Overall the food quality was good would not recommend the noodle or a portion size with a little small specially for the rice
(3)
Scott M.
Stopped in for some sushi to go; first time visitor. Sought recommendations from the staff and selected the Daruma Roll. While waiting for my take-out order, they showed me to a table and proceeded to provide me Water to drink, salad and eventually soup. What a surprise - just from ordering take-out. Can't wait to bring in my family to enjoy the hospitality when I have more time. Oh! And the sushi was outstanding.
(4)
Chelsey H.
This place has become my FAVORITE go-to for hibachi!! They also have really good sushi. They start you off with your basic soup and salad that somehow demolishes that of other hibachi places. So simple, yet so yummy! They have a ton of entree options. The service is fast and friendly... A great atmosphere for a dinner with Fam and friends, or a date night out. To top it all off, they have a full bar and saki options. This place is really a hidden treasure in my opinion!
(5)
Remard C.
Was looking for a spot to celebrate my birthday that was kid-friendly. I haven't been to a hibachi style restaurant and Daruma had the best reviews on yelp. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. I was very impressed with the skill set of the chefs. They were both entertaining and made excellent food. The chefs definitely played to the children, which I appreciated. In terms of the food, I've never been to a hibachi restaurant that provided noodles on the hibachi. Very good, just like the rest of the food.
(4)
Troy S.
I did not come here to experience the Hibachi as I detest Hibachi shows. I have no interest to sit around the table and watch so we sat near the bar. They have a very nice area for people like me. This area is near the bar but doesn't feel like the bar area. We came here during Happy Hour times and they have a few decent Happy Hour deals. They have a selection of about 15 rolls for Happy Hour that range from $1.50-3 cheaper than normal prices. They also have drinks discounted $1-2. I ordered some saki and we grabbed four rolls. They have caviar on some of their rolls which was different from most of my prior experiences at Sushi places. I didn't think caviar changed much of the taste of the rolls but it added alittle savory taste to the roll. I learned something else, I can't eat rolls with eel sauce. We ordered one roll with eel sauce and I barely could swallow it even with tons of wasabi on it. It didn't help that the seaweed wrap on it was really chewy. I actually spit it out. The other three rolls were good but not crazy good to make me wanting to come back here. In Hilliard this is a nice option as the sushi here is better than Kroger or the Supreme Buffet. In Hilliard, I would head to Wild Ginger before coming to Daruma especially for the Happy Hour deals.
(3)
Marshall B.
We really enjoyed this restaurant. The food was great. The service was outstandingly courteous. Soup and salad was served with our lunch. They also accept the entertainment book coupon (25% off). I think we found a new favorite Japanese Steakhouse.
(5)
Anna H.
We came here for dinner Sat night based on the great Yelp reviews. They reopen for dinner at 4:30 and we arrived shortly after. We chose hibachi seating and were seated on one end. There was a family of 4 at the other end of the grill. Our hostess was sweet, our server was nice and attentive. The chef was friendly and cool. He did a couple of tricks without going overboard. My husband had the steak and calamari combo, while I chose the King Salmon. The food is really good. It includes a salad, soup, and shrimp appetizer (which was grilled and served last for some reason). We each had a large bottled Japanese beer, which was a mistake because I couldn't finish it or my meal. The noodles were grilled first and they were fantastic. The fried rice and the vegetables were great, as well as the salmon. The yum yum sauce was a nice alternative to sakura sauce that I love at another place in town. Everything was cooked really well and we enjoyed it enough to return. For $20 you get a large, delicious meal. By the time we left, the hibachi seats were filling up so I'm glad we went early. It's a nice addition to Hilliard and I wish them success.
(4)
Andrew J.
Had not ever heard of this place but live close and was browsing yelp and the reviews were so overwhelmingly positive I decided to go that evening. Completely deserving of 5 stars. Our chef was phenomenal we had the steak and chicken combo and chicken and shrimp combo. It came soup and salad prior to the meal which were both great and noodles and rice with the meal. We also had spicy tuna sushi rolls and those were great as well. The service was excellent and Chef was entertaining extremely talented and funny . A+ all around. Apologize for poor grammar in review I am sausage fingering this on my ipad
(5)
Mark K.
I didn't make it here when it was Ajisai; their hours just didn't work with mine. Daruma is open a bit longer in the afternoon, so I was able to stop in. And I'm glad I did. The decor is nice- classy and calming, lots of wood and warmth. The service was impeccable- efficient, genuinely friendly, and fast. And the food? Supergood. I had a piece of unagi, one of the better ones I've had. Somehow it disappeared before I could take a picture, but it was one of the more attractively presented ones I've seen too. I wanted more sushi, but also wanted to try the hibachi and wasn't sure how big the lunch portion would be. Lots of interesting rolls. Almost at random, I picked the chicken/shrimp combo. It is, of course, your standard Japanese steakhouse fare. The salad was the low point of the meal- the usual generic, watery, iceberg with house dressing. Meh. The soup was quite good- a thicker broth, with more goodies floating in it, than most places. The entree arrived and was huge. Pretty typical chicken, tasty, tender. Shrimp done just right, not overcooked. Fried rice that wasn't the buttery greasy pile that you sometimes get. Sauteed vegetables that were better than most, and really made me want to eat my veggies. Plus lo mein-type noodles, in a tasty oil. Plenty of food, all of it delicious. I'll go back for more sushi, and probably hibachi too. Glad I finally made it in. Hope they do well.
(4)
Jen C.
Definitely one of the best Japanese Steakhouses that I have ever eaten in. Excellent food, service and show! You definitely have to check it out!
(5)
Gus W.
In my opinion, Daruma easily deserves their 5 star rating. It took me awhile, but I was finally able to visit last weekend for lunch, and everything was excellent. While the sushi isn't leaps and bounds above other great sushi places in Columbus, the service was outstanding. The hostess was very sweet, and we requested being sat at the sushi bar, which was empty. The chef seemed to be glad someone had finally come in for sushi, because it looked like everyone else there was getting hibachi. We ordered some sushi rolls, along with gyoza and soft shell crab. Apparently the sushi came with salad and soup as well, because they brought those out to us right away. The manager was awesome and chatted with us a bit, and let us know we wouldn't be leaving there hungry. The sushi roll I had was great, but the soft shell crab was killer. It was a pretty big crab, and the meat tasted so fresh. The sushi chef was a great guy to talk to as well and at the end of our meal surprised us with a plate of seared tuna, on the house. The tuna was served in a light sauce and was fantastic. That's all she wrote. The girlfriend and I agreed we'd be back often, because everything was outstanding. From the outside the place doesn't look like much, but don't let that deter you. If you want a great meal with great atmosphere, you have to check it out. I was told it gets really busy at night on the weekends and making a reservation is your best bet. There's a reason why this place has 5 stars on here, so get over to Hilliard.
(5)
Alexia G.
We had the hibachi lunch: sesame chicken w/ teriyaki sauce and I-275 rolls. The hibachi lunch came with a side of salad and soup which was very delicious. Not a big fan of sushi but I could eat those rolls forever. The hibachi lunch was as delicious and a pretty big portion. Just everything about here was good: the environment, food, portions, price! Would recommend
(5)
Ying X.
The food here is pretty solid (really good hibachi for Columbus, although more of a 3.5 star if you really think about it), but I'm rounding up my rating because I was thoroughly impressed with their service. Our waitress was a bit slow and ditzy, but our interactions with the manager (unrelated to our server or the food quality) left a great impression on me. Backstory - we'd originally made a reservation to come in on a Tuesday night for dinner, but when we arrived, we found a sign that said the restaurant was closed due to a busted pipe. We were pretty miffed that we hadn't received any notification, but I'd bought a Groupon for this place and was intent on actually using it, so we made another reservation for Thursday night. For the price you pay, you do get a good amount of food (I ended up splitting the Filet Mignon, Scallop, and Shrimp special with my friend), and let me say that they really do know how to put on a show while cooking everything! That entertainment alone made me pretty happy that I decided to still give this place a chance, but I was completely sold when the manager came over and asked me if I'd originally made a reservation on Tuesday. When I confirmed that we had, she profusely apologized for the unexpected cancellation and closing of the restaurant, and promptly offered us free drinks/dessert on the house. That moment really stood out to me because not only did she offer, unsolicited, to compensate for an unfortunate incident that was out of her control, but she even took the time to actually look back at whose dinner plans were disturbed and seek us out to try to make it up to us. Speaking of dessert - shameless plug for their tempura cheesecake! Normally, I automatically zero in on the tempura ice cream, but I'd never heard of someone applying the same idea to cheesecake (and I do love cheesecake...) so I figured "hey, it's free - might as well!" BEST IDEA OF THE NIGHT. I'm not even sure how it turned out so good, but the cheesecake just melts in your mouth and the tempura perfectly compliments that nice, soft, creamy texture. Furthermore, you get the added benefit of not having it melting on you after 3 minutes, which tends to happen with the ice cream. Highly recommend, it's a fun experience whether you go with a date, family, or friends, and their service is amazing. Be sure to make a reservation, because you'll probably not get seating otherwise, and you will have to wait a bit after you get there even with the reservation, but they have tables and a bar waiting area where you can sit, relax, and have a drink to prepare yourself for an exciting performance.
(4)
Zeeshan S.
The best hibachi I've had in columbus! Drinks dinner and entertainment were all on point. Fast and friendly service, great soup and salad appetizer. I had the Filet, lobster and shrimp dinner meal and it was worth the price! Our chef kept us laughing and the owner was lovely and checked on our party a couple times. If you're looking for a fun dinner with a show, come to this hibachi!
(5)
Bryant M.
So let's get one thing straight: this is hibachi, and every stereotype holds true here. And call me white trash, but I love hibachi places. Not every day--but a couple times of year is perfect. Daruma is the highest rated Japanese steakhouse in Columbus, and I can't disagree with that. For the most part, I've been pretty disappointed with these places so far in Cbus, but not anymore! The front of house--in particular, the hostesses and reservations--is a bit of a hot mess. I may be wrong, but I think they're the owner's kids. They're very sweet, and no disrespect to these young ladies--but this was definitely the standout for an otherwise great experience. I've read about similar snafus here, so I don't think it was just me. Do yourself a favor, and if you don't care about the chef's show, then ask to sit on the other side of the restaurant. I definitely felt like we got more personalized attention, and we might have even gotten our meals quicker than normal. Our server was incredibly cute, and although he seemed a bit new, he did a fantastic job. He was kind, attentive, and quickly got anything we needed. We ordered hibachi and a couple of sushi rolls. The rolls were bright and fresh, and the hibachi was a home run too. The filet was especially delicious--cooked perfectly and smooth as butter. The yum yum was the best I've had in the city. We both ordered cocktails to drink, and they were made well and were strong... a Manhattan for the Mister, and a G&T for me. Prices were on point with similar spots, so nothing noteworthy there. If you're like me and haven't quite found a Japanese steakhouse that you love, then give Daruma a try. I think you love it too.
