Ginza Japanese Grill in Columbia: Sushi, Hibachi, and Cooked Dishes

What Ginza Japanese Grill offers

Ginza Japanese Grill is a full-service Japanese restaurant in Columbia that goes beyond sushi. You'll find a sushi bar with nigiri and rolls, a hibachi grill where chefs cook in front of you, and a full kitchen turning out cooked appetizers, noodle dishes, and entrées. The restaurant seats diners at both the sushi counter and regular tables, so you can choose whether you want to watch the chef work or sit in a quieter section.

The sushi menu includes standards like California rolls, spicy tuna, and salmon nigiri, alongside more involved pieces. The hibachi side is the theatrical draw—chefs prepare proteins and vegetables on a flat-top grill right at your table, with the cooking itself part of the meal. If you're not in the mood for raw fish or the hibachi experience, the kitchen also prepares teriyaki, tempura, and noodle dishes that don't require a seat at the grill.

Key Takeaways

• Ginza serves sushi, hibachi table-cooking, and traditional Japanese cooked dishes all under one roof, so different preferences at your table can be satisfied.
• Hibachi seating is interactive and theatrical, with the chef cooking your meal in front of you—good for groups or anyone who wants entertainment with dinner.
• The sushi bar operates separately from the hibachi grills, so you can order sushi without committing to the table-grill experience.
• Reservations are recommended for hibachi seating, especially on weekends, because table space is limited and chefs work in shifts.

The hibachi experience and how to book it

Hibachi dining at Ginza works differently from ordering at the sushi bar. You sit at a large flat-top grill with other diners (usually four to eight people per table), and a chef cooks your entire meal—protein, vegetables, fried rice or noodles—in front of you. The chef handles the cooking speed and portions, and the meal is fixed-price rather than à la carte. Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the table.

Call ahead to reserve a hibachi table, especially if you're coming on a Friday or Saturday night. Ginza takes reservations by phone, and the staff will ask how many people are in your party and whether anyone has dietary restrictions. Walk-ins are sometimes seated if a table is available, but during peak hours you may wait or be turned away. Hibachi seating fills up faster than the regular dining room because the number of tables is smaller and each one takes longer to turn over.

Sushi bar ordering and menu

The sushi counter operates on a different pace. You can order rolls, nigiri, and sashimi individually or as part of combination platters. Rolls range from simple cucumber and avocado to spicy tuna and Philadelphia (salmon and cream cheese). Nigiri comes in standard pieces—tuna, salmon, shrimp, octopus—and the chef will make them to order. If you're unsure what to choose, the staff can recommend based on your taste preferences.

Sushi bar seating is first-come, first-served at the counter itself, though you can also order sushi to eat at a regular table. Prices are lower than hibachi because you're not paying for the table-side cooking experience. The sushi bar is a good option if you want to eat quickly, prefer to choose your own dishes, or are dining alone.

Cooked dishes and other menu items

Beyond sushi and hibachi, Ginza's kitchen prepares teriyaki bowls (chicken, beef, or shrimp over rice with vegetables), tempura (battered and fried shrimp or vegetables), gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), and udon or ramen noodle soups. Edamame, seaweed salad, and miso soup are standard appetizers. These dishes are ordered from the regular menu and arrive at your table in the usual way—no table-side cooking involved.

The cooked menu is useful if someone in your party doesn't eat raw fish, wants something warm and comforting, or prefers not to sit at a hibachi grill. Prices for entrées typically fall between sushi rolls and hibachi pricing, making them a middle ground if your group is splitting the bill.

Location, hours, and what to expect when you arrive

Ginza is located in Columbia and operates during typical restaurant hours—lunch and dinner service most days, with reduced hours or closures on certain days of the week. Call or check their current hours before you go, as restaurant schedules can shift seasonally or for special events. Parking is usually available on-site or nearby, depending on the shopping center or street where the location sits.

When you arrive, you'll be greeted and asked whether you want sushi bar seating, hibachi, or a regular table. If you have a hibachi reservation, give your name and party size. If you're walking in without a reservation, the host will tell you the wait time or whether hibachi seating is available that evening. Dress is casual; no special attire is required.

Price range and what a typical meal costs

Sushi rolls typically cost between $6 and $15 each, depending on the ingredients and complexity. Nigiri is usually priced per piece or as a set. Hibachi meals are fixed-price and generally range from $20 to $35 per person, depending on the protein you choose (chicken is usually the lowest, seafood the highest). Cooked entrées fall in the $12 to $20 range. Appetizers, soups, and sides add to the bill.

Drinks—beer, sake, soft drinks, tea—are ordered separately and add to your total. Many diners order sake or Japanese beer to pair with sushi or hibachi. If you're on a budget, ordering sushi rolls and sharing appetizers is less expensive than hibachi, which is designed as a full meal per person.

Tips for your visit

If you're new to hibachi, know that the experience is social and can be loud—the chef talks, cooks with flair, and the grill sizzles. If you prefer a quieter meal, choose the sushi bar or a regular table. If you have a large group and want to sit together, hibachi is ideal because multiple people share one grill table.

Bring cash or a card; most restaurants accept both. If you're celebrating a birthday or special occasion, mention it when you call for a hibachi reservation—some chefs incorporate small celebrations into the meal. Arrive on time for reservations; hibachi tables are scheduled back-to-back, and late arrivals may lose the slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for the sushi bar?

No. The sushi bar is first-come, first-served, and you can usually sit down within a few minutes during off-peak hours. During busy times (Friday and Saturday evenings), there may be a short wait, but it's typically shorter than the wait for hibachi seating.

Can I order sushi and hibachi at the same meal?

Yes. If you're at a hibachi table, you can order sushi as an appetizer or side dish before or after your hibachi meal. If you're at a regular table, you can order both sushi and cooked dishes together. The kitchen and sushi bar work independently, so there's no restriction on mixing menu sections.

What if I don't eat raw fish?

Hibachi and the cooked menu are both good options. Hibachi lets you choose cooked proteins like chicken, beef, or shrimp, and the chef cooks vegetables and rice alongside. The kitchen also makes teriyaki, tempura, and noodle dishes that are entirely cooked. You won't be limited in what you can order.

How long does a hibachi meal take?

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour from the time you sit down until you leave the table. The chef cooks everything fresh in front of you, and the meal includes appetizers, the main course, and sometimes a small dessert. The pace is set by the chef and the size of your party, so it's not rushed.

Can I bring my own sake or alcohol?

Most restaurants do not allow outside alcohol. Ginza has its own beer and sake selection, which you can order at your table. Call ahead if you have questions about their beverage policy.