It was an interesting experience, from trying to make reservations to actually find hidden this gem of a restaurant . My husband set an alarm for 5:58am to get ready to go to the site and try to get reservations for 7pm Saturday night. However, in the couple of seconds it took him to figure out how the reservation site worked, all 8 spots for the 7pm time slot were taken. 5pm was not our preference so he got lucky to get 2 spots at 9pm. Yay. All the sashimi was very tasty and super fresh. The range of flavors varied from creamy tuna taste to some fishy sardines. My favorite, a fish I never tried before, is Jackass - very delicious. Btw it was our first Omakase experience ever, and we look forward to trying more of these places in the future. With only 8 spots per seating, I really enjoyed the intimate ambiance, of talking with the chief and hearing him explain each dish. read more

I've never been to Japan...but I came here with my wife who has been and she felt this was the best sushi she's had outside of Japan; which is quite a testament for a landlocked midwest city! They are reservation only and it can be a challenge to get a reservation, so make sure you check their Instagram to figure out when they become available. We came here for a dinner reservation. For the vibes, they have 8 seats and sell out basically every single reservation. There were 2 people making the sushi and they were both super friendly and made great conversation. Each bite was carefully crafted and came with a thorough explanation of the individual parts and how they fit together. I don't think my words will do enough to explain each bite, but check out the pictures if you are interested. They have a few beers, cocktails, sake, and whiskey if you are interested in a drink to go with your meal. Overall, worth a visit for an excellent omakase experience! read more

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Went to Roji for their lunch with a friend. The space is very intimate and cozy. We arrived 3 min late to our reservation. The servers had already given the other customers a warm towel to clean their hands. We only knew this because the hand towels were still on the table next to the customers. We didn't receive the towels and instead used our own hand sanitizer after they mentioned we'd be eating with our hands. The hand towels remained on the table and were never taken away. The green tea was perfect on a cold snowy day. The fatty tuna was excellent in both the nigiri and hand roll. Presentation was 10/10 and flavor was there for each piece. However, when the food was given out the chef presented the food like he was reading off a menu. There was no additional information on what went into it and what he was doing. The food was delicious and fresh! The overall experience was sub par. I would think if we're paying this much that it would be more of an experience. Especially in Cincinnati when people crave culture and are going there for a cultural experience, I would expect for knowledge given and information. Rather than having to ask for information read more

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A must try-- freshest nigiri I have ever had. Knowledgeable chef. Unique atmosphere. Perfect amounts of bites! read more

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Fantastic sushi and experience overall. Best sushi I have had to date. Mike and Liam took great care of our group! Will definitely be going back. read more

Roji - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Amazing service it is a bit pricey for what you get but you'll rarely find omakase cheaper than this. It's delicious but I would recommend the dinner menu over the lunch menu. Better imported options! read more

Roji - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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With persistence we got into this 6 seat restaurant. It is an intimate omakase experience. Reservations take patience and persistence . I will be back as the sushi is the very freshest I have had thus far in Cincinnati. My friends both times got some sea urchin which I found out about today. We did not but hoping we will next time. Try their omakase with sake. They have a nice selection and ask the chef what they recommend based on your taste preference. read more

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Everyone who likes sushi must go. Required experience. Delicious food. FYI that you can bring a bottle of wine which would've been cool since I had beer but would've preferred a good wine. At the end they offer you a couple stuff you can add on if you would like for an additional cost. Ambiance is quaint small dimly lit and so so fun. It is a great place for food lovers. Exceptional individualized service as well. They love their craft read more

