New Zealand Cafe in Charlotte - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Favorite spot in Charlotte! I routinely drive 40 minutes to dine here. Very well priced for what you get. Ryan has taken care of me multiple times and always gives a stellar experience. Will be back soon!

These are the most delicious sushi in Charlotte

Very good sushi selection. Awesome and fresh tuna tataki. We’ll be back.

It’s not hard to see how this place is consistently ranked as one of the top sushi places in Charlotte! Fantastic rolls!

I’ve came here several times and it’s always amazing sushi!

Moved out of the area, haven't been to New Zealand in years. Nothing has changed, great food, great service, great atmosphere!

I love their sushi! This place is small for dining in but I’ve never had to wait on a table.

If you love sushi and good prices and fast service come here!! I travel all over the US for work and I’m constantly looking for the best sushi place and I stumbled upon this place and WOW!! I ordered takeout, 1 sushi roll the crispy bagel roll and miso soup. It was ready in 10 minutes and was still hot when I received it. Absolutely delicious lunch I couldn’t ask for more. & SO AFFORDABLE!! thank you and I cannot wait to come back! 10/10

Exceptional sushi, with a wide selection. It's 70 miles from where we live, and we eat there at least 2 times per month. It's worth the wait if there is a line!

This is really good, small café. Indoor and outdoor seating. Service is excellent. Sushi is delicious. So is the chicken!

If I could give 10 stars I would. I’ve been coming here a long time, and it’s always fantastic. Staff are nice, and the sushi is just immaculate. I’ve never had a bad experience here, very well priced, and a great intimate atmosphere. This is my personal favorite sushi restaurant in Charlotte.

Ate lunch here today for the first time. First impression was it's very small inside and table were so close together you can't walk between them. I don't like being so close to others that I can hear their entire conversations and vice versa. They have outdoor seating, but is as close as inside. You do get a free meal on your birthday. I ordered a Hibachi chicken and shrimp which came with a salad, brown rice, but I asked for white rice, and vegetables, and two skewers of chicken potstickers. I also ordered vegetable spring rolls, which were really good. My total bill was $22. For me it was just ok. Some of the shrimp still had the shell on and all the shrimp had the tails on. I don't like having to work for my food and we had to ask for knives. My sister in law ordered the Bento Box and she had enough to bring home. She enjoyed her lunch. I don't think I would go back just because of how close and tight the tables are. The picture below of the sushi rolls was borrowed from another review on TripAdvisor, because I could never get a good pic when they were walking by with it.

The sushi here is to die for, absolutely delicious. Our server was personable but the host seemed a bit cold in how she greeted , so i felt that didn’t match the atmosphere. I love how the space looks but wish it was more spacious or even less tables to make it look more spacious. My only real complaint is that it’s so very crowded in there and i don’t like feeling squished or like i have no space when im eating at a restaurant. It feels like everyone is in each other personal bubbles which also makes it hard to have conversations.

Fast service, great quality food, and very pleased with the price point. We spent a little and got a lot - absolutely no complaints

One of the best sushi spots. The food is good. I enjoy trying the different rolls.

So this is the first time coming here and honestly will be the last as well. Came with a group of people and we all ordered order came out about the same time with the exception of one person who has been waiting for about 15 minutes now for a chicken teriyaki plate. I requested no vegetables on my plate and still received the vegetables on top of the order. Food was bland and service was mediocre. 2/10 the only nice thing about this place was the server.

Never went to this place and didn’t know it. Tonight my son said let’s do takeout food from New Zealand Cafe. Alright I alright. I ordered the crispy chicken with garlic noodles. When he got it home - the takeout was loaded. Salad, shrimp, rangoon cheese, garlic noodles and plenty of mouth watering crispy chicken with onion and sauce. Sweet and sour sauce tasted homemade - sweet and tangy and smooth - not some gooey paste! Plus nice yum yum sauce for the salad or on anything else. The food from New Zealand Cafe hit the spot. Tasty, filling and satisfying! The price was about $12 for a meal that was knockout. Get their food - it’ll take you to 7th heaven.

Simply amazing sushi at an affordable price! Don’t go expecting anything fancy but the fish itself!

