Fitstreet Deli and Hibachi in Columbia: Fresh Sushi and Grilled Specialties
What Fitstreet Deli and Hibachi Offers
Fitstreet Deli and Hibachi, located in Columbia, combines a sushi bar with hibachi grilling and deli sandwiches under one roof. The restaurant serves fresh sushi rolls alongside made-to-order hibachi plates where chefs cook in front of you on an iron griddle. The deli counter rounds out the menu with sandwiches and prepared items, making it a spot where you can order a quick lunch or sit down for a full meal.
The sushi menu includes traditional rolls like California and spicy tuna, as well as specialty rolls that rotate with seasonal ingredients. Hibachi offerings typically feature proteins like chicken, shrimp, steak, and seafood paired with grilled vegetables and fried rice. The combination of three distinct food stations means different members of your group can order what appeals to them without compromise.
Key Takeaways
- Fitstreet serves fresh sushi rolls, hibachi-grilled proteins and vegetables cooked tableside, and deli sandwiches all in the same location.
- The hibachi experience involves watching a chef cook your meal on a large griddle, a format that works well for groups or anyone who enjoys interactive dining.
- The deli counter offers a faster option if you want to grab lunch without waiting for hibachi preparation or sushi rolling.
- The restaurant accommodates different tastes and dietary preferences across its three service styles, from vegetarian sushi rolls to protein-focused hibachi plates.
The Hibachi Experience at Fitstreet
Hibachi dining at Fitstreet follows the traditional Japanese teppanyaki format: you sit at a long counter facing a large flat griddle, and a chef cooks your entire meal in front of you. This style works especially well for groups because everyone can watch the same performance and share the social aspect of the meal. The chef typically starts with vegetables and fried rice, then adds your chosen protein, seasoning and flipping with practiced speed.
Hibachi plates come with your choice of protein—chicken, shrimp, steak, or a combination—plus grilled vegetables like zucchini, onions, and broccoli, and fried rice cooked on the griddle. The chef's technique and timing affect how the food tastes, and part of the appeal is seeing that skill firsthand. If you have never experienced hibachi before, the theatrical element makes it memorable; if you are a regular, you come back for the quality of the cooking and the consistency of the meal.
Sushi Rolls and Fresh Preparations
The sushi bar at Fitstreet prepares rolls to order, which means you can watch the chef assemble your roll or request modifications to standard menu items. Fresh fish is central to sushi quality, and a restaurant that rolls to order rather than pre-rolling has better control over freshness and texture. Rolls typically include options for raw fish, cooked proteins like shrimp tempura, and vegetarian combinations with cucumber, avocado, and pickled vegetables.
Specialty rolls often feature creative combinations—perhaps spicy mayo, cream cheese, or tempura crunch—and these change based on what is fresh and in season. If you are unsure what to order, the staff can recommend rolls based on whether you prefer mild or spicy, raw or cooked, or a mix of flavors. Sushi pairs well with the restaurant's other offerings, so you might order rolls as an appetizer before hibachi or combine both in a single meal.
The Deli Counter for Quick Service
The deli section of Fitstreet serves sandwiches and prepared items for customers who want faster service than hibachi or sushi rolling requires. Deli sandwiches typically feature cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh vegetables on bread, made to order so you can customize them. This part of the menu is useful if you are on a lunch break, picking up food for someone else, or want a lighter meal than a full hibachi plate.
The deli counter also sometimes stocks prepared sides and salads, though the specific offerings vary by day. It is worth asking what is available when you visit, especially if you are looking for something specific or have dietary restrictions. The deli option means you do not have to commit to the longer wait times of sushi rolling or hibachi cooking if you are in a hurry.
Location and Hours in Columbia
Fitstreet Deli and Hibachi operates in Columbia, though the exact address and hours change, so checking their current location before you visit is important. Many hibachi restaurants keep limited hours because the format requires staffing a chef at each griddle station, which affects when they can stay open. Calling ahead or checking online can confirm whether they are open for lunch, dinner, or both on the day you plan to go.
Parking and seating layout vary depending on the specific location. Hibachi seating is typically limited to the number of griddle stations, so busy times may have a wait. If you are planning a larger group or want to may provide hibachi seating, calling ahead to reserve a spot is a good idea.
What to Expect on Your Visit
When you arrive at Fitstreet, you can order from any of the three stations—deli, sushi bar, or hibachi—depending on what you want and how much time you have. If you choose hibachi, expect to be seated at a counter and given a menu of proteins and side options. The chef will cook your meal in front of you, which usually takes 15 to 20 minutes from order to plate.
Sushi orders are typically faster than hibachi but slower than deli sandwiches. The restaurant's combination format means you might see a mix of diners: some eating quickly at the deli counter, others seated at hibachi stations, and still others at tables with sushi. This variety can make the atmosphere lively, though it also means the restaurant may feel busy during peak lunch or dinner hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make a reservation for hibachi?
Hibachi seating is limited to the number of griddle stations, so calling ahead is wise, especially for groups or during busy times. Walk-ins are often welcome, but you may wait for a station to open. Reservations ensure you get a specific time and station.
Can I order sushi and hibachi together?
Yes. You can order from multiple stations in one visit. Sushi rolls arrive faster than hibachi, so you might start with rolls while waiting for your hibachi plate to cook, or order both and eat them together.
Are there vegetarian options?
Both the sushi and hibachi menus include vegetarian choices. Sushi offers rolls with cucumber, avocado, and pickled vegetables. Hibachi can prepare a plate of grilled vegetables and fried rice without meat, though you should confirm this when ordering.
What is the price range?
Hibachi plates are typically the most expensive option because of the chef's labor and the amount of food. Sushi rolls fall in the mid-range, and deli sandwiches are usually the most affordable. Exact prices vary by location and specific items.
How long does a hibachi meal take?
From seating to finished plate, hibachi usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Sushi rolls take 10 to 15 minutes. Deli sandwiches are ready in 5 to 10 minutes. Busy times may add wait time before you are seated or your order is called.