Superior Omakase experience with exquisite style, flavors, logistical check in system, and warm atmosphere. I was lucky to try Roji during my short trip to Cinci. My sister woke up before the birds were singing around 5am to confirm a reservation later that day for my partner and I. Sadly sister couldn't make it due to her cold :( Our table time was set for around 5pm. When we arrived, we waited with other patrons for the same reservation slot as us. 8 people in total. As we walked into the actual room, their simple/chich traditional set up was warm, and had hints of character and included their record player. The chef and his apprentice began walking us through their menu/drink menu and queued up some music from Alopecia and LCD soundsystem. The stage was set and our sushi chef from the night got to preparing our remarkable bites for the evening. It was a pleasure being able to exchange conversation with the chef about his background and experience with sushi and the master chef of the omakase restaurant. It was interesting to learn his history and how it's been since opening Roji. Since the menu changes based on the market availability of the sushi, each visit seems to be very unique in its own fashion especially since the chef will curate to their preferences. The sake selection was premier and their cocktails were equally strong and delicious. I loved the Rose Petal Sake cocktail. It was very boozy yet had a nice fruit taste to balance the liquor. My favorite of the plated sushi was probably the charred eel. It was slightly crisp, umami, and had scrumptious after taste. There were other ingredients I had never tried before too that I sadly can't remember but was so ecstatic when my tongue was tasting it. To see the chef from start to finish was epic. Watching him grind the wasabi, plate each sushi, and explain how and why we were tasting each bite was an experience I never had the pleasure of indulging in before. It was truly artistic. The Roji team and experience was phenomenal. I'd recommend to any lover of sushi who wish to enjoy an intimate and relaxing meal. read more

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This restaurant is a beautiful addition to the Cincinnati food scene. A fun speakeasy omakase with fish flown from Japan. You must make same day reservations for lunch or dinner, which open up at 6AM. The dinner slots are taken almost immediately at 6AM. I've done omakases in other major cities and this was the most interactive so far. The experience was fantastic from start to finish. The sushi chef and his assistant/server were talkative and knowledgable about what they were serving. Very high quality fish and garnishes. Highly recommend! read more

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This isn't just dinner--it's an encounter you'll feel in your , a ritual of precision and purity. Nothing like this exists in Cincinnati, or even the entire Tri-State. This isn't your standard sushi bar or another fried-tempura stop. If that's what you're looking for, turn back. This place is an experience, raw and immersive. Imagine entering a hidden, intimate room where only a handful of others are gathered around a master at work. Every piece of fish placed before you is an invitation into the chef's world--a world that celebrates both the subtlety and depth of the ocean's treasures. You're not just served; you're taught, spoken to, invited to understand the artistry of each cut. Watch as he moves, slicing through fresh, seasonal fish with skill that feels almost otherworldly. Each course builds on the last, unfolding layers of flavor and texture you've likely never tasted before. Sure, there was one that might have been too intense for us, but that's part of it--the unfiltered experience, raw and unrestrained. This omakase takes you straight to Japan, into an atmosphere so profound it lingers long after the final piece is served. This is a rare offering, something you'll carry with you, maybe forever. read more

Roji - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Finally made it in to Roji! Loved the speakeasy feel (the alleyway feels like a wrong turn until you see other patrons along the path). Wake up early (6am) to snag a lunch or dinner seating (5,7, and 9pm). I caught the 9, and had a blast with the ten course, almost 2 hour meal. The setting is cozy, with only 8 seats, and the fish is divine. Sea urchin (single or bowl) and a yellowtail hand roll were nice surprise extra options one night, and it goes down easy with some sake (or Japanese beer if that is more your vibe). read more

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Roji was a major disappointment from start to finish. The atmosphere was flat, the food uninspired, and not a single dish was memorable. I've eaten omakase across the country, and this one would be embarrassing to even put on the list, nothing stood out, nothing impressed. The real low point was Chef Mike, who was loud, disruptive, and flat-out inappropriate. At one point he announced to the room that just two months ago he was a server, which only underscored how unpolished the entire experience felt. Instead of elevating the evening, his behavior made it uncomfortable and awkward. This isn't a serious dining destination , it's an Instagram hype machine with no substance behind it. Save your time and money and skip Roji . read more

