They say that sharing is caring. But the elusive “they” may have yet to encounter delicacies in the form of sushi. A confrontation such as this requires the most careful of touches: thoughtful research into the restaurant of choice, the vigilant selection amongst the sundry on the menu, and attentiveness to the art of chopstick fare. It is here, in these sushi restaurants, that sharing takes on a new meaning to simply signify an equal participation in a beautiful dining experience. Upon the first look at the first dish waiting to be served, one decides then and there that there will be no sharing of plates. This meal is mine and mine alone.
For those who thrive on experience, culture, and good food, Columbus has come to offer a variety of sushi restaurants that excel at their craft. But beyond the freshly imported fish lie the artful cocktail creations and rich entrees waiting to be served to eager patrons. Let the list of restaurants below serve as a guide to eat and drink the way through the city.
HARU Omakase
2027 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240
Welcome to HARU, a dining experience unlike any that the city of Columbus has ever seen. It is here that purveyors of culture and elegance can find themselves transported to the vibrant roots of seafaring cuisine and savor the flavors of the tradition with a modern twist. Crafted by executive chef Yudi Makassau, HARU hosts the first omakase experience for the city. In Japanese, the word omakase directly translates to “I leave it up to you.” And in the hands of the Chef, diners soon find themselves traveling on a beautiful guided tour of Japan that he has so elegantly prepared.
The tour features a five-course experience that changes every couple of weeks to highlight the fresh seafood flown straight from around the world. Like an artist with his craft, Chef imparts precision, artistry, and taste to the preparation of each bite. From each delicate shaping of the rice base, to the gentle stroke of the stroke of sauce, and to the careful placement of the pièce de résistance of the accent flavors, Chef Yudi is a true artist at work. And with one simple bite of the opening course, diners eagerly perch at the edge of their seats, waiting with bated breath, for their next euphoric taste.
698 Restaurant
698 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Short North Arts District emerges 698 Restaurant, a new addition to the dining scene of Columbus. The restaurant boasts a dark and moody interior that is reminiscent of classical parlor rooms to host guests looking to catch up with friends and family, share shy glances with dates, and imbibe on beverage and feast. Featuring both a wide selection of sushi and entrees, 698 is the place where land and sea collide and coexist in beautiful unity.
To begin the meal, choose from a line up including kataifi shrimp (a twist on the traditional tempura shrimp with shredded phyllo dough) and crab rangoon tarts (the classic crowd pleaser reimagined as a flaky pastry tart). The sushi selection offers a range from a smoked truffle toro; to rolls stuffed with yellowtail, spicy tuna, and soft shell crab; and to specialties topped with scallops and lobster. On the entree side, the miso truffle udon with shrimp is a favorite along with the laksa, a rich coconut curry noodle soup. And of course, no meal is ever complete without dessert. The sweet treats offered at 698 highlights a seasonal rotation of elegantly crafted mousse creations shaped into hyper-realistic forms of mushroom, pear, and orange.
Rishi Sushi
114 N 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
As a predominant site for mid-work and post-work eats for Downtown locals, Rishi offers a bright, yet classic spot for refuge against the monotony of office life. Centered in Downtown Columbus, Rishi boasts an Asian-inspired menu featuring a selected assortment of sake and handcrafted cocktails, to sushi, and chef’s special entrees. To prepare the palate, order a cold glass of the Wandering Poet, a crisp sake boasting honeydew and banana for a nice and clean finish. Or for those who prefer beverages with a more spirit-heavy focus, grab a glass of the sesame and grapefruit (a sesame-infused gin paired with grapefruit liqueur). Try the Japanese curry (a traditional Japanese curry dish served with panko-crusted chicken and potatoes). To share, order some rolls for the table such as the good day roll (a light and refreshing roll featuring spicy salmon and honey lemons), the downtown roll (a spicy umami roll featuring negitoro with wasabi and yuzu), and the spicy scallop roll (a rich roll featuring baked scallops with eel sauce).
Oshio
974 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Hidden in the neighborhood of Grandview is Oshio, a place for regulars and newcomers alike to sit and dine to converge on the highly anticipated ritual of happy hour. But as the hour strikes, stay into the night to enjoy the intimate dining experience of a neighborhood staple. Whether the choice is made to dine at the bar or in the booths, start off the evening with a cocktail in hand with either the sage advice (gin paired with yuzu liqueur), the rosemary and blackberry smash (vodka paired with spiced pear liqueur), or the lychee lemonade (vodka paired with lychee liqueur). As the drinks are flowing, feed the appetite with some sushi panini, yellowtail carpaccio, or spicy tuna onigiri (Japanese-style rice triangles). Continue the meal with the black dragon roll (yellow tail paired with baked eel), the Oshio roll (shrimp tempura paired with seared tuna), the hallow roll (shrimp tempura paired with asparagus and black tobiko), or the double trouble roll (soft shell crab paired with shrimp tempura and eel).
Sushi Factory
8715 Sancus Blvd, Columbus, OH 43240
Sushi Factory is the place to visit following a successful weekend-long soccer tournament, a championship win at the playoffs, or even the completion of a long-awaited piano recital. Located in the Polaris area, the claim to fame for the restaurant is the daily special of half off all dine-in orders. But the credit truly goes to the dishes. It is recommended to start off the meal with tako su (delicately sliced octopus), yellowtail jalapeño (spicy yellowtail sashimi), or tuna tataki (seared tuna with wasabi). From the wide selection of sushi rolls, choose between the Redbull roll (spicy crab with torched beef), the moon roll (a trio of fish paired with baked lobster salad), or the fire scallop roll (crab paired with baked scallops). Wash it all down with a full glass of plum wine or a fruity soju. And you will want to come back for another visit next weekend to celebrate your next big win.
Domo Sushi Kitchen Bar
976 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Imagine, if you will, starting off a picturesque sunny Saturday with a coffee in hand, strolling up and down High Street as you window shop, gazing with childlike wonder at the assortment of local wares and treats. You peer inside a bay window and your stomach starts to grumble. As you enter the establishment, you are instantly transported away from the stimulation of the outside world and into the quaint, intimate oasis that is Domo. It is here that friends, old and new, gather to catch up on the ebbs and flows of life over a beautifully crafted cocktail, delicately sliced sashimi, and savory entrees.
For starters, order the agadashi tofu, classic crispy rice, and salmon crudo to stimulate the palate with umami flavors. For the entrees, choose between the creamy udon carbonara with shrimp or the nabayaki udon featuring a bonito broth. And no visit to a sushi restaurant is complete without an order of rolls such as the salmon enso roll (featuring seared salmon), Domo roll (stuffed with lobster tempura), the mamba roll (a combination of soft-shelled crab and American wagyu sirloin), or the sakura roll (spicy tuna topped with micro flowers).
So there it is the short list of sushi spots you need to add to your list in Columbus proper. Whether dining alone, on a first date, or with eight of your closest friends, the experiences at these restaurants will leave you wanting to come back again and again. Who knows, maybe you will choose to share your meal next time.
