Sure, you could stick to the familiar sushi spots around town. But we’re betting your usual haunt doesn’t serve charcoal-grilled yakitori skewers or hand-pulled udan in a dashi that whispers of Kyoto. From intimate omakase counters to bustling izakayas, Columbus’s Japanese dining scene offers far more than just rolls—it’s a culinary journey waiting at your doorstep.
Yoshi (Downtown Columbus)
$ | (614) 706-4001 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a reliable Japanese lunch spot downtown, Yoshi is serving sushi, habachi, and boba tea from breakfast through dinner every day. They also have a full menu of their delicious poke bowls and pho. You can enjoy all of their options with a view of Capitol Hill from the window seating.
Zundo Ramen
$ | (614) 588-0688 | WEBSITE
This authentic ramen spot in Columbus has their own signature items like the spicy soy marinade, tonkotsu broth, and gyoza available for takeout. There’s even a section of the menu where you can follow along with recommended combinations using their specialties (like a satisfying meal made with their takoyaki and katsu donburi). Place your order here.
Blasian Grill Hibachi
$ | (614) 738-0409 | WEBSITE
A while back, this Columbus spot established itself as a go-to for hibachi enthusiasts, offering generous portions and lively dining. In addition to serving huge helpings of fresh veggies, rice, and noodles, the restaurant also features the popular TRIO and yum yum sauce in a large container. The atmosphere is vibrant, with customers encouraged to sign the “Blasian Wall of fame” while they wait for their made-to-order dishes. Check out the full experience here.
HIBACHI BENTO-LOCKBOURNE RD
$ | (614) 443-1766 | WEBSITE
There has never been a better time to enjoy authentic Japanese comfort food. If you live in Columbus and want perfectly seasoned hibachi bento with huge portions delivered to your home, you can order from Hibachi Bento-Lockbourne Rd. They’re available every day, and you can check out their full selection of must-try dishes like the double meat bento or hibachi dinner with chicken and steak. They also have amazing appetizers for around $12 and will make you the hero of your family dinner.
Akai Hana
$$ | (614) 451-5411 | WEBSITE
After serving some of the best sushi and sashimi in Columbus for years, Akai Hana continues to be a destination for traditional Japanese food. This Japanese restaurant is known for its fresh fish and standout dishes like the bento box and tempura. Like many favorite spots, Akai Hana offers a wide selection of sushi and sashimi, along with good beers and excellent service. The pleasant atmosphere makes it great for dining with friends, family, or alone at the sushi bar.
While it can be crowded and there might be a wait time, most agree the food and experience are well worth it. Although it may be pricier than other Japanese restaurants, the quality of the fish makes each dish enjoyable and worth the extra cost.
Buckeye Hibachi (S. Hamilton)
$ | (614) 929-5288 | WEBSITE
Buckeye Hibachi’s hibachi plates are plenty of food for one meal, but we tend to leave this Japanese spot in S. Hamilton wishing we had gotten another to-go, just for the fresh flavors and generous portions. Now the ordering decision is easy. Get a plate for delivery, like one with chicken, steak, or shrimp, and enjoy the friendly service and well-cooked dishes.
Rishi Sushi Kitchen & Bar
$$ | (614) 914-5124 | WEBSITE
Rishi Sushi Kitchen & Bar is a cozy Japanese spot in Columbus serving high-quality sushi rolls, Korean chicken, and Japanese Udon Curry. In addition to sushi, they have a variety of gluten-free options and Japanese favorites like the 5 rings roll and crispy fries. And if you want something substantial – try the Rishi curry, which costs around $18-24 and comes with a light, tasty house broth plus your choice of sides like edamame or noodles.
Hibachi Express (Upper Arlington)
$ | (614) 914-8447 | WEBSITE
Hibachi Express is serving up Chicken and Steak hibachi, Crab Rangoons, Egg rolls, and their famous yum yum sauce. In other words, whatever you’re craving for a quick, satisfying meal, there’s a good chance you’ll find it at this Japanese spot in Upper Arlington. Place an order any day for takeout, which is available with fast service and generous portions that make it feel close to a sit-down hibachi experience.
Sushiko
$$ | (614) 985-6441 | WEBSITE
In addition to their sushi rolls and entrees like salmon and udon noodle soup, Sushiko is also offering a variety of Japanese groceries that you can order through popular delivery services. They have a selection of items ranging from miso paste to gyoza and vegetarian options, in addition to essentials such as Pocky. Check out the options here.
Tensuke Express
$ | (614) 451-4010 | WEBSITE
Nearly every dish on the menu here – from the popular Shoyu and miso ramen with chicken cutlet to the udon with its chewy noodles and light broth – comes in at around $12 or under. We say nearly because this Columbus Japanese spot also offers bento boxes and sushi from the adjacent store that make perfect take-home meals.
The next time you’re craving something warm and satisfying after a long day, grab a bowl of their tonkotsu ramen with a soft boiled egg or some crispy takoyaki with octopus inside from Tensuke Express.
Sakura Hawaii BBQ & Ramen
$ | (614) 694-2288 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving something different but still want that familiar comfort, this Columbus Japanese spot has a menu featuring everything from BBQ beef and chicken to shrimp, fried rice, and those must-try egg rolls. The grilled shrimp and BBQ beef come highly recommended, and the ramen is absolutely top-notch. Alternatively, you can go for dishes like the Chicken n Steak hibachi—complete with noodles, veggies, and rice—or the BBQ with Chicken and Rib Tips, which packs great flavor.