This is absolutely one of my favorite places in Cincinnati. I was trying to keep a secret but they really deserve 1 million stars so this review has been a long time coming. It's the closest thing you can get to a traditional Japanese omakase experience in Cincinnati. For context I've been to Japan multiple times so truly this place is legit. Food: 5/5 The restaurant is omakase style, so no menu no choice, just 9 courses of amazing. The 9 course does refer to dinner. Their lunch is also delicious and a great option if you are looking for a more budget friendly option. You can also purchase extras during the dinner course and I would highly recommend it so you don't have sushi fomo. All the sushi is prepared perfectly and should be eaten as is. That means no soy sauce dipping or extra wasabi topping. The menu rotates based on seasonal availability of the fish and all fish is from Japan. I've had some truly amazing sushi and some that I've never tried before. They can accommodate allergies but are not vegan or vegetarian friendly. Service: 5/5 I love everyone who works here! The service is great and the preparation is interactive. The sushi chefs provide descriptions of each course and background on the fish. They love regulars so make sure you come back and visit them again! Atmosphere:5/5 The entrance is located in an alley which isn't my favorite, but it's trying replicate the restaurant of Japan that are everywhere including in alleys. It's an 8 top sushi bar so you need to be on top of your reservations that are only available same day. Get ready to wake up early cause the link for reservations opens at 6am and they go fast! The restaurant its self is clean and tastefully decorated. I really cannot say enough nice things about this place. It's amazing and I recommend it to any sushi lover. read more

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Getting into Roji and then finding the place are a bit of a challenge, but an adventure that will reward you richly if you can pull it off. First, you'll need to set your alarm for early o' clock to snag a reservation when the site opens at 6 a.m. One of the women dining when we were there said she'd made her Tock account in advance to make the reservation process easier, which is a smart move in my opinion. Once you successfully claim a time slot you'll need to input some personal details AND pay in advance, so be ready. (The fee includes the meal and gratuity, so you'll only have to pay at the restaurant for any beverages you add on.) If you're successful, head downtown and park on or around Court Street before making your way into the alley behind Avril Bleh, Great Clips, etc. and heading for the paper lanterns. The place is tiny with no real waiting area so I would not enter more than a few minutes before your reservation time to ensure your seats are ready to go. The meal lasts one hour and it's staggered by the half-hour (so if there are other diners sitting when you arrive, they started 30 minutes earlier and will be leaving halfway through your meal). Once you've run the gauntlet of rising early and adventuring to the restaurant, the real fun begins. Pick your poison (beer, sake, wine or soda) if desired, and settle in for an incredible meal. The fish is imported from Japan, so the menu changes regularly with the seasons, and each course is prepared to show off and accentuate the seafood. Pieces and courses are served one at a time, already seasoned to perfection, and you can eat with chopsticks or simply pick them up by hand. On the night we were there, the courses included some sushi standbys such as lean and fatty tuna, salmon, and roe, but also things I've never tried before or never had served as sushi such as golden eye snapper, squid, scallop and rockfish. With each course, the chef Misaki Kato described the fish and talked about how and why it received the specific treatment that it did. I loved the story behind each piece--particularly the salmon, which he described as "my least favorite fish at the sushi bar" and served garnished with pickled shallots to offset its fattiness. For me, sushi has two extremes: Ok fish that has been dressed up and combined with other ingredients to make decent rolls (which is what you'll find at most Cincinnati establishments), and really, really amazing fish that has been barely dressed so that the seafood itself is the star (I am thinking of an omakase experience in Seattle and sushi I ate in Japan). Roji is a very compelling in-between. The quality of the fish is great, obviously several notches above any other sushi I've had in the Midwest. And yet the presentation is also interesting. Every sauce, every garnish is carefully considered to accentuate and add to the fish. The result is a quality seafood meal that is also highly engaging, surprising and delightful to eat. So yes, the sushi is absolutely worth it. But despite the high-end nature of the meal, the ambience of Roji is surprisingly casual and welcoming. Records from their vinyl collection play in the corner as you enjoy every bite. The staff are approachable and readily answer questions and chat with guests. And the intimate nature of the restaurant (only 8 seats!) encourages chatter amongst diners. It is such a journey to get into Roji that every guest we encountered 1) was truly excited to be there and 2) had had the mutual bonding experience of waking up super early to snag a reservation. A 5/5 experience I look forward to repeating! read more