This is a very popular place and there's always a crowd here. Honestly, I don’t understand the hype. The food is quite average—not the best, but not the worst either. The prices are nice. But what about the restaurant itself?! 😱 It is undoubtedly the most rundown and unpleasant café I've ever been to. I guess they haven’t renovated since the 90s or so? Everything is dirty, old, and dusty. You feel extremely uncomfortable there. And with such a flow of people! Can’t you renovate to make it less gross? Even the tableware is old and worn out. And that filthy corridor that guests have to walk down to get to the restroom… I absolutely don’t want to come back here

Been here a few times, food is always fantastic. Foos service can be slow when they are busy, but it's worth the wait. Wait staff is always attentive, never had a complaint there. They don't take reservations, but the longest we've waited for a table was 15 minutes. That said, we've never been on a weekend. Plenty of parking, easy in and out.

The food and service were excellent and I highly recommend eating here.

It was good food, and a nice environment!

New Zealand is one of our most favorite restaurants in Matthews.but tonight you guys missed the mark. We did takeout and I had a chicken hibachi bento..it was over the top salty and not fresh. This is the first time we ordered takeout and it went into the garbage…your reputation is too good for that…but we’ll be back…

The best sushi in Charlotte hands down. The spot is small, but if you’re willing to go slightly off hours, you will always be seated right away. Sweet folks too!

Even after not having their sushi for five years, I'm happy to say that they never disappoint. It's just something about the flavor combinations that is so satisfying. My favorite is the crispy bagel roll and the crispy California roll.

This is our only sushi restaurant. I dont want to do a review because too many people go there and there's always a wait. But it is Sooo worth it!! The food is fresh and mouth watering. Serviced by the nicest staff and super clean. Jackie, the owner, has recieved numerous awards for his restaurant. Just can't go wrong! Enjoy!

Food we received was good, but they gave me the wrong thing for one of my takeout items. I didn’t notice until I got home.

Best, most affordable sushi in Charlotte.

This is a wonderful place with warm and friendly people, not to mention the food is excellent.

Sushi was pretty good, service is good, is a little loud due to being somewhat small restaurant, but creates a lively vibe

One of the best sushi places in Charlotte.

We live in Chapin SC but this place came across my instagram. We were in Charlotte for a date night and made trip to try it out…..it was delicious, it is a small spot but the rolls were delicious, will definitely be our go to spot anytime we are in Charlotte!

The best Sushi in the city at an incredible price

Jackie & Kathy are awesome and the entire staff is wonderful. The sushi is hands down the best in charlotte and price wise it is so reasonable compared to the high quality sushi restaurants and I have been to so many in the charlotte area. We drive from Davidson and have many sushi places around lake Norman to chose from and make the drive because it is the best.

Very small place, but food is great!

I didn't like it because there shouldn't be plastic in sushi. And the food was too hot, they could have warned me. Sticky tables and the interior leaves much to be desired.

AMAZING SUSHI RESTAURANT! Reasonable prices. Great food! Small and intimate.Easy parking. It has a Tiki vibe. Try it!

Good food served by great people.

Yummy! Large selection. We had a very friendly waitress. The food came out fairly quickly and we went at lunch time. Definitely would return.

The food was good and the price wasn’t bad but my server was so rude! I asked her to get me a fork and she looked at me rolled her eyes and said “ugh.” It wasn’t even under her breath or like as she was walking away she did it right to my face.

Love this place. They have some of the best sushi in Charlotte. Very small venue so if your not there early you will be waiting for a seat. They do have takeout as well which is extremely popular

One word: amazing! And, Nick is an amazing server.

Such a hidden gem in Charlotte! Sushi rice texture is just right and food is delicious 😋 even the miso soup tastes better than elsewhere! I like the atmosphere there, a nice place to chill 🍻

Amazing sushi Everything was just amazing

Favorite sushi spot in Charlotte! Small location so expect a bit of a wait on the weekends but it’s worth it.

Ok, I have to share our experience here. We have been ordering food from this place for years. Recently we ordered a rice and beef dish for our children to go. Some pieces of beef in the dish were NOT beef. In fact, I don't think it was meat at all. It looked like meat, but tasted like nasty, smelly, mushy playdogh. That's the best I can describe it. My kids were spitting it out and gagging. I didn't believe them first and tried it myself. That was something absolutely fake and disgusting! What do they put in their food ?????

