Ginza Japanese Grill in South Carolina: What to Expect and Where to Find It
What Ginza Japanese Grill Offers
Ginza Japanese Grill is a table-cooking restaurant where chefs prepare your meal in front of you on a flat iron griddle built into your dining table. The experience combines live cooking performance with interactive dining—you watch the chef slice, season, and flip your food as it cooks. The menu centers on proteins like steak, chicken, seafood, and shrimp, typically served with fried rice, vegetables, and soup.
The restaurant operates as a teppanyaki establishment, a Japanese cooking style that became popular in American dining rooms during the 1960s. At Ginza, you sit around a large table with other diners (or your own party if you book a private table), and one chef handles the entire meal service for your group. The theatrical element—flames, knife work, and the sizzle of food hitting hot metal—is part of what you're paying for, not just the food itself.
Most locations offer lunch and dinner service, with lunch typically featuring smaller portions and lower prices than dinner. Many Ginza locations also serve sushi and appetizers at a separate bar, though the main draw is the teppanyaki table experience.
Key Takeaways
- Ginza is a teppanyaki restaurant where a chef cooks your meal on a griddle at your table while you watch.
- You'll be seated with other diners at a shared table unless you reserve a private one, which costs more.
- Meals include a protein, fried rice, vegetables, soup, and sometimes an appetizer or dessert depending on what you order.
- Lunch is cheaper and faster than dinner; dinner is the full performance experience and takes longer.
- Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends, because tables fill quickly.
How Teppanyaki Dining Works at Ginza
When you arrive, the host seats you at a large flat-top griddle table. If you're dining alone or as a couple, you may share a table with other guests; if you want a private table, you can request one when you book, though this usually requires a larger party or a higher minimum spend. The chef arrives once everyone at your table has ordered and begins cooking everything in front of you—starting with onions and vegetables, moving to your protein, and finishing with fried rice.
The meal takes 45 minutes to an hour at dinner. The chef performs tricks—stacking onion rings, flipping shrimp into their mouth, creating an onion volcano—which is entertainment as much as cooking. If you have dietary restrictions or strong preferences (no butter, extra garlic, no mushrooms), tell your server before the chef starts, because once the cooking begins, changes are difficult.
Tipping is expected at the end of the meal. Standard tipping is 18 to 20 percent of the bill, calculated before tax. Some people tip the chef directly with cash if they particularly enjoyed the performance, though this is optional.
Menu Options and Price Range
Ginza menus vary by location, but most offer steak, chicken, shrimp, scallops, and combination plates that mix two or three proteins. Vegetarian options exist but are limited—usually a vegetable-only plate or tofu. Lunch entrees typically run $12 to $18, while dinner entrees range from $18 to $35 depending on the protein and whether you choose a single item or a combination.
Most entrees include soup (usually miso or clear broth), an appetizer (edamame or a small salad), fried rice cooked on the griddle, and vegetables. Drinks, tax, and tip are separate. If you want sushi or other appetizers beyond what comes with your entree, those are ordered separately and cost extra.
Children's menus are available at most locations with smaller portions and lower prices. Some Ginza locations offer early-bird specials during lunch or early dinner hours, so calling ahead to ask about current pricing can save money.
Making a Reservation and What to Know Before You Go
Reservations are not always required for lunch, but they are strongly recommended for dinner and weekends. You can usually book online through the restaurant's website or by phone. When you reserve, mention the size of your party, whether anyone has dietary restrictions, and whether you prefer a shared or private table. Private tables typically require a larger party (six or more) or a higher minimum bill.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The restaurant needs time to seat you and get water and menus to your table before the chef arrives. If you're late, your table may be given away, especially during busy times. If you need to cancel, do so at least a few hours in advance so the restaurant can offer your table to another party.
Dress code is casual at most Ginza locations—no special attire required. However, avoid loose clothing or dangling jewelry because you'll be sitting close to an open flame. If you have young children, consider whether they can sit still for 45 minutes to an hour; the experience is engaging but requires patience.
Where Ginza Locations Are in South Carolina
Ginza has multiple locations across South Carolina, with restaurants in the Midlands, Lowcountry, and Upstate regions. The largest concentration is in the Columbia area, but you'll also find locations in Charleston, Greenville, and other cities. Each location operates independently, so hours, menus, and pricing can vary slightly.
Before you visit, check the specific location's website or call ahead to confirm current hours, whether they're open for lunch or dinner only on certain days, and whether they have any special events or closures. Some locations may have different seating arrangements or menu options than others.
What Makes Teppanyaki Different From Other Japanese Restaurants
Teppanyaki is not sushi, ramen, or traditional Japanese home cooking. It's a specific style of table-top grilling that became a restaurant format in Japan and was adapted for American diners. The focus is on the cooking experience and the chef's skill with a spatula, not on raw fish or complex broths. If you're looking for sushi, you can usually order it at the bar while waiting for your teppanyaki table, but the main event is the griddle cooking.
The social aspect is also different. You're dining with strangers (unless you book a private table), which some people enjoy and others find uncomfortable. If you prefer privacy, budget extra for a private table reservation. If you enjoy the energy of a shared table and the conversation that often happens, the standard seating is part of the appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sit with other people I don't know?
Not if you don't want to. You can reserve a private table, though this usually requires a larger party or a higher minimum spend. Call the restaurant when you book and ask about private table options and pricing. If you're a small party and want privacy, expect to pay more or be told that private tables aren't available at that time.
What if I don't like raw fish or sushi?
Teppanyaki is cooked food—everything is grilled in front of you, so nothing is raw. Sushi is available at the bar if you want it, but it's not part of the teppanyaki table experience. You can order a teppanyaki entree with no sushi involved.
Can I request a specific chef or time slot?
You can request a preferred time when you make your reservation, and the restaurant will do its best to accommodate you. You cannot usually request a specific chef, but you can mention if you prefer a chef who focuses more on cooking versus performance, and the host may be able to note that for the kitchen.
How long does the whole experience take?
Plan for 45 minutes to an hour for the cooking and eating. Add 15 to 20 minutes if you order appetizers or drinks beforehand. Lunch is sometimes faster than dinner because portions are smaller and there's less performance element.
Is teppanyaki expensive compared to other restaurants?
Dinner entrees are mid-range to upscale pricing—comparable to a steakhouse or upscale casual restaurant. Lunch is more affordable. You're paying for the chef's time and the entertainment value, not just the food. If you want to save money, go for lunch or ask about early-bird specials.