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My daughter and I got omakase lunch to celebrate the last day of the semester. I woke up at 6am to snag the time we wanted and a few hours later, we entered the intimate space from the alley. Everything was amazing. We loved hearing about each fish and what made its flavor unique. A couple of our favorites were the fatty tuna hand roll, the saltwater eel, and a wild- caught mackerel. Each dish was prepared with care and we left in awe of the artistry we'd just experienced. The Court st side of their space has a cute shop with onigiri! Be sure to check it out on your way. read more

Roji - Hand rolls - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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It's not easy to get into Roji. But, set your alarm for 6:00AM, because it is worth it! I tried many times to get in, but was not successful. However, this morning, I was! So tonight we got to experience omakase at Roji! What a special experience that was. I love that we have this opportunity in Cincinnati. The preparation, the quality, the talent and presentation, was fabulous. Very enjoyable and hope we get the opportunity to experience this again! read more

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Delicious fish, knowledgeable chef, attentive service. Intimate environment with 8 seats. Look for the outside entrance in another user's review - was helpful to us :) Echoing the reviews on timeliness for booking reservations - have your credit card ready and be prepared for all time slots to be sold out in minutes. Will be back!!!! read more

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Amazing little gem for an intimate dining experience. You are lucky enough to receive a one off dining menu of sushi creations. The chef explains details about the design of each piece and the fish that it originated from. Very interesting and it's something you cannot get in many places. High recommend. read more

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Intimate setting close to sushi chef to watch and hear him explain the dishes. Sushi is the freshest, exquisite, and finest quality. Service is appropriate to the needs of the diners. read more

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Create meal and make with care. Use simple ingredients to highlight the freshness of the sashimi. Wonderful hard disc music is serving during the dinner. Chef is caring and talented. read more

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Roji is an experience. From having to wake up early to make day of reservations, the 8 seat restaurant is a vibe. Entering through the alley makes the whole restaurant have a speakeasy atmosphere. The music was played on records and felt vey laid back. The dinner consists of 9 pieces and 1 hand roll. If you are a big eater, then, you may want to eat before or after. The chef told us that the menu changes with the season based on the fish available. Our fish was delicious and consisted of classics like salmon and tuna along with rarer choices like black throat and sea eel. It was a delicious dinner and an interesting experience. read more

Roji - Omakase - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Absolute must do! We loved our experience at Roji. Best sushi we've ever eaten. Very warm engagement from the chefs who provided detailed information about what we were eating and engaged in conversation throughout. The space itself is quaint and feels unique. Will never not recommend Roji!! read more

Roji - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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What a hidden gem! Literally, hidden behind an alley between busy city streets! The experience was really nice - although it was 60 minutes, I did not feel rushed and I was able to enjoy each piece of sushi. The chef was great at explaining each piece and was very friendly and welcoming. Each piece was hand crafted to highlight the flavors of the fish - it was very nicely done. The room was very neat and the vibe was nice with good music and service. I highly recommend this place for anyone who's looking for a good quality omakase that won't break the bank! read more

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Amazing experience all around. I got lucky with a lunch reservation, after seeing the Instagram story. The omakase (chef's choice) menu was perfect for lunch. We had 3 hand rolls and 3 pieces of Nigiri. I wish I could remember all the details from the chef, but it was all top notch. The music was perfect and the guests determine the ambiance. Highly recommend if you love sushi. A true Cincinnati Gem. read more

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I am so impressed with this experience it is just hard to explain. The freshest fish, stuff that I didn't even know existed(looking at you FRESH SARDINES); the intimate setting, and 8-seater restaurant full of friends; and the service that made us feel so cared for and taken care of! Everyone must go! Roji is such a great experience; you do need to book ahead of time but it is worth it. Tax and tip are included in your booking price. The sushi chef was so knowledgeable and his assistant was so attentive with our place setting and drinks. All of the courses were preplanned but they did have a few surprises and special offerings! read more

Incredible experience! Every piece of sushi is creative and tastes so unique and amazing. It is a truly unique and intimate dining experience. Highly recommend! read more

Hire competent sushi chefs. Improve food quality and portion sizes. Serve filtered water opposed to disgusting tap water.

