They were the first Japanese restaurant in town. It is where my family and I always go. The food is great, atmosphere not to pretencious and the wait staff and owners always great! More >
They were the first Japanese restaurant in town. It is where my family and I always go. The food is great, atmosphere not to pretencious and the wait staff and owners always great!
Less
|
I am Japanese, so I know what I expect for sushi. There are so many Japanese restaurants in town, but Osaka is the only authentic Japanese restaurant.
Some people complain about warm sushi rice,... More >
I am Japanese, so I know what I expect for sushi. There are so many Japanese restaurants in town, but Osaka is the only authentic Japanese restaurant.
Some people complain about warm sushi rice, no vinegared rice, etc. Well, sushi rice must be a room temperature. Fish shouldn't be too cold, otherwise, you cannot enjoy the flavor. Sushi rice shouldn't be mixed with too much vinegar, or kill the fish's original flavor. (The owner practiced making sushi in Osaka, Japan, and got a sushi rice recipe from his master chef.)
Each restaurant has its own recipe for sushi rice, and I like Osaka's best.
I've just wanted to leave a good review because some people don't understand what Japanese food is, (or expect to get American-Japanese food) and leave bad reviews.
Less
|
Osaka is one of the closest restaurants to our home, about a mile away. We have been regular customers, at least once a month, for more than five years. Osaka is our kids' (11, 14, 16 year-old... More >
Osaka is one of the closest restaurants to our home, about a mile away. We have been regular customers, at least once a month, for more than five years. Osaka is our kids' (11, 14, 16 year-old boys) favorite place to eat. It is an excellent Japanese restaurant, compares favorably with mid-price range West coast establishments. Wonderful owners. Great food, hibachi a little pricey.
Less
|
Absolutly the best Japanses food in the Midwest!! More >
Absolutly the best Japanses food in the Midwest!!
Less
|
Don't be fooled; bad, bad, bad. They combined my order with another's and then remade mine but charged me again. Nori is old, wet, stale, tough, choking. More staff than customers. 3 sushi chefs and... More >
Don't be fooled; bad, bad, bad. They combined my order with another's and then remade mine but charged me again. Nori is old, wet, stale, tough, choking. More staff than customers. 3 sushi chefs and no one talks to you even when seated at the sushi bar. Yellowtail and red tuna served too warm. Asked for order one at a time; they said OK then proceeded to make it as fast as they could so "you won't have to be here all night" - we wanted to enjoy ourselves, not get the bum's rush! And also had the "pleasure" of listening to the LOUD waitstaff talking about their personal conquests, etc. or drumming on the counter tops from boredom while we are there trying to have a rare evening out. I did enjoy the spicy scallops but everything else was below par. We also specifically asked if they used vinegared rice for the sushi and we were assured they did; THEY DON'T!! From now on, I'm going to ask for a sample of the sushi rice and if it isn't real, will find somewhere else to eat.
Less
|
Horrible organization on one of most busy days for restaurants-valentines day. This is ONLY the managements fault. Jenny was the manager and didnt know how to take down names for seating. She was... More >
Horrible organization on one of most busy days for restaurants-valentines day. This is ONLY the managements fault. Jenny was the manager and didnt know how to take down names for seating. She was running around acting as a host (since there were none others) answering phones and prepairing take outs. there were a lot of upset people waiting in the lobby. If they had a host to even greet guests and take names, the wait would have been understandable. But that was not the case, it was a blob of messiness with no assurance that you were going to be sat at all. This is only the manager jennys fault, she should have been at the host stand taking down a list. many people got pissed off and left. The food was good, but we were already worked up that the restaurant wasnt more prepaired for the valentines weekend.
Less
|
For sushi in the midwest, Osaka is excellent. I've had sushi all over the country and Osaka's sushi is very fresh and good quality with good service. The decor and menu aren't trendy or fancy, but... More >
For sushi in the midwest, Osaka is excellent. I've had sushi all over the country and Osaka's sushi is very fresh and good quality with good service. The decor and menu aren't trendy or fancy, but they put all their effort into the food where it matters. As for another reviewer who worried about "warm" sushi... I think he or she must not be really familiar with sushi... the only time sushi is cold is when it's NOT fresh from a refrigerated case... fresh sushi is made with hot/warm sushi rice.
Less
|
The warm sake was diluted. The tuna and salmon rolls were served at room temperature. Every roll was falling apart, as it appeared no overlap between the ends of the nori occured when rolling.... More >
The warm sake was diluted. The tuna and salmon rolls were served at room temperature. Every roll was falling apart, as it appeared no overlap between the ends of the nori occured when rolling. Somehow, the rolls became too damp and that created very tough nori. Awful. The seaweed salad had ice crystals on the bottom layer of seaweed. The sushi was sent back and the sushi chef had the waitress explain to us that "this is just the kind of seaweed we use". The meal was inedible.
Less
|
Good: Service of the wait staff.. Bad: The food was terrible, the sake was diluted and I worried about the cleanliness of the place (warm sushi and sticky tables).. Improvements: Cleanliness,... More >
Good: Service of the wait staff.. Bad: The food was terrible, the sake was diluted and I worried about the cleanliness of the place (warm sushi and sticky tables).. Improvements: Cleanliness, skilled Sushi Chef with good judgement for oversight of his apprentices..
Less
|
The staff is absolutely the best in Columbia. We always feel very welcome; a home away from home. The food is impeccable each and every time. We have been dining there for years ... if only we had... More >
The staff is absolutely the best in Columbia. We always feel very welcome; a home away from home. The food is impeccable each and every time. We have been dining there for years ... if only we had more expendable income I assure you, we would lunch there every day!
I love the atmosphere; quiet, soothing, thoughtful. I completely concur with "Sage G." The only reason I do not give Osaka 5 stars is not the least bit their fault, rather the fault of the often times noisy (dare I say drunken) customers. There are more than enough loud, rowdy places to dine in Columbia. We crave the ambiance as much as the delicious food! We have discovered a great way to make the best of it is to go early in the evening ... we aim for 6.30 at the latest. Families ([we are one] - many are simply not concerned about anyone's experience but their own) are now allowed to sit at the booths after the non smoking law passed. However, we still find the booths to be the best 'seat in the house.'
I highly encourage you to try something new each time - we all have our favourites, but it makes for more fun this way and it is tradition. Such as, Green Tea ice cream = yummy! And most definitely try their own ginger dressing ... delicious!
So, stop reading and go experience it for yourself. I assure you, you won't be sorry!! Best in Columbia!!
Less
|