Mizu in SouthPark
Rooftop views and Japanese cuisine come together in a sophisticated atmosphere at Mizu. I was invited to experience a five-course dinner at Mizu that showcases the restaurant’s robata cooking and learn more about this traditional Japanese technique.
Mizu in SouthPark
Located atop the Hyatt Centric in Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood, across the street from SouthPark Mall, Mizu specializes in Japanese robata cooking. Robata, short for “robatayaki,” is a centuries-old Japanese grilling technique. Unlike traditional charcoal grilling, robata uses binchotan, a special white charcoal that burns clean and hot. This technique creates a unique depth of flavor, drawing out the natural sweetness of seafood and vegetables while caramelizing meats to a buttery tenderness.
You can get a front-row seat to this culinary art form at Mizu. The restaurant features seating right in front of the grill so you can watch as the robata experts prepare your food. Mizu also boasts a picturesque rooftop patio, where you can take in panoramic views of SouthPark. Sunsets are primetime for dining at Mizu because of the view. Even if you don’t sit outside, the restaurant opens the shades on the windows at sunset so you can enjoy the breathtaking sky from inside the dining room.
While Mizu is a great spot for date night or a special occasion, you can also go for cocktails and half-off sushi rolls during the restaurant’s happy hour, Tuesday and Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Mizu also offers a Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Robata Showcase at Mizu
I was invited to experience Mizu’s robata cooking during a five-course Robata Showcase. All of the menu items I enjoyed are currently on Mizu’s menu.
First course was the Grilled Salad with baby gem lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, apples and yuzu su miso dressing. The sweetness of the apple and citrus from the yuzu miso dressing created a really well-balanced salad and great way to start the meal.
Second course was my favorite dish, and the first grilled item of the evening, Yaki-Tori chicken thighs with ume teriyaki, scallops and sesame seeds. I rarely order chicken out at restaurants, but a skewer of these tender thighs would be a must-order anytime I go to Mizu. The thighs are dressed in teriyaki sauce before they go on the grill then part way through the grilling process to really enhance the flavor. The Yaki-Tori is also included on the happy hour menu for a discounted price.
Third course was a Yuzu Prawn with yuzu kosho hollandaise and pickled fennel. The tiger prawns are cooked on the robata grill and served with the head and shell on to really seal in the flavor. Don’t worry, Mizu makes it easy to remove the prawn meat from the shell so you can enjoy your food faster. The prawn was served with blistered Shishito Peppers, drizzled with honey togarashi, a classic Japanese appetizer. The Shishito Peppers are also on the happy hour menu.
Fourth course was surf and turf with a tomahawk steak and whole snapper, both cooked on the robata grill. I was in awe of the massive bone-in tomahawk the moment the chef put it on the grill. Mizu’s menu does feature a whole fish, but the selection might not always be snapper. The proteins were served with Robata Carrots - grilled carrots with crispy shallots and Japanese mustard. Grilling the carrots brought out the vegetable’s natural sweetness with a slightly smoky flavor.
Finally, dessert was black sesame ice cream with grilled fruit. This was my first time having black sesame ice cream, which offered a nutty flavor. The caramelization of the grilled pineapple added a nice sweetness.
Other Menu Highlights at Mizu
While the robata-grilled meats, seafood and vegetables are the stars of Mizu’s menu, other highlights include thinly sliced nigiri, maki rolls and large plates. Bring a group and try a bit of everything with the Osusume dining experience, a curated, family-style tour of Mizu’s menu for $65 per person.
Mizu is located at 3100 Apex Drive, 9th Floor, Charlotte.