(4)
Tim G.
I took my wife here for her birthday with our 3 grown married children and 2 grandchildren ages 3 & 4. The chef was excellent in recognizing that the little ones might be frightened by the flaming grille and did a great job of explaining it and warning them. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was delightful. For the great food we got, I also thought the price was very reasonable. We can't wait to go again!
(5)
Trevor F.
Daruma and the staff provide an excellent experience from the service to the quality of food. The manager is a true professional and the chefs are expertly trained - Roger is an impressive talent. While the hibachi is a fun experience, the sushi is generous and high quality and will not disappoint. My wife and I will be repeat customers.
(5)
Holly S.
Best Japanese steak house in town! I made reservations for our anniversary a few weeks ago, and was delighted that Daruma lived up to the great ratings. The service was warm and welcoming, pricing is very reasonable for the amount and quality of food, and the entertainment was spirited and talented. Everyone seemed to love working there, and it showed! I will definitely be back and will recommend it to all my friends! Also, the noodles are an awesome bonus appetizer that were delicious!
(5)
Chloe P.
Chef was very friendly and open. The food was good , I got chicken and filet mignon ; the filet was very good and the chicken was a little over cooked , but still good.
(4)
Keith M.
In my homwtown of Jacksonville, there is a great Japanese steak house named Daruma. It is the place by which I set the standard for all other Japanese steak houses. Sadly, in Columbus, all have fallen very, very short of my expectations. Until Daruma in Hillard. My party of two came here on Christmas Eve, after we were ditched by friends for dinner. When we arrived, we found the place filled with people waiting for a seat at the hibatchi tables. They were crowded around the walls while the dining room (the space sans hibatchi grills) sat completely empty. We immediately asked if we could sit at one of these tables - not because we thought we'd get our food any faster but because we didn't relish the idea of being forced to make new friends around the table as we watched a chef fling his cutlery for our entertainment. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy that too... but sometimes, I just want to eat and chat - not watch walls of flames as I eat. I love that Daruma has this open. Our server, Jimmy, was a delight and very friendly. We found the drink menu overloaded with sweet cocktails, so we ordered two off-menu items, a gin & tonic and a manhattan. Both were well put together and delish. We ordered 2 sushi rolls, a tempura shrimp roll & creamy california roll. The creamy california didn't have a description, so we didn't know what to expect. When they arrived, we did find that it had masago (caviar) on top - something neither of us were pleased about. I'll not that for the future. I ordered steak and shrimp from the hibatchi. The salad that comes with it was good, but I prefer ginger dressing. The steak was cooked to perfection... tasty and tender. The shrimp likewise was perfect. The veggies were good, not enough "meaty" veggies for my taste (more zucchini and mushrooms). The sauces are often a feature of a Japanese restaurant and they can ruin a good meal with a sauce that is just not good. This has been my struggle in Ohio. Well, at Daruma I found a hit. While the ginger sauce was pretty good (would have been better on my salad) the yum yum sauce was the best I've had. All in all, Daruma was a great place to spend Christmas Eve! If you want the "show", go and sit and enjoy. If you don't... hit the tables and have a nice intimate dinner where you can still enjoy great food. I'll be back!
(4)
Todd G.
I love going to japanese steakhouses and this one is the best of them all in Columbus. Service was outstanding for how busy it was on a Saturday night. The entire Hibachi Room was full. We had to wait about 10 minutes for an open table. The soup was great, loaded with toppings, the salad dressing was different from all the other places, but it was good. Our chef did a few of the tricks, but the food was outstanding- Both my scallops and shrimp were on point. The Fried Rice was good, but the noodles were the kicker. Only hibachi in Columbus that gives them to you along with the rice. It was a tad expensive since it was for dinner, but i had an entire plate for lunch the next day and with the Groupon we bought, it kept the cost down a little bit. I was very impressed with this place and can see why it is the highest rated Japanese Steakhouse in the 614
(5)
Tiffany C.
I will start this off by saying that Daruma is WAY better than the former Ajisai ever was in the location. Daruma took over this building a while back, and there have been some great improvements made. Small things like the decor now make this place feel more authentic, and less hoakey. We ordered the sushi rolls, and kept it really basic. The rolls were alright. I'd like to give them another try and taste some of the specialty rolls, but overall, it's not my favorite place in C-bus for sushi. However, the hibachi here is really great. They don't use your standard run of the mill teriyaki sauce... they cook everything really simple, let the griddle do all the work, then entice you with some Yum Yum Sauce, and another steak oriented sauce. Overall.. everyone was happy with the hibachi here. Our Chef was really great, and Surprisingly surpassed chefs seen at other grills in the area. They know their stuff, and their tricks will keep you ohh-ing and ahh-ing and mostly laughing. Over-all it was a great time. I'd definitely come back. TIP***Get here early if you're going for dinner. Within ten minutes most of the hibachi grills started filling up with families. **ANOTHER TIP** Like many hibachi grills.. Daruma has lunch hours and separate dinner hours with a closed break in between.
(4)
Vin R.
Definitely a fan. Honestly, if you've been to one Japanese hibachi steakhouse you've been to most of them. But there are little things that can make or break the experience. The evening started on a sour note--I made our reservation through the Yelp website and received both email and IM confirmations and reminders. However, when we showed up at the restaurant they did not have our reservation. One of the hostesses commented that ours was not the first Yelp reservation that was lost in the ether of the internet. Perhaps some fine tuning of the Yelp Reservations system is in order. As it happened, the restaurant was not that busy at the time we arrived so we were seated with minimal wait. Although my wife and I were left waiting for a couple of minutes at the hostess station smiling awkwardly at one of the hostesses. After staring at each other for a good 90 seconds, I asked, "What is happening now?" And the hostess replied, "We're seating you." Not really rude, but just a strange interaction. From that point on, our experience was top notch. Our waitress and servers were all attentive and courteous. Our drinks were very good. My wife had some sort of raspberry, vodka thing. I had a chocolate martini for no apparent reason. Perhaps I thought it was the year 2000 and I was trying to relive my midtwenties. Mildly embarrassing in retrospect, but seven years and two kids into my life as a middle aged married guy I really have nobody to try to impress. Plus, if you can't have a ridiculous cocktail in front of your wife and 6 other strangers, where can you have one? Our chef, definitely the most important part of the Japanese steakhouse experience, clearly had skills. Our orders were prepared perfectly (filet and scallops for me and filet and chicken for my wife), though it is always alarming to see how much butter is involved in making your dinner. And, of course, the Yum Yum Sauce continues its roll as the crack of the Japanese steakhouse dinner. I'll be darned if I didn't eat an entire serving of that stuff with my dinner. Yum Yum Sauce all of the things! So despite an initial off note (that can easily be fixed), I think we'll be coming back again. We'll just call ahead (like in the days of my midtwenties) to make our reservation.
(4)
Bianca M.
Yummy! The food is great so are the chefs! Saw one throw a piece of chicken across the room into a kids mouth at another table. It is by far the best Japanese steakhouse we've been to in the Columbus area. It's a large restaurant but has a pretty common feel for a japanese steakhouse. I got the tofu, which came out before the other food, but was sill delicious. If you are a fan of soft shell crab i definitely recommend it as well. You also get noodles with your entree, it's usually extra at other places. DO NOT make your reservation online (opentable), they don't check it! We had to wait a lot longer than expected due to this, but luckily the food made up for the poor management of their reservations.
(4)
Elizabeth C.
Good food. Good experience. They offer hibachi calimari which is unusual and very well prepared. Shrimp was heavy on the lemon, just the way I like it without having to ask for it that way.
(4)
Kevin K.
Nice change of pace, began with sushi and sashimi. The rolls were nice and well priced, Ebi was okay, not a fan of their version of the eel, a little too sweet for me, but price was right on. We had chicken, steak and shrimp all were grilled nicely, chef was friendly and entertaining. Soup, salad and service was great. Drinks were refilled, dishes cleared, and he checked after every course to make sure we were happy. About $60 with sushi, drinks, dinner and good tips for chef and service. May do this monthly.
(5)
David A.
Daruma is excellent. We've been frequent visitors to House of Japan nearby for the past 10+ years, and thanks to groupon we ventured outside of our comfort zone and tried Daruma. We won't be back to House of Japan. The following things are far superior but would stand alone on their own merit: Food quality Price Entertainment by the chefs Portion size Ambiance Service They do something really unique that I hadn't seen before at a Japanese SteakHouse- They serve grilled noodles. They were amazing- especially with the YumYum sauce. It doesn't surprise me that this place has a full 5 star rating. It is certainly deserved.
(5)
Sarah N.
My husband and I go here often, because the food is fantastic. When eating hibachi you get, two shrimp, vegetables, rice (fried rice has an upcharge), soup, and salad with your meal. The salad has that amazing ginger dressing that Japanese restaurants do so well. The soup isn't the best I've had at a hibachi restaurant, but it gets the job done. They always give you a sushi menu and we start off with the Hawaii roll, which is fantastic. My favorite part is probably the vegetables. Carrots, zucchini, onions, and broccoli, they are so yummy dipped in the sauces! The manager always comes around and checks on you which is greatly appreciated. The staff is friendly and the chefs are good. We always come home with so much leftovers that sometimes it is enough for two extra meals. I gave four stars, because the last time we were there, I had a hair in my food and some weird piece of paper/cardboard in it as well. We've been there enough times with really great food for me to give them a pass for that one time it wasn't the best.
(4)
Candace M.
We wanted to do something fun for dinner on a Thursday night and hibachi came to mind. I'd only been to a hibachi restaurant once before and I got sushi instead of really participating, so I was really pumped to try Daruma! We walked in and saw the hostess being completely overwhelmed by 5 kids of various ages who were begging to feed the fish while their mother stood by. She handled it with grace and poise (pretty sure I did not...) After dealing with them and apologizing profusely, she took us to our table. Our waiter was friendly, funny, and personable. The menu, for now, is relatively small. I ordered the steak and shrimp and my boyfriend got the filet and lobster tail. When our food came out, our chef was so funny! You might be startled a few times as part of the routine, but it's all in good fun. My boyfriend informed me that several of the things he did are "typical hibachi," but of course I had no idea what to expect. Generally a good time. Our food was really good! I liked the soup a lot. The noodles were good and the steamed rice was okay, though I wish I had opted for the fried rice. I can't speak to the salad because I can't eat iceberg lettuce, but my boyfriend said the dressing was good. The shrimp and steak were really good. My boyfriend got shrimp instead of lobster but, as it was reflected as shrimp on our bill, it wasn't a huge deal. Still, I think he had been looking forward to the lobster tail, so he was a little disappointed. We admittedly could have said something, but there didn't really seem to be a good time, as the chef took out the food and immediately started cooking it. Everyone we dealt with was so nice. The hostess who had seated us took the time to visit with us several times and talk to us about how it was, make some suggestions on the sauces, talk to us about how we found out about the restaurant (they seem to be big fans of yelp!) I know some other reviewers have spoken about sushi (which I would have gotten if it were an option) but when we came, it wasn't available. The hostess told us that they would have sushi later on. Our meal was pricey but I feel like we got quite a bit of food, plus it felt like we were paying for entertainment as well! Overall, it was a fun weekday dinner, and we would come back. Daruma only recently opened, so I'm excited to see more of what they can do!
