Rishi Sushi, Kitchen, & Bar is a Hidden Gem Downtown

by thebestworldevents.com 6 February 2024 · Breakfast

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Rishi Sushi really flies under the radar for us, and I’m writing this almost as a reminder that we need to visit more often. It sits in a unique space on Third Street downtown, and features a terrific bar program and an eclectic menu that ranges from sushi to ramen to other Asian specialties.

Rishi’s space is long and narrow, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a front patio, and a small mezzanine. It’s especially beautiful at night. I think downtown Columbus needs more unique spots like this.

The bar program features a curated selection of cocktails, wines, beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Rishi also features a notable sake list, plus a great selection of Japanese whiskeys.

The menu gets off to a good start with their crab rangoon. They’re crispy and nicely seasoned.

I’m a big fan of the okonomiyaki, too. It’s a savory pancake filled with shrimp and vegetables, then drizzled with Japanese mayo and a tangy dark sauce.

One of the absolute must-orders is the sushi panini. The crispy little sandwich is divided into quarters. It involves panko-crusted rice patties layered with avocado and your choice of spicy tuna, spicy crab, or spicy salmon (spicy tuna for us, please and thank you). It’s served with a small cup of a sweet soy reduction.

Rishi features a couple different bowls of ramen, all excellent enough that I think they deserve a spot on the Best Ramen in Columbus.

This is the curry ramen, beautifully presented in a Japanese curry and vegetable broth with carrots, onions, corn, and green onions. You can add a protein like tofu, chicken, pork belly, beef, shrimp, or fried calamari.

Even simple dishes like an orange chicken are nicely prepared.

I enjoyed the phad thai with rice noodles, bean sprouts, eggs, roasted peanuts, cilantro. It’s tossed with a fish sauce vinaigrette. Not everyone at the table loved the fish sauce, but I liked it.

You’d be remiss if you didn’t order sushi at Rishi sushi. Their sushi chef whips up an expert menu of classic rolls and house-made specialities. We devoured it all!