Don’t miss the unique Crab Ragoons, very crispy and stuffed with cream cheese. It’s a casual place where you grab your own table and drinks, with food brought to you and free ice water available. While the seating can feel a bit tight and service is straightforward, the friendly staff and enjoyable vibe make it a solid pick. Adding some music would really round out the experience. Overall, Sakura Hawaii BBQ & Ramen is appreciated for its good food and welcoming service.
SUSHI EN
$$ | (614) 430-9887 | WEBSITE
In addition to their menu of sushi and Japanese dishes available for dine-in service, SUSHI EN is also offering their popular Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura Bento Box as a lunch special. And, since it’s so affordable, you should probably just make it a regular stop and consider bringing friends along. Check out their daily specials board when you visit. There’s no extra charge for the cozy, traditional setting that makes it nicer than a typical food court.
Mr. Hibachi Frebis
$ | (614) 648-8700 | WEBSITE
Mr. Hibachi Frebis is typically a Japanese restaurant in Columbus – but now they’re also offering a full-on hibachi experience. They’re serving everything from shrimp, chicken, and rice to cabbage, carrots, and zucchini, and you enjoy their generous portions here. The food is always delicious, with the egg yolk sauce being particularly exceptional. The staff is friendly and accommodating, providing perfect customer service while being extremely helpful with food allergies.
Parking is convenient right in front of the door. Some customers wish for a salad option to be added to the menu.
Tora
$$ | (614) 428-8672 | WEBSITE
Fresh seafood, perfectly prepared sushi, and a variety of Asian-style dishes are available for dine-in and takeout at Tora in Columbus. This spot also serves must-try items like the beef bulgogi, stone pots, and teapot mushroom soup that will surely make those chain restaurant versions wildly jealous. If you’re the kind of person who likes to impress your friends with non-boring dining adventures, keep this beautiful fine-dining restaurant in mind.
sushi ten
$ | (614) 451-9100 | WEBSITE
If you’re in Columbus and craving fresh sushi without the fuss, the answer is Sushi Ten. They offer a solid lineup of reasonably priced rolls, including excellent vegetarian and vegan options that are clearly marked, plus classics like the fantastic eel, avocado, and cream cheese roll with eel sauce that’s so fresh it often needs no soy sauce.
You can grab your order at the easy walk-up counter in their clean, casual space—connected to Tensuke Market—and enjoy it outside or in the nearby Express dining room when the weather’s nice. It’s the go-to for quick, high-quality, affordable sushi, perfect when you want great taste without the formality of sit-down spots nearby, and you can even get the same delicious sushi served at Akai Hana and Tensuke Market here for added convenience.
Kooma sushi Restaurant
$$ | (614) 224-3239 | WEBSITE
This sushi spot in Columbus is offering a dinner menu that includes specialty rolls, nigiri, and maki for one or two people. The rolls are all offered at reasonable prices that reflect the quality you’re getting. They come with options like the Firecracker roll packed with spicy tuna and avocado for an appetizer, and the Kooma Volcano Roll with tempura shrimp and creamy sauce for a main.
Place your order directly with the friendly waitstaff, and they’ll have your food ready in adequate time for a comfortable dinner date or casual meal.
Domo Sushi Kitchen Bar
$$ | (614) 456-7005 | WEBSITE
We’re going to go ahead and assume your kitchen isn’t staffed by sushi masters who have trained in Tokyo and New York, which means you’re probably having a hard time making dinner at home feel like an occasion right now. Thankfully, Domo Sushi Kitchen Bar, a restaurant recognized for its authentic sushi and enjoyable dining experience, is prepared to bring you a $65 omakase experience that can help.
Every evening, Domo prepares fresh fish that comes with chu toro tuna or saba sashimi, and a selection of specialty rolls. Perfect fish and warm sake aside, every meal also comes with friendly and engaging service from standout staff and a lively crowd that brings some ambiance to your dining experience.
Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
$$ | (614) 465-7888 | WEBSITE
Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar understands that a memorable dining experience isn’t just about the food, and does a lot of the work for you. For example, their skilled chefs prepare and cook hibachi meals right at your table, so when the sizzling platter arrives, you just need to enjoy the show before it’s ready to eat.
This Columbus Japanese spot also crafts generous sushi rolls, offers popular chef’s combos, and provides a clean, pleasant atmosphere suitable for celebrations or casual dinners. You’ll find the staff friendly and professional, with quick table turnover that keeps things moving without feeling rushed.
Meshikou Ramen
$ | (614) 457-1689 | WEBSITE
In addition to standout ramen options like pork belly and pork tenderloin, this Columbus favorite is serving highly praised KFC wings, chashew buns, and refreshing yuzu soy mazemen. You can visit their nicely decorated space any day to enjoy the great service and unique ambiance with American spice touches.
FUSIAN
$ | (614) 826-2392 | WEBSITE
Given FUSIAN has the best vegan sushi in Columbus, it’s no surprise that their menu offers lots of things you’re going to want on your plate, like sweet sticky rice with coconut milk and strawberries, tempura-topped rolls, and generous portions that leave you satisfied. You can enjoy their selection and experience their friendly, attentive service for dine-in or takeout at their clean, welcoming location with big windows.