Ando is my happy place of sushi in Cincinnati. It's absolutely the best quality you will find around and sushi aside, they have a fantastic and expansive menu of legitimate Japanese food on a menu written in Japanese. My advice is when you come to eat there, pull up the restaurant's site on your phone - all of the Japanese dishes are translated there (though for some reason not available to view printed in the restaurant). Hamachi collar is awesome when available and the brown sugar ice cream is ALWAYS a must. And I never leave without an order of nabeyaki udon. GO GO GO!
(5)
Pickyeater W.
Excellent authentic cuisine! Accommodated us including little guy even though they were already full! Kid-friendly! Favorites so far: Chicken katsu-don Nabeyaki udon Grilled squid Unagi & salmon nigiri Gyoza Black sesame ice cream Will definitely be back! Call ahead for reservation!
(5)
Rick M.
Fresh sushi right off 71 in Cincinnati. I enjoyed my lunch but it just didn't knock my socks off. I've only eaten here once and it was fine. I guess that's as much as I can say. I had chef choice sushi lunch. 5 pieces of nigiri with a spicy tuna roll miso soup and a salad. The nigiri choices were pretty safe. Tuna, white tuna, shrimp, mackerel and salmon. Eel would have been nice or maybe scallop or hamachi. The spicy tuna seemed like it had been made ahead. I don't think it was but the rice seemed a little dry. The miso was ok the salad was also ok. I might stop again because it's right off of 71 but I think I will map out some other cincinnati spots first.
Extremely disappointed. I dont know why people are rating this place so high. It is AN OVER PRICED SUSHI place. Extremely overprice & nothing different than anywhere else. Sushi is expensive but there is an average and an accepted plus or minus. $16 for a dragon roll $9 for a spicy tuna roll & $10 for a vegetable tempura that literally has 5 minuscule pieces is a disgrace. Not ever coming back here when there are places around the corner like Kanpai which is fabulous.
(1)
Amy E.
The word on the street is true-- Ando is the best Japanese restaurant around in the Cincinnati. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to try to raw fish since I'm pregnant right now, but everyone says it is delicious! I certainly plan to get a platter of sashimi as soon as I can. Service is great! I love the nabeyaki udon-- the broth is flavorful, and it warms me up inside. The bento boxes are decently sized. I know lots of people, including those who have lived in Japan, that agree that this is the best Japanese place around, so you should take the time to check it out!
(5)
Konstantin A.
Agree with previous reviewers. This is the best sushi that I have had in Cincinnati - fresh and well made. They also offer certain types of fish that one is just not able to find at other locations. Their menu is quite extensive with a lot of ethnic Japanese food that looks delicious (I will have to come back to try this since we focused on sushi). Tip: BYO, need I say more.
(5)
Scotch E.
Decent, but no where near the high ratings here on yelp. Fish quality was a 5 out of 10 and the service was average at best. I know you get what you pay for with sushi, but I was misled by the reviews on this one.
(2)
Doug F.
I first went to this place after watching the documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" on Netflix and I must say, this is probably as close as you'd get to that in Cincinnati, right down to the sushi chef's motions. I've been here for sushi, ramen, and bento boxes. I thought the ramen was average, but the bento boxes and sushi was definitely very strong and extremely well considering lower expectations in Cincinnati. Service is attentive, though as busy as they were, I can forgive one or two empty tea cups which weren't refilled. The menu is quite busy, and gets even busier if you get a bento box like I do, as then you get the hand-written sheet with all the entree selections. That said, I appreciate the variety of seafood offerings they had on the menu. The preserved vegetables feel like the weak link in the bento box for me, but the presentation of the meal makes up for that in my opinion. This reIt feels like sushi made here is done right - the classic way. If you don't believe that statement, just spend some time watching the sushi chef work his magic. It just feels like a scene from a particular documentary on a sushi chef... It might as well be a 5 star selection in Cincinnati or if I was just rating it on sushi, though there is room for improvement on some parts of the menu. I will say that this is my favorite Japanese restaurant in Cincinnati.
(5)
Sarah C.
I've come here once for dinner and many, many times for lunch. This is a place that has a very decent size group of regular diners, and the owners know them well. It's a family-owned restaurant and they have the freshest fish north of the river. Their quality is incredible, and their variety is incomparable. They have a lot of unique and less common species, which is always great to try when you get a maki or sashimi dish. Their sashimi salad is good at dinner, but the downside to their dinner is the price. I wouldn't be able to afford going here that often for dinner. On the other hand, their lunch is amazing. You get an incredible amount of food for the price (still pricey, but I can do it every once in a while), and I never feel bad like you usually feel when you get overstuffed. I love that they don't charge the ridiculous $2.00 for matcha tea like other places, and I see them brewing it throughout the course of the serving time so it's lovely to know that it is matcha :) Their miso and salad is fantastic and the taste is ALWAYS consistent. I order the same thing every time I've come here for lunch, which is the omakase. They have a variety of sides to choose from (you get 2), and it's usually different, though I'm not sure if it's a weekly or daily difference, but they're always good no matter what you choose. My lunch bill usually comes out to about $17 or $18 for omakase after tip and taxes, but I'm usually full through dinner, so take it as a lunch/dinner meal :p Their fish is really fresh, but I've never been able to bring myself to pay for the extra fish; I just see the omakase as one of the better values as far as "bang for your buck" goes...and it's absolutely delicious. Why bother with anything else :D
(4)
Xiaoheng P.
Just another 5 star to the list. This place serves truly authentic japanese food, the one and only, in the entire Cincinnati. I usually go there during lunch because that's when they have the best deal. Typically you're looking at around 15 dollars per person including tax, may go up or down depending on what your order. Their dinner is a bit more pricier, I think it's around 20 dollars. I'm a sashimi person, so I always get the sashimi lunch special, the portion is more then enough for me, but when I'm super hungry, I get the steak with sashimi bento box. Essentially there will be five pieces of sashimi plus a 6 or 7 oz teriyaki steak, and on top of that you get to pick one side dish. I got some tuna dish last time. So yeah if you're super hungry and you're feeling like eating a lot of proteins then go for the teriyaki sashimi bento box. If you're feeling adventurous, then you can ask them for their japanese menu. Also their desserts are godly, the daughter of the owner hand made all of them, and I heard they're super good. But I never get a chance to try them cuz I'm usually full after the entree.
(5)
Stephanie P.
I go here every now and then with family and we're always happy with their food and service. The fish is delicious and fresh, and the room has a very quiet and calming tone to it.
(5)
Mark C.
5 star sushi in Cincinnati? I surprised my self on this one. The locals gave it excellent review so I had to try it. GREAT service and very fast preparation of order. The only negative is the BYOB policy as I usually enjoy hot saki with my sushi. I had miso soup to start and it was perfect. I then ordered a smoked salmon skin hand roll, salmon sashimi and a spicy tuna roll. All were excellent and the salmon was top grade and cold. I look forward to returning and trying some of the more traditional dishes they offer.
(5)
Jörg E.
Wonderful Sushi and Sashimi. Definitely worth a visit. Highly recommended with reasonable prices.
(5)
Jen H.
This is one of the best places around for fresh sushi with great presentations. They also make a terrific sukiyaki. It's worth the trip down there even from Dayton. The owners are actively involved and that makes a big difference. We are always looking for an excuse to get down that way so we can pop in for some fresh rolls.
(5)
Peg G.
This place has wonderful food but, even better, it has a homey feel, helpful staff (v welcoming to japanese newbies), and a proprietor with her hands on the wheel. Everything is so good, and the place overflows with warmth and good cheer. If you've never had japanese food, go here. If you're an old hand at sushi, go here. Cooked entrees, nagiri....it's all wonderful. And they'll help you figure out what/how much to order. The BYOB policy is a money saver. Spend what you save on a homemade dessert! (I love the decor here. I never realized how tired I am of cold ceramic tile and marble tabletops until I saw this cozy, carpeted room with kimonos on the wall.)
(5)
Priscilla C.
Double Spicy Tuna. All day everyday. Ando is as legit as it gets. It really is the best place to go for authentic sushi in Cincinnati and I am confident it could compete with sushi places in the bigger cities. From the fish, to the seaweed wrap, down to the rice, they do everything right. High-grade sushi relies heavily on the freshness of the fish but not only that, the quality of the seaweed wrap and rice matters a great deal too. A highly-skilled sushi chef knows to only use short grain rice, and thin, delicate Nori, not the chewy, store-bought kind that gets stuck in your teeth, to complement the fish. Without a shadow of doubt, Ando prepares each and every roll intricately and with mastery. For starters, my non-sushi recommendation is the Ikayaki (I may have misspelled or missed a syllable), which is simply grilled squid. You may choose to have it seasoned with soy sauce or salt. The dish sounds plain but what makes it special is that the squid comes out grilled to perfection and boasting of its natural flavors. For sushi I recommend the Yellowtail with Scallions, and the Super California. And of course you cannot leave this place without sampling the Double Spicy Tuna roll. Yes, it's expensive but it's worth every penny. And skip the soy sauce. (You're welcome) As previous Yelpers have pointed out this is not the place to come for "Americanized sushi." The rolls here are modest and subtle and you will not find one that is drenched in spicy mayo and sweet soy/eel sauce. There is a time and place to ask for extra spicy mayo, just not here or you will be disappointed. Nevertheless, I think the closest you can get to Americanized sushi at Ando is the Philadelphia Roll. Okay wow this is a long ass review but sorry I HAVE to tell you about the dessert. I had the pleasure of trying the mizu mochi or Japanese water cake. It is clear taro with a sweet red bean filling inside and literally looks like a giant dewdrop. It is delicious but it is not your typical dessert so I would only recommend this to the adventurous type. Finally, this place is BYOB. Heck, yes! The place is smaller in size but could accommodate a party of 8 -10 and there is ample parking. They tend to be busier on Friday and Saturday nights so I suggest you come early. Bon appetit!
(5)
Maria-Elena T.
I sat at a table but the sushi bar looked nice. I tried the edamame, miso soup, house salad, salmon sashimi, and salmon roll. I had a few temperature issues- both the soup and hot tea were not very hot. But the soup flavor was good and had big pieces of seaweed in it which I like. Salmon ok. Salad very good. The service was good. Good place for a sushi fix when you need one in Blue Ash
(3)
Carrie A.
Extremely over priced sushi, for nothing special. There are a lot of better options within driving distance for better deals and more unique options. Probably won't return.
(2)
Happy J.
Pricy, but relatively authenticate Japan flavor. Would like I come again. A bit crowded during biz lunch time. Smaller portion though. Maybe that's normal.
(5)
Jill N.
For me, eating really good sushi is a form of meditation. It is a simple and pure experience, without distraction. It clears my mind. It allows me to breathe deeper. It restores my soul. Only at Ando have I had this experience eating sushi in Cincinnati. At Ando you will not find mayonnaise and barbecue sauce squirted all over your fried shrimp rolls. Ando, thankfully, is old school. They respect the craft. They respect the ingredients. They serve only the freshest, highest-quality fish and seafood. And they respect the experience they are providing their customers. We've eaten at Ando a handful of times and have had consistently great food and warm and pleasant service. Ando also has a very generous BYOB policy. In addition to excellent sushi, they have lots of other traditional Japanese items on the menu that you will not find at most of the other "Japanese" restaurants in Cincinnati. Be sure to ask your server for a rundown. Some of our favorites: grilled mackerel (always fresh and charcoal grilled with a perfectly crispy skin) tanshio (very thinly sliced charcoal grilled beef tongue) oshinko (assorted pickled Japanese vegetables)
(5)
Trisha D.
Great service. Found the food and drinks reasonably priced. Called ahead to reserve a table to be sure we got seated, at the recommendation of someone who had been before. Restaurant filled up by 6:30 pm on a Friday night.
(4)
Michael R.
Terrible service and small portion sizes. I would never come here again. I called to setup a reservation a few days earlier to us coming there (my wife and I). We had a reservation for 8 p.m. We decided to call them at 7:15 p.m. to see if it was okay to come in a little early and if we had to wait a little bit we'd be okay with that. We then got the okay from them over the phone and decided to come in. Once we arrived the hostess seemed upset we were there early and decided to give us (2 people) a 4 person table. They then said that we shouldn't have come early and a few of the staff members bickered between themselves as to what they needed to do with other customers and seating. They even said to us, "why are you here now?" They seemed upset at us for some strange reason. My feeling is this, even if your busy and things go awry you shouldn't treat the customer with disrespect. We are here with money in exchange for your food and services, and we don't have to be here if you piss us off. We ultimately had to change our order to go as the people next to us were so loud everyone in the restaurant could hear them. The staff didn't say anything to them and just ignored the situation. Everyone in the restaurant looked upset that they weren't doing anything. The more frustrating thing was when we got home we saw the size of the rolls and they were tiny. The fish was fresh and good and the food was good but the portion sizes were so small that I was still hungry after finishing my meal. Very depressing. I'll never eat back here nor recommend this place to anyone.
(1)
Matthew L.
All the ingredients are fresh and every piece of our meal was eloquently prepared. The staff were helpful, friendly, and made our date night go by without a hitch. The place is BYOB which is either a pro or con, depending on your situation, so take that into consideration. In terms of authentic sushi restaurants in Cincinnati, Ando is as close as it gets to being the best.
(5)
Diane S.
If you are a spicy tuna, California or tempura roll kind of sushi eater, this is not the place for you. Ando is not the place for Americanized sushi. Ando is a place for a great variety of impeccable fish served expertly. They serve fish you don't find at other Cincinnati sushi spots: Arctic Char, Horse Mackerel, Herring, Snapper, Flounder. Ando is Japanese food for people who appreciate Japanese food and culture. I think from reading some of the negative reviews that people are judging Ando through the lens of Americanized sushi and Japanese food which is unfortunate. In addition to impeccable sushi, Ando does well with broths and noodles, hot pots, donburi and really, all other Japanese specialties. Portions are appropriate not grossly large. I'm not looking down my nose at Americanized sushi- even I like a tempura roll from time to time, but that's not what Ando is and it frustrates me to see people judging it through that lens.
(5)
Jessi G.
Literally the best sushi I've ever had. I came here with my coworker who is visiting from japan, and he vouched that this place is extremely authentic. The sushi platter is fantastic. My friends for the udon and the ramen, and they loved it. No complaints! I want to come back every day.
(5)
Derrick H.
Checked out a few other places before finally writing this review. Wasn't sure what to expect in the area but glad to have found this place to satisfy my sushi cravings. Had a very enjoyable experience with their omakase (with additional pieces added). Nigiri was well made and uni was quite good. Have been back a few times and will keep coming back. They also have a Japanese menu / specials.
