Akai Hana

We visited Akai Hana during one of our frequent visits to the Kenny Centre. The food is excellent and clearly authentic. What makes it special is the surrounding area—between the restaurant, the market, and the bakery, it’s the best spot in Columbus for anyone who truly appreciates Japanese culture and cuisine. It feels like a genuine community hub.

It was a phenomenal experience. This is legit authentic Japanese food. If you do not like to adventure or go out of your comfort zone with food…then this is not for you. We came on a Monday evening for dinner and the restaurant was pretty crowded, more than normal what you would expect on a week day. We had no wait and they sat us down right away and our server was ON TOP of it. She was absolutely amazing and she went by the name “Sarah”.

First time coming here! Got recommended by many friends and I’ve always went to sushi ten. But then the lady behind the counter told us to try their actual location. And did not know it was literally around the corner! Booked a reservation last night at 7:30pm. Server Mayumi was very nice. Helped with all questions we had. We wanted to have sake to celebrate an early bday celebration. The selection of sake was nice and she helped to pick out 2. And suggested a good seafood soup. Had many sushi nigiri. All fresh and superb. The atmosphere was very nice as well. Have no complaint and had a very good experience here. Will definitely come back here again soon!

My family has been coming here for over twenty years and I would say that I would give Akai-Hana 4.5 to 5 stars most every visit but our visit tonight I would have to say was 4 stars across the board at best. The Soba was good except the shrimp tempura came out cold. The Kalbi was not as good as usual nor the shrimp and vegetable tempura. The chu toro was excellent and probably the best thing tonight. The scallop, yellow tail, big shrimp were all good, but the king salmon was so-so. Uni sold out before we got there. Was hoping to end with a nice dessert but the only thing they had was red bean mochi. I would probably give this more like 3 - 3.5 stars for tonight but want to emphasize that 90% of the time we go here, it’s 4.5 - 5 stars. Hoping this is just an outlier (very busy Saturday night) and will be back and continue to recommend the restaurant

Voted the best sushi in Columbus year after year for a reason. Impeccable selection of sushi, Korean dishes, appetizers, saki, and much more. The service is also much more involved than similar style restaurants in the greater Columbus area. Several suggestions were made based on taste preferences and the overall experience was just 5 stars as a whole. The place was absolutely packed on a Tuesday night so that says a lot! Also by far the best fatty tuna I’ve had in Columbus by far. Can’t wait to return many times over!

Pretty disappointing Seafood Champon. It only had 2 mussels, 1 shrimp, 1/2 a scallop cut in 2, 1 crab meat stick, and string squid?? The soup was 20$ so I guess it’s not too bad. But I’d rather pay 30$ and have more meat The ceiling is so ugly but the rest of the decorations are nice Staff is very friendly and the food comes out fast

Best dining experience in central Ohio. This is me and my wife's date night spot and has been since we started dating in 2012. We have a lot of great memories at this place and will continue going for many more years! The staff is exceptional and the food quality is unmatched. Everyone is so friendly here and even when they are extremely busy, the food quality remains the same and comes out quickly. Highly recommend this place. Everything on the menu is excellent!

Our server Sarah was great from the start. Always there when we needed her and she made great suggestions. The new menu items were phenomenal.

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.

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.

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.

We ordered shrimp&veggie temp dinner and sushi/sashimi combo. The prices have gone up and both portions have gotten smaller. Sushi/sashimi is now $55.

This is our favorite restaurant in Columbus! We love the sushi, sashimi, and udon, and the kids always enjoy their meals. The service is excellent too!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

.......was here 3 years ago and it was great. Last night horrible! fried oysters bland, shrimp and vegetable tempura bland no seasoning and under cooked/?fried, brought the bim bap cold meat in the bowl, fried tofu bland no seasoning! what happened to this place????

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Great place to eat and the atmosphere is delightful. Sushi is high quality. The food however is highly overpriced which is the only downside.

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!!

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.

Best sushi and service in town. I'm obsessed. Mouth drooling obsessed. Every time I go y'all never disappoint!

Not as good as review says. Food quality is below average and price is over priced, chef are not even Japanese, not recommended, kind of regret coming, there are other better sushi restaurants around

The food is good, and server is attentive. Warm environment. My server was almost too overbearing - I had a difficult time enjoying my food without being interrupted every few minutes and be forced to interact.

Great food and ambience service spectacular yellow tail fantastic love the caterpillar too!

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

I love Akai Hana. As someone who is Japanese, this is the only restaurant that you are going to find within the area with that is almost authentic. The food is delicious and is served in cute bowls and plates. They have a wonderful assortment of foods but it is kind of pricy. This is also next door to a Japanese food market, express restaurant, Japanese market, boba tea shop, and a Japanese-French bakery.

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!

The food was amazing!!! Everything that came out was the best of it I've ever had. I'm sort of a gyoza connoisseur, and this place is hard to beat!! The staff were kind and very attentive and the ambiance was extremely welcoming. We'll be back for sure.

I hate to say this but the bathroom smelled so incredibly bad! 5 day old fish rotting underneath the building would be my only guess. The food and everything else falls under great suspicion because of this.

Came to Akai Hana for the first time to celebrate my friends birthday! We had a large group, so they put us in a separate room on a long table. We had a great time, and the sushi was so colorful and delicious. Plenty of parking available in the lot outside - very convenient.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

I am here in Columbus for business and had a rough day. So I thought a good dinner at one of my favorite Japanese places in town would provide the fix. I decided on the Columbus bento box, which consists of California roll, bulgogi, teriyaki salmon, and tempura. Overall it was good but I feel like the salmon was downgraded (a little over cooked) and there was fewer pieces of bulgogi than in the past (3 small pieces this evening). The California rolls seemed a bit smaller than what I remembered. I also got two pieces of uni ($11 per piece was the market price). Again, the portion was a tad on the smaller side. The coloring seemed a bit dark but tasted okay. Finally, I was super hungry and got an additional spicy tuna roll. Same comments as for the California roll. Service was excellent. The waiter was prompt in getting my order, came back to refill tea, and checked on me. The food was also prepared and brought to me pretty quickly, and it was peak dining hours.

Seated next door to Tensuke Market in the Japan Marketplace gives full credibility that Akai Hana will have very fresh sushi - they did not disappoint! Ordered sashimi and several sushi roll varieties, pixie roll being my fav. Speculator presentation, fish was fresh and rolls were creative. Service was good, although seemed more hustle & bustle diner-y than chill romantic vibe. Food was excellent, I'll definitely be back..

I can't believe it's taken me so long to come here! Amazing sushi spot, so popular you better make a reservation or be prepared for a wait. This place was packed on a Saturday evening so we opted to sit at the sushi bar to avoid the wait. It was so fun watching the chefs busy preparing the various orders. Our waitress was so friendly and attentive, she kept our drinks filled up, we never had to ask for a refill and she kept us updated on timing for our orders since they were so busy. I ordered the gyoza and tuna bliss b. The gyoza was very good. Now for the sushi... what can I say... it was definitely the best I've ever had. The tuna basically melted in my mouth, it was so fresh. I'll definitely be back to try some more options. I will say that the prices are a little higher than some of the other sushi spots around Columbus, but it's definitely worth paying for.

By far one of the finest Sushi restaurants in Columbus. Have been eating here for years. Never disappoints.

High quality food in generous portions , nice service! No online reservation is a bit inconvenient but Will go back!