Incredible service here from the minute we arrived. We were greeted so warmly. Server immediately brought over water and included a kids cup for our toddler. Food was delicious. Our 3 year old loved his chicken teriyaki (even brought over early without us having to request!). Sushi was incredible. Fresh, authentic, priced fairly. And delicious. We loved walking around outside after too! read more

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Beautiful restaurant, located in a very Asian shopping venue. Service was very good, and the sushi was top notch. We'll definitely be back to explore some more of this (and the other surrounding shops/restaurants) Thanks to Steve Hofstetter, World Famous comedian, for the recommendation. I hope to see his photo on the wall next time we visit. :) read more

Everyone was super nice and accommodating. We were under the false impression of prices. read more

Akai Hana - Japanese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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If you're a sushi fan in Columbus, Akai Hana needs to be on your list of places to go! They are located in the Japan Marketplace where there are so many great spots and shops to explore! The vibes here are awesome and it's great for any occasion! Every dish feels so authentic, and the quality of seafood in their rolls are top of the line and taste incredibly fresh! The bento boxes are always fun to do and allow you to taste a little bit of everything! Be on the lookout for their specials they have going on the Crispy Kale Roll was one of the best rolls I've had in the city! read more

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Am I turning Japanese, turning Japanese? I really think so. Can we get somebody at Yelp! to check how often that joke has been used to start a sushi restaurant review. This place is in a strip mall with bakery - Belle's- and a Japanese grocery store. They are all hopping. The story I get is that when Honda opened a plant here the services followed. Tracks. The sashimi is great. Also got the tofu, which I really like. Soft shell crab are great. The ambiance is that of a very busy Japanese restaurant. The servers are teched up so everything moves at a pace. Simply said, if you are in Columbus come here. read more

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This is my fist time here and you need to make reservations. Every time I'm in the area this place is always busy. I ordered the octopus because no matter where I go I must try how they prepare it. Then I ordered the Alaska. It was a bit smaller than I expected but still good. I would go back since they have a lot of different options to try on the menu. Service was fine. Did feel a little rushed though. read more

Akai Hana - They have a very large selection - Japanese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Not my first time at Akai Hana, but my first review. Each time I have gone I have just simply loved their sushi. Service was wonderful. Ambjance was a little loud, but as expected for a fully packed Saturday night. We started with miso soup and tempura shrimp and veggies for appetizers. The tempura was fantastic, with the perfect crunch. My partner also tried a salmon hand roll. The hand roll was packed with salmon and incredibly fresh. For the mains, we opted for the suki yaki (which my partner had most of) and the caterpillar roll and tuna bliss A roll. The rolls were exquisite, each piece perfectly put together. We were so into our meal that I even forgot to take pictures until midway in! I also appreciate that their online menu had pictures for everything, it certainly made picking our items much easier. I definitely look forward to going back to Akai Hana, especially for the sushi and fish. read more

Akai Hana - Caterpillar Roll on the bottom Tuna Bliss A Roll on top - Japanese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Really wonderful authentic dishes like Hamachi Kama (fried yellowtail collar, or cheek - tenderest part of the fish) and soft shell crab. We also ordered some nigiri with melt in your mouth fish (Fatty Tuna was my favorite). Our waitress was attentive and lovely. read more

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Found this restaurant amongst a list of recommended sushi spots in Columbus and the recommendation did not disappoint. I was a bit skeptical with the sushi in Ohio based on my last experience when I ordered sushi from a different restaurant. Akai Hana redeemed the sushi scene and provided a delicious meal with great service despite us walking in a bit late. We ordered two rolls and noodles and they were delicious. We ordered the salmon avocado roll and a spicy tuna roll. It was a great spot for our date night or you can come for a family dinner. I definitely see myself coming back, I'm craving sushi just writing this review! read more

Akai Hana - Japanese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

You'll pay $25-$50 per person. The sashimi catch of the day is a winner If you're doing sushi, try the Akai Hana Roll. The dining room has become stale and costs have skyrocketed. The great service and their quality keep them at 4 stars. Don't get too greedy! 06/24 read more

Other than Japan, this is the best sushi I've ever had. So authentic and their fish could not be more fresh. We tried the spicy tuna crispy rice and I'd totally get it again! For simple rolls, get the yellowtail. It's a great option to go with other special rolls. I'd recommend all the rolls we got! All great. The baked scallop roll is a roll they're known for and it's delish if you like warm scallops and a creamier sauce. Regardless if you like sushi you MUST go to Akai Hana. Also visit the Japanese market next door. It's the closest I've gotten to Japan since I went last summer. read more