(5)
Boris W.
My girlfriend and I were excited to visit one of the few restaurants in the area that serve shabu. Upon looking at the menu we found out that the shabu and sukiyaki were $38.00 per person. Against our better judgement we ordered the meal thinking we were about to get a feast of epic proportions. Little did we know the meal included a few pieces of low quality beef and a plate full of vegetables. I've had shabu in a few other cities with a much higher cost of living and never paid more than $25. That included a full surf and turf platter with multiple types of meat and fish. It also took them almost 30 minutes to prepare a plate full of raw meat and vegetables. A child's meal is almost $10. Can anyone one explain this to me? Where else can you rack up a $100 tab without ordering a single cocktail? Hopefully they are using this money to rip out the nasty carpet and remodel the inside. This place is located in a dingy strip mall and to think they can charge high end prices the owners are obviously lost. This place is one step above take out Chinese and they need to think about hiring a new chef and moving to a nicer location for those prices. Save your hard earned money and valuable time and steer clear of this money pit.
(1)
My T.
I truly enjoyed the dining experience at Ando. We had the katsu and ramen as well as some sushi. The katsu and ramen were overall better than other Japanese restaurants but the sushi was spectacular! The fish just melted in your mouth and had a great taste to it. I've never had salmon nigiri the way that I've had it at Ando's. I will certainly return to Ando and bring my beverages with me! And the service was very nice and pleasant. =)
(5)
Chris G.
I've been sporadically visiting Ando for years. This visit was accompanied by a few coworkers from India who had particular dietary needs. I recommended some form on Donburi (rice bowl) for one coworker, and the Nabeyaki (mountain vegetable) Udon bowl for the other. My choice? What else: Ramen! I love ramen, it's one of the bestest foods EVAR! In this visit I chose to go with the tonkatsu (pork cutlet) ramen which had a pretty decent broth, but not the best tonkatsu broth I've had (Men Tei in Boston, MA.) I ordered some hot tea which the server referred to as Ocha but, tea being my thing, I'd have been truly surprised if I was served Ocha since the "O" honorative designates the "cha' (tea) as special, ceremonial or extremely premium quality. While not bad for a sencha served in any restaurant here in the US, Ocha this was not. Not the restaurants fault, unless he was instructed it was Ocha. All meals were preceded by a small size salad with a typical ginger dressing. Typically tasty, but nothing special there. The noodles themselves had the right taste and they were firmer than expected, but not hard. Usually I expect the noodles to be somewhere between al-dente and mushy. The to this range the noodles are, the more easily the noodles can be slurped down as is traditionally done in Japan. The noodle dish was very tasty, though I did add some Japanese red pepper to satisfy my idiotic need for absolutely everything to have some kick to it. As I usually do I ordered two tamago (cold sweet egg omelette) nigiri. I often use this particular sushi to judge how an establishment treats their ingredients. Tamago should be smooth, solid and with minimal cracking. If the tamago is dry or cracked it has likely been sitting for a while and is not going to be the right texture. Ando was a little difficult to judge on their Tamago. Generally it looks good, and the flavor was good as well. However, their presentation seemed more unique. The tamago is presented as "split" in two atop a smaller than usual mound of rice with both ends of the tamago wrapped in seaweed where it is usually wrapped with a thinner strip of seaweed around the middle simply to hold the omelette to the rice ball underneath. Overall, Ando is worth the visit. The sushi quality is typically good. The ramen has broth near the top of the Cincinnati area options. Both of my coworkers enjoyed their meals as well. One of the three better Japanese restaurants north of the rive, I expect to visit Ando frequently given the "around the corner from the office" location, and I won't regret the visits. But Matsuya this is not.
(4)
Kelsey H.
Yummmmm lunch sanma bento box!! Picking through and pulling out all those tiny bones is totally worth getting every last bite of fish. With miso nasu (eggplant) and some flash fried tuna. I've never had lunch here before and it's just as good as dinner! I could eat Japanese food from Ando all day. Make sure you check the hours for lunch before you stop by! It seemed like they closed the kitchen after a specific cut off time to prepare for dinner service.
(5)
Hitoshi Y.
My wife convinced me to go to this restaurant for my birthday. I wasn't sure if we came to the right place but after my first bite, I almost cried 'cause it was so good!!! Hey, I'm born and raised in Japan!!
(5)
Joyce Z.
Ando is the best spot for sushi in Cincinnati. High Quality Fish. Inventive Rolls.
(5)
Jesse M.
My family went to Ando for dinner on a Saturday evening. Luckily, we arrived early (a little after 5:15), and were able to get a table without a reservation. I would suggest a reservation in the future. We placed our order of drinks (this is a bring your own alcohol restaurant, which we were unaware of, but the hot green tea was very good), miso soup and edamame and then waited. And waited. Unfortunately, the kitchen was behind and our appetizers were very slow to come out, so slow that we were given free pork dumplings on the house. The miso soup was amazing, though, and the restaurant seemed very authentic when we were asked if we wanted spoons for our soup. Our sushi was slow to come out as well, and we were only brought half of our order first and ate it all before the rest of our order came out. This was quite a disappointment. The sushi was good and more authentic than other sushi places, but much more expensive as well. I was also disappointed that low sodium soy sauce was not available (or not labeled). Red bean ice cream for dessert was very good and the serving was too big to finish! Overall, the food was good but pricey, the service was slow but friendly and the atmosphere was welcoming. I am glad we checked-out this sushi restaurant, but probably won't rush to go back.
(3)
Caroline C.
Ando is touted as one Cincinnati's few true Japanese restaurants north of the river. It's just too bad that it's not very good. On a recent visit we experienced terrible service. Our server wasn't familiar with the menu, brought us incorrect items, left water glasses empty and forgot eating utensils. Upon arrival we were asked if we had reservations. We did not and I completely understand not getting seating preference, but we were treated as second-class customers. We were given two options: eat at the sushi bar or take "the small table." If they had just seated us at "the small table" we probably wouldn't have noticed its size. This wasn't a great start. Throughout our meal, someone (maybe one of the owners) was making the rounds around the restaurant but never came to our table to say hello. The only time she came was to identify sushi that our server could not explain. Delicious, fresh sushi would've made up for the service. Unfortunately, it wasn't very good. I ordered the sushi omakase which is supposed to be the freshest, best selection of the day. The fish wasn't any fresher than other places I've been in Cincinnati. In fact, some pieces didn't taste good at all. I definitely didn't experience that delectable, melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Maybe I went on an off night. Or perhaps I went too soon after watching Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Whatever the case, not a good experience at all.
(2)
LJ M.
Nice and warm imside, great atmosphere. Authentic food, pleasant and efficient service, clean, and a nice sushi bar
(4)
Meghan P.
I visited Ando Japanese Restaurant while on a business trip staying at the hotel across the way. I'm not a huge fan of sushi (raw), but love the other types of food they offer. I ordered the grilled salmon teriyaki (came with miso soup, rice, salad and vegetables), and a California roll. I got this as a to-go order, so I can't say much on the service (not utilized), but the lady who rung up my bill was very nice and pleasant. Since I was standing waiting for my food, one of the sushi chefs even inquired if I'd been helped yet. Everyone seemed very attentive and helpful. The restaurant also smelled wonderful. The food was amazing. Salmon was cooked perfectly and was a large portion. Teriyaki was not overly salty. Vegetables were cooked well (still crisp and not mushy) and the ginger salad dressing was great. California roll and miso soup were both equally amazing. I've seriously been thinking about that dinner since I got back home...I want to go back. If I am ever back in Cincinnati, OH, I will definitely be visiting again!
(5)
Jim H.
Our first encounter for dinner what a pleasant surprise. We have driven by the shopping center many times but did not realize the restaurant was here. Extremely fresh sushi and great service. Our first of many dinners at this restaurant.
(5)
Crystal G.
After reading such amazing reviews I couldn't wait to try their Shabu. Upon opening the menu I was a little shocked that meat, vegetables and broth were $38 dollars A PERSON (with a two person minimum) the online menu stated $25. I've had steak dinners at 5 star restaurants that cost this much. $80 dollar soup is insanity. Let's get real. I'm all about paying for good food but I don't want to feel ripped off. I left paying $120 for soup, gyoza and a kids meal. When have you ever had a bill that high without even one cocktail on the check? Im sure NEVER because that just doesn't happen in sane establishments. We had to cook the food ourselves (which is the fun of Shabu) but again $38 bucks a person for flank steak and spinach that the chef didn't even prepare. It also takes 30 minutes for them to bring uncooked food to the table??? I felt like I was on the hidden camera show "Boiling Points" and at anytime someone was going to hop out of the back and hand me a check for keeping my chill. I'm as lost as whoever made those price points. I will not return because I left feeling confused and taken advantage of. If you want to feel like a schmuck for dropping $100 bucks on soup... this is your jam. The owner needs a reality check. Why don't you use the 500% profits to get a liquor license. That way people can have a cocktail to ease the pain of the rip off.
(1)
Mr And Mrs G.
MR says ... Omakase is always a good deal for a meal MRS says... dinner is totally different. It's packed and even if you make reservations, you will still have to wait for a table. Typical wait is 30min for a table but worth all the wait. Ask for the Japanese menu. Server will explain what's on the menu and give you recommendations. Seafood particularly sashimi is a must. Servers still overlook refills and will forget your soup and salad especially if you order several appetizers. Just remember what "extra" that's included with your entree and you'll eat well.
(4)
Rachael H.
AWESOME! I visited here on Monday excited to try something new and boy did I get what I was looking for! I love trying new menu items wherever I go, but Ando delightfully surprised me. I ate tapas style getting several menu items, all traditional Japanese items. The staff was delighted to serve us the items we ordered as they are a little, ok a lot, different than what you would normally eat. Trying raw beef with a sauce that has a quail egg mixed into it, to thinly sliced cow tongue, I was pleasantly surprised at each item. The staff was very friendly allowing us to sit, eat, and talk for a couple of hours, not rushing us in any way. I will definitely be back!!
(5)
Ben N.
In a city where too many people seem to think of a quality sushi restaruant as a joint serving "half-price" Americanized "sushi" rolls loaded with the gut-bloating likes of cream cheese, mayo, tempura flakes, and who knows what else, little Ando is one of the few restaurants in town that reminds me of why I loved sushi and sashimi in the first place. It also disproves the notion that you can't get decent sushi in a land-locked place like Ohio. Sweet Jeebus, it's pretty simple: Select the freshest fish reasonably available, store and handle it properly, cut it skillfully, and present it beautifully. When you do that, there's no need to gussy it up with a bunch of distracting filler. Instead, you get just the bright, clean flavors of the sea. Ando has the sushi basics down. Fish is about as fresh as I've had in the Cinci area: some of it goes down with the almost buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection that the "half-price" joints can't begin to achieve with their half-priced and sometimes freezer-burned, flavor-deprived fish. Ando is NOT "half price." You'll pay for the quality, but it's worth it. Ando is also a subdued, dignified old-school Japanese restaurant that has a broader Japanese menu, featuring soba, udon, ramen, sukiyaki, various meat dishes, et cetera. (No Thai or Vietnamese culinary invaders here.) There is a nice list of appetizers, and Ando usually has a list of appetizer or sushi specials. (Do yourself a favor and order the grilled mackerel as an app, if it's offered.) Standard Japanese items like gyoza taste freshly made here rather than dumped out of some freezer bag. The couple who own and operate the restaurant, and their staff, are great: warm and welcoming and very helpful. Ando is BYO, and a server (or Mrs. Ando) will quickly appear almost as soon as you are seated with an offer to refrigerate the beverage you have brought. P.S. Ando takes resevations, which might be a good idea on a weekend. P.P.S. Unlike a couple of the very good authentic Japanese restaurants over on the Kentucky side, Ando isn't polluted with clouds of cigarette smoke.
(5)
Scott M.
3.5 star food at 5 star prices. Small portions meant we had to order a second round sushi halfway through the meal. Unless you eat like a teeny tiny bird, you'll easily spend $80-$100 here after tip. Way too costly for average sushi. Beef tongue appetizer was excellent but small. Loved the rainbow roll, but the rest of the sushi (salmon nigiri, eel nigiri, eel and cucumber roll, philly roll) was just mediocre. Nice service and clean environment ... but we won't be back.
(3)
Olivia O.
After both meals at Ando, I've buzzed about the experience for days. The service is great, BYOB (save $), and the Nabemono dishes are fantastic. Plus, it's healthy and affordable, so the indulgence isn't something to regret! I've had: Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki- both Nabemono dishes, which means a gas burner is brought to your table and you cook a platter of food in broth. Both dishes have the same platter of goodies to cook- thinly sliced beef, shitake mushrooms, napa cabbage, onions (green and white), carrots, tofu, fishcakes and noodles (the types vary between the two dishes). Shabu shabu is a clear, simple broth with kelp, and the flavor comes from 2 dipping sauces. Sukiyake has a very flavorful broth (soy sauce, sake, mirin) and no dipping sauces. I really enjoyed both. It took us (2 people) 2 hours to finish the meal. At $27/person, that's not too bad for a great meal and 2 hours of entertainment. Nabemono comes with soup and salad (the ginger dressing is fantastic), but the appetizers are worth trying. I've had: grilled ika (squid). Very cool, charcoal flavor dominates yakame- tuna sashimi over ground yam. The yam has a unique texture and is mixed with soy sauce and wasabi. This style of eating is new to me, but I didn't feel intimidated because the owner comes to the table to explain how to eat/prepare everything. She's great (and has a wonderful voice). It's a great adventure!
(5)
sam d.
The sushi was awesome! The sticky rice had the right flavor and consistency and the fish was firm and fresh. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star was the lack of fresh wasabi.
(4)
Vanessa E.
A more traditional Japanese place which is great. The fish is amazingly fresh and service is great. More unusual cuts and more traditional cooked offerings. Japanese folks frequent this place. Additional pros for families: Kid friendly Changing station available in women's restroom Downsides: smaller than typical Americanized portions and about 50% more expensive. After I think about it some more, if price was more aligned with say, Ichiban, I would make the effort to visit here more often.
(3)
Wendy R.
Wow! Food was fabulous and very authentic favors. It is in a unassuming strip mall but once inside, you realize what a gem it is. The grilled squid was perfect - not chewy and had a smoked soy sauce flavor. The sushi was amazing and you can taste the sweetness of the fish - indication of its freshness. The uni (which is hard to get fresh in the Midwest) was the freshest uni I've had around cincinnati...after eating it at a west coast restaurant, I was not ever going to eat it again in the Midwest but my husband wanted to try and so glad he did! We'll be back!
