Yokoso Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi: Teppanyaki and Sushi in Myrtle Beach

What Yokoso Offers

Yokoso Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi is a full-service Japanese restaurant in Myrtle Beach that combines teppanyaki cooking with a sushi bar. The restaurant seats diners at large flat-top grills where chefs prepare your meal in front of you, or you can order from the sushi menu and eat at regular tables. The teppanyaki experience includes grilled proteins—beef, chicken, shrimp, and seafood—cooked alongside vegetables and fried rice, with theatrical knife work and flames as part of the show. The sushi menu runs to traditional rolls, nigiri, and sashimi, with options for raw fish and cooked alternatives.

The restaurant operates as a casual-to-upscale dining spot, popular for birthdays, anniversaries, and group outings because of the interactive teppanyaki format. Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties and weekend dining. The atmosphere is lively and social—you share the grill with other diners, which shapes the whole experience.

Key Takeaways

• Yokoso seats you at a teppanyaki grill where a chef cooks your meal in front of you, or you can order sushi and sit at a regular table.
• The teppanyaki menu includes beef, chicken, shrimp, and seafood paired with grilled vegetables and fried rice cooked on the flat-top.
• The sushi bar offers traditional rolls, nigiri, and sashimi with both raw and cooked fish options.
• Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for groups and weekend visits, because seating fills quickly.
• The restaurant is located in Myrtle Beach and draws crowds for special occasions because of the interactive cooking experience.

The Teppanyaki Experience

Teppanyaki dining at Yokoso centers on the chef's performance and the communal grill. You sit around a large flat-top griddle with other diners—typically four to eight people per grill—and watch the chef prepare your entire meal from start to finish. The chef begins with onion volcanoes and fried rice, then moves to your protein and vegetables. The cooking happens fast, usually 20 to 30 minutes from start to plated dish.

The teppanyaki menu typically offers combinations: a protein (filet mignon, chicken breast, shrimp, scallops, or lobster) paired with vegetables, fried rice, and soup or salad. Prices vary by protein choice and whether you add extras like additional shrimp or scallops. The experience is as much about watching the chef's knife skills and timing as it is about eating—flames, chopping sounds, and the sizzle of the grill are all part of the meal.

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, communicate them when you reserve or when you sit down. Chefs can adjust vegetables, skip certain ingredients, or modify portions. The open-grill format means you can see exactly what goes into your food.

Sushi Menu and Ordering

The sushi bar operates separately from the teppanyaki grills. You can order rolls, nigiri, and sashimi and eat at a regular dining table or at the sushi bar itself. Rolls typically include California rolls, spicy tuna, Philadelphia rolls, and house specials with combinations of cooked and raw fish. Nigiri—single pieces of fish over rice—and sashimi platters are also available for those who want raw fish without rice.

Cooked options exist for diners who prefer not to eat raw fish: tempura shrimp rolls, cooked crab rolls, and grilled fish preparations. Combination platters let you sample multiple items in one order. Prices for sushi are generally lower than teppanyaki, making it a good choice if you want a lighter meal or are dining solo.

Sushi orders come out faster than teppanyaki—typically 10 to 15 minutes—so this is the better choice if you're in a hurry or want to avoid the group-dining format of the grills.

When to Visit and How to Reserve

Yokoso operates year-round in Myrtle Beach, with hours typically running from late afternoon through evening (exact hours vary by season). Weekends and evenings fill up quickly, especially during summer tourist season and around holidays. Lunch service may be available depending on the season—call ahead to confirm.

Reservations are highly recommended and can usually be made by phone or through the restaurant's website or social media. Walk-ins are accepted but may face a wait, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. If you're planning a large group (8 or more), call in advance so the restaurant can assign you a dedicated grill and ensure the chef is prepared for your party size.

The restaurant is family-friendly, though the teppanyaki experience works best with children old enough to sit still and enjoy watching the cooking. Very young children may find the noise and flames overwhelming.

Location and Parking

Yokoso is located in Myrtle Beach, a major tourist and dining destination on South Carolina's Grand Strand. The restaurant sits in a commercial area with accessible parking. If you're visiting from out of town, Myrtle Beach is about 90 minutes south of Wilmington, North Carolina, and roughly two hours north of Charleston. The area has numerous hotels, attractions, and other restaurants within a short drive.

Parking is typically free and available on-site or in nearby lots. The restaurant is easy to find by GPS or online maps, and signage is clear from the main road.

What to Expect Cost-Wise

Teppanyaki entrees generally range from moderate to higher prices depending on your protein choice. Chicken and shrimp combinations cost less than filet mignon or lobster. Most teppanyaki meals include soup, salad, vegetables, fried rice, and your protein, so you're getting a full meal rather than just a protein and side. Sushi rolls and nigiri are typically priced lower per item, though a full sushi dinner for one person can add up if you order multiple rolls.

Drinks, tax, and tip are separate from menu prices. Many diners order beer, sake, or soft drinks with their meal. The restaurant may have specials or combination deals—ask when you call to reserve or check their website or social media for current pricing.

Dietary Considerations and Allergies

If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, inform the restaurant when you reserve and again when you're seated. The open-grill format of teppanyaki means you can watch your food being prepared and see what ingredients the chef uses. For sushi, raw fish carries a food safety consideration—pregnant people, young children, elderly diners, and people with compromised immune systems are typically advised to avoid raw fish.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available on both the teppanyaki and sushi menus, though you'll want to confirm what's offered when you call. Gluten-free diners should ask about soy sauce alternatives and confirm that marinades and sauces don't contain gluten.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Teppanyaki is designed as a grill-side experience, so you'll sit at the flat-top with other diners. If you prefer not to sit at the grill, order from the sushi menu instead and eat at a regular table. Some restaurants offer hibachi-style takeout, but call Yokoso directly to ask if that's an option.

What if I don't like raw fish?

Both the teppanyaki and sushi menus have cooked options. Teppanyaki is all cooked protein and vegetables. On the sushi menu, you can order cooked rolls (tempura shrimp, cooked crab), nigiri made with cooked fish, or skip sushi entirely and stick with teppanyaki.

How long does a teppanyaki meal take from start to finish?

Once you're seated at the grill, the chef typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to cook and plate your meal. Add time for ordering, waiting for your table, and eating. Plan for 60 to 90 minutes total for the full experience, longer if you're part of a large group.

Can I make a reservation for a large group?

Yes. Call the restaurant directly when booking a party of 8 or more so they can reserve a dedicated grill and prepare the chef. This ensures a smoother experience and prevents long waits.

Is Yokoso good for kids?

The teppanyaki experience appeals to many children because of the cooking show element, but kids need to be old enough to sit still and handle noise and flames. Very young children may be frightened. The sushi menu is also available if your child prefers a quieter dining experience.