Columbus has a lot going for it. We don’t have to compete with coastal sushi snobbery, we have plenty of strip malls perfect for hiding our best rolls, and the cost of a quality omakase here is reasonable. That being said, we’re still in flyover country.
Sushi King Asian Fusion
$ | (614) 824-4657 | WEBSITE
Sushi King Asian Fusion has the best sushi in Columbus (maybe even the Midwest). This makes it a must-visit for anyone craving fresh, quality rolls, no matter where they’re coming from. Just plan on ordering ahead online, but assure everyone that the quick pickup is worth it. Especially that friend from Cleveland who already tried to get sushi elsewhere but was too impatient.
Wild Ginger Asian Fusion
$$ | (614) 396-8919 | WEBSITE
At some point, a visitor to Columbus might get overwhelmed by our heavy food and want a detox – a steady diet of burgers and barbecue can inspire this type of thing, or so we’ve heard. Take care of this with a meal at Wild Ginger Asian Fusion. The Asian fusion dishes are light and fresh, and the dining room has enough Japanese decor and pleasant atmosphere to make your friends feel like they’re at home, where there isn’t quite so much grease.
FUSIAN
$ | (614) 826-2392 | WEBSITE
Your friend who just got back from a trip to Japan has been craving sushi ever since she landed. The first thing she did when she got home was order takeout from her usual spot, but now she wants something fresh and satisfying for lunch. Put FUSIAN on the list. There are big windows in the dining room, and a menu with delicious sushi, generous portions, and plenty of vegan options. She can always grab some sweet sticky rice with strawberries once the sushi craving has been satisfied.
Oshio
$$ | (614) 972-8443 | WEBSITE
You’re not coming to Oshio for delicate, minimalist sushi with twee garnishes and microscopic portions. You’re here for generous rolls packed with flavor, served in a relaxed space where the staff makes you feel like a regular. This spot has built a loyal following with its super solid sushi and welcoming vibe. The interior feels like your favorite neighborhood hangout—comfortable, unpretentious, and always buzzing.
If you’ve ever wanted rolls that actually fill you up, you can get them here (the Oshio Roll and Snow Crab Roll are legendary). Good luck leaving without ordering another round of those chicken wings.
KOSHI – Korean food & Sushi
$ | (614) 914-5131 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you just want to impress your friends with a really good restaurant they might not have heard of. When that’s the case, go to KOSHI in Columbus. It’s a cozy Korean spot with a clean, modern interior (think warm wood accents and soft lighting), and it has some of the best Korean food in the city. The focus here is on the fantastic Korean fried chicken with special sauce, but anything that uses their fresh ingredients is worth ordering – so get some snow roll and kimchi chicken as well.
If you’re hungry, order the large-portioned Sunbudu Jjigae or Jeyuk rice bowl, while you tell stories about how you discovered this hidden gem.
Sushi Factory
$$ | (614) 505-6060 | WEBSITE
Impressing Columbus sushi lovers is hard. But you can take them to Sushi Factory with confidence. Every roll here is fantastic – in particular the Playboy roll, which is a menu staple. But the non-rolls are great, too (try the famous tower or the hibachi dish). It’s the kind of place that might make someone (briefly) stop talking about their favorite spot in the Short North.
Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
$$ | (614) 465-7888 | WEBSITE
Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is the ultimate version of a celebratory Columbus restaurant. Meaning this place is sprawling, with lively hibachi stations and massive family tables. Plus, it has great food, including the chef’s combo and generous sushi servings that often exceed expectations.
It’s the perfect spot for someone who frequents quiet neighborhood sushi bars – they’ll feel like they’re in a culinary theater, and you’ll be entertained by watching them navigate the bustling atmosphere while the skilled chefs put on a show.
sushi ten
$ | (614) 451-9100 | WEBSITE
Head to Sushi Ten in Columbus for a reliable sushi counter experience. The space looks like it hasn’t changed in years, and the staff will hand you the different types of rolls you can choose from behind the counter, to be selected right there. The sushi is always super fresh and delicious. Make sure you try the eel, avocado, and cream cheese roll with eel sauce. This place couldn’t be any more convenient if it wore a delivery uniform.
Yoshi (OSU Campus)
$ | (614) 852-3939 | WEBSITE
It’s practically mandatory that you bring every visitor to Columbus to a sushi spot. And when you’re dealing with someone who’s skeptical about campus food, you absolutely have to choose the right place. There are plenty of options around, but Yoshi is the best. The sushi here is fresh and tasty (so it doesn’t have the blandness you sometimes get from other campus joints), and the best part is the crab rangoons.