(5)
Tim H.
So I have been going to Ando almost once a week and it is always a very positive experience! The sushi selection is so good and fresh and is prepared perfectly. Last night I had the grilled squid, bonito, mackrel, salmon rolls, surf clam, and a double tuna roll. Ando and his wife are so friendly and have been recommending different dishes for me to try. Yeah, I'll be back! And remember, they are closed Mondays and normally for a week around the 4th of July.
(5)
Dale H.
This is my all-time favorite restaurant in Cincinnati. My family lived in Japan for over 13 years, and this is a truly authentic Japanese restaurant. The sashimi is as fresh as you can get and they often have special sashimi not on the regular menu. Just ask! Also, I have ordered items that I've eaten in Japan that are not on the menu. They will make it and it always is delicious. My favorite is the nabeyaki udon (not on the menu). It is best in the winter since it is a steaming bowl of udon with a variety of ingredients (chicken, napa, kamaboko, and a poached egg) all in a delicious broth. Great on a cold day. Right now, in the summer, our favorite is the sashimi and sushi combo. We like to start with a sanma shio (a grilled fish) and edamame. Always a great meal. Service is great too! Mr. Ando is the amazing sushi chef. Mrs. Ando is front-of-the house and wonderful! Great at explaining dishes and very personable.
(5)
M J.
It's true... BYOB! Stop by the gas station right next door, grab a six pack or bottle of wine and head on in! My wife and I had a delicious sushi meal there! The service was great the atmosphere was wonderful! I highly recommend!!
(5)
Anne H.
Usually I'm more impressed with Cincinnati area Asian restaurants, but I don't think anything beats the one I usually go to in Dayton. The gyoza were small and bland, the agedashi tofu sauce was bland and for $6 you would expect more than 4 thin pieces of tofu. The miso soup was good but didn't even have tofu in it, which I have never had miso served without tofu before. The salad was the only thing that was well sized and flavorful. The main course, sushi dinner, was good but minimal for the price. I have had more sushi for $27 at many other locations. I also never expected a Japanese restaurant to be BYOB. Typically, having some Sake or Japanese beer with sushi is enjoyable but unfortunately that wasn't an option. Overall, food quality was bland save for a couple items I ordered. The prices are ridiculous in relation to the portions. I would not go back. I left still pretty hungry. On a side note, I tip very well and for a $42 bill I would have left at least $9 even for mediocre service, which was what I received anyhow, but the tip for $7.53 was already included and required. I feel that even though others may not tip as well, there are plenty of other people willing to tip well and that incentive should be open to the customer. I would have left more of a tip if there hadn't been gratuity already tacked on the bill. I used to be a server in a restaurant so I understand it is frustrating when people stiff or leave a poor tip, but the mandatory gratuity is more of an insult than anything.
(2)
Mike D.
Restaurant is BYOB... go grab a six pack or whatnot before you sit down to eat. The waiters offered to refrigerate our beer and brought us cold glasses, which was a nice touch. Food was pretty good, tempura appetizer and miso soup were both very good. I had the Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) and it was quite good, the Tonkatsu sauce was also very good. I chose steamed veggies over cabbage and they were decent. My coworker got the sushi meal and he was pleased. I had black sesame ice cream for dessert; it was good, but I've had better at other Japanese places. All in all, pretty solid Japanese food.
(4)
Sally Y.
OH. MY. GOODNESS. If you're looking for the best sushi place in the Cincinnati area, Ando is the place to go! Some things you definitely have to try are the sea urchin (so rich!) and the homemade ice cream - I really enjoyed the black sesame. Honestly, no one expects amazing sushi in Cincinnati, and in terms of the options I've seen, there are some pretty good places, but Ando by far has some of the best and most flavorful sushi I've had in this area. It's fresh, not fishy, the octopus is soft and not chewy, and the rice is cooked to perfection. Other perks: the staff is super friendly and has some great recommendations if you don't know what to get. Additionally, it's BYOB! Enjoy!
(5)
Chris H.
While I've had better sushi and terriyaki, I'm giving Ando 3 stars for their food and an extra star for their service. The sushi's ratio of rice to fish was off. Rolls had a good flavor but seemed like to much rice and not enough fish. Of the 4 different types of sushi we had 2 were ok and 2 were good. BBQ eel was very tasty, as was the fatty tuna sashimi. But the soft shell crab which we usually loved seemed to be lacking. I don't believe there was a whole soft shell crab in the roll and if there was it was the smallest crab they could find. The spicy tuna roll was also a bit disappointing. We also had the beef terriyaki dinner. Flavor was good, but meat wasn't that tender and there was a sparse amount of vegetables. At $24 it wasn't a value. In conclusion find some rolls that hit the mark and come back for the service. I always love when you can tell a place is mom/pop owned and they are interactive with the business.
(4)
Hyatt G.
We must be on a hot streak... This was an amazing place probably because we ordered the Shabu Shabu--a shared dish where you cook your beef, napa cabbage, carrots, tofu, onion, fish cakes, shitakes, and noodles in a pot of boiling water. Extremely fun dish that will set you back $26 bucks a person-- but worth it. They use very good beef (thinly sliced flank steak?) and vegetables and plenty of them. Also, BYOB, so don't forget your drink if you wish. Service was excellent, almost 5 star, extremely classy. will be back
(4)
Jay H.
I have been to Ando several times and have enjoyed it every time. The staff is always friendly and very considerate. I was there with my 3 year old son today and they made sure to ask if we wanted wasabi on the sushi, thinking that he might not like it. They saved the meal with that question because he does not (yet). There are a lot of places in town that serve "sushi" but I will drive past them all to get to Ando.
(5)
Connie W.
The Best Japanese Restaurant in the Cincy Area. I love the double spice tuna roll. The sushi is the freshest and is second to none. The kitchen creates the most authentic Japanese food with the freshest produce. If you have room after the meal the deserts are always a refreshing surprise.
(5)
Kristan H.
4-star food, 3-star experience. We decided to visit Ando for the first time around 7 p.m. on a Sunday night, and to be honest we weren't expecting it to be too busy. Well, apparently neither were they. When we walked in, there was a crowd in the vestibule (some waiting for to-go orders, some waiting to be seated, some about to pay and leave). As the crowd dispersed, we continued to stand there for a good 15-20 minutes without anyone acknowledging us or asking if they could help. (One man who was waiting with his family did speak to the owner briefly in Japanese, so somebody knew that people were waiting, but I don't know what was said.) We very nearly gave up, but finally my boyfriend managed to snag a waiter and asked if we were ever going to be seated. The waiter apologized, and after another minute or two, he got us a table. After that, the night went pretty normally/pleasantly. To start, we ordered tea and edamame (my first time, and it wasn't bad, although I don't know how/why so many people I know -- including my boyfriend -- are practically addicted to the stuff). For dinner I had tempura udon, and I was pleased to see that they give you 3 big pieces of shrimp (unlike most places which give one or two at the most) and a couple stalks of asparagus. However, I would have liked a couple slices of fish cake too (which is pretty standard, in my experience). My boyfriend got chicken pan-fried with soba noodles and vegetables, which was quite good. The restaurant is smaller than I expected, but clean and nicely decorated. Not too loud. And there seemed to be lots of regulars (including one family we knew) which is usually a good sign. So those factors, combined with good food at a good price, means that we would definitely like to come back. Maybe try the sushi and yakimandu. But hopefully next time it won't take 20 min to get seated, you know?
(3)
Chris G.
Ando is our go to restaurant for special occasions, rewards, or just because. They have a variety of wonderful Japanese foods. Their sushi and sashimi are always fresh. I don't think there is a menu item (and non menu item) we haven't tried. Their katsu curry is great. Make sure to ask about the special appetizer of the day, which are always delicious and unique. Their ice creams and desserts are a special homemade treat. Oh, they don't have a liquor license, but no worries- you can bring your own alcohol.
(5)
Jessica L.
Tasty! I went for lunch on a weekday and the lunch specials were delicious! The sushi was fresh and service attentive. I got their sushi lunch special and was not dissapointed. The special came with salad and soup and I felt so full and satisfied that I didn't want to go back to work! The restaurant is nice and quiet with attentive staff so it is perfect for a lunch meeting and I can imagine it would be great for dinner as well. Lunch was about $15 or so, so I imagine dinner would be a bit more.
(4)
Joe R.
Best sushi hands down. Better than any place I are in Southern California (where you suppose to get the finest sushi) Ando by far is the best I ever had. Also I bring your own beer.... How awesome is that!!!
(5)
M M.
Let me give you a Japanese person's point of view. I've followed the Andos since they started working for a Japanese restaurant owned and operated by non-Japanese people about 15-20 years ago. The first time my wife and I went there I couldn't believe the lack of knowledge their staff and management had about Japanese food. I only went back because at that time it was about the only place you could get Japanese food, and I was delighted to find a real Japanese chef working behind the counter, Mr. Ando. The food had been transformed to a level unexpected. When I found that he was no longer working there I asked and was told they left to open their own place in Lebanon. I found their place by calling the City of Lebanon's zoning department, the Ando's were surprised when I called to find out the location of their new restaurant. I count myself very lucky that they moved to their current location since it's only couple of miles from my home. When you move to another country one of the things you miss most is the food you grow up with. That is why you see so many Japanese people eating at Andos. As another reviewer mentioned they do have many things that are not on their main menu, I am so lucky that the Andos are able to prepare such a wide variety of Japanese food. The most important thing to me about Andos is their unwavering attention to detail and quality. For example, the most important thing about sushi, to me, is the preparation of the rice, their rice is consistent, always the same with proper amount of vinegar. If you sit at the sushi bar while you eat, watch how he works, he takes it very seriously. Very Japanese. Trust me, it doesn't get much better.
(5)
J K.
Being a poor student, I eat my fair share of budget sushi -- all you can eat rolls, 1/2 off deals, etc. I am, by no means, above budget sushi, but Ando is a place that I know my parents would enjoy. Ando, along with Matsuya and Jo An in Kentucky, is a place where you get an authentic experience and feel safe to order dishes like uni, where freshness cannot be compromised.
(5)
Austin M.
Place has a decent atmosphere, got an eel roll ( my favorite and always my go to) and ramen. Big bowl of delicious ramen was cheaper than the roll. Sushi was good but not amazing. That ramen tho.... I'll be back...
(4)
Sarah V.
If you want authentic Japanese food in the Cinci area, this is the place to go. The food is excellent. I ordered to-go and they brought me complimentary tea while I was waiting for my order, even though they were very busy! I always feel at home here.
(5)
Bernard T.
This genuine japanese restaurant has a wonderful environment and excellent food selection and quality. If you're looking for the real deal try Ando's!
(5)
Andy E.
Great sushi, reasonably priced. Recommend the salmon roll.
(4)
Suz M.
Don't go here if you're vegan. Everything has fish in it except the house salad and eggplant appetizer. And the eggplant appetizer (about three or four little fried rounds) tasted totally like oil. They were super greasy and gross. A huge disappointment. The BF got some teriyaki beef dish and didn't like it. He said it lacked any taste and the beef was pretty gristly. All-in-all, it was a majorly bad experience. While we were in there, a woman came in and was requesting a gluten-free diet. I think there was a communication issue with the server, just as I seemed to experience when asking about vegetarian items. Sometimes, not having a native English speaker can be a problem when the communication is just not getting through and causes confusion with what you are ordering. Maybe if the BF and I were sushi eaters, this would be a good place to go, but otherwise, not so much.
(2)
Mr. And Mrs. H.
I am really enjoying this place. A very neat clean place and I enjoy the quality of the food. Also their house-made desert specials are impeccably presented. The care they put into their restaurant is what makes it great.
(5)
Paul K.
It's one of the best Japanese restaurants in Cincy area although there are a few restaurants I haven't tried but I heard great things about. I wanted to try Ando for numerous times, and I finally made it last week. You can tell it's authentic when you see a old Japanese man is working at the bar and woman is greeting you. And their decor is not flashy, but you can tell everything is related to Japan. I felt like I am eating at a home-owned restaurant in Japan or something. The menu is everything you can expect from a Japanese restaurant. My girlfreind and I tried Agedashi Tofu, Unagi sushi, Yellowtail rolls, Tempura Udon, and Gatsu Don. We loved everything. Everything was cooked to perfection, and what I LOVE about is every food was not salty. You can tell that the foods were made from scratch. The sauces did not overpower actually ingridients. Especially the udon's soup base was not strong and the noodle was also perfect for udon. The rolls are filled with big chunk of yellowtail that I could taste, not blurred by the rice. Unagi was also very soft which meant the cooking time was right. Katsu Don was also pretty good with good size of pork fried to perfection. Overall, I think I love this place. Being Miyoshi out there in Northern Kentucky, Ando will be my first choice for Japanese cuisine. The food is authentic, and the ingridients are carefully cooked and treated as a traditional Japanese restaurant should. I can't say enough about this place! I cannot wait to bring some Sake or Soju and enjoy all the food.
(5)
Andrea S.
We had such a delightful meal here. This is a small eatery in a strip mall, but the smells are so inviting. We tried this after seeing the Yelp reviews and I am delighted to report that my fellow reviewers have found a good suggestion once again. The service was very friendly and attentive. We had everything from tempura to sushi. I tried everything and not one thing failed to delight. The iced barley tea was delicious. Have a meal here. I am not a Japanese food expert, but I just loved this place.
(5)
Edward L.
Ando = Blissful pleasure to my chronic sushi craving toungue With great sushi comes great responsibility, and they do it right here. "I decided to try their Ramen..." These words alone will tip you off that reviewing a Japanese Sushi restaurant should not be a top priority for this individual. Everybody these days thinks they are a sushi snob. In reality, all I see are reviews on spicy tuna rolls, soft shell crab, salmon and unagi. All great sushi choices, however not differentiators for a sushi restaurant. The hotate is to die for. So fresh and it melts in your mouth. Sake, amaebi (I love fresh raw shrimp), squid, uni, makeral and toro were also glorious bites of heaven. They add fresh raw lobster sashimi to the menu and you will not see me leave the place. Most def a 5 star sushi joint (with Cincinnati as geographical context) Eat up!
(5)
Raymond L.