(4)
Teresa H.
We came here based on other reviews. Sometimes that works out...and sometimes it doesn't. Happily, this was a time where it worked out! The food was terrific, the chef was entertaining without being obnoxious, and the drinks were delicious. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Jasmine M.
Took the toddler here again and they let him feed the fish and called him by name the service here is really outstanding.
(5)
Tonya W.
Great food, excellent pricing for the amount and quality of food you get. Exceptional customer service
(4)
Cynthia V.
We enjoyed watching the preparation of our delicious food. We were able to share a plate, making this wonderful restaurant very affordable!
(5)
Susan P.
What a nice surprise! We sat at the sushi bar and had a blast. The sushi chef was very friendly and personable. The Godzilla roll was fabulous! Mince gaiety of specialty rolls plus the usual nigiri offering. The sushi chef surprised us with a complementary testing of the white tuna. It melted in our mouths! The hibachi tables seemed busy from where we were sitting. We'll be back for more sushi! Yum!
(5)
Sailesh P.
Exemplary food and outstanding service from their fine chefs that entertain and cook delicious food for you. We had their combos with lobster, beef,shrimp and then another combo a second time. Their chefs cook the foods much better than any steakhouse I've been to. My friend and I are fans. Grab their Groupon before it goes out. The drinks are also great. Their ambiance is very pleasing, decor is great in keeping with the steakhouse look.
(5)
Jill H.
Sushi was good, hibachi was good, service was great. If you order hot green tea, ask for two bags in the pot...mine was basically a slightly tinged water. The restaurant is beautiful and the people are very friendly. I would definitely return. I updated my review to give them 5 stars for their prompt response to my earlier review (see paragraph above) and that they did exactly what they said they would. After returning again, my experience was even bette than the one before. Such a great place with great people. :)
(5)
L C.
Delicious food + super friendly staff and attentive service. Just adding another 5 star review for this wonderful dining experience. Every bite of it was great and we can't wait to come back!
I'm from out of town and was looking for good sushi. Yelp reviews were right on about this place. I got 2 rolls and salmon sashimi. The rolls were fresh and full of flavor. The salmon was sweet and melted in my mouth. This will be a regular stop any time I'm in Columbus. Only regret was that I couldn't eat more.
(5)
Gary C.
Great food! Great chefs! Can choose to sit at private booth or around the Hibatchi table.
(5)
Curt P.
We had a great time and were it not for a slight hiccup with my meal this would absolutely be five stars. Addressing the slight snafu early on, I ordered filet and and lobster and got the filet and got the filet and shrimp (probably because my girlfriend also got steak and shrimp) but the shrimp was delicious and I was charged accordingly so it really wasn't a big deal. The service was really good, it wasn't very crowded, but there have been plenty of times where we have received poor service in a empty restaurant so kudos for being on point even on an off night. The food was so good and this was only enhanced by the pageantry. Even the fried rice was noteworthy. My filet was cooked perfectly rare and the seasonings they used make for a unique taste that makes my mouth water even now. The meal also comes with salad and clear broth soup so it's a good value for your money. I get that hibachi is kind of gimmicky and this probably won't ever be your four times a month restaurant but it is definitely a fun experience coupled with good food. We'll definitely be back and probably sooner rather than later.
(4)
A M.
Best Sushi in Town Awesome food and service We tried many sushi places this one beats them all
(5)
Joe M.
Hidden gem! It's not the ambiance that will hook you... it's the food and service! This is your typical hibachi style steakhouse where the chief entertains while he cooks your meal in front of you. This is in the old Longhorn Steakhouse in Mill Run (just east of I270 and Cemetery Rd.) and the building feels a bit aged. We had no wait on a Friday night at 6pm (other than waiting for all of our party to arrive to be seated). The cocktails were well made and the table service (soup & salad) quick and efficient. The chief was very entertaining but down to business. He interacted well with all eight people seated there (four of us adults and another family of four). He was especially good with the kids. The food was as good if not better than any other hibachi style restaurant where I've dined, and that includes several in Japan. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and our ticket (with drinks) was about $35ea before tip.
(5)
Molly S.
Don't bother making reservations, they don't honor them. My family and I made reservations for my father's birthday. We had to wait over a half hour with no communication from the hostess of why. I can understand if they do not have a table for us as soon as we come in, but at least offer us some beverages or an appetizer at the sushi bar instead of having us wait wondering what is going on. We ended up leaving after 35 minutes and going elsewhere.
(1)
Nick D.
Very impressed with Daruma. The entire staff is on point attentive and very nice. Ladda - I have to point out is absolutely amazing and an asset to the company. The food was very high quality and the chefs were extremely interactive. I certainly will return time and time again.
(5)
Kelly N.
New place in Mill Run. I hope they can make a success out if this previously failed hibachi. First off the service was attentive but not intrusive. Very friendly. The chefs were a joy to watch. Very talented and better than other hibachi chefs in town. The food was yummy and served in large portions. The miso soup was good with little pieces of tempura (tasted a bit like unsweetened funnel cake). The salad was yummy with a nice ginger dressing. I had the steak which was cooked to order and hubs had sushi which he enjoyed very much. I would come back! Fun place!
(5)
Izzy L.
The environment is just amazing, and all the chefs will perform their beat to cook for you. It is a memorable experience which I will never forget. 5 out of 5, this is a restaurant you cannot miss in Columbus.
(5)
Mariangee M.
Wow! I love coming here. The sushi is delicious, fresh and just the right variety. Their Japanese style diners are also good and not too greasy like other places. Plus the service is fantastic. This is a family owned business with the owner being super pleasant. Today I had a wonderful experience here. I walked in to pick up solely a clear soup for my sick child. It's cold out and the owner makes a conversational statement about warm soup on this could night, I respond and say it's for my son who is sick and won't eat anything else she then gives me the soup for free and they wish my son feel better. Service that is personable and delights. Thank you Daruma.
(5)
Heather S.
Very impressed with how well owner takes care of customers. Looking forward to giving another chance.
(4)
Amanda U.
Very nice chefs and waitress. Everyone is very polite and helpful! Food was delish :)
(5)
Donna D.
My boyfriend and I ventured here for our first time this past Friday and sat at the bar. We had some beers, sake, edamame and 3 different sushi rolls and everything was FANTASTIC! The bartender was fantastic and super nice and personable (La is her name). We also met the owner who is also a very sweet lady! We will definitely go back for more sushi and the hibachi experience as well! Can't wait!
(5)
Bob H.
I decided to take my family to this restaurant based on the reviews in Yelp. I was very impressed with the whole experience. The staff was friendly and our Chef was excellent. We were thoroughly entertained throughout the meal. The food was fresh and good. Between the five of us, we ordered Chicken, Filet Mignon, shrimp, and Calamari. For the experience it is a 5 star. My only complaint, they put a lot of sodium/soy sauce in the dinner. But what would you expect from a Japanese Steakhouse? The family can't wait to visit again, so I am sure we will be back soon.
(5)
Cami B.
Atmosphere was pleasant, staff friendly and efficient and food was delicious. Would definitely recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Marco M.
The food and service are outstanding!! The sushi rolls are very tasty and the raw fish very fresh. I highly recommend the hibachi meals and the presentation by the staff.. Great work
(5)
Damon H.
Awesome place in hilliard. Owners are grateful for your business. Food is Excellent. Best Japanese Steak House in central Ohio.
(5)
Christina M.
They are the most friendly and attentive hibachi restaurant I've ever been to. My friend and I bring our toddlers in all the time and they are so accommodating. Their shrimp is so good and the yum yum sauce is unbelievable!
(5)
Melissa M.
Today was our first time in and the first impression was great. I will say that taste of food wise, of all of the Japanese steakhouses in the area, for me, Benihana ranks #1. We've had the genji, house of Japan, etc. and none of them have been as good for us in terms of experience and taste. Daruma, though, is head and shoulders above the rest of the others in Columbus, but Benihana still tastes a little bit better. As far as service, there is no comparison. Daruma wins hands down. The servers were fantastic, the hostess, the chef, every employee we encountered was happy and pleasant. You just don't get service like that anymore! One other big thing for me was the bathroom. It was clean and orderly. I am being a little petty, I'll admit, but I think when you're shelling out $60 for two for dinner, you should have ceramic plates as opposed to plastic plates but it isn't the end of the world. I gave this 4 stars because I thought it was a little bit expensive and because taste just wasn't as good as my fave, Benihana.
(4)
T B.
This place is great , incredible food , best service I've gotten during my 4 days in town... Sushi was spot on a crafted with care... Chef was very skilled and funny ... This is a must spot to eat !!!! I'll definitely stop again and encourage everyone who lives in area to support such a great place , I travel all over the world and this place is legit!!!
(5)
Elaine F.
I hardly ever write a review but I thought this place was warranted. Not extremely busy for a Friday night which concerned me but it must Be getting the word out. I thought the food was awesome. Extremely good presentation and food was fresh and hot. I highly recommend. I will be back. People in Hilliard need to support.
(5)
Adria R.
We absolutely loved our experience here. We sat on the hibachi side and ordered the steak and chicken combination. You get so much food for your money. I've been to similar places before and this is the first place that gives you noodles as well as rice. I didn't love the dressing on the salad but, my boyfriend did. We also ordered some sushi which was reasonably priced and tasted great. I highly encourage this place.
(5)
Aaron W.
Soooo good! I went after my Yell friend Silvana recommended the place. Andd let me tell you, she did not dissapoint!!! The food was cooked perfect, the chicken was awesome, and the taste was exquisite. This place should get an award for best restaurant in North America!!! Thank you Silvana!
(5)
Allison B.
We've been in twice now and both were exceptional experiences! We ate at a Hibachi table both times and the quality is some of the best in Columbus. I love the peanut sauce in the dressing for the salad, and the sushi we've had has been fantastic and well-priced. The hibachi noodles they serve with dinner are my favorite and they best I've had anywhere. We loved the steak and shrimp but our friends had the filet and were impressed with the quality and preparation. The entire staff is energetic and kind, from the hostess to the servers and chefs. We will back many more times, as this is close to our house!
