Musashi Japanese Restaurant

Moving from San Francisco, it took us awhile to stumble upon a place where we can grab Japanese comfort food like we were used to in the Bay Area. Not maki the size of a baseball bat draped in mayo-based sauces. Not a menu containing Japanese, Chinese & Thai food (cover everything, master of nothing). No trendy vibe. What we found here are staples you’d find walking into a small town shokudo. The lunch menu always features an off-menu special like Katsu Curry or Karaage. The sushi is straightforward, approachable and always fresh as are the daily specials. Perhaps the top dish is the Nabe Udon which reminds me of the comfort food my grandmother would make on a Sunday night. Other authentic dishes include the Hot or Cold Tempura Soba, Katsu Don, Ika Karaage, Agedashi Tofu and Croquette. There are bento boxes and teriyaki selections available as well. Service is always great and you can tell the staff has been together for awhile. The primary server is awesome - she works super hard and manages the entire space. They have a tatami room for private dining and larger parties as well. Parking is super easy in the shopping center but the lines can be long. All in all, the most authentic Japanese restaurant in Charlotte.

I've been here twice and have some mixed feelings. On one hand there's an air of authenticity to the place. Some of the staff working here are Japanese - including the guy behind the sushi bar when I stopped in for lunch. It's a nice touch that they have food sample displays in the front of the store like you find at many restaurants in Japan. The staff are all friendly. I've had the tonkatsu here and thought it was pretty respectable. There are certain things they don't have on their lunch menu - including a la carte nigiri. At least as of the time of writing (April '23) they have a "Set B Lunch" with sushi, but I honestly wouldn't recommend it. Nori on the hand roll was soggy, the nigiri was so-so and heavy on the rice, and the roll you get with it is too big to eat in one bite. I think that whole thing could use a re-vamp. I'd be curious to swing by again around dinner time and see if it's a different experience.

Always and forever will be my favorite place for japanese food. The katsudon bowl here is my go to and the flavor never misses. The fish used for sushi is so fresh and everything is delicious. This is a must try restaurant. It is a small location so it can get pretty packed. They used to have two areas for hidden seating room but now it's just one.