Had lunch yesterday and I guess I was considered a regular now and they have this special menu which was on a piece of paper. Apparently, this is mostly for Japanese clients and had stuff other than what's on the menu. They have a variety of curry dishes, side dishes, and main courses (hamachi kamma - grilled yellowtail jaw)! Prices are a few dollars more but you get some really special stuff other than their regular menu. You can always ask for it......Don't forget BYOB!!! enjoy!
(5)
Katie H.
My family goes here all the time, and I've stopped by often for carryout. The service is always outstandingly personal. I have tasted a lot of the menu; my favorites are the unagidon and the fried oysters (not on the standard menu). The only negative thing I could say about Ando is that the prices shown online are not all up-to-date. Best, most authentic Japanese restaurant in Cincinnati.
(5)
Olivia Ou L.
I do like this Japanese restaurant. First, it is authentic, the owner are Japanese people, and almost of guests of this restaurant are Japanese too. Second, the service is good. As a Japanese restaurant, I can strongly feel the owners are very polite and respectful to their customers. Japanese do take customers as the god and they are more polite than people from other countries. Third, food is light, don't have much sauce and cheese like other Japanese restaurants. Asian people, especially Japanese people seldom eat cheese and much sauce, they prefer light, healthy,fresh seafood with yummy rice. I do love this place.
(5)
Kate Y.
nice authentic japanese restaurant. this place is actually run by japanese people. i have only tried their sushi so far and can't wait to go back to try their other dishes off their main menu. service was good.
(4)
Marshall H.
It's taken me two months to write this review as objectively as possible. I'm sure there are better Japanese restaurants in the world, but there are none better in the Greater Cincinnati area. Had I based the review solely on food this would've been a solid four stars, but the service at Ando gains them the fifth star because they are the nicest people you could meet. I've lunched here on a weekly basis for the past two years, and am pretty sure I've tried everything on the menu except for the shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. My favorites: - Sashimi: always fresh, delicate, melt-in-your-mouth goodness - Una Jyu don: it's BBQ eel, and it's damn good - Maguro don: not on the menu because it's a special. Thin slices of tuna marinated in sake, and served on a bed of rice. Get it if you can. - Black cod: Cod fillet sauteed and served with vegetables. - Curry: I didn't know the Japanese made curry until I came here and saw a Japanese businessman chowing down. It has the best aroma, and fantastic spicy flavor not found in any Thai or Indian curry. Get it either plain over a bed of rice, or toss in tonkatsu (pork cutlet), mince (hamburger rolled in panko and fried), or a potato cake (not a favorite of mine to be honest). My wife just gets the sashimi every time we go. She started with the regular sushi lunch, but took to leaving the rice part of the nigiri behind so often that the chef decided to change her order one day to the sashimi lunch. She hasn't looked back since. She also won't order anything else, ever. When we try new sushi joints we have to order the sashimi, and it is always judged harshly to the standard set at Ando's. Only Jo-an is on par. The sushi rolls are very good and quite tasty. There is a good mix of traditional and western, but nothing exotic like "Double Godzilla" or "Dancing Geisha" rolls. Ando will also make special rolls not on the menu if you like. We had him make a spicy double salmon roll once just for the hell of it. I'm sure if he had the materials on hand, Ando would make a spicy double kobe beef sweetbread roll stuffed into a tempura haggis, but you'll pay market price. BEST. RICE. EVER. Yeah, bet you've never seen that in a review. I don't know how or why, but I can't get enough of their rice. The rice deserves half a star just by itself. Part of the weekly order if a take-away order for plain, white sushi rice with a little bit of wasabi for a co-worker in my wife's office. And finally, dessert. I think there is green tea ice cream and mochi ice cream on the menu. Ignore it. Instead look on the table for a card telling you what the special desserts are that day, and can at times be the best part of the meal. Chiaki's creations are some of the most exciting desserts we've ever tried. I can't adequately describe any of them. There isn't any one style she sticks to. Her desserts run across the gamut of pastries, cakes, puddings, "jello-s", ice creams and torts. Ingredients are very seasonal. The graham cracker crusts are always homemade. The special desserts are also "limited edition" as she makes only a certain number per week, and I can only think of a couple of times I seen a dessert repeated on the menu. So, if you buy a dessert and really, really like it, you'd better buy a second because the chances of ever getting it again are next to nil. That's about it. This will be my only 5-star review in Cincinnati. No one else deserves it more.
(5)
Saki A.
FANTASTIC! and SUPER AUTHENTIC! I was greeted with a friendly "Irasshaimase!" by the Japanese hostess on a busy Friday night. The place was packed! They told us the wait would be approximately 25 minutes, but we were seated after 15. The customers were mainly Japanese businessmen, which is ALWAYS a good sign of authenticity. The hostess delighted us with a complimentary edamame appetizer for our wait. How considerate! We ordered saba, ikura nigiri sushi and three rolls. The Salmon Skin, Futomaki, and the Super California rolls all knocked our socks off! It's amazing how authentic Japanese sushi chefs make such a difference!! The service was top notch, the decor was very pleasant. I felt like I was back in Japan! Thank you so much for a wonderful experience. I am definitely going back! (Next time with my own cooler full of booze!)
(5)
Jacquelynn A.
Greta food. Very authentic. And they are SUPER friendly :)
(5)
Amy C.
My favorite: House salad and ramen noodles. Who would have thought that I'd buy ramen noodles at a restaurant, but it's totally worth it. I've also had the lunch sushi before, but the ramen noodles hits the spot for me every time. Service can be a little slow sometimes, but they do get busy at lunch time!
(4)
Ann K.
I love love love love the food here; I love authentic Japanese food, and this is as authentic as it gets around here. The agedashi tofu was battered perfectly. They even had natto rolls, which I loved. Gomae was awesome as well. The pickled mountain vegetables were wonderful, and that's something that other so-called "Japanese" restaurants usually do not have since many of them are not even owned by Japanese people...just saying.
(5)
Kevin V.
I went to this place because of the great reviews I found on Yelp, but found myself UN-impressed with their food. I decided to try their Ramen at the recommendation of our server, and got a sashimi platter to share as kind of an appetizer. I think that sashimi is a great way to determine the quality of sushi at a place, and their fish was far from the freshest I have had. Their salmon (Which is one of my favorites) was especially lacking in flavor. Their Ramen was alright, but nothing I would go out of my way to recommend. Overall the experience was mediocre at best.
(2)
Muthu A.
Really good Japanese place. Quantity was good, fresh and price is very decent.
(5)
Chad L.
I'm so glad I finally found a decent sushi bar close to my work, I will definately be coming here for lunch a few times a week!! The place is kind of hard to find it's hidden in the back corner of a shopping center right next door to a subway! The place is very small inside but really nice, definately authentic Japanese. sushi here is awesome and so our the prices, two big thumbs up!!!!!! Well worth checking out for anyone n the area! The only downfall is that they don't serve alcohol lol.
(4)
The x.
Ando has a nice website and a pleasant dining room. Having spent the last 20 years in Florida, we are spoiled and, perhaps, sushi snobs. We'd typically go out for sushi one or two times each week and are used to excellent, fresh fish; generous portions and great prices in Florida's competitive sushi market. We pretty much get the exact same thing everywhere and everytime so it's easy for us to compare. In Cincinnati we have yet to find a sushi place we'd revisit and Ando is not the exception. The fish was not bad but only average. The portions were not large and it was a bit pricey, even for Cincinnati. Our waitress was an authentic Japanese transplant and very friendly but not very efficient. She had forgotten our appetizer order and the food was randomly delivered. Believe it or not the friendly service from the (white!) busboy was the highlight of the visit.
(2)
Linda M.
My family & I used to live in the Cincinnati area & fell in love with Ando's. Although my husband was transferred to Maine, we still return to Cincinnati occasionally to visit family. When we return, we dine at Ando's nearly every day we are in the area. Ando's food has always been excellent for us, & do we ever miss it here in Maine! The only Japanese restaurant we've found which comes even close in New England is located at Hyannis, Cape Cod. Oh, what we wouldn't give to be dining at Ando's at this very moment! Service is excellent & bathrooms are spotless! This is as good as it gets!
(5)
Joel D.
This is my 5th time at Ando and I felt compelled to finally give a quick review. The sushi seems to be of a higher caliber than almost every place in cincinnati. Every bite reminded me of being on the coast in near proximity to the freshest fish. Ando is very authentic and definitely attracts a large Japanese audience which says a lot. Definitely would suggest trying it if you are into this kind o food! For this particular meal, my only complaint is that the Ramen was not much better than what comes out of a packet for $.25. I am a big Ramen fan and for those who have only eaten the kind from a pack and not a good Japanese restaurant you dont understand what I am talking about.
(4)
Shaman D.
When I crave sushi, this is my first choice. This husband and wife team up to bring authentic Japanese delicacies to Cincinnati! I have been going here for years. My recommendations are the Shishiamo... grilled eggplant with miso....and the broiled flounder with plum sauce.... They also have shabu shabu as well as a wide variety of Sushi! Get their early because it get's packed - although this hidden little gem is definitely worth the wait!!
(4)
Lisa B.
Excellent. We didn't know what to choose but the waitress was so patient with us and helped us choose something that was absolutely delicious. We finished our plates. Don't be put off by the exterior/semi-hidden location. Go in and eat good.
(5)
Jen A.
One of the best little secrets about Ando is the Japanese appetizer menu. They won't give it to you unless you ask for it specially, but you most definitely won't regret it! Even if you don't read Japanese, you can ask your server to pick out one of the appetizers (number three is my favorite) and they'll bring you something amazing. The sushi is very fresh and well-prepared, and each night there is a different featured roll. I suggest getting a half-portion of this roll, because it's usually huge. The one disappointment is that Ando has the little sushi placards with photos of Sapporo on them, but they don't have a liquor license. If you like a good Japanese beer to wash down your sushi, hop over to Jungle Jim's for some Sapporo or Kirin and bring it in with you (Ando is BYO).
(4)
Joe K.
The best Japanese restaurant in Cincy. You'd have to trek to JoAn in Ky to get better Japanese food. It's def. a very casual family owned/run restaurant. Nothing fancy, but very high quality Japanese "comfort" food. Best are probably grilled fish, everything from saba to sanma to gindara (sweet marinated) to whole squid, etc. They will also make most things for you if you ask, even if not on the menu. A great friendly place. Japanese restaurant run by a real Japanese family.
(4)
Russ H.
Authentic Japanese food in Cincinnati? Really? We found Ando by accident - we were actually going to the restaurant next door but were intrigued by the newspaper clippings in the foyer. It's a truly "Mom and Pop" shop - the husband is the sushi chef, his father was working the kitchen, and the wait staff were the wife and the kids. The sushi was great - better than I'd expect to find so far from an ocean - as were the appetizers. We were even more surprised by the desserts - few restaurants serve black sesame flavor ice cream and it was superb.
(4)
Ronald C.
Certainly the best Japanese restaurant in Cincinnati. We love it. They do an excellent job on dining in and carry out. Everything is prepared to perfection.
(5)
S Y.
My go to Japanese restaurant in Cincinnati for an authentic Japanese meal - Japanese family owned. You can get grilled fish - Sanma (Mackerel Pike), Saba (Mackerel) by themselves or in a bento box lunch or dinner. You can also get Oroshi Soba (cold soba soup) with fresh soba noodles - not sure if this was on the menu. One of my favorite is Salmon Kama or Hamachi Kama. Yum. They get busy on Friday evenings so you may want to make a reservation.
(5)
Rachel F.
The spicy tuna rolls were thinner than I'm used to compared to other Japanese restaurants. I did not like their yakisoba, but the tempura looked good. And the green tea was excellent, just the right temperature, and just the right taste.
(4)
Elaine W.
Hands down as good as it gets in Cincy. Ando and the new Japanese restaurant La Hiro in Kentucky are (imo) the best in the area. Both owned by the sweetest Japanese couples. Their sushi and sashimi are always fresh. And most of my friends enjoy the ramen. Recently my friend and I got word of a secret menu that's all in Japanese. Curious, we asked the waitress about it, and she kindly brought out the menu and explained everything on it to us non-Japanese-speaking noobs. My oh my. I don't know if my revealing this defeats the whole purpose of the secret menu, but there are dericious items on there like CURRY and grilled mackerel that are not on the regular menu! My friend went with the mackerel, which came with a choice of two amazing sides--he got agedashi tofu and fried tuna. My stomach rumbled for some curry, so I got the fried shrimp curry. Yummmm, like true Japanese curry, so simple and satisfying. Also, never skip dessert here. At lunchtime they have green tea, red bean, ginger, and sesame ice cream! The ice cream is thick and rather sticky like mochi-turned-ice-cream. I hear they have an assortment of other desserts at dinner. And a little birdie has informed us that the dinner secret menu is much longer. Oh and I can't wait to try the sukiyaki. Is it dinner yet?
(5)
Jese R.
This place does not have a great looking outside sign, but the food far surpasses any presumptions. I had a range of salt eel, snapper and Hamachi sushi that was amazing. I also had the Tekka Don (tuna) bowl and it was top notch. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a great sushi place, I was pleasantly surprised at how high quality everything I ate was for a strip mall place...I guess great things come in small packages...
(5)
Cheri Y.
MUSHY MUSHY! Suggested by my new YELP amigo Tim H. Hubby and I decided to give this BYOB authentic Japanese sushi restaurant a whirl! OMG did it NOT disappoint! The first thing I ordered was this chefs selection sashimi appetizer/ Market Price. It came out and it was some Hawaiian fish that was truly melt in your mouth yummy goodness WOW! The seared Japanese fish whatever it was, was to die for Yummyliciousness! All of it was so Amazballs we ordered soup, rolls, & soft shell crab appetizer. It was all delish! The sushi rice was cooked perfectly and it made all the rolls we had so YUM! A Japanese guy came in and sat down beside us at the sushi bar and there was a giant table of Japanese people there having a blast when we were there as well. Yep, authentic Japanese at a Japanese restaurant. Not sushi at a Korean place. JAPANESE. And Fantastic authentic Japanese at that! WOW! The owner, his wife and lovely, beautiful daughter were so sweet, kind and worked the whole tiny, cozy, room making everyone feel at ease with their most pleasant demeanor and disposition!! What a lovely family, a lovely experience...and a fantastic dining experience! We loved it! We live up in C-bus but we will make the hour drive for this place! Its that good dang it! Lol Thanks again for the wonderful meal Ando and thanks to Tim H! A trustworthy YELP amigo that gets it right! Take care & SYOY!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Lauren R.