Bring napkins for when the sauce from those perfect little pockets inevitably drips down your friend’s chin.
Mandrake Rooftop
$$ | (614) 793-1500 | WEBSITE
For a while, Columbus didn’t have many rooftop spots that could match the energy of what you’d find in Miami or Vegas. But for some inexplicable reason, a few club-style venues have emerged recently. Of these, the most impressive is Mandrake Rooftop. It’s also the most lively, with DJ sets that create a fun atmosphere. Your evening gets you some amazing chicken dishes, plus really good beef options and fantastic cocktails.
So if you’re in the market for a destination with stunning views, and also want to make your friends (momentarily) jealous of our nightlife scene, grab some seats here.
Benihana
$$ | (614) 398-2695 | WEBSITE
Is your visitor gluten-sensitive? Nut-allergic? Looking for a quiet family meal? All of the above? Take this potentially hard-to-please person to Benihana. It’s a hibachi and sushi restaurant that’s also good for a number of other dietary restrictions—and proof that Columbus isn’t just for people who enjoy chaotic dining experiences.
You’ll find dishes like excellent sushi recommended by server Ben, amazing hibachi cooking from chefs like Hau, and gluten-sensitive care from Chef Chul that’s somehow not just adequate but memorable. Yes, this place can have occasional forgetful waitstaff, but at least it’s accommodating when you arrive close to closing time, with friendly service from staff like Chef Jeremy and Mr. Chul who make your day special.
698 Restaurant
$$ | (614) 670-5485 | WEBSITE
Your friend from the coast is visiting, and you’re craving sushi that doesn’t disappoint. Head to 698 Restaurant. This spot has the kind of vibe that someone who appreciates good music and great company – or at least wants to feel like they do – might enjoy. Come for the bluefin tuna avocado roll, praised for its creamy texture, and the decent spicy tuna and Philly rolls. You can even personalize your cocktails for a fun twist.
Just tell your pal to imagine the desserts are as memorable as the atmosphere.
Sakura Japanese Steak House
$$ | (614) 960-2009 | WEBSITE
This popular spot in Columbus makes the list for two reasons. One, it’s an excellent hibachi grill restaurant – you can’t go wrong with anything on the generous menu. Two, the chefs put on amazing and funny performances. This is something many of us in Columbus take for granted (we have a lot of hibachi options), but it will probably make your friends from less-hibachi-happy cities jealous.
Tai’s Asian Bistro & Sushi
$ | (614) 485-0016 | WEBSITE
This Columbus spot makes classic Asian dishes like sushi and pho into must-orders, and turns boba into a clever excuse for lingering over a meal. In other words, it elevates everything fresh and flavorful. The less-traditional items (for example, the Chinese and Korean options) are also great, and overall, we have yet to find something we don’t like. The bustling space has lots of upbeat energy, and the late hours are perfect for a small group after a show.
Lemongrass Fusion Bistro
$$ | (614) 224-1414 | WEBSITE
One of the best parts of eating fusion cuisine in Columbus is that we really are surrounded by vibrant flavors. And Lemongrass Fusion Bistro is the kind of place where your server will let you know not only how the pho is prepared, but also what makes the happy hour deals so special. The menu here is fusion-focused, but there are also appetizers like seafood Rangoon (which are a must-order).
Kissho Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
$$ | (614) 861-3515 | WEBSITE
Kissho Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar doesn’t serve the only destination-worthy Asian food in this city. We also have this unassuming spot with its charming gray vinyl-paneled floor. At first glance, the portions seem overwhelming – the hibachi steak goes way past the edges of the plate, and appears monstrous. But that’s only because the meat has been cooked on a grill, creating delicious, caramelized edges. Include some crab rangoon in your order, along with the veggie tempura.
Not a bad candidate for helping someone finally let go of an obsession with pricier sushi bars (although realistically, good luck with that).
The Feast Buffet
$$ | (614) 488-7888 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you just need to embrace the chaos of an all-you-can-eat spread. The Feast Buffet is where you do exactly that. Head over and load up a plate. Be prepared, this place is basic – it’s a straightforward buffet with standard selections, including some questionable items like the Pho and Hibachi where the noodles are undercooked and the meat quality disappoints. But many dishes are actually tasty and fresh, and the restaurant itself is clean and well-maintained.
It’s decent, though in a category of its own. Plus, this spot has that generic buffet feel, with bright lighting and simple decor that makes it feel like a functional dining hall (if the hall had mediocre service and limited sushi options).