Inakaya Japanese Restaurant

Best sushi restsurant in Columbia. Best experience is at the sushi bar

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and great service. Maru San is awesome and very friendly!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First time here my neice brought me to her favorite place on my birthday I loved it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

No pickup?

Always outstanding service and incredible food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best sushi in Columbia.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Still the most authentic in town. Always delicious.

Recommended dishes: Sushi and Sashimi, Godzilla

Very poor service, our waitress never came back to check on us and had a very unfriendly attitude. My wife ordered shrimp tempura and was okay, I had chicken teriyaki and was absolutely horrendous. Needless to say we will never go back, NASTY!!!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

Inakaya Japanese Restaurant in Columbia, SC, is a local favorite for good reason. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a spacious, Japanese-inspired interior featuring traditional decor and even a display case of antiques. Whether you choose to sit at the sushi bar and watch the chefs in action or relax at a cozy table, the ambiance strikes a balance between authenticity and comfort. Service here consistently earns high marks—staff are friendly, attentive, and quick to offer helpful recommendations, making both first-timers and regulars feel right at home.
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Start your meal with the spicy tuna rolls, a menu staple that showcases Inakaya’s commitment to freshness. The rolls are generously filled with high-quality tuna, and the spice level is just right—enough to deliver a kick without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the fish. The rice is well-seasoned, and the construction of the roll is tidy, though some diners have noted the rice can be a bit chewy at times. Still, the overall freshness and flavor make this a must-try for sushi enthusiasts.
Seafood Ramen
Inakaya’s seafood ramen is a comforting bowl that highlights the kitchen’s skill with both broth and seafood. Expect a savory, well-balanced broth brimming with shrimp, crab, and other fresh seafood, complemented by springy noodles and crisp vegetables. The portion size is satisfying, making it a great choice for a hearty lunch or dinner. The dish is a testament to the restaurant’s ability to deliver more than just sushi—ramen lovers will appreciate the depth of flavor and generous seafood portions.
Fried Tempura Vegetables
For a lighter, crispy option, order the fried tempura vegetables. Inakaya’s tempura batter achieves the ideal texture: airy, crisp, and not overly oily. Common vegetables include sweet potato, kabocha squash, mushrooms, and bell peppers, all fried to golden perfection. The tempura is served with a classic dipping sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing or as a starter to your meal.
Tips for the Best Experience
• If you enjoy watching your food being prepared, opt for a seat at the sushi bar.
• Ask your server for recommendations—they’re knowledgeable and happy to guide you, even steering you toward house specialties or away from less popular items.
• For dessert, consider skipping the mochi ice cream in favor of the fried cheesecake, which comes highly recommended by staff and diners alike.
• The menu is extensive, so don’t hesitate to try something new—special rolls and sashimi platters are particularly popular.
Final Thoughts
Inakaya Japanese Restaurant stands out for its consistently fresh ingredients, attentive service, and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re craving classic sushi rolls, a warming bowl of ramen, or perfectly fried tempura, you’ll find something to love. Prices are reasonable, portions are generous, and the overall experience is one that keeps guests coming back. For anyone seeking authentic Japanese cuisine in Columbia, Inakaya is a top choice.

Excellent service!

Love the bar here. My favorite is the pink dragon roll

Fresh sashimi, extensive sushi menu. Would be great if the menu has pictures so we have an idea of what we're getting. Tables in the middle don't have much of a vibe, interior is boring and not inviting

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Craving sushi after a long hard day at work, best sushi in town hands down. Service was good!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is absolutely my favorite place for sushi in the area. Seriously, go out of your way to eat there.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent! Food and service was great!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5