Was not very impressed. The food was not good, service was slow, and unfortunately the outdoor seating is lacking , and very much feels that you are eating in a parking lot (cuz you are) .

Great food and service! Lovely place to eat in Charlotte! Wonderful memory with my sister Donna❤️

Great service and food. Highly enjoyed

I have been coming to my favorite "hole in the wall" sushi joint for YEARS. It has definitely blown up in the past several though as more people around Charlotte have discovered it. The folks who work in there are going as fast as they possibly can and they make the best sushi at a decent price. Very small dine in spot but I usually get take out. I have tried almost everything on the menu over the years and it's all delicious but my favorites will always be 1.)Big Boss, 2.)Valentine, 3.)Discover and I never leave without an order of their shrimp fried rice....it's good immediately or even the next day too! YUM! I love Cathy in there who runs the show. She's extremely helpful and quick!

The sushi is amazing! We’ve been patronizing this quaint family owned restaurant for over 10 years and in all that time, the quality and deliciousness has remained above par and consistent. We moved out of Charlotte 2 years ago, but every time we visit Charlotte, we make sure to stop in!

This place is up and down, but today it was ok. Food was Alright I’ll give it a 3 outta 5

A very overrated place and there are always a lot of people, maybe it’s just a convenient meeting place for everyone and they’ve never tried anything better.

What's there not to love about this place?! Everything is amazing, from affordable prices to the freshness of the food. My only complaint is that it's far from where we live!

Is this restaurant under new management/owners?

The food is delicious; the wait is ridiculous. We asked to make our food to go because the wait was too long. It took us 45 minutes to get our food. It would have been fine had they not told us that it would only take 15 minutes to get it to go. Finally, we got home with our food and the order was not correct. Disappointed!

Probably 1 of the best sushi places I've been to!! Everything was fresh and the presentation was amazing! highly recommend if you are in the area!

Amazing fresh sushi. Reasonably priced.

The reviews on this place are great so I checked it out. It was ok. I guess the main deal here is sushi. I didn't go with a group for a big sushi meal so maybe that's it.

I decided to try a new restaurant that was close to my hotel. It was small and unassuming. The servers were nice. The menu had many choices. I settled for a sushi dish (one of the popular ones, can't remember name), and noodle dish. The salad had a dressing that was delicious, and so was the sushi. The noodles were okay. I would recommend the sushi.

Best sushi in Matthews and surroundings! I just miss it on DoorDash, wish they were still there!

The Food is absolutely incredible. The service is fast and friendly and the atmosphere is comfortable.

Love the food but restaurant is too small. Always get take out.

The best in town.. drive 45 mins one way to get it

This a great sushi place, prices are good, the staff is great and the atmosphere is really fun !

Delicious food and friendly people

Best sushi place in the Queen City. Always good food and good service.

Favorite sushi spot in Charlotte!

Really never been here but always see it has good reviews so finally decided to try it after we were looking for somewhere with hibachi and we spent 2250 with tax before tip for one meal. It was a hibachi with vegetables, noodles and a side of rice and, a sprite and a tea the hibachi did not have an authentic hibachi flavor. They did not , a sprite and tea the hibachi did not have an authentic hibachi flavor. They did not serve me it with sauce on the side and it tasted very salty and just like it was a salty sauce, but not like that authentic hibachi flavor I was looking for like a grill that I’ve had for normally with hibachi so I’m super disappointed that we spent almost $25 on one hibachi meal and it didn’t have the expectations met for the flavor. It tasted more like lo mein meal with some salty shrimp, but not like that authentic hibachi flavor. 👎 do not come here for the hibachi. Also, there was like a salad like a small salad at the beginning with a creamy dressing. They said it was ginger.. And the fried rice had corn in it.

Delicious food! Definitely worth giving it a try!

