Hand-roll sushi restaurant Sharigato coming to Optimist Park
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Photo: Courtesy of Sharigato
A new hand-roll-focused sushi restaurant will open at The Joinery in Optimist Park this fall.
Why it matters: Sharigato will introduce a new kind of sushi experience to Charlotte — one that will be consistent and craveable, served one roll at a time for peak flavor and texture, says chef-owner Shari Lynne Robins.
What to expect: Each roll is made to order and served at a 24-seat counter, where people can watch the process unfold. "You will get a hand roll where the seaweed is still crispy on the outside, which is how you're supposed to eat it," says Robins.
- A separate takeout window — dubbed Shariboto — will offer maki-style rolls wrapped in a special film to help retain texture. Sushi robots will help prepare the rice and roll it to keep the prep time efficient and consistent.
- Seating at the counter will be available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. There is additional indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy their Shariboto orders.
- "There's something about the simplicity of it ... this crunchy texture, and then the warm rice and this yummy fish that just makes you keep craving it," Robins tells Axios.
Dig in: The rolls are available in sets of three, four, five or six on the menu. You can also order them individually.
- Menu items include salmon, crab, lobster and shrimp rolls. There'll also be vegetarian rolls like roasted eggplant, mushroom and tempura ube rolls.
- In addition to rolls, there'll be a "snacks" section on the menu to include small plates like blistered shishito peppers with furikake ranch, wasabi Caesar salad, and cucumber and seaweed salad, to name a few.
- To drink, there'll be draft cocktails, craft sakes and beer.
Between the lines: Sharigato is inspired by Los Angeles- and N.Y.C.-based KazuNori, which serves hand rolls one at a time.
- "The whole concept is based on a restaurant that I love in L.A. that I wish was here," Robins says.
Flashback: Originally from New York, Robins moved to Charlotte from L.A. about eight years ago. She previously worked as a senior director of culinary innovation, creating products for brands like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Costco, to name a few. Before that, she helped open several restaurants in California.
Stop by: Sharigato will be located at 402 E. 22nd St. at The Joinery in Optimist Park.
- It'll be open 11am–10pm on weekdays and 11am–11pm on weekends, closed on Sundays.