(5)
Wendy P.
Gluten free friendly - they were excellent to my friends. Roger is one of the best chefs we've ever seen. They are great to young children. Excellent service and excellent food. Highly recommended.
(5)
S R.
The chicken was undercooked (and cut in big chunks) even though I specified well done...twice. The rice was dry and burnt - bitter and smoked taste. I really wanted to like this place but I prefer House of Japan/ Japanese Steak House. The place is modern and staff is very friendly so 2 stars for that and one for the effort....
(3)
Morgan H.
Great time last night with my team from work! Really loved the attention we got from our waitress and the chef was on point! So much energy and amazing food! I highly recommend the hibachi side and the chefs can cook a perfect steak - steakhouse - yes, I think so! Totally recommend for a group lunch or dinner!
(5)
Bill W.
Awesome!!! This is our new go to hibachi restaurant. We enjoyed a different restaurant in Dublin in the past but both my wife and kids HATED the radish ginger (or whatever it is) salad dressing. The food is much better at Daruma. The salad dressing they use is a sesame base and is excellent (they also have a ginger based option that is still really good). Their soup is more than just scallions, mushrooms, and chicken broth. Their soup offers more substance than others. The veggies they serve with the meal include broccoli as well... first time I have seen that at a hibachi restaurant Their chefs are the most talented and entertaining among all I have seen and complete the whole experience. Simply put, they offer the best food and overall experience of any hibachi-style restaurant I have tried.
(5)
Stephen V.
By far the best Japanese steakhouse I have been to in my life. Ask for Roger for the most impressive performance you will see in any country! Can't give enough compliments.
(5)
Trey L.
Went with family and friends, it was wonderful. Food was great, and the cooking performance had some stuff I hadn't ever seen, and I have been to a lot of Japanese steakhouses. Very good! Give it a try, you won't regret it.
(5)
Kim S.
Food is awesome! I tried the Hibachi and the sushi! Best Japanese steakhouse I've been to! Great customer service! Friendly and personable staff! The sushi is super fresh, you can definitely tell that it's high quality!
(5)
Lia R.
We tried Daruma for the first time today after driving by and seeing that they had taken over the old Ajsai building and were open for business. We decided to give it a shot, because we love Japanese steakhouses. We were very pleasantly surprised with our experience. The new owners were super friendly and the service was awesome. The chef was very entertaining and very talented. He had our 4-year old smiling away and trying to catch chicken... he was great! The food was excellent. We were there for lunch and it was a heck of a deal. My daughter and I shared the hibachi chicken (recommended over the teryaki chicken by the server and she was spot on!). My husband had the hibachi steak. Both were prepared very well. The chicken was really good quality and very moist and flavorful. They started us out with some fantastic miso soup and a bowl of salad with ginger dressing. Both were uniquely different but very good! Unlike other japanese places right now, Daruma gives you yum yum sauce with their lunch entrees. It was very good. It was all accompanied by vegetables, rice (we chose fried), and teryaki noodles of some kind (as opposed to the bean sprouts at other places). My husband did not like eating the noodles along with the rice.. too much "pasta" type food on one plate. I loved the noodles and my daughter did as well. The people were so hospitable. They seemed very genuine in their attempt to ensure that we were happy with our experience and took an interest in us that went beyond customer service. We had a great conversation with our server (the owner?) and she was beyond friendly to us, her staff and her chefs. Best service of any japanese steakhouse that we have had to date. Food was well done, excellent service, excellent chef (who was actually japanese!), and an excellent value for our lunch.
(5)
Samantha J.
Always a great place to come for lunch. It's not very busy so you always get seated right away. Staff is very friendly and attentive. The chefs know many good tricks and it is always entertaining. I would high recommend this steak house over classics like genji and house of japan.
(5)
Joanne S.
Great place to take the family. The food was delicious and the entertainment was just as good!! I highly recommend Daruma!
(5)
Tonecia S.
We went to this restaurant for my grandmother's birthday. Our waitress was very polite and answered all of our questions. We ordered the hibachi combination dinners. Our chef, Roger, was hilarious and was a master with his knives. The food was delicious. I absolutely loved the salad dressing and my filet was cooked perfectly. We had an awesome time. I will definitely be back to visit soon!
(5)
Annie K.
We are so happy the new owners reopened! The hostess, server and chef were all friendly and attentive and went above and beyond what was expected. Our kiddos loved how entertaining the chef was. I also liked that he took the extra step to cut up the kids' food into smaller pieces so we didn't have to do it. On to the food-Our meal was excellent. The filet and scallops were cooked just right, and the noodles are a nice addition that other hibachi places don't always offer. The soup has little tempura flakes that add a little something extra. We look forward to coming back!
(5)
Tori R.
This place was great. I went with my parents for lunch and we all loved it. Since moving to Columbus 3 years ago I've been in search for a great hibachi place with food similar to my favorite in my former town. The inside is very nice. The tables are spacious. They don't try to squeeze 10 people to a table so it was nice to not feel like you're in other peoples conversations or personal space. The menu also had a lot of choices. We all got hibachi lunches which were all great portion sizes for the price. I had the steak, which was amazing! My mom ordered the filet mignon and my stepdad had the chicken. Our steaks were cooked to the temperature we ordered them. Traditionally medium is under or over cooked but the chef was spot on. The fried rice was delicious and the "yum-yum sauce" was very good. Their noodles were fettuccine noodles which was different that I've had before but just as tasty. Everyone was pleasant and attentive. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Michael T.
Great food, great chef, friendly atmosphere.
(5)
Tina N.
Best Japanese Steakhouse in Columbus. You need to eat here!
(5)
Angie S.
This place is awesome - must go! It may even be my new favorite hibachi place. The service was perfect, the cooks were funny and very entertaining, and the food was high quality and cooked to perfection. I especially liked the vegetables and addition of noodles. We went during lunch but I want to check out dinner soon. It was also nice to leave and not smell like hibachi-they must have good ventilation.
(5)
Bren C.
Excellent service and scallops cooked perfectly! I love going to a restaurant when the staff genuinely cares that you are there and wants to be sure you enjoy your evening, are satisfied with the food and keeps the drink refills flowing. While there is a lot of the typical hibachi things going on here, there were several unique flares added in that made us pay a bit more attention having seen juggling spatulas numerous times over the years. Our chef was funny too which was really a nice change of pace! Their salad dressing was tops and the soup was above average in comparison to other hibachi restaurants. I especially loved that the veggies that come with the hibachi meal included broccoli and carrots with the zucchini, onion and mushrooms. Best of all, it did not come with the overload of onion that has come to be the norm elsewhere. The scallops were large and cooked perfectly! I'm very happy with the whole dining experience. As added info, I did see a chef at another table cooking orders for takeout, something I had never thought to do at this type of a restaurant, but I can see that as something I might do when I get the craving, but don't have the ability to sit and enjoy the show.
(5)
Chad C.
The service is Incredible!! And they have food to match. One of the best experiences ever in a restaurant!! Highly recommend!! The hibachi chicken and steak were perfect!
(5)
Jen r.
This is the best hibatchi grill I have been to. SO MUCH FOOD there is no way you are eating it all in one setting - noodles and rice and vegetables and soup and salad and your entree! I got the shrimp, which was cooked perfectly. Very entertaining, all the staff are so polite and helpful. Will definitely come back!
(5)
Cindi B.
Had dinner there last night, great good and the cooks are very entertaining! Manager walked around a couple times and asked how things were! I will be going back again and taking friends with me.
(5)
Dave S.
We really enjoyed our first visit to Daruma. The restaurant is located just east of the Shell gas station on Ridge Mill Drive. The first thing you will notice when you enter the restaurant is how clean and well decorated it is. The hostess was very friendly as was our server and every other staff member we encountered. Our hibachi chef was very entertaining and impressed us with his ability to take a whole egg, spin it on the grill, flip it high into the air, and then catch it on his spatula - all while the egg is still spinning! I was able to catch a piece of chicken in my mouth (on the second attempt). I ordered the sesame chicken (hibachi style) and it came with fried noodles, fried vegetables, 2 fried shrimp, miso soup, and a salad. I also added on the fried rice. Everything was delicious and it was fun watching the chef prepare it. We both had leftovers to take home. We also split 2 sushi rolls with another couple and they were very good! We will definitely be back to try more sushi and bring our friends for hibachi. I hope this restaurant is around for years to come - please try it!
(5)
Robert G.
Went for dinner on a Thursday evening. What a wonderful place. All the staff were very attentive and positive. Also they were very concerned that we had a positive dining experience. Since we arrived for dinner early in the evening we had a chance to have a very good conversation with who I assume was either the manager or maybe even the owner. She was very interested in knowing how they were doing and what they might improve or what they do better than all the other hibachi style restaurants that seem to be popping up everywhere. Let's start with the review of the experience. The Waiter was excellent. He would answer any questions very knowledgeably and had a great sense of humor also. Our glasses never got more than half empty and empty bowls and plates were removed promptly and without disturbing our dining experience. I really enjoyed the soup and salad. The salad dressing was a little different than the normal dressing you find at these restaurants. It is a sesame based flavor that was really very good. Soup was fairly similar to most but was done very well with a lot of flavor. My wife and I both went with the Chicken & Shrimp combination. Both the Chicken and the Shrimp were seasoned and cooked very well. I really enjoyed the noodles that came with the dinner also. We spent the extra $2.00 to upgrade to fried rice (Really who doesn't do this) and it was prepared very well. Overall this is going to be our new go to restaurant when we are looking for hibachi style dining. I also look forward to trying their Sushi.
(5)
Melissa H.
We have been here twice now and have been very impressed. The portions are generous, the food is delicious and the staff is very friendly. We will certainly be back!
(5)
Matt P.
First time to this restaurant and will certainly be back. Best and most entertaining chefs of any Japanese Steakhouses that I have been to. The entire staff is extremely attentive and helpful.
(5)
B K.
Good food, great chefs, nice atmosphere. Went with three kids, and they were highly entertained and thrilled with the food.
(5)
Antonio D.
Chefs give a great show ...food was awesome. whole family enjoyed it and laughed and left full.
(5)
Annie B.
Fantastic service. Extremely friendly. VERY clean. Delicious food and a great Happy Hour Menu. Loved the sushi and hibachi! Do yourself a favor and try the house sesame dressing, they make it every day! Can't wait to go back. It's also very nice inside.
(5)
Bida C.
I was in Columbus a week a go!! And got the chance to try this place out, and it was one of the best Japanese steak house I ever been to!!!#
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Buddy C.
Overall the food quality was good would not recommend the noodle or a portion size with a little small specially for the rice
(3)Scott M.