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Was craving a good hand roll and this is one of the few places in the city that make them! I had my toddler with me so we weren't able to dine in but I got 2 hand rolls and some nigiri to go. The host was super friendly and my order was ready early although they seemed fairly busy. I really enjoyed the nigiri. I got a king salmon and a smoked salmon. Honestly not sure which one was which but one had a ton of yummy flavor. The hand rolls were pretty loaded - I got the shrimp and the eel. I'd probably dine in next time but definitely will be back. read more

Akai Hana - Eel hand roll - Japanese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I love the restaurants in this shopping center and this is the more upscale Japanese restaurant in the group. The atmosphere is cozy, a tad loud when we came but we were seated next to a very large group. Expect it to be busy but you can still manage a table with little to no wait. I shared the tuna bliss a and sweet potato roll with a friend and it was delicious! You can count on them for having consistent quality food. read more

Akai Hana - Tuna Bliss A Roll - Japanese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Great place for sushi... They know what they're doing. Everything is fresh fresh fresh. read more

Oshio and Akai Hana are my two places for Japanese takeout. I like the bento boxes selection better at Akai Hana. Akai Hana gets a nod bc they have my favorite beef roll with scallions. Oshio does not. My wife got the spicy squid with vegetables for $31.50!! Not bad but the use of Napa among the vegetables is a poor choice. Doesn't hold up after stir fry. Service is usually good but the transfer over to order your takeout gets forgotten and I've had to call several times to have someone take my order. read more

If you love sushi and you haven't been here, you're missing out. Always made fresh and delicious! They have so many specialty rolls but a lot of regular rolls as well. They have more than just sushi but that seems to be our go to when we visit. Tried the pixie roll again on this visit and it was delicious but the rainbow roll is a close second. Between service and delicious food, this is a great place to visit. read more

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Stopped in for dinner on a busy Thursday evening. We made a reservation and were seated promptly. The resturaunt is larger than you'd think and can get a little noisy. Our server was only around intermittently, it was busy so understandable. The spring rolls and the udon were by far the best things we ordered! The spring rolls were hot and crispy with fresh filling, and the sweet and sour sauce on the side was delicious! The udon was very cabbage heavy and needed soy sauce, but the dish tasted fresh (and the leftovers were good). The sushi was just alright- both speciality rolls had a lot of sauce so the tempura batter was soggy and really only the sauce flavor came through, which for spicy mayo had too much mayo, hardly any spice. read more

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This place is just incredible! Best sushi in Columbus. Hands down. The selection, the quality, and the preparation are top notch! Even their rolls are amazing because the fish is so fresh, but for the true top shelf experience, you have to get sushi and/or sashimi. Always great to start with some tempura veggies too! And then of course there's pleeenty of sake to satisfy your rice wine desires :) IMPORTANT NOTE : Be sure to make a reservation several days in advance if you want to get in on a Friday or Saturday at dinner time! If I'm being picky, it's time for them to upgrade the furniture inside, but the staff is always a delight and the food is out of this world! read more

Akai Hana - Chef's Special - letting the sushi chef choose the best pieces for you is the way to go - Japanese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Love that there is a japanese village in Columbus! This restaurant is quite large. Came here on a Wednesday night and it was busy but luckily there was no wait to be seated. Friendly service. I ordered a yose nabe and it came out steaming hot. Loved how hot it was but had to wait 10 minutes for it to cool down lol. It was huge! Def could feed two people. I also ordered a uni nigiri and a amaebi nigiri - both were super fresh. I would def come back if im in the area! read more

Akai Hana - Yose Nabe - Japanese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I had the hot stone bowl bibim bop which is always a winner. The service was great - prompt and attentive without being overbearing. The restaurant was busy on this Saturday night. You must have reservations for dinner, especially on a weekend night. The dress is casual, though you will find couples more dressed up, too. read more

I have never had a bad sushi experience with Akai Hana. On my last visit I ordered the sushi deluxe dinner which came with Tuna, yellowtail, fluke, salmon, squid, eel and a side of miso soup. Everything was delicious! I particularly liked the eel. I could also see visiting Akai Hana just for the miso soup which would really hit the spot when it's cold out. I also appreciated how our server took the time to recommend a sake for me after I mentioned I wasn't very knowledgeable about it but would like to try some. Definitely a top notch sushi spot! read more

