Charlotte is soon to welcome a new dining destination this month. SHARIGATO is a hand roll restaurant created by Chef Shari Robins. The restaurant draws inspiration from Japanese cuisine and design throughout its menu and interior.
SHARIGATO to Open in Charlotte This Month
SHARIGATO is opening in Charlotte, bringing a new dining destination to the city. The restaurant is opening on May 19, 2026, at Joinery. It will also be Charlotte’s first dedicated hand roll restaurant.
The restaurant was founded by Chef Shari Robins, who brings more than 20 years of culinary experience to the concept. She moved to Charlotte from Los Angeles and has worked with several well-known chefs in LA and New York. She also spent 16 years creating food products for brands like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Amazon, Costco, and Aldi.
“Bringing SHARIGATO to life has been a true labor of love,” Chef Shari said. “After relocating to Charlotte from Los Angeles and missing the hand roll scene I loved, I saw a gap in the market for a high-quality hand roll experience in the Carolinas. It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey, but we are finally ready.”
Chef Shari also introduced the concept through pop-up events with local businesses. She also developed SHARIBOTO, which is a maki-making robot. It is designed to help maintain consistent quality for dine-in and takeout orders.
Menu Highlights
The restaurant is the city’s first dedicated hand roll bar. It will serve hand rolls in sets of 3, 4, 5, or 6, featuring toro, Faroe Island salmon, yellowtail, scallops, and lobster. The menu will also include vegetarian options, including ube tempura, blistered shishito peppers, and edamame.
Other items on the menu include Japanese-inspired snacks, drinks, cocktails, sake, and beer. The beverage menu will include Japanese-inspired cocktails. The restaurant will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m.
Design Inspired by Japanese Culture
SHARIGATO is a 23-seat bar that offers first-come, first-served seating. It has additional indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate more guests. The counter seats offer guests a glimpse of the open kitchen where the rolls are prepared one at a time.
The restaurant’s design focuses on creating a simple but stylish atmosphere inspired by Japanese culture. The interior features deep green colors, warm wood finishes, grasscloth walls, and Japanese street photography. A standout feature is a bright red sink area featuring the restaurant’s custom “Wash and Roll” hand soap.
SHARIGATO is set to bring a fresh concept to Charlotte’s dining scene. Its opening will mark a new addition to the city’s diverse food scene while offering locals a unique experience.
