I went to Charlotte’s hottest new sushi restaurant. Was it worth it?
I walked into Yugenn expecting a flashy sushi-and-cocktail bar, and left with a meal that was perfectly fine, likely to hit the mark for anyone seeking a polished night out in South End.
I wrote the initial story in CharlotteFive about the restaurant’s upcoming grand opening. When I interviewed the Nguyen sisters, who own the eatery, I pictured “modern Japanese” as minimalist decor, whispers of sake and maybe a few specialty small plates.
And the space promised live DJ sets, which meant less of a tranquil high tea vibe and more of a high-energy night out.
Instead, my friend and I were greeted by a mostly calm experience, which was surprising for a Friday night in South End.
The dining room featured a garden-themed blend of styles, with a ceiling heavily draped in hanging greenery and illuminated by glowing orb lights, which contrast beautifully with the sleek, modern tables and black chairs with gold accents.
The noise level was moderate, and the dishes looked premium. A waiter brought a few rolls to a table nearby that looked like they were made for a Renaissance painting.
If you’re a sushi lover in Charlotte, then you know most restaurants in Charlotte strive to use fresh ingredients to create quality selections. But that attention to detail comes at a cost, and it’s rarely cheap.
Here’s what you need to know about Yugenn.
What’s on the menu at Yugenn?
The menu offers a blend of modern Japanese cuisine: lots of sushi (nigiri, maki rolls), hot plates and a full cocktail slate.
Prices range from $13-$30 for standard rolls to $25-$45 for specialty rolls. Cocktail prices range from $18-$70.
CharlotteFive’s “On-a-Budget” series explores how far $25 can go at local restaurants in the spotlight. While Yugenn’s menu includes an extensive selection of high-quality foods, that same $25 won’t stretch quite as far here. But for some people, the craftsmanship and flavor will make every dollar worthwhile.
Here’s everything my friend and I got for roughly $96 before tax and tip:
- Red Dragon Roll ($30): Topped with sliced maguro and unagi, tsume, spicy mayo, macadamia nuts and chives
- Otoro nigiri ($20): Made with tsume, citrus gochujang, nori furikaki, Meyer lemon
- Lobster fried rice ($26): Made with dashi butter, roasted garlic, shiitake, togarashi puffed rice and scallion
- Lotus Milk Punch cocktail ($20): Made with clarified Don Julio Reposado, Zacapa, lime, pineapple and coconut
For $25, you could get the otoro nigiri, but since it’s a small dish, you’d likely need a side dish or another entree for a complete meal.
But the nigiri set the tone for the meal — smooth, fresh and simple. The citrus added just enough brightness and texture to keep each bite interesting without overcomplicating things.
Next came the Red Dragon roll, which offered a nice mix of flavors and textures. The spicy tuna had a gentle kick, the macadamia nuts added a pleasant crunch, and the maguro and unagi on top tied everything together with a subtle richness.
The lobster fried rice followed, comforting and well-seasoned with dashi butter and roasted garlic, giving it depth. The togarashi puffed rice and scallions added pops of heat and freshness that kept the dish balanced.
To finish, the Lotus Milk Punch was creamy, slightly tropical and refreshing, the kind of drink that goes down easy and pairs well with just about everything. Nothing on the table demanded the spotlight, but each dish was steady, satisfying and worth the visit.
The restaurant doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it delivers a dependable meal in an upscale setting. It’s a solid pick if you’re nearby and don’t mind paying a premium for presentation.
Yugenn
Location: 255 W Bland St Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203
Cuisine: Sushi, Japanese
Instagram: @yugennclt