IT WAS FINE... We were so excited when we were able to get seats at Roji for a unique omakase experience. We had a 7pm seating, the place is very quant and well lit, 8 bar stools along a wooden bar. Two gentlemen, one making the sushi and one taking care of everything else. Jazzy music playing in the background. Now let's get to the food, the reason we all paid $89 plus tip in advance for this experience. I know omakase is chefs choice, whatever is freshest. The menu for the evening was mostly tuna of different variations mixed in with scallop and salmon. The pieces themselves were very small (about half of the size of an average piece of sushi). The flavor? It was good, not magical, not 5 stars. I really wanted to be blown away, to eat something I've never had before or a flavor I haven't experienced, something to remember. A piece of Uni would have been nice! But the whole experience fell flat for me. read more

You need to be quick if you want a seat at Roji! Reservation starts at 6:00 am sharp and will sell out within minutes! We really enjoyed the food & ambiance, and the chef was super friendly. We are already planning to come back again! What a hidden gem in Cincinnati! So glad we got a chance to try this culinary adventure! No need to travel to Japan folks! read more

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If you enjoy REAL sushi, this is your place. Yes, it is worth the hype. Don't want to wake up at 6a to score a seat? Roji now offers an express lunch service as well as reservations for 5+ by Instagram DM. read more

Roji - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Delicious and high quality sushi in an intimate setting! We have been multiple times and will always come back! Sushi Chef Misaki is always open to questions about the fish, and engages in our conversations as well! read more

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Food, service, and experience were all outstanding!! We really enjoyed our evening at Roji... read more

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The whole experience is amazing! A must... at least once, if not multiple times! The chefs explain everything so well, describe what you are about to eat and the conversation is just as great as the food! read more

Roji is truly a hidden gem in every sense of the word. Our experience was unforgettable, thanks to the superior quality of the fish, wonderful selection of beverages, and the incredible dedication of the entire team. Each piece was more delightful than the last, thoughtfully balanced with flavors and textures that let the fish shine. From start to finish, everything was seamless, warm, and deeply personal, thanks in large part to the talent and hospitality of Chef Mike and Jill. I cannot recommend enough and am counting the days until my next visit. read more

The food here is excellent. And there's a palpable excitement in the air when you meet the folks who got lucky enough to get a reservation with you. Would recommend this place to anyone who loves sushi and is looking for a one-of-a-kind Cincinnati experience. My compliments to the chef (and DJ)! read more

Came here for my birthday meal and it was great! Woke up at 6am day of to book an online reservation and thankfully snatched one for 5:30pm on a Friday. The restaurant itself is in a back alley, but once you walk in, you feel like you are transported outside of Cincinnati. Décor is clean, modern Japanese and very intimate - seating for 8 with jazz records playing in the background. We were seated and brought a hot towel to clean our hands. You can order from a menu of drinks, but we stuck with water. The chef is behind the counter is very friendly and has an impressive background in the local Cincinnati sushi scene. He handmakes every piece with the help of his trainee, places each piece in front of you, then gives a short description about the fish and ingredients you are about to eat. Everything was thoughtfully well-crafted with care and fresh, high quality fish. We had a total of 10 pieces. In the end, if the chef has time, you have the option to order another piece for extra cost. Lovely omakase experience in Cincinnati! Very reasonably priced compared to what you get in larger cities like NY. Highly recommend! read more

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Such a unique and delicious experience. 100% worth the price. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Huge thanks to them for a fun and memorable dinner! read more

Never heard of this place until last week. I am a Japanese who was born & raised in Japan. I had thought I knew every Sushi place in Cincinnati - which I seldom visit just because the quality isn't just there for the price they charge around here. Then my daughter told me about this place. It's a reservation only establishment and has only 8 counter seats with 1 hr dining time. The menu doesn't exist but the chef's "Omakase" style. The Itamae-San (sushi-chef) was very nice. They served 10 (might have been 11 ) pieces. Each piece had some creativity to it that enhanced the flavor of the ingredient. It might be a bit pricey but for the quality of the food I didn't mind. I mean where else would you find such fine sushi in Cincinnati? I will go back for more for sure! read more

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It was an amazing experience. Cincinnati has nothing else like this. The fish was fresh and delightful. The staff was amazing. The music was on point. I cannot wait to go again. read more