I have heard enless things about Restaurant Japan - that it had the best sushi in town, it's the best Japanese, etc. Husband was there a year ago but as a Restaurant WidowER, as I was working that evening. I was totally jealous and decided to try it out for lunch by myself. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting - the long, clean lines and good lighting I associate with Japanese restaurants here translates as a cafeteria. Sit at the long sushi counter and avoid the strange MCL experience altogether.
There is a nice list of sushi as well as noodle options for lunch. The back page features the standard Japanese language menu that makes one wonder what one is missing. On my next visit, I will definately ask for an explanation. I opted for the sushi/noodle combo. Pictured is the sushi combo (l-r tuna, yellowtail, salmon, and sweet shrimp, with a "Manhattan" roll below - crab and avocado with tobiko ((flying fish roe)) on the outside). I also had the tempura udon; fat chewy udon noodles in a nice broth with large pieces of shrimp tempura floating about.
Everything was fine - good, even, and it made a nice quick lunch for one, although not quite as good a value as Japanese Oriental; my tab was $18 (hot tea was included) with tip (albeit there was more food than I could eat). They do a lot of volume here, so you know their seafood is fresh, and everything is well-executed. It's just that it's no Kihachi. I promise to do a Kihachi summary soon.
If you're near Restaurant Japan, stop in across the courtyard at Seafood Japan, their Japanese grocery store. As the name implies, they have a large selection of seafood, from baby octopi to eel to himachi kama. They also have a large array of Japanese condiments and noodles, and an extensive selection of bentos (prepackaged lunch boxes) to go as well as a sushi counter. They have ready-to-go sushi boxes, but you can also place an order to go.
Info: Restaurant Japan and Seafood Japan 1173 Kenny Centre Mall (corner of Kenny Road and Old Henderson, just south of "new" Henderson) Columbus (Northwest Side/Arlington) 614.451.5411