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Great foods and service. I called to reserve in advance. We arrived on time and get seated right away. Relaxing atmosphere with most tables occupied for dinner time on Saturday night. Their sushi and sashimi are very fresh and tasty. Highly recommend their sashimi and caterpillar rolls. My brother ordered bulgogi and it was also pretty good. I had mixed feeling about their Akai Hana rolls. They are hugh and tasted quite bland. Great services! read more

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This restaurant is going downhill; the food used to be pretty good until recent years. I ordered fried oysters, which came out cold, and the seafood noodles were soggy and barely warm. The manager had poor communication skills, and worst of all, she couldn't speak English. She was also unfriendly to customers. There was trash on the floor. I found a new restaurant on 7370 Sawmill Road called Takumi Sushi. Their sushi, sashimi, and all Japanese dishes were fresh and delicious, priced between $40 and $60, and it was all-you-can-eat. read more

First time dining here and loved it! This cute little spot was so much nicer than I expected. It's in a part of town I don't frequent much so I didn't know what to expect. The staff were super friendly and our service was excellent. This place was packed and we still got our food in a reasonable time. We ordered a number of sushi rolls and some spring rolls, seaweed salad and some dumplings. Everything was delicious! We will definitely be back! read more

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Quintessential Japanese food in Columbus. It won't blow your mind, but it's pretty solid overall in terms of price and flavor.

Best sushi in Columbus, and has been for many years. Always fresh and flavorful, you can get a variety of specialty rolls and nigiri alongside other delicious Asian entrees, all beautifully plated. The decor is simple, soothing, and comfortable. The place is packed on weekends, but it is worth the wait and service is always good. Good for a date night, family meal out, or anything in between! read more

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Really good sushi! We got the miso soup as well which I recommend. Our server was attentive and friendly. It was a nice atmosphere.

The sushi plate was beautiful. We ate at the bar and got to watch the masters at work. It was amazing to watch the fluidity and assembly line like work that they did to prepare so many sushi rolls. My hands and feet would be exhausted by the end of the night. It is a smaller restaurant but the wait wasn't too long. We walked around and looked at the other shops in the plaza. It was quiet for being a small close space restaurant. the sushi was good. It tasted good. Nothing exceptional to remember and say I would crave to go back but it was still a nice evening out with good filling food. read more

Akai Hana - Japanese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I ordered takeout from here, and the sushi was some of the best I've ever had. Fish was fresh, ratio of rice was perfect. Highly recommend trying this place! read more

Akai Hana - Spicy tuna roll, tuna avocado roll, avocado roll - Japanese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

The service is ALWAYS phenomenal, everyone is so courteous and welcoming. We lucked out and didn't need to wait as walk-ins! I'm sure the interior hasn't changed since this place has opened, and in this case, that's a good thing. It has a very classy, authentic Japanese style going on, just ripe with 90's flair. The sushi is top notch here, no matter what else you get, get the sushi. I got the Buckeye roll, which was just what I needed... the eel is so flavorful and tender! The vegetable croquette was impeccable, too. Just perfectly warm and fluffy on the inside, crunchy with panko goodness on the outside. A MUST for the Columbus area!! read more

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I ate here several years ago and remember thinking the sushi was not amazing. Flash forward to 2022 and it was delicious. The "tuna bliss b" and the "buckeye" rolls were both incredible. I was jealous of the people next to us with the sushi party boat. I can completely understand wanting to eat 100 pieces of sushi here! read more

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Best sushi restaurant in Columbus by far!!! They have the best rainbow roll and I highly recommend the spicy scallop rolls. It's the best roll on the menu and it's to die for! I've been going there for over 35 years. read more

Fantastic Asian food experience in Columbus, their katsudon is my favorite Recently brought my friend here who was visiting from out of town, it's always a nice vibe with great service. read more

I have been going to Akai Hanna for years, even before the new location. The best sushi in Columbus area. I have tried most Japanese restaurants in Columbus and this place is by far the best. read more

I was here 8/10/23. The rolls were delicious, service was good. Price was average for sushi, wish it was cheaper but that's how it is. Overall can't complain and would be back! I'm posting this review a smidge late so I don't remember the rolls I got but all very good read more

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Food and service was delicious. Best place for ramen and sushi. You can tell it is fresh and authentic. We got the tempura shrimp sushi and ramen. Both were so good!!! Highly recommend this place and it is better to make a reservation read more