Stopped in for some sushi to go; first time visitor. Sought recommendations from the staff and selected the Daruma Roll. While waiting for my take-out order, they showed me to a table and proceeded to provide me Water to drink, salad and eventually soup. What a surprise - just from ordering take-out. Can't wait to bring in my family to enjoy the hospitality when I have more time. Oh! And the sushi was outstanding.
(4)Chelsey H.
This place has become my FAVORITE go-to for hibachi!! They also have really good sushi. They start you off with your basic soup and salad that somehow demolishes that of other hibachi places. So simple, yet so yummy! They have a ton of entree options. The service is fast and friendly... A great atmosphere for a dinner with Fam and friends, or a date night out. To top it all off, they have a full bar and saki options. This place is really a hidden treasure in my opinion!
(5)Remard C.
Was looking for a spot to celebrate my birthday that was kid-friendly. I haven't been to a hibachi style restaurant and Daruma had the best reviews on yelp. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. I was very impressed with the skill set of the chefs. They were both entertaining and made excellent food. The chefs definitely played to the children, which I appreciated. In terms of the food, I've never been to a hibachi restaurant that provided noodles on the hibachi. Very good, just like the rest of the food.
(4)Troy S.
I did not come here to experience the Hibachi as I detest Hibachi shows. I have no interest to sit around the table and watch so we sat near the bar. They have a very nice area for people like me. This area is near the bar but doesn't feel like the bar area. We came here during Happy Hour times and they have a few decent Happy Hour deals. They have a selection of about 15 rolls for Happy Hour that range from $1.50-3 cheaper than normal prices. They also have drinks discounted $1-2. I ordered some saki and we grabbed four rolls. They have caviar on some of their rolls which was different from most of my prior experiences at Sushi places. I didn't think caviar changed much of the taste of the rolls but it added alittle savory taste to the roll. I learned something else, I can't eat rolls with eel sauce. We ordered one roll with eel sauce and I barely could swallow it even with tons of wasabi on it. It didn't help that the seaweed wrap on it was really chewy. I actually spit it out. The other three rolls were good but not crazy good to make me wanting to come back here. In Hilliard this is a nice option as the sushi here is better than Kroger or the Supreme Buffet. In Hilliard, I would head to Wild Ginger before coming to Daruma especially for the Happy Hour deals.
(3)Marshall B.
We really enjoyed this restaurant. The food was great. The service was outstandingly courteous. Soup and salad was served with our lunch. They also accept the entertainment book coupon (25% off). I think we found a new favorite Japanese Steakhouse.
(5)Anna H.
We came here for dinner Sat night based on the great Yelp reviews. They reopen for dinner at 4:30 and we arrived shortly after. We chose hibachi seating and were seated on one end. There was a family of 4 at the other end of the grill. Our hostess was sweet, our server was nice and attentive. The chef was friendly and cool. He did a couple of tricks without going overboard. My husband had the steak and calamari combo, while I chose the King Salmon. The food is really good. It includes a salad, soup, and shrimp appetizer (which was grilled and served last for some reason). We each had a large bottled Japanese beer, which was a mistake because I couldn't finish it or my meal. The noodles were grilled first and they were fantastic. The fried rice and the vegetables were great, as well as the salmon. The yum yum sauce was a nice alternative to sakura sauce that I love at another place in town. Everything was cooked really well and we enjoyed it enough to return. For $20 you get a large, delicious meal. By the time we left, the hibachi seats were filling up so I'm glad we went early. It's a nice addition to Hilliard and I wish them success.
(4)Andrew J.
Had not ever heard of this place but live close and was browsing yelp and the reviews were so overwhelmingly positive I decided to go that evening. Completely deserving of 5 stars. Our chef was phenomenal we had the steak and chicken combo and chicken and shrimp combo. It came soup and salad prior to the meal which were both great and noodles and rice with the meal. We also had spicy tuna sushi rolls and those were great as well. The service was excellent and Chef was entertaining extremely talented and funny . A+ all around. Apologize for poor grammar in review I am sausage fingering this on my ipad
(5)Mark K.
I didn't make it here when it was Ajisai; their hours just didn't work with mine. Daruma is open a bit longer in the afternoon, so I was able to stop in. And I'm glad I did. The decor is nice- classy and calming, lots of wood and warmth. The service was impeccable- efficient, genuinely friendly, and fast. And the food? Supergood. I had a piece of unagi, one of the better ones I've had. Somehow it disappeared before I could take a picture, but it was one of the more attractively presented ones I've seen too. I wanted more sushi, but also wanted to try the hibachi and wasn't sure how big the lunch portion would be. Lots of interesting rolls. Almost at random, I picked the chicken/shrimp combo. It is, of course, your standard Japanese steakhouse fare. The salad was the low point of the meal- the usual generic, watery, iceberg with house dressing. Meh. The soup was quite good- a thicker broth, with more goodies floating in it, than most places. The entree arrived and was huge. Pretty typical chicken, tasty, tender. Shrimp done just right, not overcooked. Fried rice that wasn't the buttery greasy pile that you sometimes get. Sauteed vegetables that were better than most, and really made me want to eat my veggies. Plus lo mein-type noodles, in a tasty oil. Plenty of food, all of it delicious. I'll go back for more sushi, and probably hibachi too. Glad I finally made it in. Hope they do well.
(4)Jen C.
Definitely one of the best Japanese Steakhouses that I have ever eaten in. Excellent food, service and show! You definitely have to check it out!
(5)Gus W.
In my opinion, Daruma easily deserves their 5 star rating. It took me awhile, but I was finally able to visit last weekend for lunch, and everything was excellent. While the sushi isn't leaps and bounds above other great sushi places in Columbus, the service was outstanding. The hostess was very sweet, and we requested being sat at the sushi bar, which was empty. The chef seemed to be glad someone had finally come in for sushi, because it looked like everyone else there was getting hibachi. We ordered some sushi rolls, along with gyoza and soft shell crab. Apparently the sushi came with salad and soup as well, because they brought those out to us right away. The manager was awesome and chatted with us a bit, and let us know we wouldn't be leaving there hungry. The sushi roll I had was great, but the soft shell crab was killer. It was a pretty big crab, and the meat tasted so fresh. The sushi chef was a great guy to talk to as well and at the end of our meal surprised us with a plate of seared tuna, on the house. The tuna was served in a light sauce and was fantastic. That's all she wrote. The girlfriend and I agreed we'd be back often, because everything was outstanding. From the outside the place doesn't look like much, but don't let that deter you. If you want a great meal with great atmosphere, you have to check it out. I was told it gets really busy at night on the weekends and making a reservation is your best bet. There's a reason why this place has 5 stars on here, so get over to Hilliard.
(5)Alexia G.
We had the hibachi lunch: sesame chicken w/ teriyaki sauce and I-275 rolls. The hibachi lunch came with a side of salad and soup which was very delicious. Not a big fan of sushi but I could eat those rolls forever. The hibachi lunch was as delicious and a pretty big portion. Just everything about here was good: the environment, food, portions, price! Would recommend
(5)Ying X.
The food here is pretty solid (really good hibachi for Columbus, although more of a 3.5 star if you really think about it), but I'm rounding up my rating because I was thoroughly impressed with their service. Our waitress was a bit slow and ditzy, but our interactions with the manager (unrelated to our server or the food quality) left a great impression on me. Backstory - we'd originally made a reservation to come in on a Tuesday night for dinner, but when we arrived, we found a sign that said the restaurant was closed due to a busted pipe. We were pretty miffed that we hadn't received any notification, but I'd bought a Groupon for this place and was intent on actually using it, so we made another reservation for Thursday night. For the price you pay, you do get a good amount of food (I ended up splitting the Filet Mignon, Scallop, and Shrimp special with my friend), and let me say that they really do know how to put on a show while cooking everything! That entertainment alone made me pretty happy that I decided to still give this place a chance, but I was completely sold when the manager came over and asked me if I'd originally made a reservation on Tuesday. When I confirmed that we had, she profusely apologized for the unexpected cancellation and closing of the restaurant, and promptly offered us free drinks/dessert on the house. That moment really stood out to me because not only did she offer, unsolicited, to compensate for an unfortunate incident that was out of her control, but she even took the time to actually look back at whose dinner plans were disturbed and seek us out to try to make it up to us. Speaking of dessert - shameless plug for their tempura cheesecake! Normally, I automatically zero in on the tempura ice cream, but I'd never heard of someone applying the same idea to cheesecake (and I do love cheesecake...) so I figured "hey, it's free - might as well!" BEST IDEA OF THE NIGHT. I'm not even sure how it turned out so good, but the cheesecake just melts in your mouth and the tempura perfectly compliments that nice, soft, creamy texture. Furthermore, you get the added benefit of not having it melting on you after 3 minutes, which tends to happen with the ice cream. Highly recommend, it's a fun experience whether you go with a date, family, or friends, and their service is amazing. Be sure to make a reservation, because you'll probably not get seating otherwise, and you will have to wait a bit after you get there even with the reservation, but they have tables and a bar waiting area where you can sit, relax, and have a drink to prepare yourself for an exciting performance.
(4)Zeeshan S.
The best hibachi I've had in columbus! Drinks dinner and entertainment were all on point. Fast and friendly service, great soup and salad appetizer. I had the Filet, lobster and shrimp dinner meal and it was worth the price! Our chef kept us laughing and the owner was lovely and checked on our party a couple times. If you're looking for a fun dinner with a show, come to this hibachi!
(5)Bryant M.
So let's get one thing straight: this is hibachi, and every stereotype holds true here. And call me white trash, but I love hibachi places. Not every day--but a couple times of year is perfect. Daruma is the highest rated Japanese steakhouse in Columbus, and I can't disagree with that. For the most part, I've been pretty disappointed with these places so far in Cbus, but not anymore! The front of house--in particular, the hostesses and reservations--is a bit of a hot mess. I may be wrong, but I think they're the owner's kids. They're very sweet, and no disrespect to these young ladies--but this was definitely the standout for an otherwise great experience. I've read about similar snafus here, so I don't think it was just me. Do yourself a favor, and if you don't care about the chef's show, then ask to sit on the other side of the restaurant. I definitely felt like we got more personalized attention, and we might have even gotten our meals quicker than normal. Our server was incredibly cute, and although he seemed a bit new, he did a fantastic job. He was kind, attentive, and quickly got anything we needed. We ordered hibachi and a couple of sushi rolls. The rolls were bright and fresh, and the hibachi was a home run too. The filet was especially delicious--cooked perfectly and smooth as butter. The yum yum was the best I've had in the city. We both ordered cocktails to drink, and they were made well and were strong... a Manhattan for the Mister, and a G&T for me. Prices were on point with similar spots, so nothing noteworthy there. If you're like me and haven't quite found a Japanese steakhouse that you love, then give Daruma a try. I think you love it too.
