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Location & Hours
Columbia, SC 29210
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About the Business
Established in 1995. The infamous Sato took on multiple restaurant jobs and trained in as a pastry chef, sushi chef and even as a French chef from an early age in Japan to finally fly overseas to start his dream of opening up his own restaurant in the US by the age of 21 in 1979. He started as a hibachi chef at Kyoto Steak House, and then opened his own Kyoto Hibachi chain in 1983 but later renamed to Sato Steakhouse. In 1995, he then launched the more traditional Japanese restaurant, Inakaya-St. Andrews location in 1995 and Oneil Court location in 2000. His business did not stop there: in 2005 he opened Furusato in Greenwood, SC and Tsubaki Karaoke Lounge in 2008 beside Inakaya-Oneil Court location, which he serves his French-Japanese cuisine in a multi-culture karaoke lounge with private rooms. His most recent business venture (2012) has been into Menkoi Ramen House that is now a new hot spot in downtown Vista. The Inakaya St Andrews was then sold to top chef Ryo Watanabe, renamed to Inakaya Watanabe
Ask the Community
Q:
As someone who has not had alot of sushi but wants to try new things, what suggestions do you all have about trying things here? I can't wait to go to this restaurant!
A:
You can't go wrong with the Red Dragon it's a tempura fried tuna roll served with raw tuna on top with a tangy vinaigrette sauce and scallions on top. It is so delicious I have never seen anyone that has tried it dislike it in anyway!
Jeffrey S.Â6 years ago 2 people found this helpful
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
245 reviews
5 stars
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1 star
Ru K.Columbia, SC3214Apr 5, 2024Sashimi Dinner for two $48
Comes with miso soup and salad with ginger dressing
Wish there was an explanation on what is what.
Quality good.
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Rob S.Mentor, OH7366Mar 7, 2024We got some sushi & miso soup. Had to get to go but, after entering the restaurant I wished we had time to sit at the sushi bar & have the chef make us whatever he wanted to make. The host was gracious & knowledgeable. He also spoke excellent English. The quality of the sushi was at a very high level. Next time we will dine in & soak up the experience.
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Eight E.Charlotte, NC0318Feb 2, 2024First time at Inakaya, and lemme tell ya. That was the best food I've had in years. The sushi is super light with a deep level of ancestral umami flavor that most people in South Carolina wouldn't even believe is possible. Kuddos to all the people at Inakaya. Much love.
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Cynthia C.SC, SC240108Jan 11, 2024Updated reviewBest restaurant in Columbia. I will never not talk about this place. Me and my boyfriend go here once a week (sometimes 2 times a week). Everyone who works there knows us and what we'll order. We LOVE LOVE LOVE inakaya watanabe! The sashimi is amazing! If you want to try appetizers, try the ika geso karage or the baked mussels (its to die for). We've tried their omakase as well, we loved it. The fried cheescake for dessert is also the best way to end the meal.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0Apr 30, 2023Previous reviewTry to come early as the wait can be a pain sometimes. Came here and got the boat, and it was sooo good. I was so full that we couldn't even finish. All the food here is amazing so try everything!! The service was so great, our server recommended us a lot of stuff and it was all really great. And the ambiance is perfect it gives you small Japanese restaurants in Japan!
- Lynda B.Irmo, SC05Dec 16, 2023
Good real Japanese food! Tea was perfect atmosphere was great service. Wonderful!! I am half Japanese and so is my husband. I took my mother-in-law there she seemed to like it OK. I know she's a big fan of Sakura. Also am I they're both great.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Katrina S.Lexington, SC7121Dec 7, 2023
Great food, fantastic service. The sushi is very fresh and the inakaya steak is amazing.
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Mikenlyn C.Pooler, GA054Oct 28, 2023This is an awesome local restaurant. The atmosphere is family friendly, quiet with good conversations going all around, and clean. Our food came out quick and hot. We had great service, was sit down promptly, & our order was took within a matter of 5 minutes. I had the steak teriyaki dinner 9/10 was delicious! My husband had chicken teriyaki dinner 7/10 flavor was there but chicken was a little dry. We also shared a salad roll which was good for what we wanted. The fried gyoza was crispy & tasty! Definitely would recommend this place.
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Katie C.Columbia, SC2088Jul 27, 2023The original and best in Columbia on St. Andrews Road. Very small waiting area but worth the wait!!
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C C.Blythewood, SC214615Jul 5, 2023Oh yes, always good. We tried a variety of dishes two weeks ago. It was amazing. The place has been packed every time we've beenin the last 6 months. So, when ya go, go early and be prepared to wait.
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86111341Jun 10, 2023Been here plenty of times before. Always enjoy myself. The food is delicious and it has a good ambience.
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