Food was wonderful. First pic, miso soup, tuna tataki and tuna poki. Poki is the one is the bowl tataki is plate. My dad also got a chicken spring roll. As for sushi, starting at the bottom, big boss roll(my personal favorite), big boss roll again, double taste roll and century roll. Not pictured are the dynamite roll and spicy dragon roll. Both great. Also two of those rolls have the “house spicy sauce”. Usually when you go to sushi places and hear spicy it’s not actually hot like “spicy tuna” but this sauce DOES have a nice little kick to it. I thought it was great. If you’re the type that can’t handle something like jalapeños you should probably avoid it. Staff were friendly and on top of things as usual

New Zealand Cafe exudes excellence in every aspect, making it a standout destination for discerning food enthusiasts. From the moment you step through the door, their commitment to top-tier customer service is palpable. The staff greets you with genuine warmth, attentiveness, and a genuine eagerness to ensure your dining experience surpasses expectations.Beyond exceptional service, the culinary offerings at New Zealand Cafe are nothing short of extraordinary. Drawing inspiration from the diverse culinary landscape of New Zealand, each dish is a masterful fusion of flavors and textures, showcasing the finest ingredients sourced locally and internationally. Whether you're indulging in their renowned flat whites, savory pies bursting with flavorful fillings, or delicate pavlovas that melt in your mouth, every bite is a testament to the chef's dedication to culinary perfection.Moreover, the ambiance of New Zealand Cafe adds to its allure, with cozy seating arrangements and tasteful decor that invites patrons to linger and savor each moment. Whether you're catching up with friends over brunch or enjoying a quiet afternoon respite, the ambiance sets the stage for a memorable experience.In summary, New Zealand Cafe not only delivers exceptional cuisine but also sets the gold standard for customer service, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unparalleled dining experience.

Delicious as well as friendly, and efficient service. Seating is non-US style (close quarters), which can be fun.

I loved the sushi and my husband orders fried rice in all Asian restaurants, I always try it, in my opinion it’s the best fried rice I’ve ever tasted

The best sushi you’ll ever taste unless you’re planning a trip to Japan 10/10 no question Edit 3/29/2024: I’ve removed a few of my stars because I’ve unfortunately gotten sick here lately, after almost every visit these past 2 or 3 months. My stomach is very sensitive to old oil being used to fry things and I have been getting ill after eating a roll with fried elements in it (tempura). New Zealand was very good about fresh quality fried foods in their rolls but I feel the quality has recently dropped. I hope it comes back, I was so addicted to this place.

If you love sushi, you will love this place. This old-school sushi spot is one of Charlotte's best for sushi. They have a great selection of great nigiri. Order a la carte or get something off the menu it's all good. They have great lunch options as well. Great service always. If you are from Charlotte, you know this, but if you're new, check this out.

If you like sushi this is your place; it's my absolute favorite. They also have bento boxes which are fantastic if you don't like sushi.

This place never disappoints! The food is SO good! SO tasty!!! My favorite is the Crispy Bagel roll. The service is wonderful! And I love the small, intimate restaurant that it is! I will continue to go back again and again!

The best Sushi places I have ever been too! I have traveled all over the country for business! Strongly recommend!

This place has the best sushi in town hands down!!! They have a larger variety of eel rolls that are all fantastic. I usually get my order to go as the place is quite small and doesn't seat many people but it's very cute and cozy so not worth deducting any stars for. The people who work there have always been friendly. It's my go-to spot for sushi!

Best sushi in Charlotte area. And at the same time with the best prices. Can’t wait to go back.

Great sushi. Had the bento box for lunch. Delicious.

Had Favorite, Atlantic, Rainbow, Devour rolls...Aaammmmazing!

My family and I have been going here for years. The service and cuisine is always to the highest of quality. We love this little hidden gem that packs a punch of tasty right in the face. We will continue going here for years to come.

Love this place!!! Not to big inside nice and clean food/ Sushi is delish. There is seating outside plenty of parking. Good server's good atmosphere Highly recommend.

Food is great like always tried the toro nigiri for the first time I don’t recommend it but it was 3.50 so cheap!

Came for dinner with business associates. This place was small, but worth the wait. We're used to small restaurants like this in NYC, so.. no problem. The sushi was the freshest I've ever eaten. The employees were all fabulous. They have wine and beer. We waited out front for less than 10 minutes to be seated and that was just fine because we had drinks while waiting! Highly recommend.

Always love visiting New Zealand Cafe for great sushi.

