26 Best Japanese Restaurants in Columbia

“Amazing place. Food is well-priced and tastes amazing. Do be aware that there aren't places to sit, however (aside from a bench of two outside). Nevertheless, I have zero complaints. I've only ever been here once, but when I do swing around Five Points again, I will be sure to stop by.“

“Always amazing! Excellent dining- atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired �“

“Our favorite place in Columbia for sushi. Great lunch specials, too!“

“This is the best sushi around. I have been going to Inakaya Watanabe for 20 years and it’s always that best.“

“In town for a baseball series and found this gem to take my son, who loves sushi. The ambience was great, from the music, to the decor and the waitress dressed in a kimono. She was very attentive and charming. Loved that the meal started off with tea! My husband who is kind of a sushi snob and likes his place, also said it was good, so it must have been. I had shrimp teriyaki and it was very good. When in town again, I would definitely go back. Highly recommend.“

“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.“

“10/10 for food. Yummy meals, yummy sushi, clean environment, kind and polite staff, very clean bathrooms, great service! We ordered hibachi steak and chicken, hibachi steak and shrimp, spicy shrimp roll, Tokyo roll, order of 6 piece dumplings. Everything was excellent!! The dinning area could be larger. And the dumplings might be boxed but meh. No complaints. Loved it“

“Frank was amazing. Very friendly and high energy. We came at 9:15 and were the only ones seating in the hibachi area. He came out and gave a show like it was a full room. Very friendly and not too much. Allowed us space to talk and enjoy dinner as well. He made our night. Food was amazing and fresh. Tried this different style of noodles and was pleasantly surprised.“

“I love this place in Sandhills! My family love to eat here every weekend! Always great tasting Ramen and quick service! Thanks Jordan B!“

“Delicious so much food always have some to take home“

“Went to Boku for lunch after Jack’s graduation 🧑‍🎓. We had the kindest and most amazing server, Justice! Food was delicious and atmosphere is stellar. Highly recommend Boku! I will be back for sure.“

“absolutely amazing owner and service, u don't even sing and had a great time.“

“The food is very good, they don't hammer the protein like most pick up Hibachi places. I have only gotten their chicken and steak, but have been happy with the quality and quantity for the price. The fried rice has been a little bland but add some sauce from your meal and you are good to go.
Generally the food is ready ahead of the estimated time and all packaged up. So far our orders have been right, I am a diabetic so often have small requests, like all veg and no rice. Surprising how often places say they will but just don't make the changes. However they have been 100% thus far.
Definitely recommend giving them a try.“

“My partner and I celebrated our annual "unbirthday" with dinner at Lotus and had a fantastic experience Excellent quality dishes, generous portions, and above all a fast, attentive and KIND wait staff. We will absolutely be back!“

“It's not that service is bad. The young girl and guy that's always at the counter stays on the phone... every time I've been in there and it's alot. . Both have ear buds in and talking. That should be a big no when dealing with customer“

“The fried rice was greasy and the wings were old and dried out, as if they were cooked the day before. Terrible food. I would have taken it back for a refund if I stayed closer to restaurant. I had to throw the wings away, too hard to eat. That was not fresh cooked chicken or rice. I ordered in restaurant and my order was brought to me in less than 5 minutes (old food). This is the first time I have had s problem with their food.“

“very fresh. you order then they make it. àll you can eat anything you like as much as you like.. lunch price is less than dinner. but same menu. Love it there! nice decor. comfy seating. friendly attentive staff.“

“Very good food! The only hibachi I like to eat around here! Sometimes their phone doesn’t work, so you have to come in and order and wait for your food. Other than that they have pretty good service. They switched from the bigger portions of the white sauce to smaller portions. Atmosphere is pretty good. They will modify your order perfect for you, if you’d like.“

“Known for their Hibachi, there is an above average sushi counter in the corner. Special Beltline roll was delicious and only $12.99. From 5 to 6 pm they have $19.99 combo Hibachi specials.
The Hibachi chefs vary quite a bit in personality, style and confidence. We had one who didn't do anything entertaining or really interact and would prefer the opposite, especially having our kids there. Still recommend it for sure!“

“Place reminds me of a fresh and tasty mall Japanese grill (the good ones). Veggies were perfectly cooked, and you can get your favorite chicken, beef, or shrimp.

So definitely heck them out over Panda Express for a quick tasty, and healthy to go, or dine in.

Prices are reasonable, and will fill you up, but they also do a 10% military/veteran discount (:“

“Leaving this wonderful Message for my Girl Marla she is always sooo kind and sooo full of Joy and happiness she has always been kind to all of her customers and she’s always sooo patient I have never seen her not have a great Attitude she always has the same attitude always I love her sooo much and I love our friendship she is truly amazing and much more Toyko Grill is veryyy blessed to have her as a manager there and the Food there has always been really good If anyone sees this Just Know that Marla Is God sent She is sooo Amazing thank you for awesome Customer Service I pray God Blesses you 10x Fold Love you Girly 💕“

“Always delicious, I have had everything on the at least once!“

“Loved my food and experience here I’ve done both take out and dine in and as you can see they are consistent with the portions. The food was amazing. hibachi was a 10/10. The Chef was amazing I did not catch his name but he is in the pic I will be requesting him the next time I come. Zach the general manager was awesome and a really big help my car battery died and he helped me jump my car which he didn’t have to do. Zach I appreciate you! And I will be back soon!“

“I really don't eat at.many places like this because I don't eat meat or fish or anything but they're veggies spring rolls are.to die for. I sit at home And eat 10 in a row they fixed perfect for a old person like me to eat. I am ,68.“

“Great selection of food including General Tao's, salt & pepper chicken, pepper steak, fried dumplings. Also serves American food including BBQ ribs, beef stew, quesidias. In addition to the buffet, they had a chef preparing custom dishes that you can request!“

“First time going! 10/10 recommend! Little pricey, but for the quality and freshness of food, well worth it! Staff was great!“