Ando is my happy place of sushi in Cincinnati. It's absolutely the best quality you will find around and sushi aside, they have a fantastic and expansive menu of legitimate Japanese food on a menu written in Japanese. My advice is when you come to eat there, pull up the restaurant's site on your phone - all of the Japanese dishes are translated there (though for some reason not available to view printed in the restaurant). Hamachi collar is awesome when available and the brown sugar ice cream is ALWAYS a must. And I never leave without an order of nabeyaki udon. GO GO GO!
(5)Pickyeater W.
Excellent authentic cuisine! Accommodated us including little guy even though they were already full! Kid-friendly! Favorites so far: Chicken katsu-don Nabeyaki udon Grilled squid Unagi & salmon nigiri Gyoza Black sesame ice cream Will definitely be back! Call ahead for reservation!
(5)Rick M.
Fresh sushi right off 71 in Cincinnati. I enjoyed my lunch but it just didn't knock my socks off. I've only eaten here once and it was fine. I guess that's as much as I can say. I had chef choice sushi lunch. 5 pieces of nigiri with a spicy tuna roll miso soup and a salad. The nigiri choices were pretty safe. Tuna, white tuna, shrimp, mackerel and salmon. Eel would have been nice or maybe scallop or hamachi. The spicy tuna seemed like it had been made ahead. I don't think it was but the rice seemed a little dry. The miso was ok the salad was also ok. I might stop again because it's right off of 71 but I think I will map out some other cincinnati spots first.
(4)Masahiro Y.
安心ã—ã¦æ—¥æœ¬ã®æ–™ç†ã‚’楽ã—ã‚ã¾ã—ãŸã€‚ラストオーダーãŒ9時ãªã®ã§ã€æ³¨æ„ãŒå¿…è¦ã€‚日曜ã®ãƒ©ãƒ³ãƒã‚‚開店ã—ã¦ã„ãŸã‚‰ã€å¬‰ã—ã„ã§ã™ã€‚ I recommend sashimi with wasabi. They do not open after 9PM and Sunday lunch, you should check opening time in advance.
(4)Edna S.
Extremely disappointed. I dont know why people are rating this place so high. It is AN OVER PRICED SUSHI place. Extremely overprice & nothing different than anywhere else. Sushi is expensive but there is an average and an accepted plus or minus. $16 for a dragon roll $9 for a spicy tuna roll & $10 for a vegetable tempura that literally has 5 minuscule pieces is a disgrace. Not ever coming back here when there are places around the corner like Kanpai which is fabulous.
(1)Amy E.
The word on the street is true-- Ando is the best Japanese restaurant around in the Cincinnati. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to try to raw fish since I'm pregnant right now, but everyone says it is delicious! I certainly plan to get a platter of sashimi as soon as I can. Service is great! I love the nabeyaki udon-- the broth is flavorful, and it warms me up inside. The bento boxes are decently sized. I know lots of people, including those who have lived in Japan, that agree that this is the best Japanese place around, so you should take the time to check it out!
(5)Konstantin A.
Agree with previous reviewers. This is the best sushi that I have had in Cincinnati - fresh and well made. They also offer certain types of fish that one is just not able to find at other locations. Their menu is quite extensive with a lot of ethnic Japanese food that looks delicious (I will have to come back to try this since we focused on sushi). Tip: BYO, need I say more.
(5)Scotch E.
Decent, but no where near the high ratings here on yelp. Fish quality was a 5 out of 10 and the service was average at best. I know you get what you pay for with sushi, but I was misled by the reviews on this one.
(2)Doug F.
I first went to this place after watching the documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" on Netflix and I must say, this is probably as close as you'd get to that in Cincinnati, right down to the sushi chef's motions. I've been here for sushi, ramen, and bento boxes. I thought the ramen was average, but the bento boxes and sushi was definitely very strong and extremely well considering lower expectations in Cincinnati. Service is attentive, though as busy as they were, I can forgive one or two empty tea cups which weren't refilled. The menu is quite busy, and gets even busier if you get a bento box like I do, as then you get the hand-written sheet with all the entree selections. That said, I appreciate the variety of seafood offerings they had on the menu. The preserved vegetables feel like the weak link in the bento box for me, but the presentation of the meal makes up for that in my opinion. This reIt feels like sushi made here is done right - the classic way. If you don't believe that statement, just spend some time watching the sushi chef work his magic. It just feels like a scene from a particular documentary on a sushi chef... It might as well be a 5 star selection in Cincinnati or if I was just rating it on sushi, though there is room for improvement on some parts of the menu. I will say that this is my favorite Japanese restaurant in Cincinnati.
(5)Sarah C.
I've come here once for dinner and many, many times for lunch. This is a place that has a very decent size group of regular diners, and the owners know them well. It's a family-owned restaurant and they have the freshest fish north of the river. Their quality is incredible, and their variety is incomparable. They have a lot of unique and less common species, which is always great to try when you get a maki or sashimi dish. Their sashimi salad is good at dinner, but the downside to their dinner is the price. I wouldn't be able to afford going here that often for dinner. On the other hand, their lunch is amazing. You get an incredible amount of food for the price (still pricey, but I can do it every once in a while), and I never feel bad like you usually feel when you get overstuffed. I love that they don't charge the ridiculous $2.00 for matcha tea like other places, and I see them brewing it throughout the course of the serving time so it's lovely to know that it is matcha :) Their miso and salad is fantastic and the taste is ALWAYS consistent. I order the same thing every time I've come here for lunch, which is the omakase. They have a variety of sides to choose from (you get 2), and it's usually different, though I'm not sure if it's a weekly or daily difference, but they're always good no matter what you choose. My lunch bill usually comes out to about $17 or $18 for omakase after tip and taxes, but I'm usually full through dinner, so take it as a lunch/dinner meal :p Their fish is really fresh, but I've never been able to bring myself to pay for the extra fish; I just see the omakase as one of the better values as far as "bang for your buck" goes...and it's absolutely delicious. Why bother with anything else :D
(4)Xiaoheng P.
Just another 5 star to the list. This place serves truly authentic japanese food, the one and only, in the entire Cincinnati. I usually go there during lunch because that's when they have the best deal. Typically you're looking at around 15 dollars per person including tax, may go up or down depending on what your order. Their dinner is a bit more pricier, I think it's around 20 dollars. I'm a sashimi person, so I always get the sashimi lunch special, the portion is more then enough for me, but when I'm super hungry, I get the steak with sashimi bento box. Essentially there will be five pieces of sashimi plus a 6 or 7 oz teriyaki steak, and on top of that you get to pick one side dish. I got some tuna dish last time. So yeah if you're super hungry and you're feeling like eating a lot of proteins then go for the teriyaki sashimi bento box. If you're feeling adventurous, then you can ask them for their japanese menu. Also their desserts are godly, the daughter of the owner hand made all of them, and I heard they're super good. But I never get a chance to try them cuz I'm usually full after the entree.
(5)Stephanie P.
I go here every now and then with family and we're always happy with their food and service. The fish is delicious and fresh, and the room has a very quiet and calming tone to it.
(5)Mark C.
5 star sushi in Cincinnati? I surprised my self on this one. The locals gave it excellent review so I had to try it. GREAT service and very fast preparation of order. The only negative is the BYOB policy as I usually enjoy hot saki with my sushi. I had miso soup to start and it was perfect. I then ordered a smoked salmon skin hand roll, salmon sashimi and a spicy tuna roll. All were excellent and the salmon was top grade and cold. I look forward to returning and trying some of the more traditional dishes they offer.
(5)Jörg E.
Wonderful Sushi and Sashimi. Definitely worth a visit. Highly recommended with reasonable prices.
(5)Jen H.
This is one of the best places around for fresh sushi with great presentations. They also make a terrific sukiyaki. It's worth the trip down there even from Dayton. The owners are actively involved and that makes a big difference. We are always looking for an excuse to get down that way so we can pop in for some fresh rolls.
(5)Peg G.
This place has wonderful food but, even better, it has a homey feel, helpful staff (v welcoming to japanese newbies), and a proprietor with her hands on the wheel. Everything is so good, and the place overflows with warmth and good cheer. If you've never had japanese food, go here. If you're an old hand at sushi, go here. Cooked entrees, nagiri....it's all wonderful. And they'll help you figure out what/how much to order. The BYOB policy is a money saver. Spend what you save on a homemade dessert! (I love the decor here. I never realized how tired I am of cold ceramic tile and marble tabletops until I saw this cozy, carpeted room with kimonos on the wall.)
(5)Priscilla C.
Double Spicy Tuna. All day everyday. Ando is as legit as it gets. It really is the best place to go for authentic sushi in Cincinnati and I am confident it could compete with sushi places in the bigger cities. From the fish, to the seaweed wrap, down to the rice, they do everything right. High-grade sushi relies heavily on the freshness of the fish but not only that, the quality of the seaweed wrap and rice matters a great deal too. A highly-skilled sushi chef knows to only use short grain rice, and thin, delicate Nori, not the chewy, store-bought kind that gets stuck in your teeth, to complement the fish. Without a shadow of doubt, Ando prepares each and every roll intricately and with mastery. For starters, my non-sushi recommendation is the Ikayaki (I may have misspelled or missed a syllable), which is simply grilled squid. You may choose to have it seasoned with soy sauce or salt. The dish sounds plain but what makes it special is that the squid comes out grilled to perfection and boasting of its natural flavors. For sushi I recommend the Yellowtail with Scallions, and the Super California. And of course you cannot leave this place without sampling the Double Spicy Tuna roll. Yes, it's expensive but it's worth every penny. And skip the soy sauce. (You're welcome) As previous Yelpers have pointed out this is not the place to come for "Americanized sushi." The rolls here are modest and subtle and you will not find one that is drenched in spicy mayo and sweet soy/eel sauce. There is a time and place to ask for extra spicy mayo, just not here or you will be disappointed. Nevertheless, I think the closest you can get to Americanized sushi at Ando is the Philadelphia Roll. Okay wow this is a long ass review but sorry I HAVE to tell you about the dessert. I had the pleasure of trying the mizu mochi or Japanese water cake. It is clear taro with a sweet red bean filling inside and literally looks like a giant dewdrop. It is delicious but it is not your typical dessert so I would only recommend this to the adventurous type. Finally, this place is BYOB. Heck, yes! The place is smaller in size but could accommodate a party of 8 -10 and there is ample parking. They tend to be busier on Friday and Saturday nights so I suggest you come early. Bon appetit!
(5)Maria-Elena T.
I sat at a table but the sushi bar looked nice. I tried the edamame, miso soup, house salad, salmon sashimi, and salmon roll. I had a few temperature issues- both the soup and hot tea were not very hot. But the soup flavor was good and had big pieces of seaweed in it which I like. Salmon ok. Salad very good. The service was good. Good place for a sushi fix when you need one in Blue Ash
(3)Carrie A.
Extremely over priced sushi, for nothing special. There are a lot of better options within driving distance for better deals and more unique options. Probably won't return.
(2)Happy J.
Pricy, but relatively authenticate Japan flavor. Would like I come again. A bit crowded during biz lunch time. Smaller portion though. Maybe that's normal.
(5)Jill N.
For me, eating really good sushi is a form of meditation. It is a simple and pure experience, without distraction. It clears my mind. It allows me to breathe deeper. It restores my soul. Only at Ando have I had this experience eating sushi in Cincinnati. At Ando you will not find mayonnaise and barbecue sauce squirted all over your fried shrimp rolls. Ando, thankfully, is old school. They respect the craft. They respect the ingredients. They serve only the freshest, highest-quality fish and seafood. And they respect the experience they are providing their customers. We've eaten at Ando a handful of times and have had consistently great food and warm and pleasant service. Ando also has a very generous BYOB policy. In addition to excellent sushi, they have lots of other traditional Japanese items on the menu that you will not find at most of the other "Japanese" restaurants in Cincinnati. Be sure to ask your server for a rundown. Some of our favorites: grilled mackerel (always fresh and charcoal grilled with a perfectly crispy skin) tanshio (very thinly sliced charcoal grilled beef tongue) oshinko (assorted pickled Japanese vegetables)
(5)Trisha D.
Great service. Found the food and drinks reasonably priced. Called ahead to reserve a table to be sure we got seated, at the recommendation of someone who had been before. Restaurant filled up by 6:30 pm on a Friday night.
(4)Michael R.
Terrible service and small portion sizes. I would never come here again. I called to setup a reservation a few days earlier to us coming there (my wife and I). We had a reservation for 8 p.m. We decided to call them at 7:15 p.m. to see if it was okay to come in a little early and if we had to wait a little bit we'd be okay with that. We then got the okay from them over the phone and decided to come in. Once we arrived the hostess seemed upset we were there early and decided to give us (2 people) a 4 person table. They then said that we shouldn't have come early and a few of the staff members bickered between themselves as to what they needed to do with other customers and seating. They even said to us, "why are you here now?" They seemed upset at us for some strange reason. My feeling is this, even if your busy and things go awry you shouldn't treat the customer with disrespect. We are here with money in exchange for your food and services, and we don't have to be here if you piss us off. We ultimately had to change our order to go as the people next to us were so loud everyone in the restaurant could hear them. The staff didn't say anything to them and just ignored the situation. Everyone in the restaurant looked upset that they weren't doing anything. The more frustrating thing was when we got home we saw the size of the rolls and they were tiny. The fish was fresh and good and the food was good but the portion sizes were so small that I was still hungry after finishing my meal. Very depressing. I'll never eat back here nor recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Matthew L.
All the ingredients are fresh and every piece of our meal was eloquently prepared. The staff were helpful, friendly, and made our date night go by without a hitch. The place is BYOB which is either a pro or con, depending on your situation, so take that into consideration. In terms of authentic sushi restaurants in Cincinnati, Ando is as close as it gets to being the best.
(5)Diane S.
If you are a spicy tuna, California or tempura roll kind of sushi eater, this is not the place for you. Ando is not the place for Americanized sushi. Ando is a place for a great variety of impeccable fish served expertly. They serve fish you don't find at other Cincinnati sushi spots: Arctic Char, Horse Mackerel, Herring, Snapper, Flounder. Ando is Japanese food for people who appreciate Japanese food and culture. I think from reading some of the negative reviews that people are judging Ando through the lens of Americanized sushi and Japanese food which is unfortunate. In addition to impeccable sushi, Ando does well with broths and noodles, hot pots, donburi and really, all other Japanese specialties. Portions are appropriate not grossly large. I'm not looking down my nose at Americanized sushi- even I like a tempura roll from time to time, but that's not what Ando is and it frustrates me to see people judging it through that lens.
(5)Jessi G.