One of the best sushi restaurants in charlotte.

My absolute favorite place to eat sushi in Charlotte. We drive an hour almost everytime to come here because its the absolute best. Large menu and the best prices in Charlotte. Kept asking for seconds and my bill wasn't any higher than $30 food is fresh and taste is glorious. Great sized servings too!

Like you are in a movie little place you may have to wait for a seat seams to calm down at 730 lots of to go orders.

The literal cutest sushi place I’ve ever seen. Really good prices too!

New Zealand Cafe has a huge variety and make the sushi fresh. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is quaint.

Had a great time once again here. Got the sushi boat and loved it all. Have been here so many times and it’s one of the best sushi places in town and the prices are very reasonable.

Good food and service but they use the hallway to the bathrooms as storage so I couldn’t access the bathroom being in a wheelchair. Disappointed and will not return.

It's "OK" sushi. I've had some good items, but it's certainly not worth the extremely long wait. On a weekend you may have to wait 1-2 hours, and it's a little run down and cramped on the inside. Ordering take out is much preferred.

In the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, off the well-trodden path of Sardis Road, there exists a culinary enigma wrapped in nori - the illustrious New Zealand Café. As a local, having weathered the whispers and recommendations for over two years, I finally set sail to this mythical sushi haven. The opening act was none other than the Tuna Tataki, priced at a modest $8.50. Imagine, if you will, seven seared warriors of the sea, bathed in a tangy ponzu sauce, each piece dusted with a generous helping of sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions. This dish wasn't just served; it was presented with the flair of an opening number in a Broadway show. As for the main spectacle, I embarked on a duo of rolls that would make any sushi aficionado's heart flutter. First, the "Bigger Roll," a steal at $8.50, was an opulent feast of tuna, salmon, whitefish, masago, creamy avocado, and scallion, all wrapped in a delicate embrace. Each of the six pieces was a testament to the ocean's bounty, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that sang a siren song of the sea. Not to be outdone, the "Red Dragon" roll, priced at $11.95, made its fiery entrance. This masterpiece of spicy tuna, encased in more tuna and avocado, then sprinkled with masago, was a dance of subtle heat and richness. Its eight pieces were like a choreographed ballet of flavors, gracefully balancing the line between fiery and finesse. The presentation of these marine marvels was a sight to behold - a white plate stage, adorned with a banana leaf, the piquant duo of wasabi and ginger in attendance. A side of eel sauce, though thinner and saltier than its sweeter counterparts, could not dampen the spectacle. The rice-to-fish ratio of both rolls was a masterclass in balance, a symphony in every bite. A glance at my neighbor's table revealed a fried rice so alluring, it could easily claim the title of Charlotte's hidden gem. Despite the bustling scene, with a full house inside and hopeful diners queued outside, my sushi experience was swift, thanks to the efficient ballet of sushi chefs and kitchen staff. The ambiance was a unique blend of kitchen clatter, refrigerator hums, and the ambient chatter of my fellow diners, creating an oddly comforting background score for the evening. Seated at the sushi bar, I had a front-row seat to the culinary theatrics, captivated by the deft hands of the sushi chefs. Despite its compact size, the café hummed with a vibrant energy, the noise level surprisingly manageable amidst the packed space. Cindy, my server, was the epitome of efficiency wrapped in a smile, navigating the bustling room with ease. While our interactions were brief, her dedication to her craft was evident in every swift step. In conclusion, New Zealand Café is the unassuming hero of the Charlotte sushi scene. A place where the extraordinary meets the no-frills in a delightful culinary mash-up. It's the sort of establishment you'd revisit, not for the fanfare, but for the reliable, solid sushi experience at a fair price. Its local fame, punctuated by the numerous accolades adorning the walls, is well-deserved. So, if you're ever in the neighborhood and your sushi cravings ignite, remember the New Zealand Café. Just maybe bring a penchant for thinner eel sauce.

My favorite place for 30 years 👍🏻

Hands down the best Sushi in town. The General Spicy roll is superb

A gem! Such a cozy, reasonable and delightful restaurant. Excellent service, amazing variety and the food was fresh and yum. Reminded us of the restaurants in Tokyo. Loved it!!