Skip to main content

Miyabi Japanese Steak & Seafood House: Teppanyaki and Sushi in the Midlands

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Miyabi Offers

Miyabi Japanese Steak & Seafood House is a teppanyaki and sushi restaurant in Columbia's Midlands area, where chefs cook at your table and the kitchen handles traditional Japanese preparations. The restaurant splits its menu between teppanyaki—grilled proteins and vegetables cooked on an iron griddle in front of you—and a full sushi bar with rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. Miyabi draws regulars for both the theatrical cooking experience and the quality of the fish and beef.

The teppanyaki side is the draw for groups and celebrations. You sit at a large flat-top griddle with other diners or your own party, and a chef works the space in front of you, chopping, flipping, and plating your meal. The sushi bar runs separately, offering a quieter counter experience if you prefer to watch the sushi chefs work or sit in a booth with rolls and nigiri ordered from the full menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Miyabi operates two distinct dining experiences: teppanyaki tables where chefs cook in front of you, and a sushi bar with traditional rolls and nigiri.
  • Teppanyaki seating is shared or semi-private depending on party size, so expect to dine near other guests unless you book a large group.
  • The restaurant is located in Columbia's Midlands and accepts reservations, which are recommended for teppanyaki tables, especially on weekends.
  • Miyabi serves both lunch and dinner, with teppanyaki menus typically featuring beef, chicken, shrimp, and scallops paired with vegetables and fried rice.

Teppanyaki Dining and What to Expect

Teppanyaki at Miyabi is a full performance. You sit at a large griddle, and the chef stands on the other side with long metal utensils, cooking your protein and vegetables directly in front of you. The chef typically starts with onion volcanoes and fried rice, moves to your chosen protein—usually beef, chicken, shrimp, or scallop—and finishes with vegetables. The whole meal takes 30 to 45 minutes and includes soup and a salad before the griddle work begins.

The experience is social by design. If you come as a couple or small group, you'll likely share a griddle with another party. Larger groups—typically six or more—can request a semi-private or dedicated table, though this depends on availability and should be confirmed when you reserve. The chef's skill and personality shape the meal; some chefs are more theatrical than others, and the pace varies. If you have dietary restrictions or strong preferences about how your food is cooked, mention them when you book or arrive early.

Sushi Bar and À la Carte Options

The sushi bar operates independently from the teppanyaki side, with its own seating at the counter and in booths. You can order traditional rolls—California, spicy tuna, Philadelphia, and house specials—along with nigiri and sashimi. The menu typically includes both cooked options like shrimp tempura rolls and raw preparations. Pricing is standard for sushi restaurants in the region, with rolls ranging from moderate to higher depending on the fish and ingredients.

The sushi bar is a good choice if you want a quieter meal, prefer to avoid the teppanyaki table experience, or are dining alone. You can watch the sushi chefs work, ask for recommendations, and order at your own pace. Many diners combine sushi with appetizers like edamame or gyoza rather than ordering a full teppanyaki meal.

Reservations and Timing

Miyabi takes reservations and recommends them, especially for teppanyaki tables on Friday and Saturday evenings. Walk-ins are often accommodated at the sushi bar, but teppanyaki seating can have a wait during peak hours. If you're planning a birthday, anniversary, or group celebration, call ahead to let the restaurant know; chefs often acknowledge special occasions at the griddle.

Lunch service is typically lighter than dinner, with shorter wait times and a lunch-specific menu that may offer smaller portions or different pricing. Dinner is busier, particularly after 6 p.m. on weekends. If you have a specific time in mind or a large party, reserving a day or two ahead removes uncertainty.

Location and Accessibility

Miyabi is located in Columbia's Midlands area, easily accessible from downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. The restaurant has parking on-site or nearby, and the dining room is accessible to guests with mobility considerations. The teppanyaki tables are standard height, and the sushi bar has both counter seating and booth options.

If you have specific accessibility needs—such as wheelchair access, seating preferences, or dietary accommodations—call ahead to confirm what the restaurant can provide. The staff can answer questions about table placement, parking proximity, and any modifications they can make for your visit.

What to Order and Dietary Considerations

At the teppanyaki table, the chef typically offers a choice of protein: filet mignon, New York strip, chicken breast, shrimp, or scallops. Prices vary by protein, with beef the most expensive option. Vegetarian teppanyaki is available and includes tofu, mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, and fried rice. If you're vegetarian or vegan, confirm with the chef that your griddle is prepared separately to avoid cross-contact with meat.

At the sushi bar, vegetarian rolls like cucumber, avocado, and vegetable tempura are standard. Cooked options like shrimp tempura and crab (imitation or real, depending on the roll) are also available. If you have a shellfish allergy, review the menu carefully or ask the sushi chef which rolls are safe; many rolls contain hidden shellfish ingredients like imitation crab or fish sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sit at a teppanyaki table, or can I just order sushi?

You can order sushi exclusively at the sushi bar without sitting at a teppanyaki table. The sushi bar has its own seating, menu, and ordering system. Many diners choose sushi only, especially if they prefer a quieter meal or are not interested in the griddle experience.

What if I don't like raw fish?

Miyabi has plenty of cooked options. At the teppanyaki table, all proteins are cooked on the griddle. At the sushi bar, you can order cooked rolls like shrimp tempura, crab, and eel, or stick to appetizers and other non-sushi items. Ask the sushi chef for recommendations if you're unsure.

Can I bring a large group for a birthday or special event?

Yes. Call ahead to let the restaurant know the size of your party and the occasion. Miyabi can often arrange a dedicated or semi-private teppanyaki table for groups of six or more, and the chefs often acknowledge birthdays and anniversaries at the griddle. Confirm availability and any special requests when you reserve.

How long does a teppanyaki meal take?

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour from the time you sit at the griddle. This includes soup, salad, the griddle cooking itself, and plating. Sushi bar meals are typically faster, depending on how many rolls you order and how busy the kitchen is.

Is there a dress code?

Miyabi is casual to business-casual. Jeans and a shirt are fine for most diners. If you're coming for a special occasion or prefer to dress up, that's welcome too, but it's not required.