"Since Columbus lost beloved Japanese restaurant Kihachi years ago, there’s been a void in omakase-style dining. Those are tough shoes to fill, but since last fall, this newcomer in Polaris has offered one of the more memorable tasting menu experiences in Central Ohio. Haru’s set menu, starting at $89, includes five courses (evocatively called “tours”) with ultra high-quality fish and creative pairings—think striped jack with Peruvian amarillo paste, or torched sea bream with ponzu jelly. For the ideal experience at Haru, snag a reservation at the chef’s counter. That way you’ll get to interact with the affable executive chef, Yudi Makassau, who’s sure to tell you about his twice-a-week trips to the Columbus airport, where he receives fresh seafood shipments from Tokyo." - Erin Edwards