Teppanyaki Cafe in Columbia: Japanese Grilling Theater and Fresh Sushi

What Teppanyaki Cafe offers

Teppanyaki Cafe is a Japanese restaurant in Columbia that combines two distinct dining experiences: a sushi bar where you order rolls and nigiri from a menu, and a teppanyaki grill where chefs cook your meal in front of you on a large flat griddle. The restaurant sits at the intersection of both styles—you can come for sushi alone, for the theatrical griddle cooking alone, or for both in one meal.

The teppanyaki side is the more visually distinctive part. A chef stands at a steel griddle built into your table, slicing and cooking proteins, vegetables, and fried rice with practiced knife work and occasional flames. The experience is interactive: you watch the food cook, smell it as it hits the hot surface, and eat it minutes after it leaves the griddle. Teppanyaki meals typically include a protein (beef, chicken, shrimp, or scallops), vegetables, fried rice or noodles, and soup or salad, depending on what you order.

The sushi bar operates more like a traditional Japanese restaurant. You can sit at the counter or at tables and order rolls, sashimi, and nigiri from the menu. This side of the restaurant appeals to people who want sushi without the table-cooking experience, or who want to add sushi to a teppanyaki meal.

Key Takeaways

• Teppanyaki Cafe offers two separate dining styles under one roof: table-side griddle cooking and traditional sushi bar ordering.
• Teppanyaki meals are cooked in front of you by a chef and typically include protein, vegetables, rice or noodles, and soup or salad.
• The sushi bar serves rolls, nigiri, and sashimi and can be ordered separately from the teppanyaki experience.
• Teppanyaki seating is shared-table or private-table depending on party size and availability, so call ahead if you have a preference.

How teppanyaki cooking works at the table

When you order teppanyaki, you are seated at a table with a built-in griddle. A chef arrives with your ingredients already prepped—sliced meat, chopped vegetables, and rice—and cooks everything in front of you. The chef uses two metal spatulas to chop, flip, and move food across the hot surface, often with theatrical flair: stacking onion rings, tossing shrimp into their own mouth, or creating a volcano effect with the rice.

The cooking order is usually the same: vegetables first (to build flavor on the griddle), then protein, then fried rice last. The chef seasons as they go, typically with soy sauce, butter, and garlic. You eat directly from the griddle or from a plate the chef pushes to your side as sections finish cooking. The whole meal takes 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish.

Teppanyaki is a social meal. If you are seated at a shared table with other parties, you watch their food cook too, and conversation often happens between tables. If your group is large enough or you request it, you may get a private table with your own chef, though this depends on the restaurant's layout and how busy they are.

Sushi menu and ordering

The sushi bar at Teppanyaki Cafe operates independently from the teppanyaki side. You can order rolls (maki), nigiri (fish over rice), sashimi (fish alone), and other Japanese appetizers like edamame, gyoza, or tempura. Rolls typically come in sets of six or eight pieces and include classics like California rolls, spicy tuna, Philadelphia rolls, and house specials that vary by season.

You can order sushi to eat at the sushi bar counter, at a regular table, or as a complement to a teppanyaki meal. Some people order appetizers from the sushi menu while waiting for their teppanyaki table, or they order sushi as a dessert-like course after the griddle cooking finishes.

Location and hours

Teppanyaki Cafe is located in Columbia. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by day of the week. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as restaurant schedules can shift seasonally or for special events.

Parking is typically available on-site or in the surrounding area. The restaurant can accommodate groups, but teppanyaki seating is limited by the number of griddles available, so reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner or weekends.

Pricing and what to expect

Teppanyaki entrees are priced higher than sushi-only meals because you are paying for the chef's time and the theatrical cooking experience. A typical teppanyaki meal costs more per person than ordering sushi rolls alone. Prices vary by protein choice—chicken is usually the least expensive, followed by shrimp, then beef or scallops.

Sushi rolls and nigiri are priced individually or per set, similar to other sushi restaurants in the area. You can order a few rolls for a light meal or several for a full dinner. The restaurant typically accepts cash and cards, though it is worth confirming payment methods when you call.

When to go and what to bring

Teppanyaki Cafe works well for special occasions, group dinners, or when you want a more interactive dining experience than a standard restaurant. Birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations are common reasons people choose teppanyaki because the chef's performance adds entertainment to the meal.

The restaurant is also good for groups of friends or family who want to share a meal and watch the cooking together. If you are bringing children, the theatrical element often keeps them engaged, though young children may be startled by the flames or loud sizzling sounds.

Arrive hungry and with time to spare. Teppanyaki meals are leisurely and cannot be rushed. If you are on a tight schedule, order from the sushi bar instead, which is faster.

Dietary considerations and customization

Teppanyaki cooking happens in front of you, so you can see exactly what goes into your meal and request modifications. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, tell your server and the chef before cooking begins. Common requests include no butter, extra vegetables, or substitutions for proteins.

The sushi bar can also accommodate dietary needs. Vegetarian rolls are available, and the kitchen can prepare rolls without certain ingredients if you ask. Communicate any allergies clearly, especially to shellfish or sesame, which are common in Japanese cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to order teppanyaki, or can I just get sushi?

You can order sushi alone from the sushi bar without sitting at a teppanyaki table. The two sides of the restaurant operate independently, so you have the choice. Many people come for sushi only and never experience the griddle cooking.

Can I make a reservation for teppanyaki?

Yes, and you should. Teppanyaki seating is limited by the number of griddles available, so calling ahead to reserve a table ensures you get a spot, especially on weekends or during dinner hours. When you call, let them know your party size and preferred time.

What if I have never had teppanyaki before?

The chef will guide you through the meal. You do not need prior knowledge—just sit, watch, and eat as the chef cooks. The experience is designed for first-timers, and the theatrical element is part of the appeal. If you have questions about what is cooking or how to eat it, ask the chef.

Is teppanyaki expensive?

Teppanyaki costs more per person than ordering sushi rolls alone because you are paying for the chef's labor and the cooking experience. Prices vary by protein choice, with chicken being the most affordable option and scallops or premium beef being the most expensive.

Can I sit at a private teppanyaki table with just my group?

It depends on party size and availability. Larger groups may get a private table, but smaller parties are often seated at shared tables with other diners. Call ahead and ask about private seating options when you make your reservation.