Imperial Grill in Charleston: Fresh Sushi and Japanese Cuisine on King Street

What Imperial Grill offers and where to find it

Imperial Grill is a sushi restaurant located on King Street in Charleston's downtown dining district. The restaurant serves traditional Japanese cuisine alongside sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi prepared to order. The space combines casual counter seating with table service, making it accessible whether you're stopping in alone or dining with a group.

The restaurant's menu reflects both classic Japanese preparations and house specialties. Cooked options—teriyaki, tempura, and donburi bowls—sit alongside raw offerings, so diners who prefer cooked fish or vegetables have substantial choices. The bar stocks Japanese beer, sake, and standard cocktails.

Key Takeaways

• Imperial Grill serves both raw and cooked Japanese dishes, so you can order sushi or opt for teriyaki and tempura if you prefer cooked food.
• The restaurant is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of other dining and shopping venues.
• Counter seating and table service are both available, making it suitable for solo diners, couples, and larger groups.
• The kitchen takes custom orders, so you can request modifications to rolls or ask about ingredients if you have dietary concerns.

Menu highlights and what to expect

The sushi rolls range from straightforward options like California rolls and spicy tuna to more elaborate house creations. Nigiri and sashimi are available by the piece, letting you build your own selection. The kitchen also prepares chirashi bowls—rice topped with an assortment of fish, vegetables, and egg—which offer a complete meal in one bowl.

Cooked dishes include shrimp and vegetable tempura, beef and chicken teriyaki, and udon noodle soups. Edamame, gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), and seaweed salad are common starters. Prices reflect downtown Charleston's market; expect to spend between $12 and $25 for most entrees, with sashimi platters and premium rolls at the higher end.

Dining format and atmosphere

The restaurant operates with both counter and table seating. Counter seats offer a view of the sushi chefs at work, which many diners find engaging. Tables are arranged to accommodate pairs and small groups comfortably. The space is casual rather than formal, with straightforward décor that keeps focus on the food.

Service is attentive but unhurried. Orders are taken at the counter or by server, and the kitchen typically prepares sushi to order rather than from a display case, which means a short wait but fresher ingredients. The restaurant does not require reservations for most visits, though calling ahead during peak dinner hours (Friday and Saturday evenings) can reduce wait time.

Location and parking on King Street

Imperial Grill sits on King Street between Broad and Queen Streets, in the heart of Charleston's downtown restaurant row. This location places it within a few blocks of other dining options, galleries, and shops. Street parking is available but often fills during lunch and dinner service, particularly on weekends.

The nearby parking garage on King Street (between Broad and Society) offers hourly rates and is a reliable option if street parking is full. Some diners also use the lots near the Charleston City Market, a short walk away. Public transportation via CARTA buses also serves this corridor.

Hours and how to contact the restaurant

Imperial Grill is typically open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, though hours vary by season and day. Lunch service usually runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. or later on weekends. Hours may shift during holidays or special events, so calling ahead or checking their social media is wise before a visit.

You can reach the restaurant by phone to ask about current hours, inquire about ingredients for dietary concerns, or request a table hold during busy times. The restaurant maintains a presence on social media where they post menu updates and daily specials.

Dietary considerations and customization

The menu includes vegetarian options—vegetable rolls, seaweed salad, edamame, and vegetable tempura are all available. Vegan diners can order rolls without mayo or fish roe and request vegetable-only preparations. The kitchen is accustomed to handling requests for no raw fish, no shellfish, or other modifications.

If you have a severe allergy or dietary restriction, speak directly with the server or counter staff before ordering. Cross-contamination is a consideration in any sushi kitchen, so those with severe allergies should discuss preparation methods with the restaurant. The staff can usually identify which dishes contain common allergens like soy, sesame, or shellfish.

What makes Imperial Grill a neighborhood fixture

Imperial Grill has become a reliable spot for Charleston diners seeking fresh sushi without the formality or premium pricing of fine-dining Japanese restaurants. The restaurant's location on King Street makes it convenient for lunch breaks, casual dinners, and pre-theater meals. The mix of sushi and cooked Japanese dishes means groups with varied preferences can all find something to order.

The restaurant's willingness to customize orders and accommodate dietary requests has built loyalty among regular customers. It fills a middle ground in Charleston's dining landscape—more serious about sushi than casual chains, but more approachable and affordable than high-end omakase establishments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are not required for most visits. Walk-ins are welcome during off-peak hours. During Friday and Saturday dinner service, calling ahead to ask about wait time or to hold a table is a good idea, but the restaurant does not operate a formal reservation system.

Can I order sushi if I don't like raw fish?

Yes. The menu includes cooked rolls, tempura, teriyaki, and noodle dishes. You can also order rolls with cooked shrimp, crab, or vegetables. Tell the server or counter staff what you prefer, and they can recommend options.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available on King Street but fills during peak hours. The King Street parking garage between Broad and Society Streets is a short walk and offers hourly rates. The Charleston City Market lot is also nearby.

What if I have a shellfish allergy?

Inform the server or counter staff immediately. Many rolls and dishes contain shrimp, crab, or other shellfish. The kitchen can prepare vegetable rolls and other options without shellfish, but discuss preparation methods to avoid cross-contamination.

What are the typical prices?

Most entrees range from $12 to $25, depending on whether you order rolls, nigiri, cooked dishes, or combination platters. Premium sashimi selections and specialty rolls are at the higher end of that range.