Asian Grill in Columbia: Japanese Cuisine and Sushi in the Heart of South Carolina

What Asian Grill Offers

Asian Grill is a Japanese restaurant in Columbia that serves sushi, grilled dishes, and traditional Japanese entrees. The menu centers on fresh fish and cooked proteins prepared on a teppanyaki grill or served cold as sashimi and nigiri. The restaurant operates as a casual dining spot where you can order from the menu or sit at the teppanyaki counter and watch chefs cook your meal in front of you.

The space itself reflects the dual nature of the menu: a traditional dining room with tables and booths, and a teppanyaki bar where the cooking becomes part of the experience. This setup means you can choose whether you want a quiet meal or an interactive one. The teppanyaki experience typically involves a chef cooking proteins, vegetables, and fried rice on a large flat griddle while you sit at the counter.

Key Takeaways

• Asian Grill serves both sushi and teppanyaki-grilled dishes, so you can choose between cold raw preparations and hot cooked meals.
• The teppanyaki counter offers an interactive dining experience where a chef cooks your food in front of you, which works well for groups or special occasions.
• The restaurant is located in Columbia and operates as a casual dining establishment open for lunch and dinner most days.
• Reservations are recommended for teppanyaki seating, especially for groups or weekend dining.

The Teppanyaki Experience

Teppanyaki dining at Asian Grill means sitting at a long counter with other diners while a chef works a large flat griddle in front of you. The chef typically cooks proteins—beef, chicken, shrimp, or scallops—along with vegetables like zucchini, onions, and mushrooms, finishing with fried rice cooked directly on the griddle. The performance aspect is intentional: skilled chefs use their tools to flip ingredients, create flames, and plate the food with showmanship.

This style of service works best for groups of four or more, since the chef cooks for everyone at the counter at once. Families often choose teppanyaki for birthdays or celebrations because the interactive element keeps children engaged. If you are dining alone or as a pair, you can still sit at the teppanyaki counter, but you may share the experience with other guests.

Sushi and Cold Preparations

The sushi menu at Asian Grill includes nigiri (fish over rice), sashimi (sliced fish alone), and specialty rolls that combine cooked and raw ingredients. Common offerings include California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and salmon rolls, along with more adventurous options depending on what fresh fish is available. Sushi is best ordered when you want a lighter meal or prefer eating at your own pace in the dining room rather than at the teppanyaki counter.

If you are new to sushi, the restaurant staff can guide you toward milder options like cooked shrimp or crab rolls, or toward rolls that combine raw fish with familiar ingredients like avocado and cucumber. Vegetarian rolls using cucumber, avocado, and pickled vegetables are also available for those who do not eat fish.

Other Japanese Entrees

Beyond sushi and teppanyaki, Asian Grill serves traditional Japanese dishes like teriyaki chicken, katsu (breaded and fried cutlets), and donburi bowls—rice bowls topped with protein and sauce. These dishes offer a middle ground between the raw sushi and the theatrical teppanyaki experience. They arrive cooked and plated, ready to eat immediately, and are often less expensive than teppanyaki or premium sushi rolls.

Appetizers typically include edamame (steamed soybeans), gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), and tempura (battered and fried vegetables or shrimp). Miso soup and seaweed salad often come as sides or can be ordered separately. These starters are good for sharing or for getting a sense of the restaurant's approach to flavor and technique before committing to a larger entree.

Dining Logistics and Reservations

Asian Grill is located in Columbia and operates for both lunch and dinner service. Lunch typically runs from late morning through early afternoon, while dinner service extends into the evening. Hours vary by day, so checking ahead by phone or online before visiting is wise, especially if you are planning to go on a weekend or holiday.

Reservations are strongly recommended if you want teppanyaki seating, particularly for groups of four or more or for weekend dining. Walk-ins can usually be seated in the regular dining room, but teppanyaki tables fill quickly and may have a wait. Calling ahead also lets you communicate any dietary restrictions or preferences to the staff, so they can prepare accordingly.

What to Expect Cost-Wise

Sushi rolls and nigiri typically range from moderate to higher prices depending on the ingredients—specialty rolls with premium fish cost more than basic rolls. Teppanyaki entrees are priced per person and usually include protein, vegetables, fried rice, and soup or salad, making them a complete meal. Teriyaki and katsu dishes fall in the middle price range and offer good value for a full entree.

Lunch menus often feature lower prices than dinner, and some restaurants offer combination plates that bundle sushi, appetizers, and entrees at a set price. Beverages include soft drinks, tea, sake, beer, and sometimes wine, each with its own cost. Asking your server about combination deals or daily specials can help you understand what represents the best value for your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation to eat at Asian Grill?

Reservations are not required for regular dining room seating, but they are recommended for teppanyaki counter seating, especially for groups or weekend visits. Walk-ins can usually be accommodated in the dining room, but teppanyaki tables may have a wait or be fully booked.

What is the difference between sushi and sashimi?

Sushi is raw or cooked fish served over seasoned rice. Sashimi is sliced raw fish served alone, without rice. If you want rice, order sushi; if you prefer just the fish, order sashimi. Both are available at Asian Grill.

Can I bring children to the teppanyaki counter?

Yes, children often enjoy the teppanyaki experience because of the interactive cooking and performance. However, seating at the counter is close to the griddle and flames, so very young children should be supervised closely. Call ahead to discuss your group's needs with the restaurant.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Vegetarian sushi rolls using cucumber, avocado, and pickled vegetables are available, as are vegetable tempura and vegetable fried rice. Let your server know about dietary preferences when ordering, and they can guide you toward suitable options.

What time should I arrive for dinner?

Dinner service typically begins in late afternoon or early evening and runs until late night, though hours vary. Peak times are usually between 6 and 8 p.m. on weekends. Arriving earlier or later than peak hours can mean shorter waits, especially if you do not have a reservation.