(4)Tim G.
I took my wife here for her birthday with our 3 grown married children and 2 grandchildren ages 3 & 4. The chef was excellent in recognizing that the little ones might be frightened by the flaming grille and did a great job of explaining it and warning them. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was delightful. For the great food we got, I also thought the price was very reasonable. We can't wait to go again!
(5)Trevor F.
Daruma and the staff provide an excellent experience from the service to the quality of food. The manager is a true professional and the chefs are expertly trained - Roger is an impressive talent. While the hibachi is a fun experience, the sushi is generous and high quality and will not disappoint. My wife and I will be repeat customers.
(5)Holly S.
Best Japanese steak house in town! I made reservations for our anniversary a few weeks ago, and was delighted that Daruma lived up to the great ratings. The service was warm and welcoming, pricing is very reasonable for the amount and quality of food, and the entertainment was spirited and talented. Everyone seemed to love working there, and it showed! I will definitely be back and will recommend it to all my friends! Also, the noodles are an awesome bonus appetizer that were delicious!
(5)Chloe P.
Chef was very friendly and open. The food was good , I got chicken and filet mignon ; the filet was very good and the chicken was a little over cooked , but still good.
(4)Keith M.
In my homwtown of Jacksonville, there is a great Japanese steak house named Daruma. It is the place by which I set the standard for all other Japanese steak houses. Sadly, in Columbus, all have fallen very, very short of my expectations. Until Daruma in Hillard. My party of two came here on Christmas Eve, after we were ditched by friends for dinner. When we arrived, we found the place filled with people waiting for a seat at the hibatchi tables. They were crowded around the walls while the dining room (the space sans hibatchi grills) sat completely empty. We immediately asked if we could sit at one of these tables - not because we thought we'd get our food any faster but because we didn't relish the idea of being forced to make new friends around the table as we watched a chef fling his cutlery for our entertainment. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy that too... but sometimes, I just want to eat and chat - not watch walls of flames as I eat. I love that Daruma has this open. Our server, Jimmy, was a delight and very friendly. We found the drink menu overloaded with sweet cocktails, so we ordered two off-menu items, a gin & tonic and a manhattan. Both were well put together and delish. We ordered 2 sushi rolls, a tempura shrimp roll & creamy california roll. The creamy california didn't have a description, so we didn't know what to expect. When they arrived, we did find that it had masago (caviar) on top - something neither of us were pleased about. I'll not that for the future. I ordered steak and shrimp from the hibatchi. The salad that comes with it was good, but I prefer ginger dressing. The steak was cooked to perfection... tasty and tender. The shrimp likewise was perfect. The veggies were good, not enough "meaty" veggies for my taste (more zucchini and mushrooms). The sauces are often a feature of a Japanese restaurant and they can ruin a good meal with a sauce that is just not good. This has been my struggle in Ohio. Well, at Daruma I found a hit. While the ginger sauce was pretty good (would have been better on my salad) the yum yum sauce was the best I've had. All in all, Daruma was a great place to spend Christmas Eve! If you want the "show", go and sit and enjoy. If you don't... hit the tables and have a nice intimate dinner where you can still enjoy great food. I'll be back!
(4)Todd G.
I love going to japanese steakhouses and this one is the best of them all in Columbus. Service was outstanding for how busy it was on a Saturday night. The entire Hibachi Room was full. We had to wait about 10 minutes for an open table. The soup was great, loaded with toppings, the salad dressing was different from all the other places, but it was good. Our chef did a few of the tricks, but the food was outstanding- Both my scallops and shrimp were on point. The Fried Rice was good, but the noodles were the kicker. Only hibachi in Columbus that gives them to you along with the rice. It was a tad expensive since it was for dinner, but i had an entire plate for lunch the next day and with the Groupon we bought, it kept the cost down a little bit. I was very impressed with this place and can see why it is the highest rated Japanese Steakhouse in the 614
(5)Tiffany C.
I will start this off by saying that Daruma is WAY better than the former Ajisai ever was in the location. Daruma took over this building a while back, and there have been some great improvements made. Small things like the decor now make this place feel more authentic, and less hoakey. We ordered the sushi rolls, and kept it really basic. The rolls were alright. I'd like to give them another try and taste some of the specialty rolls, but overall, it's not my favorite place in C-bus for sushi. However, the hibachi here is really great. They don't use your standard run of the mill teriyaki sauce... they cook everything really simple, let the griddle do all the work, then entice you with some Yum Yum Sauce, and another steak oriented sauce. Overall.. everyone was happy with the hibachi here. Our Chef was really great, and Surprisingly surpassed chefs seen at other grills in the area. They know their stuff, and their tricks will keep you ohh-ing and ahh-ing and mostly laughing. Over-all it was a great time. I'd definitely come back. TIP***Get here early if you're going for dinner. Within ten minutes most of the hibachi grills started filling up with families. **ANOTHER TIP** Like many hibachi grills.. Daruma has lunch hours and separate dinner hours with a closed break in between.
(4)Vin R.
Definitely a fan. Honestly, if you've been to one Japanese hibachi steakhouse you've been to most of them. But there are little things that can make or break the experience. The evening started on a sour note--I made our reservation through the Yelp website and received both email and IM confirmations and reminders. However, when we showed up at the restaurant they did not have our reservation. One of the hostesses commented that ours was not the first Yelp reservation that was lost in the ether of the internet. Perhaps some fine tuning of the Yelp Reservations system is in order. As it happened, the restaurant was not that busy at the time we arrived so we were seated with minimal wait. Although my wife and I were left waiting for a couple of minutes at the hostess station smiling awkwardly at one of the hostesses. After staring at each other for a good 90 seconds, I asked, "What is happening now?" And the hostess replied, "We're seating you." Not really rude, but just a strange interaction. From that point on, our experience was top notch. Our waitress and servers were all attentive and courteous. Our drinks were very good. My wife had some sort of raspberry, vodka thing. I had a chocolate martini for no apparent reason. Perhaps I thought it was the year 2000 and I was trying to relive my midtwenties. Mildly embarrassing in retrospect, but seven years and two kids into my life as a middle aged married guy I really have nobody to try to impress. Plus, if you can't have a ridiculous cocktail in front of your wife and 6 other strangers, where can you have one? Our chef, definitely the most important part of the Japanese steakhouse experience, clearly had skills. Our orders were prepared perfectly (filet and scallops for me and filet and chicken for my wife), though it is always alarming to see how much butter is involved in making your dinner. And, of course, the Yum Yum Sauce continues its roll as the crack of the Japanese steakhouse dinner. I'll be darned if I didn't eat an entire serving of that stuff with my dinner. Yum Yum Sauce all of the things! So despite an initial off note (that can easily be fixed), I think we'll be coming back again. We'll just call ahead (like in the days of my midtwenties) to make our reservation.
(4)Bianca M.
Yummy! The food is great so are the chefs! Saw one throw a piece of chicken across the room into a kids mouth at another table. It is by far the best Japanese steakhouse we've been to in the Columbus area. It's a large restaurant but has a pretty common feel for a japanese steakhouse. I got the tofu, which came out before the other food, but was sill delicious. If you are a fan of soft shell crab i definitely recommend it as well. You also get noodles with your entree, it's usually extra at other places. DO NOT make your reservation online (opentable), they don't check it! We had to wait a lot longer than expected due to this, but luckily the food made up for the poor management of their reservations.
(4)Elizabeth C.
Good food. Good experience. They offer hibachi calimari which is unusual and very well prepared. Shrimp was heavy on the lemon, just the way I like it without having to ask for it that way.
(4)Kevin K.
Nice change of pace, began with sushi and sashimi. The rolls were nice and well priced, Ebi was okay, not a fan of their version of the eel, a little too sweet for me, but price was right on. We had chicken, steak and shrimp all were grilled nicely, chef was friendly and entertaining. Soup, salad and service was great. Drinks were refilled, dishes cleared, and he checked after every course to make sure we were happy. About $60 with sushi, drinks, dinner and good tips for chef and service. May do this monthly.
(5)David A.
Daruma is excellent. We've been frequent visitors to House of Japan nearby for the past 10+ years, and thanks to groupon we ventured outside of our comfort zone and tried Daruma. We won't be back to House of Japan. The following things are far superior but would stand alone on their own merit: Food quality Price Entertainment by the chefs Portion size Ambiance Service They do something really unique that I hadn't seen before at a Japanese SteakHouse- They serve grilled noodles. They were amazing- especially with the YumYum sauce. It doesn't surprise me that this place has a full 5 star rating. It is certainly deserved.
(5)Sarah N.
My husband and I go here often, because the food is fantastic. When eating hibachi you get, two shrimp, vegetables, rice (fried rice has an upcharge), soup, and salad with your meal. The salad has that amazing ginger dressing that Japanese restaurants do so well. The soup isn't the best I've had at a hibachi restaurant, but it gets the job done. They always give you a sushi menu and we start off with the Hawaii roll, which is fantastic. My favorite part is probably the vegetables. Carrots, zucchini, onions, and broccoli, they are so yummy dipped in the sauces! The manager always comes around and checks on you which is greatly appreciated. The staff is friendly and the chefs are good. We always come home with so much leftovers that sometimes it is enough for two extra meals. I gave four stars, because the last time we were there, I had a hair in my food and some weird piece of paper/cardboard in it as well. We've been there enough times with really great food for me to give them a pass for that one time it wasn't the best.
(4)Candace M.
We wanted to do something fun for dinner on a Thursday night and hibachi came to mind. I'd only been to a hibachi restaurant once before and I got sushi instead of really participating, so I was really pumped to try Daruma! We walked in and saw the hostess being completely overwhelmed by 5 kids of various ages who were begging to feed the fish while their mother stood by. She handled it with grace and poise (pretty sure I did not...) After dealing with them and apologizing profusely, she took us to our table. Our waiter was friendly, funny, and personable. The menu, for now, is relatively small. I ordered the steak and shrimp and my boyfriend got the filet and lobster tail. When our food came out, our chef was so funny! You might be startled a few times as part of the routine, but it's all in good fun. My boyfriend informed me that several of the things he did are "typical hibachi," but of course I had no idea what to expect. Generally a good time. Our food was really good! I liked the soup a lot. The noodles were good and the steamed rice was okay, though I wish I had opted for the fried rice. I can't speak to the salad because I can't eat iceberg lettuce, but my boyfriend said the dressing was good. The shrimp and steak were really good. My boyfriend got shrimp instead of lobster but, as it was reflected as shrimp on our bill, it wasn't a huge deal. Still, I think he had been looking forward to the lobster tail, so he was a little disappointed. We admittedly could have said something, but there didn't really seem to be a good time, as the chef took out the food and immediately started cooking it. Everyone we dealt with was so nice. The hostess who had seated us took the time to visit with us several times and talk to us about how it was, make some suggestions on the sauces, talk to us about how we found out about the restaurant (they seem to be big fans of yelp!) I know some other reviewers have spoken about sushi (which I would have gotten if it were an option) but when we came, it wasn't available. The hostess told us that they would have sushi later on. Our meal was pricey but I feel like we got quite a bit of food, plus it felt like we were paying for entertainment as well! Overall, it was a fun weekday dinner, and we would come back. Daruma only recently opened, so I'm excited to see more of what they can do!
