Charleston-based Asian restaurant opens in downtown Greenville

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After much anticipation, a popular Charleston-based authentic Asian cuisine restaurant opened in downtown Greenville on Friday.

O-Ku marks The Indigo Road Hospitality Group’s second restaurant opening in Greenville, following Italian-inspired restaurant Indico, which opened a few weeks ago.

Led by O-Ku Executive Chef Jose Aguilar alongside Chef Masatomo “Masa” Hamaya, O-Ku is noted as elevated regional Japanese cuisine and provides guests multiple ways to experience the menu: Omakase, a chef’s choice tasting experience; Osusume, which means “recommendations;” or, a la carte.

The menu features a selection of nigiri, sashimi, shareable small plates, chef specialties, and specialty sushi rolls, as well as large format entrees.

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The beverage program at O-Ku is made up of extensive Japanese whisky and sake lists, craft cocktails, imported and local beers, and wine. Mirroring the cuisine, the cocktail list is lighter in style, incorporating fresh herbs and produce with house-infused spirits and sakes, like the Shogun with Roku Gin, basil, and lemon balm; Sugar + Spice with habanero-infused vodka, passion fruit, and a sugar rim; or Saketini with sake, lime, cucumber, and mint. Zero-proof options are also available, including the Tiger and the Coconut with matcha, Tiger Tea, and coconut milk; and the Hidden Garden Party with Seedlip Garden, lime, mint, and cucumber.

The Greenville-based developer on the project was Windsor Aughtry Co., and it partnered with The Indigo Road Hospitality Group to bring the two restaurant concepts to Greenville. Charleston-based David Thompson Studio was the architect and designer for the restaurant alongside Clayton Construction Co., the general contractor.

The high design aesthetic at O-Ku is inspired by traditional Japanese style, with shou sugi ban or “charred wood” walls, high ceilings adorned with Manzanita branches, and other wood accents throughout. The focus on wood as the primary material is a nod to the restaurant’s name, which translates to Oak in Japanese. The theme is carried out throughout the space with tilework that resembles the rings within a tree trunk, wood-paneled ceilings, and wooden pendant lights above the bar, creating a dynamic interior layout.

The space is anchored by a large neon sign of the Japanese phrase “omotenashi,” a saying which resonates with the team’s approach to hospitality and means to wholeheartedly look after guests. The outdoor bar and patio space is adjacent to a green space, which is home to Greenville’s Ice on Main, a seasonal skating rink open during the holiday season.

O-Ku Greenville is open for reservations Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m.