Literally the best sushi I've ever had. I came here with my coworker who is visiting from japan, and he vouched that this place is extremely authentic. The sushi platter is fantastic. My friends for the udon and the ramen, and they loved it. No complaints! I want to come back every day.
(5)Derrick H.
Checked out a few other places before finally writing this review. Wasn't sure what to expect in the area but glad to have found this place to satisfy my sushi cravings. Had a very enjoyable experience with their omakase (with additional pieces added). Nigiri was well made and uni was quite good. Have been back a few times and will keep coming back. They also have a Japanese menu / specials.
(5)Boris W.
My girlfriend and I were excited to visit one of the few restaurants in the area that serve shabu. Upon looking at the menu we found out that the shabu and sukiyaki were $38.00 per person. Against our better judgement we ordered the meal thinking we were about to get a feast of epic proportions. Little did we know the meal included a few pieces of low quality beef and a plate full of vegetables. I've had shabu in a few other cities with a much higher cost of living and never paid more than $25. That included a full surf and turf platter with multiple types of meat and fish. It also took them almost 30 minutes to prepare a plate full of raw meat and vegetables. A child's meal is almost $10. Can anyone one explain this to me? Where else can you rack up a $100 tab without ordering a single cocktail? Hopefully they are using this money to rip out the nasty carpet and remodel the inside. This place is located in a dingy strip mall and to think they can charge high end prices the owners are obviously lost. This place is one step above take out Chinese and they need to think about hiring a new chef and moving to a nicer location for those prices. Save your hard earned money and valuable time and steer clear of this money pit.
(1)My T.
I truly enjoyed the dining experience at Ando. We had the katsu and ramen as well as some sushi. The katsu and ramen were overall better than other Japanese restaurants but the sushi was spectacular! The fish just melted in your mouth and had a great taste to it. I've never had salmon nigiri the way that I've had it at Ando's. I will certainly return to Ando and bring my beverages with me! And the service was very nice and pleasant. =)
(5)Chris G.
I've been sporadically visiting Ando for years. This visit was accompanied by a few coworkers from India who had particular dietary needs. I recommended some form on Donburi (rice bowl) for one coworker, and the Nabeyaki (mountain vegetable) Udon bowl for the other. My choice? What else: Ramen! I love ramen, it's one of the bestest foods EVAR! In this visit I chose to go with the tonkatsu (pork cutlet) ramen which had a pretty decent broth, but not the best tonkatsu broth I've had (Men Tei in Boston, MA.) I ordered some hot tea which the server referred to as Ocha but, tea being my thing, I'd have been truly surprised if I was served Ocha since the "O" honorative designates the "cha' (tea) as special, ceremonial or extremely premium quality. While not bad for a sencha served in any restaurant here in the US, Ocha this was not. Not the restaurants fault, unless he was instructed it was Ocha. All meals were preceded by a small size salad with a typical ginger dressing. Typically tasty, but nothing special there. The noodles themselves had the right taste and they were firmer than expected, but not hard. Usually I expect the noodles to be somewhere between al-dente and mushy. The to this range the noodles are, the more easily the noodles can be slurped down as is traditionally done in Japan. The noodle dish was very tasty, though I did add some Japanese red pepper to satisfy my idiotic need for absolutely everything to have some kick to it. As I usually do I ordered two tamago (cold sweet egg omelette) nigiri. I often use this particular sushi to judge how an establishment treats their ingredients. Tamago should be smooth, solid and with minimal cracking. If the tamago is dry or cracked it has likely been sitting for a while and is not going to be the right texture. Ando was a little difficult to judge on their Tamago. Generally it looks good, and the flavor was good as well. However, their presentation seemed more unique. The tamago is presented as "split" in two atop a smaller than usual mound of rice with both ends of the tamago wrapped in seaweed where it is usually wrapped with a thinner strip of seaweed around the middle simply to hold the omelette to the rice ball underneath. Overall, Ando is worth the visit. The sushi quality is typically good. The ramen has broth near the top of the Cincinnati area options. Both of my coworkers enjoyed their meals as well. One of the three better Japanese restaurants north of the rive, I expect to visit Ando frequently given the "around the corner from the office" location, and I won't regret the visits. But Matsuya this is not.
(4)Kelsey H.
Yummmmm lunch sanma bento box!! Picking through and pulling out all those tiny bones is totally worth getting every last bite of fish. With miso nasu (eggplant) and some flash fried tuna. I've never had lunch here before and it's just as good as dinner! I could eat Japanese food from Ando all day. Make sure you check the hours for lunch before you stop by! It seemed like they closed the kitchen after a specific cut off time to prepare for dinner service.
(5)Hitoshi Y.
My wife convinced me to go to this restaurant for my birthday. I wasn't sure if we came to the right place but after my first bite, I almost cried 'cause it was so good!!! Hey, I'm born and raised in Japan!!
(5)Joyce Z.
Ando is the best spot for sushi in Cincinnati. High Quality Fish. Inventive Rolls.
(5)Jesse M.
My family went to Ando for dinner on a Saturday evening. Luckily, we arrived early (a little after 5:15), and were able to get a table without a reservation. I would suggest a reservation in the future. We placed our order of drinks (this is a bring your own alcohol restaurant, which we were unaware of, but the hot green tea was very good), miso soup and edamame and then waited. And waited. Unfortunately, the kitchen was behind and our appetizers were very slow to come out, so slow that we were given free pork dumplings on the house. The miso soup was amazing, though, and the restaurant seemed very authentic when we were asked if we wanted spoons for our soup. Our sushi was slow to come out as well, and we were only brought half of our order first and ate it all before the rest of our order came out. This was quite a disappointment. The sushi was good and more authentic than other sushi places, but much more expensive as well. I was also disappointed that low sodium soy sauce was not available (or not labeled). Red bean ice cream for dessert was very good and the serving was too big to finish! Overall, the food was good but pricey, the service was slow but friendly and the atmosphere was welcoming. I am glad we checked-out this sushi restaurant, but probably won't rush to go back.
(3)Caroline C.
Ando is touted as one Cincinnati's few true Japanese restaurants north of the river. It's just too bad that it's not very good. On a recent visit we experienced terrible service. Our server wasn't familiar with the menu, brought us incorrect items, left water glasses empty and forgot eating utensils. Upon arrival we were asked if we had reservations. We did not and I completely understand not getting seating preference, but we were treated as second-class customers. We were given two options: eat at the sushi bar or take "the small table." If they had just seated us at "the small table" we probably wouldn't have noticed its size. This wasn't a great start. Throughout our meal, someone (maybe one of the owners) was making the rounds around the restaurant but never came to our table to say hello. The only time she came was to identify sushi that our server could not explain. Delicious, fresh sushi would've made up for the service. Unfortunately, it wasn't very good. I ordered the sushi omakase which is supposed to be the freshest, best selection of the day. The fish wasn't any fresher than other places I've been in Cincinnati. In fact, some pieces didn't taste good at all. I definitely didn't experience that delectable, melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Maybe I went on an off night. Or perhaps I went too soon after watching Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Whatever the case, not a good experience at all.
(2)LJ M.
Nice and warm imside, great atmosphere. Authentic food, pleasant and efficient service, clean, and a nice sushi bar
(4)Meghan P.
I visited Ando Japanese Restaurant while on a business trip staying at the hotel across the way. I'm not a huge fan of sushi (raw), but love the other types of food they offer. I ordered the grilled salmon teriyaki (came with miso soup, rice, salad and vegetables), and a California roll. I got this as a to-go order, so I can't say much on the service (not utilized), but the lady who rung up my bill was very nice and pleasant. Since I was standing waiting for my food, one of the sushi chefs even inquired if I'd been helped yet. Everyone seemed very attentive and helpful. The restaurant also smelled wonderful. The food was amazing. Salmon was cooked perfectly and was a large portion. Teriyaki was not overly salty. Vegetables were cooked well (still crisp and not mushy) and the ginger salad dressing was great. California roll and miso soup were both equally amazing. I've seriously been thinking about that dinner since I got back home...I want to go back. If I am ever back in Cincinnati, OH, I will definitely be visiting again!
(5)Jim H.
Our first encounter for dinner what a pleasant surprise. We have driven by the shopping center many times but did not realize the restaurant was here. Extremely fresh sushi and great service. Our first of many dinners at this restaurant.
(5)Crystal G.
After reading such amazing reviews I couldn't wait to try their Shabu. Upon opening the menu I was a little shocked that meat, vegetables and broth were $38 dollars A PERSON (with a two person minimum) the online menu stated $25. I've had steak dinners at 5 star restaurants that cost this much. $80 dollar soup is insanity. Let's get real. I'm all about paying for good food but I don't want to feel ripped off. I left paying $120 for soup, gyoza and a kids meal. When have you ever had a bill that high without even one cocktail on the check? Im sure NEVER because that just doesn't happen in sane establishments. We had to cook the food ourselves (which is the fun of Shabu) but again $38 bucks a person for flank steak and spinach that the chef didn't even prepare. It also takes 30 minutes for them to bring uncooked food to the table??? I felt like I was on the hidden camera show "Boiling Points" and at anytime someone was going to hop out of the back and hand me a check for keeping my chill. I'm as lost as whoever made those price points. I will not return because I left feeling confused and taken advantage of. If you want to feel like a schmuck for dropping $100 bucks on soup... this is your jam. The owner needs a reality check. Why don't you use the 500% profits to get a liquor license. That way people can have a cocktail to ease the pain of the rip off.
(1)Mr And Mrs G.
MR says ... Omakase is always a good deal for a meal MRS says... dinner is totally different. It's packed and even if you make reservations, you will still have to wait for a table. Typical wait is 30min for a table but worth all the wait. Ask for the Japanese menu. Server will explain what's on the menu and give you recommendations. Seafood particularly sashimi is a must. Servers still overlook refills and will forget your soup and salad especially if you order several appetizers. Just remember what "extra" that's included with your entree and you'll eat well.
(4)Rachael H.
AWESOME! I visited here on Monday excited to try something new and boy did I get what I was looking for! I love trying new menu items wherever I go, but Ando delightfully surprised me. I ate tapas style getting several menu items, all traditional Japanese items. The staff was delighted to serve us the items we ordered as they are a little, ok a lot, different than what you would normally eat. Trying raw beef with a sauce that has a quail egg mixed into it, to thinly sliced cow tongue, I was pleasantly surprised at each item. The staff was very friendly allowing us to sit, eat, and talk for a couple of hours, not rushing us in any way. I will definitely be back!!
(5)Ben N.
In a city where too many people seem to think of a quality sushi restaruant as a joint serving "half-price" Americanized "sushi" rolls loaded with the gut-bloating likes of cream cheese, mayo, tempura flakes, and who knows what else, little Ando is one of the few restaurants in town that reminds me of why I loved sushi and sashimi in the first place. It also disproves the notion that you can't get decent sushi in a land-locked place like Ohio. Sweet Jeebus, it's pretty simple: Select the freshest fish reasonably available, store and handle it properly, cut it skillfully, and present it beautifully. When you do that, there's no need to gussy it up with a bunch of distracting filler. Instead, you get just the bright, clean flavors of the sea. Ando has the sushi basics down. Fish is about as fresh as I've had in the Cinci area: some of it goes down with the almost buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection that the "half-price" joints can't begin to achieve with their half-priced and sometimes freezer-burned, flavor-deprived fish. Ando is NOT "half price." You'll pay for the quality, but it's worth it. Ando is also a subdued, dignified old-school Japanese restaurant that has a broader Japanese menu, featuring soba, udon, ramen, sukiyaki, various meat dishes, et cetera. (No Thai or Vietnamese culinary invaders here.) There is a nice list of appetizers, and Ando usually has a list of appetizer or sushi specials. (Do yourself a favor and order the grilled mackerel as an app, if it's offered.) Standard Japanese items like gyoza taste freshly made here rather than dumped out of some freezer bag. The couple who own and operate the restaurant, and their staff, are great: warm and welcoming and very helpful. Ando is BYO, and a server (or Mrs. Ando) will quickly appear almost as soon as you are seated with an offer to refrigerate the beverage you have brought. P.S. Ando takes resevations, which might be a good idea on a weekend. P.P.S. Unlike a couple of the very good authentic Japanese restaurants over on the Kentucky side, Ando isn't polluted with clouds of cigarette smoke.
(5)Scott M.
3.5 star food at 5 star prices. Small portions meant we had to order a second round sushi halfway through the meal. Unless you eat like a teeny tiny bird, you'll easily spend $80-$100 here after tip. Way too costly for average sushi. Beef tongue appetizer was excellent but small. Loved the rainbow roll, but the rest of the sushi (salmon nigiri, eel nigiri, eel and cucumber roll, philly roll) was just mediocre. Nice service and clean environment ... but we won't be back.
(3)Olivia O.
After both meals at Ando, I've buzzed about the experience for days. The service is great, BYOB (save $), and the Nabemono dishes are fantastic. Plus, it's healthy and affordable, so the indulgence isn't something to regret! I've had: Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki- both Nabemono dishes, which means a gas burner is brought to your table and you cook a platter of food in broth. Both dishes have the same platter of goodies to cook- thinly sliced beef, shitake mushrooms, napa cabbage, onions (green and white), carrots, tofu, fishcakes and noodles (the types vary between the two dishes). Shabu shabu is a clear, simple broth with kelp, and the flavor comes from 2 dipping sauces. Sukiyake has a very flavorful broth (soy sauce, sake, mirin) and no dipping sauces. I really enjoyed both. It took us (2 people) 2 hours to finish the meal. At $27/person, that's not too bad for a great meal and 2 hours of entertainment. Nabemono comes with soup and salad (the ginger dressing is fantastic), but the appetizers are worth trying. I've had: grilled ika (squid). Very cool, charcoal flavor dominates yakame- tuna sashimi over ground yam. The yam has a unique texture and is mixed with soy sauce and wasabi. This style of eating is new to me, but I didn't feel intimidated because the owner comes to the table to explain how to eat/prepare everything. She's great (and has a wonderful voice). It's a great adventure!
(5)sam d.
The sushi was awesome! The sticky rice had the right flavor and consistency and the fish was firm and fresh. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star was the lack of fresh wasabi.
(4)Vanessa E.
A more traditional Japanese place which is great. The fish is amazingly fresh and service is great. More unusual cuts and more traditional cooked offerings. Japanese folks frequent this place. Additional pros for families: Kid friendly Changing station available in women's restroom Downsides: smaller than typical Americanized portions and about 50% more expensive. After I think about it some more, if price was more aligned with say, Ichiban, I would make the effort to visit here more often.
(3)Wendy R.
