Opened in 1992, Charleston’s first sushi restaurant draws a dedicated crowd of locals who come for the lowkey vibe and fresh sashimi and authentic Japanese appetizers. Tokyo-born owner Hideya Ishibashi prepares traditional or edo-style sushi.

“For me the compliment I like to hear the most is the rice is good, fresh and tasty. I put my heart into it. For Japanese people this is very very important.”