‘Affordable glamour’ meets hand roll precision at new Optimist Park sushi spot
A new hand roll restaurant called Sharigato in Optimist Park is nearing its debut, with its first diners expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
The 24-seat restaurant will center on a timed, counter-style experience, with each roll delivered individually as it’s prepared, a format designed to highlight texture, temperature and the quality of the fish in each bite, CharlotteFive has reported.
The space at The Joinery is intimate and understated, with a light wood counter, simple stools and soft lighting that keep the focus on the dining experience. Warm tones and minimal design make it feel polished but comfortable and relaxed.
The streamlined menu will feature premium seafood like toro, Faroe Island salmon, yellowtail, scallops and lobster, alongside vegetarian rolls and snacks such as edamame with togarashi, blistered shishito peppers with furikake ranch and ube tempura.
Hand rolls at Sharigato lean into fresh, simple flavors. The salmon version came wrapped in dark seaweed with a satisfying crunch that contrasted the soft, slightly tangy sushi rice, while the buttery salmon inside delivered a clean, subtly sweet finish in every bite.
Drink options will include Mexican Coke, craft sake, local beer and cocktails on tap, such as a margarita and martini, plus seasonal offerings.
Owner Shari Lynne Robins, a longtime restaurant professional, said the concept was inspired by her love of KazuNori, which she frequented before moving to Charlotte. Her background includes working with chefs Jonathan Waxman and Larry Forgione, as well as time in California kitchens and launching her own restaurant there.
“If I want to make money, I want to have a restaurant people feel like they can come to two or three times a week,” Robins said. “I’m kind of thinking of it as affordable glamour.”
After nearly a decade developing food products in Charlotte for companies like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, Robins is returning to her restaurant roots, with plans to expand Sharigato in the future.
Sharigato
Location: Joinery, 420 E 22nd Street, Charlotte, NC 28206
Cuisine: Asian, sushi hand rolls
Instagram: @sharigato_clt
