June 3, 2021
Q&A: Sushi date night and formal lunches
Each week, we answer your questions about food and drink in Charlotte
The gyoza, pan-fried dumplings. Kristen Wile/UP
Q: My husband and I are looking for somewhere to go for our anniversary. We were thinking sushi. Any recommendations?
Kristen: I’d suggest booking a table at O-Ku in South End or Baku in SouthPark. O-Ku is definitely a more crowded, high-energy dining room. Baku has a memorable chef’s tasting menu if you’d like to splurge on something unique, and is a bit more quiet if you’re looking for quiet conversation. Happy anniversary!
Q: Where can I eat a formal lunch these days?
Kristen: Because so many people are working from home, a lot of higher end restaurants haven’t seen too much of a demand for lunch yet. A few places where you still can, however, include Napa on Providence and Copper, as well as the hotel restaurants around town.
Have a question for our editors? E-mail it to us at editor@unpretentiouspalate.com and we’ll answer it next week!
Sushi recommendations look like a copy/paste from 2016. Things have changed.
O-Ku is overpriced trash sushi. Baku is decent but also very overpriced.
For good sushi at fair prices go to Prime Fish Charlotte or Red Sake. Prime Fish is slightly higher end but not much. Both are far better and more affordable than O-Ku or Baku.
Ouch, Alex! For a special occasion, we tend to recommend more upscale restaurants unless otherwise specified. Your suggestions do provide great sushi, so thanks.