Wow! Food was fabulous and very authentic favors. It is in a unassuming strip mall but once inside, you realize what a gem it is. The grilled squid was perfect - not chewy and had a smoked soy sauce flavor. The sushi was amazing and you can taste the sweetness of the fish - indication of its freshness. The uni (which is hard to get fresh in the Midwest) was the freshest uni I've had around cincinnati...after eating it at a west coast restaurant, I was not ever going to eat it again in the Midwest but my husband wanted to try and so glad he did! We'll be back!
(5)Tim H.
So I have been going to Ando almost once a week and it is always a very positive experience! The sushi selection is so good and fresh and is prepared perfectly. Last night I had the grilled squid, bonito, mackrel, salmon rolls, surf clam, and a double tuna roll. Ando and his wife are so friendly and have been recommending different dishes for me to try. Yeah, I'll be back! And remember, they are closed Mondays and normally for a week around the 4th of July.
(5)Dale H.
This is my all-time favorite restaurant in Cincinnati. My family lived in Japan for over 13 years, and this is a truly authentic Japanese restaurant. The sashimi is as fresh as you can get and they often have special sashimi not on the regular menu. Just ask! Also, I have ordered items that I've eaten in Japan that are not on the menu. They will make it and it always is delicious. My favorite is the nabeyaki udon (not on the menu). It is best in the winter since it is a steaming bowl of udon with a variety of ingredients (chicken, napa, kamaboko, and a poached egg) all in a delicious broth. Great on a cold day. Right now, in the summer, our favorite is the sashimi and sushi combo. We like to start with a sanma shio (a grilled fish) and edamame. Always a great meal. Service is great too! Mr. Ando is the amazing sushi chef. Mrs. Ando is front-of-the house and wonderful! Great at explaining dishes and very personable.
(5)M J.
It's true... BYOB! Stop by the gas station right next door, grab a six pack or bottle of wine and head on in! My wife and I had a delicious sushi meal there! The service was great the atmosphere was wonderful! I highly recommend!!
(5)Anne H.
Usually I'm more impressed with Cincinnati area Asian restaurants, but I don't think anything beats the one I usually go to in Dayton. The gyoza were small and bland, the agedashi tofu sauce was bland and for $6 you would expect more than 4 thin pieces of tofu. The miso soup was good but didn't even have tofu in it, which I have never had miso served without tofu before. The salad was the only thing that was well sized and flavorful. The main course, sushi dinner, was good but minimal for the price. I have had more sushi for $27 at many other locations. I also never expected a Japanese restaurant to be BYOB. Typically, having some Sake or Japanese beer with sushi is enjoyable but unfortunately that wasn't an option. Overall, food quality was bland save for a couple items I ordered. The prices are ridiculous in relation to the portions. I would not go back. I left still pretty hungry. On a side note, I tip very well and for a $42 bill I would have left at least $9 even for mediocre service, which was what I received anyhow, but the tip for $7.53 was already included and required. I feel that even though others may not tip as well, there are plenty of other people willing to tip well and that incentive should be open to the customer. I would have left more of a tip if there hadn't been gratuity already tacked on the bill. I used to be a server in a restaurant so I understand it is frustrating when people stiff or leave a poor tip, but the mandatory gratuity is more of an insult than anything.
(2)Mike D.
Restaurant is BYOB... go grab a six pack or whatnot before you sit down to eat. The waiters offered to refrigerate our beer and brought us cold glasses, which was a nice touch. Food was pretty good, tempura appetizer and miso soup were both very good. I had the Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) and it was quite good, the Tonkatsu sauce was also very good. I chose steamed veggies over cabbage and they were decent. My coworker got the sushi meal and he was pleased. I had black sesame ice cream for dessert; it was good, but I've had better at other Japanese places. All in all, pretty solid Japanese food.
(4)Sally Y.
OH. MY. GOODNESS. If you're looking for the best sushi place in the Cincinnati area, Ando is the place to go! Some things you definitely have to try are the sea urchin (so rich!) and the homemade ice cream - I really enjoyed the black sesame. Honestly, no one expects amazing sushi in Cincinnati, and in terms of the options I've seen, there are some pretty good places, but Ando by far has some of the best and most flavorful sushi I've had in this area. It's fresh, not fishy, the octopus is soft and not chewy, and the rice is cooked to perfection. Other perks: the staff is super friendly and has some great recommendations if you don't know what to get. Additionally, it's BYOB! Enjoy!
(5)Chris H.
While I've had better sushi and terriyaki, I'm giving Ando 3 stars for their food and an extra star for their service. The sushi's ratio of rice to fish was off. Rolls had a good flavor but seemed like to much rice and not enough fish. Of the 4 different types of sushi we had 2 were ok and 2 were good. BBQ eel was very tasty, as was the fatty tuna sashimi. But the soft shell crab which we usually loved seemed to be lacking. I don't believe there was a whole soft shell crab in the roll and if there was it was the smallest crab they could find. The spicy tuna roll was also a bit disappointing. We also had the beef terriyaki dinner. Flavor was good, but meat wasn't that tender and there was a sparse amount of vegetables. At $24 it wasn't a value. In conclusion find some rolls that hit the mark and come back for the service. I always love when you can tell a place is mom/pop owned and they are interactive with the business.
(4)Hyatt G.
We must be on a hot streak... This was an amazing place probably because we ordered the Shabu Shabu--a shared dish where you cook your beef, napa cabbage, carrots, tofu, onion, fish cakes, shitakes, and noodles in a pot of boiling water. Extremely fun dish that will set you back $26 bucks a person-- but worth it. They use very good beef (thinly sliced flank steak?) and vegetables and plenty of them. Also, BYOB, so don't forget your drink if you wish. Service was excellent, almost 5 star, extremely classy. will be back
(4)Jay H.
I have been to Ando several times and have enjoyed it every time. The staff is always friendly and very considerate. I was there with my 3 year old son today and they made sure to ask if we wanted wasabi on the sushi, thinking that he might not like it. They saved the meal with that question because he does not (yet). There are a lot of places in town that serve "sushi" but I will drive past them all to get to Ando.
(5)Connie W.
The Best Japanese Restaurant in the Cincy Area. I love the double spice tuna roll. The sushi is the freshest and is second to none. The kitchen creates the most authentic Japanese food with the freshest produce. If you have room after the meal the deserts are always a refreshing surprise.
(5)Kristan H.
4-star food, 3-star experience. We decided to visit Ando for the first time around 7 p.m. on a Sunday night, and to be honest we weren't expecting it to be too busy. Well, apparently neither were they. When we walked in, there was a crowd in the vestibule (some waiting for to-go orders, some waiting to be seated, some about to pay and leave). As the crowd dispersed, we continued to stand there for a good 15-20 minutes without anyone acknowledging us or asking if they could help. (One man who was waiting with his family did speak to the owner briefly in Japanese, so somebody knew that people were waiting, but I don't know what was said.) We very nearly gave up, but finally my boyfriend managed to snag a waiter and asked if we were ever going to be seated. The waiter apologized, and after another minute or two, he got us a table. After that, the night went pretty normally/pleasantly. To start, we ordered tea and edamame (my first time, and it wasn't bad, although I don't know how/why so many people I know -- including my boyfriend -- are practically addicted to the stuff). For dinner I had tempura udon, and I was pleased to see that they give you 3 big pieces of shrimp (unlike most places which give one or two at the most) and a couple stalks of asparagus. However, I would have liked a couple slices of fish cake too (which is pretty standard, in my experience). My boyfriend got chicken pan-fried with soba noodles and vegetables, which was quite good. The restaurant is smaller than I expected, but clean and nicely decorated. Not too loud. And there seemed to be lots of regulars (including one family we knew) which is usually a good sign. So those factors, combined with good food at a good price, means that we would definitely like to come back. Maybe try the sushi and yakimandu. But hopefully next time it won't take 20 min to get seated, you know?
(3)Chris G.
Ando is our go to restaurant for special occasions, rewards, or just because. They have a variety of wonderful Japanese foods. Their sushi and sashimi are always fresh. I don't think there is a menu item (and non menu item) we haven't tried. Their katsu curry is great. Make sure to ask about the special appetizer of the day, which are always delicious and unique. Their ice creams and desserts are a special homemade treat. Oh, they don't have a liquor license, but no worries- you can bring your own alcohol.
(5)Jessica L.
Tasty! I went for lunch on a weekday and the lunch specials were delicious! The sushi was fresh and service attentive. I got their sushi lunch special and was not dissapointed. The special came with salad and soup and I felt so full and satisfied that I didn't want to go back to work! The restaurant is nice and quiet with attentive staff so it is perfect for a lunch meeting and I can imagine it would be great for dinner as well. Lunch was about $15 or so, so I imagine dinner would be a bit more.
(4)Joe R.
Best sushi hands down. Better than any place I are in Southern California (where you suppose to get the finest sushi) Ando by far is the best I ever had. Also I bring your own beer.... How awesome is that!!!
(5)M M.
Let me give you a Japanese person's point of view. I've followed the Andos since they started working for a Japanese restaurant owned and operated by non-Japanese people about 15-20 years ago. The first time my wife and I went there I couldn't believe the lack of knowledge their staff and management had about Japanese food. I only went back because at that time it was about the only place you could get Japanese food, and I was delighted to find a real Japanese chef working behind the counter, Mr. Ando. The food had been transformed to a level unexpected. When I found that he was no longer working there I asked and was told they left to open their own place in Lebanon. I found their place by calling the City of Lebanon's zoning department, the Ando's were surprised when I called to find out the location of their new restaurant. I count myself very lucky that they moved to their current location since it's only couple of miles from my home. When you move to another country one of the things you miss most is the food you grow up with. That is why you see so many Japanese people eating at Andos. As another reviewer mentioned they do have many things that are not on their main menu, I am so lucky that the Andos are able to prepare such a wide variety of Japanese food. The most important thing to me about Andos is their unwavering attention to detail and quality. For example, the most important thing about sushi, to me, is the preparation of the rice, their rice is consistent, always the same with proper amount of vinegar. If you sit at the sushi bar while you eat, watch how he works, he takes it very seriously. Very Japanese. Trust me, it doesn't get much better.
(5)J K.
Being a poor student, I eat my fair share of budget sushi -- all you can eat rolls, 1/2 off deals, etc. I am, by no means, above budget sushi, but Ando is a place that I know my parents would enjoy. Ando, along with Matsuya and Jo An in Kentucky, is a place where you get an authentic experience and feel safe to order dishes like uni, where freshness cannot be compromised.
(5)Austin M.
Place has a decent atmosphere, got an eel roll ( my favorite and always my go to) and ramen. Big bowl of delicious ramen was cheaper than the roll. Sushi was good but not amazing. That ramen tho.... I'll be back...
(4)Sarah V.
If you want authentic Japanese food in the Cinci area, this is the place to go. The food is excellent. I ordered to-go and they brought me complimentary tea while I was waiting for my order, even though they were very busy! I always feel at home here.
(5)Bernard T.
This genuine japanese restaurant has a wonderful environment and excellent food selection and quality. If you're looking for the real deal try Ando's!
(5)Andy E.
Great sushi, reasonably priced. Recommend the salmon roll.
(4)Suz M.
Don't go here if you're vegan. Everything has fish in it except the house salad and eggplant appetizer. And the eggplant appetizer (about three or four little fried rounds) tasted totally like oil. They were super greasy and gross. A huge disappointment. The BF got some teriyaki beef dish and didn't like it. He said it lacked any taste and the beef was pretty gristly. All-in-all, it was a majorly bad experience. While we were in there, a woman came in and was requesting a gluten-free diet. I think there was a communication issue with the server, just as I seemed to experience when asking about vegetarian items. Sometimes, not having a native English speaker can be a problem when the communication is just not getting through and causes confusion with what you are ordering. Maybe if the BF and I were sushi eaters, this would be a good place to go, but otherwise, not so much.
(2)Mr. And Mrs. H.
I am really enjoying this place. A very neat clean place and I enjoy the quality of the food. Also their house-made desert specials are impeccably presented. The care they put into their restaurant is what makes it great.
(5)Paul K.
It's one of the best Japanese restaurants in Cincy area although there are a few restaurants I haven't tried but I heard great things about. I wanted to try Ando for numerous times, and I finally made it last week. You can tell it's authentic when you see a old Japanese man is working at the bar and woman is greeting you. And their decor is not flashy, but you can tell everything is related to Japan. I felt like I am eating at a home-owned restaurant in Japan or something. The menu is everything you can expect from a Japanese restaurant. My girlfreind and I tried Agedashi Tofu, Unagi sushi, Yellowtail rolls, Tempura Udon, and Gatsu Don. We loved everything. Everything was cooked to perfection, and what I LOVE about is every food was not salty. You can tell that the foods were made from scratch. The sauces did not overpower actually ingridients. Especially the udon's soup base was not strong and the noodle was also perfect for udon. The rolls are filled with big chunk of yellowtail that I could taste, not blurred by the rice. Unagi was also very soft which meant the cooking time was right. Katsu Don was also pretty good with good size of pork fried to perfection. Overall, I think I love this place. Being Miyoshi out there in Northern Kentucky, Ando will be my first choice for Japanese cuisine. The food is authentic, and the ingridients are carefully cooked and treated as a traditional Japanese restaurant should. I can't say enough about this place! I cannot wait to bring some Sake or Soju and enjoy all the food.
(5)Andrea S.
We had such a delightful meal here. This is a small eatery in a strip mall, but the smells are so inviting. We tried this after seeing the Yelp reviews and I am delighted to report that my fellow reviewers have found a good suggestion once again. The service was very friendly and attentive. We had everything from tempura to sushi. I tried everything and not one thing failed to delight. The iced barley tea was delicious. Have a meal here. I am not a Japanese food expert, but I just loved this place.
(5)Edward L.
Ando = Blissful pleasure to my chronic sushi craving toungue With great sushi comes great responsibility, and they do it right here. "I decided to try their Ramen..." These words alone will tip you off that reviewing a Japanese Sushi restaurant should not be a top priority for this individual. Everybody these days thinks they are a sushi snob. In reality, all I see are reviews on spicy tuna rolls, soft shell crab, salmon and unagi. All great sushi choices, however not differentiators for a sushi restaurant. The hotate is to die for. So fresh and it melts in your mouth. Sake, amaebi (I love fresh raw shrimp), squid, uni, makeral and toro were also glorious bites of heaven. They add fresh raw lobster sashimi to the menu and you will not see me leave the place. Most def a 5 star sushi joint (with Cincinnati as geographical context) Eat up!
