
At Nakato Japanese Steakhouse in Charlotte, NC, we’re welcoming the bright, vibrant flavors of spring with open arms—and we want you to be part of it! As the weather warms up, we’re celebrating the season by infusing fresh, seasonal ingredients into our menu, delivering a dining experience that’s both exciting and unforgettable. Spring brings out the best in nature’s bounty, and we’re thrilled to showcase these vibrant flavors with our carefully crafted dishes.
From the perfect balance of seasonal produce to the artful touch we bring to each dish, Nakato offers something truly special this April. We invite you to discover what makes our spring menu a standout, explore the fresh ingredients that inspire it, and learn how we bring the spirit of the season to life through time-honored Japanese techniques. Ready to experience a fresh taste of spring? Come dine with us and see what’s cooking this month!
What Makes Nakato’s Spring Menu Stand Out?
Our spring menu is all about fresh, bold flavors that highlight the best of the season. We’ve carefully curated dishes that not only celebrate spring ingredients but also bring together the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Here’s a taste of what makes our spring menu truly special:
- Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna: Sashimi-grade Ahi tuna loin, lightly seared with sesame seeds, and served with our creamy wasabi aioli and ginger soy sauce. It’s fresh, flavorful, and a true springtime favorite.
- Teriyaki Steak: Thin-sliced strip loin cooked to perfection and glazed with our sweet, savory teriyaki sauce—juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor.
- Assorted Sashimi Tray: A beautiful selection of 15 pieces, featuring five different types of fresh fish. It’s the ultimate sushi experience for those who love the simplicity and purity of raw fish.
- Tempura Fried Banana with Vanilla Ice Cream: A sweet and crispy twist on dessert. Our tempura fried banana pairs perfectly with a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream, creating the perfect end to your meal.
Which Fresh Ingredients are Featured in Nakato’s April Dishes?
At Nakato, we’re all about bringing the freshest ingredients to your plate, and this April, we’re using the best that spring has to offer. The changing season means an abundance of vibrant, seasonal produce, and we’ve carefully selected ingredients that elevate each dish to new heights. Here’s a peek at some of the fresh ingredients featured in our April menu:
- Spring Asparagus: Crisp and tender asparagus adds a delightful crunch to many of our dishes, perfectly complementing the lighter flavors of the season.
- Mango: Sweet and juicy mango brings a touch of tropical flair, balancing savory dishes and adding a fresh burst of flavor.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Earthy and rich, these mushrooms bring depth and umami to our stir-fries and grilled dishes, pairing beautifully with our meats and seafood.
- Baby Carrots: Tender and naturally sweet, these vibrant carrots add a burst of color and a slight sweetness to several of our creations.
- Yuzu: This fragrant citrus is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and we use it to brighten up sauces, dressings, and desserts with its refreshing, zesty flavor.
How Does Nakato Infuse Seasonal Flavors into Classic Japanese Recipes?

We love blending tradition with the flavors of the season, and spring gives us the perfect opportunity to refresh some of your favorite classic Japanese dishes. We take time-honored recipes and add a little spring magic by incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients and flavors that make each bite feel like a celebration of the season. Here’s how we do it:
- Fresh Herb Garnishes: We use herbs like mint and shiso to add a refreshing, aromatic twist to classic dishes like sushi rolls and grilled meats. These herbs are perfect for spring, adding brightness without overpowering the dish.
- Miso with Seasonal Veggies: Our miso soups get a spring upgrade with fresh vegetables like snap peas, radishes, and spinach, giving the dish a lighter, more vibrant feel while still maintaining the comforting richness of the miso.
- Citrus-Infused Sauces: By incorporating yuzu and sudachi (Japanese citrus) into our sauces, we infuse classic dishes like teriyaki or grilled fish with a fresh, tangy brightness that’s just right for the season.
- Grilled Vegetables with a Twist: We bring seasonal veggies like baby bok choy, zucchini, and sweet potatoes into our grill offerings, giving you that smoky flavor you love with a hint of spring sweetness.
- Tempura with Seasonal Battered Veggies: We’ve swapped out the traditional tempura veggies for spring options like green beans, asparagus, and even zucchini flowers, offering a light, crispy bite that highlights the season’s best.
Experience the Best of Spring at Nakato Japanese Steakhouse
As the spring season unfolds, we’re excited to share the vibrant, fresh flavors that make Nakato Japanese Steakhouse a standout among Japanese restaurants in Charlotte, NC. Whether you’re drawn in by our carefully curated spring menu, the fresh ingredients that elevate each dish, or the way we infuse seasonal flavors into classic Japanese recipes, every meal is a chance to experience something new. We invite you to join us this April and celebrate the season with a dining experience that’s fresh, flavorful, and unforgettable. We look forward to welcoming you soon—come taste the best of spring!