- Attraction: Inakaya Japanese Restaurant
- Location: 224 Oneil Ct, Columbia, SC 29223
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://lieuschinesebistrosc.com
Behind the unassuming exterior of a Columbia shopping plaza lies what many consider the finest authentic Japanese dining experience in South Carolina.
Inakaya Japanese Restaurant has been serving Columbia’s most discerning sushi lovers since 1995, when the legendary Sato opened this traditional Japanese establishment after years of training in Japan as a pastry chef, sushi chef, and even French chef.
What started as one man’s dream to bring real Japanese cuisine to South Carolina has evolved into Columbia’s most trusted destination for those who take their sushi seriously.
Sushi & Sashimi Highlights
The Famous Red Dragon Roll: You can’t go wrong with the Red Dragon – it’s a tempura fried tuna roll served with raw tuna on top, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette sauce and scallions. It’s so delicious that no one who has tried it dislikes it in any way, making it the perfect choice for sushi newcomers and experts alike.
Premium Sashimi Selection: Inakaya is about the closest to authentic Japanese sushi you’re going to get in the Columbia area. The sashimi is exceptionally fresh, with the sushi chef ensuring everything is safe to eat and of the highest quality.
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Keep Exploring →Specialty Rolls: Popular favorites include the King Roll, Spicy Calamari Roll, Spider Roll, and Pink Dragon. Each roll features unique flavors and expert preparation that sets them apart from typical American sushi rolls.
Traditional Nigiri: The nigiri sushi showcases the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity, with carefully selected fish that meets the high standards of someone who lived in Japan for five years.
Traditional Japanese Dishes
Authentic Appetizers: The menu features traditional starters including gyoza (pork and vegetable dumplings served steamed or fried), shumai (steamed shrimp dumplings), and agedashi tofu (lightly fried tofu in tempura sauce with bonito flakes, daikon, ginger, and chives).
Tempura Excellence: Their tempura offerings include an assortment of shrimp, sweet potato, zucchini, pumpkin, carrot, and onion fried in a light, crispy batter that’s never heavy or greasy.
Traditional Specialties: Authentic dishes include tako su (octopus with seaweed and sliced cucumbers), negimaki (rib-eye steak rolled with scallions and house teriyaki sauce), and various grilled fish preparations.
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Discover MoreAtmosphere & Experience
Authentic Japanese Setting: The restaurant maintains an elegant atmosphere that transports diners to Japan, with traditional décor and presentation that reflects the owner’s commitment to authenticity.
Sushi Bar Experience: Sitting at the sushi bar provides an exceptional experience where the extremely friendly chefs create a wonderful environment. You can watch the master craftsmen at work while enjoying conversation and expert recommendations.
Hidden Gem Location: This wonderful restaurant is tucked away in the back of a large parking lot, making it a true hidden gem that locals have cherished for decades. The unassuming location only adds to its authentic, neighborhood feel.
Other Considerations
Reservations Available: You can make reservations by picking a date, time, and party size, though walk-ins are usually accommodated depending on party size.
Pricing: While positioned as an upscale authentic Japanese restaurant, the prices reflect the quality and authenticity of the ingredients and preparation. The generous portions and exceptional quality justify the cost.
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Keep Exploring →Authenticity Standards: This is the only place in Columbia where many locals will safely eat sushi and sashimi, knowing the chef’s commitment to freshness and traditional preparation methods.
Service Excellence: The service is exceptional, with knowledgeable staff who can guide both beginners and experienced sushi lovers through the extensive menu options.
Long-Standing Reputation: Having been a popular dining destination in the Columbia area for nearly 30 years, Inakaya has built a loyal following among those who appreciate authentic Japanese cuisine.
Multiple Locations: The restaurant has grown to include multiple locations, but each maintains the same high standards and commitment to authentic Japanese dining.
Inakaya Japanese Restaurant
📍 224 Oneil Ct, Columbia, SC 29223
