in without a reservation, the host can tell you the wait time and whether sushi bar seating is available immediately.

Teppanyaki tables seat 8 to 10 people, so if your group is smaller, you will share the table with strangers. Some diners enjoy this social aspect; others find it uncomfortable. If you have a strong preference, mention it when you call to reserve—the restaurant may be able to seat a small group at their own table during slower times, though this is not may provide.

Pricing and What Is Included

Teppanyaki entrees typically range from the mid-$20s to the $40s depending on the protein and size. Each entree includes the soup, salad, fried rice, and vegetables cooked on the griddle, so the total meal is more substantial than the protein alone suggests. Sushi rolls generally run $6 to $15 each, and nigiri is priced per piece or as a set. Appetizers like edamame, gyoza, and tempura are in the $5 to $10 range.

Drinks, tax, and tip are separate. The restaurant has a full bar, so sake and Japanese beer are available. If you are planning a special occasion or celebrating with a group, let the restaurant know when you reserve—some teppanyaki chefs will acknowledge birthdays or anniversaries with a small gesture.

Dietary Needs and Restrictions

Teppanyaki cooking happens on a shared griddle, so cross-contact with other foods is possible if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. Tell your server and the chef directly about any allergies before the meal begins. The chef can use a clean section of the griddle and avoid certain ingredients, but the kitchen should know your needs in advance.

Vegetarian teppanyaki is available and substantial. Gluten-free diners should ask about soy sauce and marinades, as many contain wheat. The restaurant can accommodate requests, but communication with your server and the chef is essential.

Location and Hours

Sakura has locations in South Carolina, though specific addresses and hours vary by location. Before you visit, confirm the address and hours online or by phone, as restaurant hours can change seasonally or for special events. Most locations are open for lunch and dinner, with extended hours on weekends.

Calling ahead also gives you a chance to ask about current specials, whether the restaurant is hosting any events, or if there are any temporary closures. Many South Carolina restaurants adjust their schedules around holidays or local festivals, so a quick call ensures you do not make a trip only to find the doors closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sit at a teppanyaki table with strangers?

Yes, teppanyaki tables are communal by design. If your group is small, you will share the table with other diners. If you strongly prefer not to, call ahead and ask whether a private table is possible during a slower time—availability depends on the restaurant's schedule that day.

What if I do not like raw fish?

The sushi menu has cooked options like shrimp tempura rolls, eel, and California rolls. You can also order teppanyaki, which is cooked entirely on the griddle. You do not have to eat raw fish to enjoy the restaurant.

How long does a teppanyaki meal take?

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour from the time you sit down. The chef's cooking takes 20 to 30 minutes, and you add time for ordering, the chef's setup, and eating. It is a leisurely experience, not a quick meal.

Can I order just sushi without teppanyaki?

Yes. The sushi bar is a separate part of the restaurant, and you can order sushi rolls and nigiri without sitting at a teppanyaki table. Seating at the sushi bar or regular tables is available for sushi-only orders.

Do I need to make a reservation?

For teppanyaki, a reservation is strongly recommended, especially on weekends. For sushi bar seating, walk-ins are often accommodated, though you may wait during peak times. Call ahead to check availability.