(4)Teresa H.
We came here based on other reviews. Sometimes that works out...and sometimes it doesn't. Happily, this was a time where it worked out! The food was terrific, the chef was entertaining without being obnoxious, and the drinks were delicious. We will definitely be back!
(5)Jasmine M.
Took the toddler here again and they let him feed the fish and called him by name the service here is really outstanding.
(5)Tonya W.
Great food, excellent pricing for the amount and quality of food you get. Exceptional customer service
(4)Cynthia V.
We enjoyed watching the preparation of our delicious food. We were able to share a plate, making this wonderful restaurant very affordable!
(5)Susan P.
What a nice surprise! We sat at the sushi bar and had a blast. The sushi chef was very friendly and personable. The Godzilla roll was fabulous! Mince gaiety of specialty rolls plus the usual nigiri offering. The sushi chef surprised us with a complementary testing of the white tuna. It melted in our mouths! The hibachi tables seemed busy from where we were sitting. We'll be back for more sushi! Yum!
(5)Sailesh P.
Exemplary food and outstanding service from their fine chefs that entertain and cook delicious food for you. We had their combos with lobster, beef,shrimp and then another combo a second time. Their chefs cook the foods much better than any steakhouse I've been to. My friend and I are fans. Grab their Groupon before it goes out. The drinks are also great. Their ambiance is very pleasing, decor is great in keeping with the steakhouse look.
(5)Jill H.
Sushi was good, hibachi was good, service was great. If you order hot green tea, ask for two bags in the pot...mine was basically a slightly tinged water. The restaurant is beautiful and the people are very friendly. I would definitely return. I updated my review to give them 5 stars for their prompt response to my earlier review (see paragraph above) and that they did exactly what they said they would. After returning again, my experience was even bette than the one before. Such a great place with great people. :)
(5)L C.
Delicious food + super friendly staff and attentive service. Just adding another 5 star review for this wonderful dining experience. Every bite of it was great and we can't wait to come back!
(5)Erica M.
Went for sushi on a groupon. Fantastic staff and atmosphere. Clean inviting and the sushi was phenomenal. With the Groupon we spent 60$ and paid 30$ so that sweetened the deal even more. My fiancé stated that he felt like we were a king and queen there because the staff were so attentive and the pleasant as surprise of soup and salad with our sushi meal was awesome! Can not wait to return and try hibachi and bring friends and out of town guests.
(5)Mark C.
I'm from out of town and was looking for good sushi. Yelp reviews were right on about this place. I got 2 rolls and salmon sashimi. The rolls were fresh and full of flavor. The salmon was sweet and melted in my mouth. This will be a regular stop any time I'm in Columbus. Only regret was that I couldn't eat more.
(5)Gary C.
Great food! Great chefs! Can choose to sit at private booth or around the Hibatchi table.
(5)Curt P.
We had a great time and were it not for a slight hiccup with my meal this would absolutely be five stars. Addressing the slight snafu early on, I ordered filet and and lobster and got the filet and got the filet and shrimp (probably because my girlfriend also got steak and shrimp) but the shrimp was delicious and I was charged accordingly so it really wasn't a big deal. The service was really good, it wasn't very crowded, but there have been plenty of times where we have received poor service in a empty restaurant so kudos for being on point even on an off night. The food was so good and this was only enhanced by the pageantry. Even the fried rice was noteworthy. My filet was cooked perfectly rare and the seasonings they used make for a unique taste that makes my mouth water even now. The meal also comes with salad and clear broth soup so it's a good value for your money. I get that hibachi is kind of gimmicky and this probably won't ever be your four times a month restaurant but it is definitely a fun experience coupled with good food. We'll definitely be back and probably sooner rather than later.
(4)A M.
Best Sushi in Town Awesome food and service We tried many sushi places this one beats them all
(5)Joe M.
Hidden gem! It's not the ambiance that will hook you... it's the food and service! This is your typical hibachi style steakhouse where the chief entertains while he cooks your meal in front of you. This is in the old Longhorn Steakhouse in Mill Run (just east of I270 and Cemetery Rd.) and the building feels a bit aged. We had no wait on a Friday night at 6pm (other than waiting for all of our party to arrive to be seated). The cocktails were well made and the table service (soup & salad) quick and efficient. The chief was very entertaining but down to business. He interacted well with all eight people seated there (four of us adults and another family of four). He was especially good with the kids. The food was as good if not better than any other hibachi style restaurant where I've dined, and that includes several in Japan. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and our ticket (with drinks) was about $35ea before tip.
(5)Molly S.
Don't bother making reservations, they don't honor them. My family and I made reservations for my father's birthday. We had to wait over a half hour with no communication from the hostess of why. I can understand if they do not have a table for us as soon as we come in, but at least offer us some beverages or an appetizer at the sushi bar instead of having us wait wondering what is going on. We ended up leaving after 35 minutes and going elsewhere.
(1)Nick D.
Very impressed with Daruma. The entire staff is on point attentive and very nice. Ladda - I have to point out is absolutely amazing and an asset to the company. The food was very high quality and the chefs were extremely interactive. I certainly will return time and time again.
(5)Kelly N.
New place in Mill Run. I hope they can make a success out if this previously failed hibachi. First off the service was attentive but not intrusive. Very friendly. The chefs were a joy to watch. Very talented and better than other hibachi chefs in town. The food was yummy and served in large portions. The miso soup was good with little pieces of tempura (tasted a bit like unsweetened funnel cake). The salad was yummy with a nice ginger dressing. I had the steak which was cooked to order and hubs had sushi which he enjoyed very much. I would come back! Fun place!
(5)Izzy L.
The environment is just amazing, and all the chefs will perform their beat to cook for you. It is a memorable experience which I will never forget. 5 out of 5, this is a restaurant you cannot miss in Columbus.
(5)Mariangee M.
Wow! I love coming here. The sushi is delicious, fresh and just the right variety. Their Japanese style diners are also good and not too greasy like other places. Plus the service is fantastic. This is a family owned business with the owner being super pleasant. Today I had a wonderful experience here. I walked in to pick up solely a clear soup for my sick child. It's cold out and the owner makes a conversational statement about warm soup on this could night, I respond and say it's for my son who is sick and won't eat anything else she then gives me the soup for free and they wish my son feel better. Service that is personable and delights. Thank you Daruma.
(5)Heather S.
Very impressed with how well owner takes care of customers. Looking forward to giving another chance.
(4)Amanda U.
Very nice chefs and waitress. Everyone is very polite and helpful! Food was delish :)
(5)Donna D.
My boyfriend and I ventured here for our first time this past Friday and sat at the bar. We had some beers, sake, edamame and 3 different sushi rolls and everything was FANTASTIC! The bartender was fantastic and super nice and personable (La is her name). We also met the owner who is also a very sweet lady! We will definitely go back for more sushi and the hibachi experience as well! Can't wait!
(5)Bob H.
I decided to take my family to this restaurant based on the reviews in Yelp. I was very impressed with the whole experience. The staff was friendly and our Chef was excellent. We were thoroughly entertained throughout the meal. The food was fresh and good. Between the five of us, we ordered Chicken, Filet Mignon, shrimp, and Calamari. For the experience it is a 5 star. My only complaint, they put a lot of sodium/soy sauce in the dinner. But what would you expect from a Japanese Steakhouse? The family can't wait to visit again, so I am sure we will be back soon.
(5)Cami B.
Atmosphere was pleasant, staff friendly and efficient and food was delicious. Would definitely recommend this restaurant!
(5)Marco M.
The food and service are outstanding!! The sushi rolls are very tasty and the raw fish very fresh. I highly recommend the hibachi meals and the presentation by the staff.. Great work
(5)Damon H.
Awesome place in hilliard. Owners are grateful for your business. Food is Excellent. Best Japanese Steak House in central Ohio.
(5)Christina M.
They are the most friendly and attentive hibachi restaurant I've ever been to. My friend and I bring our toddlers in all the time and they are so accommodating. Their shrimp is so good and the yum yum sauce is unbelievable!
(5)Melissa M.
Today was our first time in and the first impression was great. I will say that taste of food wise, of all of the Japanese steakhouses in the area, for me, Benihana ranks #1. We've had the genji, house of Japan, etc. and none of them have been as good for us in terms of experience and taste. Daruma, though, is head and shoulders above the rest of the others in Columbus, but Benihana still tastes a little bit better. As far as service, there is no comparison. Daruma wins hands down. The servers were fantastic, the hostess, the chef, every employee we encountered was happy and pleasant. You just don't get service like that anymore! One other big thing for me was the bathroom. It was clean and orderly. I am being a little petty, I'll admit, but I think when you're shelling out $60 for two for dinner, you should have ceramic plates as opposed to plastic plates but it isn't the end of the world. I gave this 4 stars because I thought it was a little bit expensive and because taste just wasn't as good as my fave, Benihana.
(4)T B.
This place is great , incredible food , best service I've gotten during my 4 days in town... Sushi was spot on a crafted with care... Chef was very skilled and funny ... This is a must spot to eat !!!! I'll definitely stop again and encourage everyone who lives in area to support such a great place , I travel all over the world and this place is legit!!!
(5)Elaine F.
I hardly ever write a review but I thought this place was warranted. Not extremely busy for a Friday night which concerned me but it must Be getting the word out. I thought the food was awesome. Extremely good presentation and food was fresh and hot. I highly recommend. I will be back. People in Hilliard need to support.
(5)Adria R.
We absolutely loved our experience here. We sat on the hibachi side and ordered the steak and chicken combination. You get so much food for your money. I've been to similar places before and this is the first place that gives you noodles as well as rice. I didn't love the dressing on the salad but, my boyfriend did. We also ordered some sushi which was reasonably priced and tasted great. I highly encourage this place.
(5)Aaron W.
Soooo good! I went after my Yell friend Silvana recommended the place. Andd let me tell you, she did not dissapoint!!! The food was cooked perfect, the chicken was awesome, and the taste was exquisite. This place should get an award for best restaurant in North America!!! Thank you Silvana!
(5)Allison B.
