Irashiai Woodruff: Japanese Sushi and Ramen in Columbia's Five Points

What Irashiai Woodruff offers

Irashiai Woodruff is a Japanese restaurant in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood that serves sushi, sashimi, ramen, and cooked Japanese dishes. The restaurant occupies a corner space on Woodruff Street and draws a steady crowd of regulars and newcomers looking for both traditional and creative sushi rolls. The kitchen also makes ramen from scratch, with broths simmered for hours, and offers donburi bowls, tempura, and grilled items alongside the raw fish.

The dining room is casual and compact, with a sushi bar where you can watch the chefs work and a handful of tables. The atmosphere feels neighborhood-focused rather than formal—the kind of place where staff remember your order and the pace is unhurried. Irashiai does not rush you through a meal, which matters if you are ordering ramen or a multi-course sushi experience.

Key Takeaways

• Irashiai serves both raw sushi and cooked Japanese dishes, so you can order what suits your mood and dietary preferences on any given visit.
• The ramen is made in-house with long-simmered broths, and the restaurant offers several varieties including tonkotsu, miso, and seasonal specials.
• The sushi bar seating gives you a view of the chefs' technique and a chance to ask questions about the day's fish and special rolls.
• Five Points location means street parking, nearby shops and galleries, and a neighborhood feel rather than a strip-mall experience.

The sushi and sashimi menu

Irashiai offers both nigiri (fish over rice) and maki (rolled sushi), along with sashimi platters if you want fish without rice. The restaurant sources fish regularly and rotates specials based on what is available and fresh. Classic rolls like California, spicy tuna, and Philadelphia appear on the menu, but the kitchen also builds custom rolls if you ask—a useful option if you have preferences about ingredients or heat level.

The nigiri selection typically includes salmon, tuna (regular and fatty belly), white fish, scallop, shrimp, and egg, with seasonal additions like uni or toro when available. Prices are moderate for the neighborhood and the quality; a standard roll runs between eight and fourteen dollars, and nigiri sets are priced by the piece. The restaurant does not charge extra for most customizations, so asking for less rice, no mayo, or extra wasabi is straightforward.

Ramen and noodle dishes

The ramen program is where Irashiai distinguishes itself from other sushi bars in Columbia. The broths are made daily—tonkotsu (pork bone) takes the longest, often simmering overnight—and the noodles are either made in-house or sourced from suppliers who make them fresh. A bowl arrives with a soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, green onion, and your choice of protein: pork belly, chicken, shrimp, or a vegetarian option.

Miso ramen and shoyu (soy-based) ramen round out the core menu, and the restaurant often runs seasonal specials—a spicy miso in winter, a lighter dashi-based broth in summer. Ramen bowls are filling and cost between twelve and sixteen dollars. The kitchen also makes udon and soba noodle dishes if you want something other than ramen, and cold ramen (hiyamen) appears on the menu in warm months.

Other cooked dishes and sides

Beyond sushi and ramen, Irashiai serves donburi bowls (rice bowls topped with protein and sauce), tempura, grilled fish and chicken, and gyoza (dumplings). The gyoza are a good starter if you are sharing a meal—they come pan-fried and arrive hot with a dipping sauce. Tempura is light and crispy, offered as a standalone dish or as part of a set meal that includes rice and miso soup.

Edamame, seaweed salad, and agedashi tofu round out the appetizer list. Miso soup comes with most meals and is made fresh daily. The restaurant also offers sake and Japanese beer, though the drink menu is small and focused rather than extensive.

Timing, parking, and what to expect

Irashiai is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by day of the week—it is worth checking ahead if you are planning a specific time. The restaurant is busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings, when the wait can stretch to thirty minutes if you arrive without a reservation. Lunch is typically quieter and faster.

Parking is street parking along Woodruff Street and nearby side streets in Five Points. The neighborhood fills up during peak hours, but turnover is usually quick. The restaurant takes reservations by phone, which is the best way to secure a table on a busy night. Payment is cash or card, and the staff will split checks if you ask.

Five Points neighborhood context

Irashiai sits in the heart of Five Points, Columbia's oldest commercial district and a hub for independent shops, galleries, and restaurants. The neighborhood has a walkable, lived-in character—you will see people browsing used bookstores, grabbing coffee, or ducking into vintage clothing shops between meals. If you arrive early or stay late, there is plenty to do within a few blocks.

The area is also home to other restaurants serving different cuisines, so Five Points works well if you are dining with people who want different things. The neighborhood has a strong arts presence, with galleries showing local work and regular street events during warmer months. Parking can be tight on weekends, but the tradeoff is that you are in a neighborhood rather than a parking lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are not required for small groups during quiet hours, but they are a good idea on Friday and Saturday evenings or if your party is larger than four. Call ahead to check wait times, especially if you are planning to come during lunch or dinner rush.

Can I order sushi if I do not eat raw fish?

Yes. Irashiai serves cooked sushi rolls, tempura, donburi bowls, and ramen—all of which are filling options. The kitchen also makes custom rolls, so you can ask for cooked shrimp, crab, or vegetable rolls if the standard menu does not have what you want.

How long does ramen usually take?

Ramen takes longer than sushi because the broth and noodles are made to order. Expect ten to fifteen minutes from the time you order. If you are in a hurry, sushi rolls or donburi bowls are faster options.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes, street parking is available along Woodruff Street and nearby side streets in Five Points. Parking is free but can be tight on weekend evenings. Arrive early or call ahead if you are concerned about availability.

Does Irashiai offer takeout?

Yes, the restaurant takes takeout orders by phone or in person. Sushi travels well, though ramen is best eaten fresh in the restaurant. Call ahead during busy times to avoid a long wait.