Yoshi's Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Columbus

Authentic Japanese "izekaya" (pub) comfort food mixed with fantastic sushi

I lived in Nagano Prefecture in Japan for nearly 4 years, and I've been back several times and have eaten all types of food all over Japan. Yoshi's is the real deal. The dishes such as ramen and tonkatsu, the udon, or the salted fatty salmon, are as good as anything you might find in an izekaya (pub) in Japan. In fact, the Japanese golfers come here regularly during the Memorial Tournament.

On top of that, they have fantastic sushi. The sushi chef is a perfectionist and crafts traditional Japanese sushi along with creative Americanized sushi. And the fish is incredibly fresh--I happen to know that the chef/owner was not satisfied with the quality of fish he could get from other sources locally, so he now has it flown in from Japan. Seriously. This is not only some of the best sushi you'll find in the Columbus area, but possibly in the Midwest or even the US.

The servers are extremely friendly and nice, and they do everything in their power to keep customers happy. Everything is prepared fresh, and there may be cases where things take longer or even slip through the cracks in the kitchen. But that is highly unusual. One thing to keep in mind: In Japan, servers generally leave you alone during the meal, and you have to call out "sumimasen" (Excuse me) to get their attention. The servers at Yoshi's have to balance perhaps giving less attention to their Japanese customers, who aren't used to servers fluttering around the table, and the American customers, who expect it. If you can't get someone's attention, you might try raising your hand and politely saying "Excuse me." They really do want to help. Everything about this place...

I have refrained from reviewing Yoshi's as I was afraid that this gem would get too busy; but they did it on their own and completely deserve my review too... so I shall scream atop the mountains and rooftops to share: this is hands down Columbus' best and most authentic Japanese restaurant!!!

I'd place Yoshi's in the izakaya category, but then without the smoke, small space, and etc. etc.... food wise, this is the closest to authentic Japanese food we can get in Columbus anymore... some of my favorites: the okra stir-fry, gyutan (beef tongue), karaage (fried chicken thighs), ika geso karaage (fried octopus tentacles), tako wasabi (octopus in wasabi sauce), YOU MUST GET THE SALMON KUSHI!!! (salmon belly with green onion on skewers) they melt in your mouth!!!, okonomiyaki (seafood cabbage pancake), hamachi gama (yellowtail jaw)... and most other staples are all delicious!!

I try to be as respectful as possible every time I come since we are soooo fortunate to have Yoshi's here in town! I really appreciate their service and attention to detail; you'll notice on your way to the restrooms all the labeled shochu/sake bottles in the back, from their regulars that come and open a bottle, then come back again and have more of their own stash; this is just like back...

This was hands down my favorite experience of any sushi restaurant I’ve been to in Columbus. My boyfriend and I went in and the atmosphere and staff were both very nice. We sat at the sushi bar which was cool because you get to see everyone working so hard, it feels very lively. The prices are good too, there were many options ranging from affordable to more expensive dishes, with a huge variety of selection. We ordered the chef special and some individual salmon roe and scallop pieces. When I say eating this was an experience like no other I mean it. I’ve had so much sushi in my life but this was another level, every piece was to be savored and each one had me floored. I had to stop chewing at one point to really take in how good it was. Granted this was the most I think my boyfriend and I have ever spent on sushi but I will never forget it, I absolutely loved every bit of it. Also, there’s plenty of other options if you’re not looking to spend as much as we did. I’m looking forward to going again and exploring a lot more of the menu, it’s absolutely worth...