We've been in twice now and both were exceptional experiences! We ate at a Hibachi table both times and the quality is some of the best in Columbus. I love the peanut sauce in the dressing for the salad, and the sushi we've had has been fantastic and well-priced. The hibachi noodles they serve with dinner are my favorite and they best I've had anywhere. We loved the steak and shrimp but our friends had the filet and were impressed with the quality and preparation. The entire staff is energetic and kind, from the hostess to the servers and chefs. We will back many more times, as this is close to our house!
(5)Wendy P.
Gluten free friendly - they were excellent to my friends. Roger is one of the best chefs we've ever seen. They are great to young children. Excellent service and excellent food. Highly recommended.
(5)S R.
The chicken was undercooked (and cut in big chunks) even though I specified well done...twice. The rice was dry and burnt - bitter and smoked taste. I really wanted to like this place but I prefer House of Japan/ Japanese Steak House. The place is modern and staff is very friendly so 2 stars for that and one for the effort....
(3)Morgan H.
Great time last night with my team from work! Really loved the attention we got from our waitress and the chef was on point! So much energy and amazing food! I highly recommend the hibachi side and the chefs can cook a perfect steak - steakhouse - yes, I think so! Totally recommend for a group lunch or dinner!
(5)Bill W.
Awesome!!! This is our new go to hibachi restaurant. We enjoyed a different restaurant in Dublin in the past but both my wife and kids HATED the radish ginger (or whatever it is) salad dressing. The food is much better at Daruma. The salad dressing they use is a sesame base and is excellent (they also have a ginger based option that is still really good). Their soup is more than just scallions, mushrooms, and chicken broth. Their soup offers more substance than others. The veggies they serve with the meal include broccoli as well... first time I have seen that at a hibachi restaurant Their chefs are the most talented and entertaining among all I have seen and complete the whole experience. Simply put, they offer the best food and overall experience of any hibachi-style restaurant I have tried.
(5)Stephen V.
By far the best Japanese steakhouse I have been to in my life. Ask for Roger for the most impressive performance you will see in any country! Can't give enough compliments.
(5)Trey L.
Went with family and friends, it was wonderful. Food was great, and the cooking performance had some stuff I hadn't ever seen, and I have been to a lot of Japanese steakhouses. Very good! Give it a try, you won't regret it.
(5)Kim S.
Food is awesome! I tried the Hibachi and the sushi! Best Japanese steakhouse I've been to! Great customer service! Friendly and personable staff! The sushi is super fresh, you can definitely tell that it's high quality!
(5)Lia R.
We tried Daruma for the first time today after driving by and seeing that they had taken over the old Ajsai building and were open for business. We decided to give it a shot, because we love Japanese steakhouses. We were very pleasantly surprised with our experience. The new owners were super friendly and the service was awesome. The chef was very entertaining and very talented. He had our 4-year old smiling away and trying to catch chicken... he was great! The food was excellent. We were there for lunch and it was a heck of a deal. My daughter and I shared the hibachi chicken (recommended over the teryaki chicken by the server and she was spot on!). My husband had the hibachi steak. Both were prepared very well. The chicken was really good quality and very moist and flavorful. They started us out with some fantastic miso soup and a bowl of salad with ginger dressing. Both were uniquely different but very good! Unlike other japanese places right now, Daruma gives you yum yum sauce with their lunch entrees. It was very good. It was all accompanied by vegetables, rice (we chose fried), and teryaki noodles of some kind (as opposed to the bean sprouts at other places). My husband did not like eating the noodles along with the rice.. too much "pasta" type food on one plate. I loved the noodles and my daughter did as well. The people were so hospitable. They seemed very genuine in their attempt to ensure that we were happy with our experience and took an interest in us that went beyond customer service. We had a great conversation with our server (the owner?) and she was beyond friendly to us, her staff and her chefs. Best service of any japanese steakhouse that we have had to date. Food was well done, excellent service, excellent chef (who was actually japanese!), and an excellent value for our lunch.
(5)Samantha J.
Always a great place to come for lunch. It's not very busy so you always get seated right away. Staff is very friendly and attentive. The chefs know many good tricks and it is always entertaining. I would high recommend this steak house over classics like genji and house of japan.
(5)Joanne S.
Great place to take the family. The food was delicious and the entertainment was just as good!! I highly recommend Daruma!
(5)Tonecia S.
We went to this restaurant for my grandmother's birthday. Our waitress was very polite and answered all of our questions. We ordered the hibachi combination dinners. Our chef, Roger, was hilarious and was a master with his knives. The food was delicious. I absolutely loved the salad dressing and my filet was cooked perfectly. We had an awesome time. I will definitely be back to visit soon!
(5)Annie K.
We are so happy the new owners reopened! The hostess, server and chef were all friendly and attentive and went above and beyond what was expected. Our kiddos loved how entertaining the chef was. I also liked that he took the extra step to cut up the kids' food into smaller pieces so we didn't have to do it. On to the food-Our meal was excellent. The filet and scallops were cooked just right, and the noodles are a nice addition that other hibachi places don't always offer. The soup has little tempura flakes that add a little something extra. We look forward to coming back!
(5)Tori R.
This place was great. I went with my parents for lunch and we all loved it. Since moving to Columbus 3 years ago I've been in search for a great hibachi place with food similar to my favorite in my former town. The inside is very nice. The tables are spacious. They don't try to squeeze 10 people to a table so it was nice to not feel like you're in other peoples conversations or personal space. The menu also had a lot of choices. We all got hibachi lunches which were all great portion sizes for the price. I had the steak, which was amazing! My mom ordered the filet mignon and my stepdad had the chicken. Our steaks were cooked to the temperature we ordered them. Traditionally medium is under or over cooked but the chef was spot on. The fried rice was delicious and the "yum-yum sauce" was very good. Their noodles were fettuccine noodles which was different that I've had before but just as tasty. Everyone was pleasant and attentive. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Michael T.
Great food, great chef, friendly atmosphere.
(5)Tina N.
Best Japanese Steakhouse in Columbus. You need to eat here!
(5)Angie S.
This place is awesome - must go! It may even be my new favorite hibachi place. The service was perfect, the cooks were funny and very entertaining, and the food was high quality and cooked to perfection. I especially liked the vegetables and addition of noodles. We went during lunch but I want to check out dinner soon. It was also nice to leave and not smell like hibachi-they must have good ventilation.
(5)Bren C.
Excellent service and scallops cooked perfectly! I love going to a restaurant when the staff genuinely cares that you are there and wants to be sure you enjoy your evening, are satisfied with the food and keeps the drink refills flowing. While there is a lot of the typical hibachi things going on here, there were several unique flares added in that made us pay a bit more attention having seen juggling spatulas numerous times over the years. Our chef was funny too which was really a nice change of pace! Their salad dressing was tops and the soup was above average in comparison to other hibachi restaurants. I especially loved that the veggies that come with the hibachi meal included broccoli and carrots with the zucchini, onion and mushrooms. Best of all, it did not come with the overload of onion that has come to be the norm elsewhere. The scallops were large and cooked perfectly! I'm very happy with the whole dining experience. As added info, I did see a chef at another table cooking orders for takeout, something I had never thought to do at this type of a restaurant, but I can see that as something I might do when I get the craving, but don't have the ability to sit and enjoy the show.
(5)Chad C.
The service is Incredible!! And they have food to match. One of the best experiences ever in a restaurant!! Highly recommend!! The hibachi chicken and steak were perfect!
(5)Jen r.
This is the best hibatchi grill I have been to. SO MUCH FOOD there is no way you are eating it all in one setting - noodles and rice and vegetables and soup and salad and your entree! I got the shrimp, which was cooked perfectly. Very entertaining, all the staff are so polite and helpful. Will definitely come back!
(5)Cindi B.
Had dinner there last night, great good and the cooks are very entertaining! Manager walked around a couple times and asked how things were! I will be going back again and taking friends with me.
(5)Dave S.
We really enjoyed our first visit to Daruma. The restaurant is located just east of the Shell gas station on Ridge Mill Drive. The first thing you will notice when you enter the restaurant is how clean and well decorated it is. The hostess was very friendly as was our server and every other staff member we encountered. Our hibachi chef was very entertaining and impressed us with his ability to take a whole egg, spin it on the grill, flip it high into the air, and then catch it on his spatula - all while the egg is still spinning! I was able to catch a piece of chicken in my mouth (on the second attempt). I ordered the sesame chicken (hibachi style) and it came with fried noodles, fried vegetables, 2 fried shrimp, miso soup, and a salad. I also added on the fried rice. Everything was delicious and it was fun watching the chef prepare it. We both had leftovers to take home. We also split 2 sushi rolls with another couple and they were very good! We will definitely be back to try more sushi and bring our friends for hibachi. I hope this restaurant is around for years to come - please try it!
(5)Robert G.
Went for dinner on a Thursday evening. What a wonderful place. All the staff were very attentive and positive. Also they were very concerned that we had a positive dining experience. Since we arrived for dinner early in the evening we had a chance to have a very good conversation with who I assume was either the manager or maybe even the owner. She was very interested in knowing how they were doing and what they might improve or what they do better than all the other hibachi style restaurants that seem to be popping up everywhere. Let's start with the review of the experience. The Waiter was excellent. He would answer any questions very knowledgeably and had a great sense of humor also. Our glasses never got more than half empty and empty bowls and plates were removed promptly and without disturbing our dining experience. I really enjoyed the soup and salad. The salad dressing was a little different than the normal dressing you find at these restaurants. It is a sesame based flavor that was really very good. Soup was fairly similar to most but was done very well with a lot of flavor. My wife and I both went with the Chicken & Shrimp combination. Both the Chicken and the Shrimp were seasoned and cooked very well. I really enjoyed the noodles that came with the dinner also. We spent the extra $2.00 to upgrade to fried rice (Really who doesn't do this) and it was prepared very well. Overall this is going to be our new go to restaurant when we are looking for hibachi style dining. I also look forward to trying their Sushi.
(5)Melissa H.
We have been here twice now and have been very impressed. The portions are generous, the food is delicious and the staff is very friendly. We will certainly be back!
(5)Matt P.
First time to this restaurant and will certainly be back. Best and most entertaining chefs of any Japanese Steakhouses that I have been to. The entire staff is extremely attentive and helpful.
(5)B K.
Good food, great chefs, nice atmosphere. Went with three kids, and they were highly entertained and thrilled with the food.
(5)Antonio D.
Chefs give a great show ...food was awesome. whole family enjoyed it and laughed and left full.
(5)Annie B.
Fantastic service. Extremely friendly. VERY clean. Delicious food and a great Happy Hour Menu. Loved the sushi and hibachi! Do yourself a favor and try the house sesame dressing, they make it every day! Can't wait to go back. It's also very nice inside.
(5)Bida C.
I was in Columbus a week a go!! And got the chance to try this place out, and it was one of the best Japanese steak house I ever been to!!!#
(5)