A Survey of Charlotte’s Top East and Southeast Asian Restaurants

FEATURED RESTAURANT: MIZU
3100 Apex Drive
704-981-9299
Mizu, which translates to “water” in Japanese, exemplifies the best of Asian fusion: traditional cooking techniques, local ingredients, and flavors from multiple regions. Chef Michael Chanthavong serves a seafood-focused menu using a Japanese barbecue method that dates back thousands of years. Grab a seat with a view of the open kitchen, and you’ll see the Robata grill sizzle with lobster, duck breast, and charred vegetables. The menu also includes maki rolls, chilled and raw dishes, and Japanese-forward desserts like a coconut parfait and Robata-grilled pineapple. Head to the rooftop of the Hyatt Centric SouthPark to experience the orchestra of flavors.

KONNICHIWA
1315 East Blvd., Ste. 130
980-498-0420
Choose from hibachi bowls, ramen, and a sushi menu with Charlotte-themed rolls.

SABI ASIAN BISTRO
130 Harbour Place Drive, Davidson
704-895-5707
Find Asian-inspired dishes, from sushi to stir fry to sweet-and-sour chicken, in a sleek interior.

NEW ZEALAND CAFE
1717 Sardis Road N., Ste. 6A
704-708-9888
This small, 40-seat seafood grill and sushi bar serves an assortment of specialty rolls—the spicy dragon, bamboo, and crispy eel are all colorful mouthfuls of bliss—and for less than its swankier uptown cousins.

DEEJAI THAI
613 Providence Road
704-333-7884
This family-owned eatery offers takeout, but with its modern dining room and bright patio, you’ll want to settle into a table.

Vietnamese yellow pancake, pho, summer rolls, and crispy quail from Lang Van. Photo by. Peter Taylor.

LANG VAN
3019 Shamrock Drive
704-531-9525
This 31-year-old Vietnamese joint is known for its pho noodles, but regulars know to start with the bánh xèo, a savory rice-flour pancake folded over sliced pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.

FUTO BUTA
222 E. Bland St.
704-376-8400
This ramen house promises authenticity, irreverence, and delightful, salty bowls of the hot noodle soup.

LET’S MEAT KBBQ
1400 S. Church St., Ste. B.
980-299-4389
Barbecue-marinated meats at this all-you-can-eat hangout come with Korean sides like steamed egg soufflé.

NIKKO
325 Arlington Ave., Ste. 108
704-370-0100
Artistic sushi, a moody interior, and thumping sound system bring in dinner and late-night crowds, but quick service makes it a great lunch spot.

O-Ku’s Hot and Heavy roll. Photo by Peter Taylor.

O-KU
2000 South Blvd., Ste. 510
704-594-1922
This third location of the Charleston-based Indigo Road restaurant group’s Japanese spot has great service, a beautiful interior, and dishes full of flavor.

RAI LAY THAI
1520 South Blvd., Ste. 130
980-207-0991
Carrot shreds and flowers brighten plates of fresh sushi rolls, and the pad Thai somehow tastes more elegant when served in a large white bowl with a bright pink-and-white orchid on the side.

HO HO CHERRY HOUSE
2001 E. 7th St.
704-376-0880
This Elizabeth restaurant serves consistently good Chinese staples like pork fried rice, crab Rangoon, and General Tso’s chicken.

RED SAKE
8410 Rea Road, Ste. 100
980-498-1578
This is sushi for true sushi aficionados. The Luke Lobster roll is a delectable mouthful of lobster meat, spicy tuna, avocado, and eel sauce topped with sweet potato strings.

Bossam pork is roasted for six hours at Spice Asian Kitchen. Photo by Peter Taylor.

SPICE ASIAN KITCHEN
251 Textile Way, Fort Mill
803-548-6868
The dumplings and pad Thai are consistently good, but the bibimbap, bossam, and curry dishes are great for adventurous palates.

YAMA ASIAN FUSION
720 Governor Morrison St., Ste. 130
704-295-0905
This upscale Japanese restaurant has sushi, hibachi, and Asian-inspired entrées. A second location is in Waverly.

BASIL THAI
210 N. Church St.
704-332-7212
Thai lovers can satisfy their cravings with pad Thai, while the more daring can try dishes like crispy red curry duck—a rich, deep-fried half duck in a spicy red curry sauce.

MOA KOREAN BBQ
128 S. Tryon St.
704-503-9412
You can order Korean tacos and kimchi bulgogi nachos a la carte, but the tabletop barbecue is the main attraction. Watch your server cook beef brisket and pork belly as you sip a craft cocktail.

SOHO BISTRO
214 N. Tryon St., Ste. 110
704-333-5189
Lightning-fast, friendly service complements hot, savory Chinese favorites such as Sha Cha Shrimp and Mongolian Chicken.

PARK SUSHI
6601 Morrison Blvd.
980-498-0061
The chef’s signature rolls steal the show, but the menu also includes ramen, salads, and bento boxes for the lunch crowd.

YAMAZARU SUSHI & SAKE
2173 Hawkins St., Ste. A
980-201-9134
This sleek South End restaurant serves noodles, ramen, and sushi, plus sake, cocktails, and beer.

SEOUL POKE BOWL
3609 South Blvd., Ste. D
980-219-8543
This snug counter-serve eatery serves build-your-own Hawaiian-style poke bowls with a Korean twist.

PRIME FISH
11212 Providence Road, Ste. B
980-339-5822
As a certified sake advisor, Chef Robin Anthony pairs fish with sake in the same way a master sommelier pairs food with wine.

EEZ FUSION & SUSHI
16925 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Ste. F, Huntersville
704-892-4242
Feast on fresh sashimi, nigiri, and specialty rolls, or nibble on some blackened tuna nachos and edamame.

YAME ASIAN NOODLES
4435 Park Road, Ste. 300
980-498-2006
Choose from an array of authentic Asian noodles like ramen and pad Thai, as well as other pan-Asian dishes like fried rice, sesame chicken, and stir-fried veggies.

UMAMI POKERITO
7510 Pineville-Matthews Road, Ste. 5A
704-526-0397
Get made-to-order poke bowls or enjoy your poke burrito-style in one of four signature wraps.

Lam’s Kitchen in Matthews serves authentic Chinese dishes like Pork Chops Peking-style. Photo by Peter Taylor.

LAM’S KITCHEN
3016 Weddington Road
704-821-0676
The menu at this unassuming Matthews restaurant is long; find Chinese staples like General Tso’s chicken and lesser-known clay pot dishes with salted fish and curry beef brisket.

OPEN RICE
9882 Rea Road, Ste. F
980-406-3894
Order a family-style spread with traditional street food, noodle soups, and rice dishes, and save room for the bubble waffles, a made-to-order cone filled with your choice of ice cream, toppings, and drizzles.

BANH MI BROTHERS
230 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Ste. A7
704-900-7842
This fast-casual Vietnamese restaurant serves traditional banh mi sandwiches, house-made porchetta, and pho-tine fries. Don’t forget to add a Thai tea or fruit shake to your order.