(5)Raymond L.
Had lunch yesterday and I guess I was considered a regular now and they have this special menu which was on a piece of paper. Apparently, this is mostly for Japanese clients and had stuff other than what's on the menu. They have a variety of curry dishes, side dishes, and main courses (hamachi kamma - grilled yellowtail jaw)! Prices are a few dollars more but you get some really special stuff other than their regular menu. You can always ask for it......Don't forget BYOB!!! enjoy!
(5)Katie H.
My family goes here all the time, and I've stopped by often for carryout. The service is always outstandingly personal. I have tasted a lot of the menu; my favorites are the unagidon and the fried oysters (not on the standard menu). The only negative thing I could say about Ando is that the prices shown online are not all up-to-date. Best, most authentic Japanese restaurant in Cincinnati.
(5)Olivia Ou L.
I do like this Japanese restaurant. First, it is authentic, the owner are Japanese people, and almost of guests of this restaurant are Japanese too. Second, the service is good. As a Japanese restaurant, I can strongly feel the owners are very polite and respectful to their customers. Japanese do take customers as the god and they are more polite than people from other countries. Third, food is light, don't have much sauce and cheese like other Japanese restaurants. Asian people, especially Japanese people seldom eat cheese and much sauce, they prefer light, healthy,fresh seafood with yummy rice. I do love this place.
(5)Kate Y.
nice authentic japanese restaurant. this place is actually run by japanese people. i have only tried their sushi so far and can't wait to go back to try their other dishes off their main menu. service was good.
(4)Marshall H.
It's taken me two months to write this review as objectively as possible. I'm sure there are better Japanese restaurants in the world, but there are none better in the Greater Cincinnati area. Had I based the review solely on food this would've been a solid four stars, but the service at Ando gains them the fifth star because they are the nicest people you could meet. I've lunched here on a weekly basis for the past two years, and am pretty sure I've tried everything on the menu except for the shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. My favorites: - Sashimi: always fresh, delicate, melt-in-your-mouth goodness - Una Jyu don: it's BBQ eel, and it's damn good - Maguro don: not on the menu because it's a special. Thin slices of tuna marinated in sake, and served on a bed of rice. Get it if you can. - Black cod: Cod fillet sauteed and served with vegetables. - Curry: I didn't know the Japanese made curry until I came here and saw a Japanese businessman chowing down. It has the best aroma, and fantastic spicy flavor not found in any Thai or Indian curry. Get it either plain over a bed of rice, or toss in tonkatsu (pork cutlet), mince (hamburger rolled in panko and fried), or a potato cake (not a favorite of mine to be honest). My wife just gets the sashimi every time we go. She started with the regular sushi lunch, but took to leaving the rice part of the nigiri behind so often that the chef decided to change her order one day to the sashimi lunch. She hasn't looked back since. She also won't order anything else, ever. When we try new sushi joints we have to order the sashimi, and it is always judged harshly to the standard set at Ando's. Only Jo-an is on par. The sushi rolls are very good and quite tasty. There is a good mix of traditional and western, but nothing exotic like "Double Godzilla" or "Dancing Geisha" rolls. Ando will also make special rolls not on the menu if you like. We had him make a spicy double salmon roll once just for the hell of it. I'm sure if he had the materials on hand, Ando would make a spicy double kobe beef sweetbread roll stuffed into a tempura haggis, but you'll pay market price. BEST. RICE. EVER. Yeah, bet you've never seen that in a review. I don't know how or why, but I can't get enough of their rice. The rice deserves half a star just by itself. Part of the weekly order if a take-away order for plain, white sushi rice with a little bit of wasabi for a co-worker in my wife's office. And finally, dessert. I think there is green tea ice cream and mochi ice cream on the menu. Ignore it. Instead look on the table for a card telling you what the special desserts are that day, and can at times be the best part of the meal. Chiaki's creations are some of the most exciting desserts we've ever tried. I can't adequately describe any of them. There isn't any one style she sticks to. Her desserts run across the gamut of pastries, cakes, puddings, "jello-s", ice creams and torts. Ingredients are very seasonal. The graham cracker crusts are always homemade. The special desserts are also "limited edition" as she makes only a certain number per week, and I can only think of a couple of times I seen a dessert repeated on the menu. So, if you buy a dessert and really, really like it, you'd better buy a second because the chances of ever getting it again are next to nil. That's about it. This will be my only 5-star review in Cincinnati. No one else deserves it more.
(5)Saki A.
FANTASTIC! and SUPER AUTHENTIC! I was greeted with a friendly "Irasshaimase!" by the Japanese hostess on a busy Friday night. The place was packed! They told us the wait would be approximately 25 minutes, but we were seated after 15. The customers were mainly Japanese businessmen, which is ALWAYS a good sign of authenticity. The hostess delighted us with a complimentary edamame appetizer for our wait. How considerate! We ordered saba, ikura nigiri sushi and three rolls. The Salmon Skin, Futomaki, and the Super California rolls all knocked our socks off! It's amazing how authentic Japanese sushi chefs make such a difference!! The service was top notch, the decor was very pleasant. I felt like I was back in Japan! Thank you so much for a wonderful experience. I am definitely going back! (Next time with my own cooler full of booze!)
(5)Jacquelynn A.
Greta food. Very authentic. And they are SUPER friendly :)
(5)Amy C.
My favorite: House salad and ramen noodles. Who would have thought that I'd buy ramen noodles at a restaurant, but it's totally worth it. I've also had the lunch sushi before, but the ramen noodles hits the spot for me every time. Service can be a little slow sometimes, but they do get busy at lunch time!
(4)Ann K.
I love love love love the food here; I love authentic Japanese food, and this is as authentic as it gets around here. The agedashi tofu was battered perfectly. They even had natto rolls, which I loved. Gomae was awesome as well. The pickled mountain vegetables were wonderful, and that's something that other so-called "Japanese" restaurants usually do not have since many of them are not even owned by Japanese people...just saying.
(5)Kevin V.
I went to this place because of the great reviews I found on Yelp, but found myself UN-impressed with their food. I decided to try their Ramen at the recommendation of our server, and got a sashimi platter to share as kind of an appetizer. I think that sashimi is a great way to determine the quality of sushi at a place, and their fish was far from the freshest I have had. Their salmon (Which is one of my favorites) was especially lacking in flavor. Their Ramen was alright, but nothing I would go out of my way to recommend. Overall the experience was mediocre at best.
(2)Muthu A.
Really good Japanese place. Quantity was good, fresh and price is very decent.
(5)Chad L.
I'm so glad I finally found a decent sushi bar close to my work, I will definately be coming here for lunch a few times a week!! The place is kind of hard to find it's hidden in the back corner of a shopping center right next door to a subway! The place is very small inside but really nice, definately authentic Japanese. sushi here is awesome and so our the prices, two big thumbs up!!!!!! Well worth checking out for anyone n the area! The only downfall is that they don't serve alcohol lol.
(4)The x.
Ando has a nice website and a pleasant dining room. Having spent the last 20 years in Florida, we are spoiled and, perhaps, sushi snobs. We'd typically go out for sushi one or two times each week and are used to excellent, fresh fish; generous portions and great prices in Florida's competitive sushi market. We pretty much get the exact same thing everywhere and everytime so it's easy for us to compare. In Cincinnati we have yet to find a sushi place we'd revisit and Ando is not the exception. The fish was not bad but only average. The portions were not large and it was a bit pricey, even for Cincinnati. Our waitress was an authentic Japanese transplant and very friendly but not very efficient. She had forgotten our appetizer order and the food was randomly delivered. Believe it or not the friendly service from the (white!) busboy was the highlight of the visit.
(2)Linda M.
My family & I used to live in the Cincinnati area & fell in love with Ando's. Although my husband was transferred to Maine, we still return to Cincinnati occasionally to visit family. When we return, we dine at Ando's nearly every day we are in the area. Ando's food has always been excellent for us, & do we ever miss it here in Maine! The only Japanese restaurant we've found which comes even close in New England is located at Hyannis, Cape Cod. Oh, what we wouldn't give to be dining at Ando's at this very moment! Service is excellent & bathrooms are spotless! This is as good as it gets!
(5)Joel D.
This is my 5th time at Ando and I felt compelled to finally give a quick review. The sushi seems to be of a higher caliber than almost every place in cincinnati. Every bite reminded me of being on the coast in near proximity to the freshest fish. Ando is very authentic and definitely attracts a large Japanese audience which says a lot. Definitely would suggest trying it if you are into this kind o food! For this particular meal, my only complaint is that the Ramen was not much better than what comes out of a packet for $.25. I am a big Ramen fan and for those who have only eaten the kind from a pack and not a good Japanese restaurant you dont understand what I am talking about.
(4)Shaman D.
When I crave sushi, this is my first choice. This husband and wife team up to bring authentic Japanese delicacies to Cincinnati! I have been going here for years. My recommendations are the Shishiamo... grilled eggplant with miso....and the broiled flounder with plum sauce.... They also have shabu shabu as well as a wide variety of Sushi! Get their early because it get's packed - although this hidden little gem is definitely worth the wait!!
(4)Lisa B.
Excellent. We didn't know what to choose but the waitress was so patient with us and helped us choose something that was absolutely delicious. We finished our plates. Don't be put off by the exterior/semi-hidden location. Go in and eat good.
(5)Jen A.
One of the best little secrets about Ando is the Japanese appetizer menu. They won't give it to you unless you ask for it specially, but you most definitely won't regret it! Even if you don't read Japanese, you can ask your server to pick out one of the appetizers (number three is my favorite) and they'll bring you something amazing. The sushi is very fresh and well-prepared, and each night there is a different featured roll. I suggest getting a half-portion of this roll, because it's usually huge. The one disappointment is that Ando has the little sushi placards with photos of Sapporo on them, but they don't have a liquor license. If you like a good Japanese beer to wash down your sushi, hop over to Jungle Jim's for some Sapporo or Kirin and bring it in with you (Ando is BYO).
(4)Joe K.
The best Japanese restaurant in Cincy. You'd have to trek to JoAn in Ky to get better Japanese food. It's def. a very casual family owned/run restaurant. Nothing fancy, but very high quality Japanese "comfort" food. Best are probably grilled fish, everything from saba to sanma to gindara (sweet marinated) to whole squid, etc. They will also make most things for you if you ask, even if not on the menu. A great friendly place. Japanese restaurant run by a real Japanese family.
(4)Russ H.
Authentic Japanese food in Cincinnati? Really? We found Ando by accident - we were actually going to the restaurant next door but were intrigued by the newspaper clippings in the foyer. It's a truly "Mom and Pop" shop - the husband is the sushi chef, his father was working the kitchen, and the wait staff were the wife and the kids. The sushi was great - better than I'd expect to find so far from an ocean - as were the appetizers. We were even more surprised by the desserts - few restaurants serve black sesame flavor ice cream and it was superb.
(4)Ronald C.
Certainly the best Japanese restaurant in Cincinnati. We love it. They do an excellent job on dining in and carry out. Everything is prepared to perfection.
(5)S Y.
My go to Japanese restaurant in Cincinnati for an authentic Japanese meal - Japanese family owned. You can get grilled fish - Sanma (Mackerel Pike), Saba (Mackerel) by themselves or in a bento box lunch or dinner. You can also get Oroshi Soba (cold soba soup) with fresh soba noodles - not sure if this was on the menu. One of my favorite is Salmon Kama or Hamachi Kama. Yum. They get busy on Friday evenings so you may want to make a reservation.
(5)Rachel F.
The spicy tuna rolls were thinner than I'm used to compared to other Japanese restaurants. I did not like their yakisoba, but the tempura looked good. And the green tea was excellent, just the right temperature, and just the right taste.
(4)Elaine W.
Hands down as good as it gets in Cincy. Ando and the new Japanese restaurant La Hiro in Kentucky are (imo) the best in the area. Both owned by the sweetest Japanese couples. Their sushi and sashimi are always fresh. And most of my friends enjoy the ramen. Recently my friend and I got word of a secret menu that's all in Japanese. Curious, we asked the waitress about it, and she kindly brought out the menu and explained everything on it to us non-Japanese-speaking noobs. My oh my. I don't know if my revealing this defeats the whole purpose of the secret menu, but there are dericious items on there like CURRY and grilled mackerel that are not on the regular menu! My friend went with the mackerel, which came with a choice of two amazing sides--he got agedashi tofu and fried tuna. My stomach rumbled for some curry, so I got the fried shrimp curry. Yummmm, like true Japanese curry, so simple and satisfying. Also, never skip dessert here. At lunchtime they have green tea, red bean, ginger, and sesame ice cream! The ice cream is thick and rather sticky like mochi-turned-ice-cream. I hear they have an assortment of other desserts at dinner. And a little birdie has informed us that the dinner secret menu is much longer. Oh and I can't wait to try the sukiyaki. Is it dinner yet?
(5)Jese R.
This place does not have a great looking outside sign, but the food far surpasses any presumptions. I had a range of salt eel, snapper and Hamachi sushi that was amazing. I also had the Tekka Don (tuna) bowl and it was top notch. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a great sushi place, I was pleasantly surprised at how high quality everything I ate was for a strip mall place...I guess great things come in small packages...
(5)Cheri Y.
MUSHY MUSHY! Suggested by my new YELP amigo Tim H. Hubby and I decided to give this BYOB authentic Japanese sushi restaurant a whirl! OMG did it NOT disappoint! The first thing I ordered was this chefs selection sashimi appetizer/ Market Price. It came out and it was some Hawaiian fish that was truly melt in your mouth yummy goodness WOW! The seared Japanese fish whatever it was, was to die for Yummyliciousness! All of it was so Amazballs we ordered soup, rolls, & soft shell crab appetizer. It was all delish! The sushi rice was cooked perfectly and it made all the rolls we had so YUM! A Japanese guy came in and sat down beside us at the sushi bar and there was a giant table of Japanese people there having a blast when we were there as well. Yep, authentic Japanese at a Japanese restaurant. Not sushi at a Korean place. JAPANESE. And Fantastic authentic Japanese at that! WOW! The owner, his wife and lovely, beautiful daughter were so sweet, kind and worked the whole tiny, cozy, room making everyone feel at ease with their most pleasant demeanor and disposition!! What a lovely family, a lovely experience...and a fantastic dining experience! We loved it! We live up in C-bus but we will make the hour drive for this place! Its that good dang it! Lol Thanks again for the wonderful meal Ando and thanks to Tim H! A trustworthy YELP amigo that gets it right! Take care & SYOY!
(5)