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A friend of mine taught in Japan for years and lives in Ohio again. She told me when she needs to connect with memories of Japan, she goes to Akai Hana because "it tastes like home." I should end the review there. Alas, let's continue. Akai Hana is a hidden gem (or maybe well-known gem) located in Columbus, Ohio, offering a delightful experience for sushi and Japanese cuisine enthusiasts. From its extensive sushi selection to its delectable dishes like Yaki Udon, Katsu Don, Salmon Teriyaki, and Bulgogi, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Japanese flavors. The sushi selection at Akai Hana is nothing short of impressive. They offer a wide variety of, rolls nigiri and sashimi, each meticulously crafted with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Whether you're a fan of like classic favorites California rolls or looking to try something unique like the Dragon Roll or Rainbow Roll, the sushi selection here is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. One standout dish at Akai Hana is the Columbus Box. This bento box-style meal offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It typically includes a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, tempura, miso soup, and a side of salad. The Columbus Box is perfect for those who want to sample a little bit of everything and experience a well-rounded Japanese meal. We love a good sampling of flavor, right? If you're in the mood for something warm and comforting, the Yaki Udon is a great choice. This stir-fried udon noodle dish is typically prepared with a variety of vegetables and chicken. The noodles are perfectly cooked and coated in a savory sauce, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. Another popular option is the Katsu Don, a traditional Japanese dish consisting of breaded and deep-fried pork or chicken cutlets served over a bed of rice and topped with a rich and flavorful sauce. The crispy texture of the katsu combined with the tender meat and the sweet and tangy sauce make for a mouthwatering combination. For seafood lovers, the Salmon Teriyaki is a must-try. Grilled to perfection, the salmon is glazed with a luscious teriyaki sauce that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and umami. Served with a side of steamed rice and vegetables, this dish is a true delight for the taste buds. It is my personal favorite. Lastly, the Bulgogi at Akai Hana is a dish that should not be missed. This Korean-inspired dish features thinly sliced marinated beef that is grilled to perfection. The beef is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor from the marinade. Served with a side of rice, miso soup, and kimchi, it's a satisfying and delicious option for meat lovers. Overall, Akai Hana in Ohio offers an exceptional dining experience with its impressive sushi selection, delectable dishes like the Columbus Box, Yaki Udon, Katsu Don, Salmon Teriyaki, and Bulgogi. The restaurant's dedication to using high-quality ingredients and their skilled preparation truly shine through in every dish. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or simply looking to explore the world of Japanese cuisine, Akai Hana is a restaurant that will leave you craving for more. **- I picked a few of my favorite menu items. Believe you me, everything is delicious, but I am a creature of habit and usually order the same items. Check out the menu and order what catches your eye! There's much more than the few items mentioned. read more

Let me tell you, when it comes to sushi I do not have high hopes for Ohio, especially since I come from California where the fish is very fresh. For the past couple of months, I have been hunting down a sushi spot that is almost similar in freshness to California's sushi. However, Akai Hana exceeded my expectations. I will probably never go to another sushi spot because I have been let down so many times. My first recommendation is to make a reservation. My partner and I came on a weekday and we had to wait 30 minutes to be seated. I was so surprised because I've never been to a sushi place in Columbus where there was a wait. It was pretty cold outside but thankfully Akai Hana has a waiting area where multiple parties can be seated. My partner and I decided to get the party boat for $64. The sushi was extremely fresh and tasty. Watch out for the wasabi in the middle of the nigiri though! If you do not like wasabi, remember to tell your server to forgo the wasabi in your nigiri. My partner and I LOVE salmon so we thought the salmon nigiri and the spicy salmon roll were delicious! We ended up ordering a to-go order of salmon nigiri to eat at home. read more

Akai Hana - Party Boat 2-3 People - Japanese Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Beautiful decor, food, service. We had a sushi platter and a sashimi platter. Everything was fresh and good, though portions are quite meager for the price. I wish the sashimi cuts were a bit thicker. Nevertheless, very good. Rolls are delicious. Their Tuna Bliss was one of the best rolls I've had. Also quite different - I don't think I've had anything like it. I think I'd come back just for these. (despite me being in keto!) Tempura shrimp was ok. Just exactly what you'd expect. Overall, great experience. Not like the best ever, but great. We paid a pretty penny for it though. read more

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The salmon don and miso soup were fine. The grilled salmon head and red dragon roll were tasty. The veggie and shrimp tempura was a little too battered and oily, and the dipping sauce lacked flavor. The service was excellent - friendly and efficient.The overall experience was perfect for an SF native craving Japanese food after a couple months in a small Ohio town. read more

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