HARU Omakase

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Are you an Ohio resident in the Columbus area seeking an extraordinary and elevated Japanese dining experience? Look no further than HARU Omakase, a truly unique and upscale sushi restaurant that has quickly established itself as a premier destination for discerning palates. Unlike traditional à la carte dining, HARU Omakase offers an "omakase" experience, a Japanese phrase meaning "I'll leave it up to you." This means you entrust your meal to the skilled hands of Executive Chef Yudi Makassau and his team, who curate a multi-course culinary journey based on the freshest, highest-quality seasonal ingredients available.

HARU Omakase is more than just a place to eat; it's a meticulously crafted culinary performance. Locals who have experienced it describe it as an "upscale traditional sushi place" with "phenomenal" food quality and presentation. It’s an ideal spot for those special occasions, or simply when you wish to indulge in a truly artistic and delicious exploration of Japanese cuisine. With an atmosphere that is tasteful and service that is "top notch," HARU Omakase brings a level of sophistication and authenticity that is a welcome addition to the Ohio dining scene, offering a potentially Michelin-guide worthy experience right here in Columbus.

HARU Omakase is strategically located in Columbus, Ohio, making it an accessible fine-dining option for residents across the greater metropolitan area. You'll find this exquisite sushi establishment at 2027 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA. This address places HARU Omakase in the vibrant Polaris neighborhood, an area well-known for its array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Its position on Polaris Parkway ensures ease of access from major thoroughfares and provides convenient parking for guests.

The Polaris area is a bustling hub, attracting visitors from all over Columbus and beyond. For Ohio locals, this means HARU Omakase is a straightforward drive, whether you're coming from downtown, the northern suburbs, or other parts of the city. Its location contributes to its appeal as a destination for a special evening out, offering a sophisticated escape without requiring an extensive commute.

HARU Omakase specializes in an immersive and curated dining experience, primarily centered around their omakase menus. Here's a detailed look at what they offer:

• Omakase Chef's Tasting Menu: This is the signature offering. It typically consists of multiple "tours" or courses (often five), each thoughtfully prepared by the chef. The menu rotates about every six weeks, ensuring seasonality and innovation. Courses can feature a diverse range of seafood, from amberjack with yuzu chipotle sauce to trios of scallops, striped bass, and flounder, as well as Spanish mackerel, golden eye snapper, and king salmon. Handrolls with ingredients like yellowtail, bluefin tuna, and torched eel are also featured. The final course is usually a creative dessert, such as matcha creme brulee.

• Omakase Bar / Chef's Table Experience: For an even more intimate and interactive experience, HARU Omakase offers limited seating at their Omakase Counter. Here, guests can get "up close and personal with the preparation of your meal and interact with your chefs while they serve you directly." This is where the artistry and precision of the chefs truly shine.

• Premium Add-ons: To further enhance the omakase journey, guests have the option to order premium bites. These may include luxurious ingredients like A5 Wagyu beef, fatty tuna (Toro), sea urchin (Uni), and caviar, allowing for an even more decadent experience.

• Saké and Wine Pairings: HARU Omakase offers carefully selected four-course pairings of both sake and wines. These pairings are expertly chosen to complement each dish on the omakase menu, enhancing the flavors and providing a holistic culinary adventure, ideal for both sake connoisseurs and those new to its nuances.

• Online Reservations: Given the exclusive nature and limited seating, especially at the Omakase Counter, reservations are highly recommended and can be made online, typically through platforms like OpenTable. Time slots for the Omakase Counter are specific (e.g., 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:30 PM).

• Dietary Accommodations (Limited): While they "are unable to offer vegetarian options or accommodate specific dietary preferences at this time" for the omakase menu, it's always advisable to inform them of severe allergies when booking.

HARU Omakase stands out in the Columbus dining landscape for several exceptional features that contribute to its high praise:

• High-Quality Omakase Experience: This is the core strength of HARU. The concept of leaving the meal to the chef ensures a thoughtfully prepared, multi-course journey showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients. Reviewers laud the "chef's menu was thoughtfully prepared, and all of the different combinations were delicious."

• Phenomenal Food Presentation and Quality: The aesthetic appeal of the dishes is a significant highlight. Customers praise the "food presentation and quality is phenomenal," with "the presentation of 3 sushi at once in a course was lovely." This attention to detail elevates the entire dining experience.

• Upscale and Traditional Ambiance: Described as an "upscale traditional sushi place," HARU Omakase offers an atmosphere that is "great" and "done tastefully," even if the build-out is not overly extravagant. It exudes a refined elegance suitable for a high-end dining experience.

• Exceptional Service: The staff at HARU Omakase provides "top notch" service, ensuring that guests feel well-cared for throughout their meal. The interaction with chefs at the Omakase Bar further personalizes the experience.

• Chef Yudi Makassau's Expertise: Executive Chef Yudi Makassau is integral to the HARU Omakase experience. His background and approach, blending "traditional Japanese techniques with international inspiration," bring a unique and dynamic element to the menu.

• Potential for Michelin Recognition: The aspiration and quality of HARU Omakase have led customers to believe that "with a little bit of effort, this place could become a Michelin guide restaurant," speaking volumes about its current standing and future potential.

• Unique Sake and Wine Pairings: The curated beverage pairings are a significant highlight, designed to perfectly complement each course of the omakase menu, enhancing the overall flavor profile and dining enjoyment.

Given its upscale nature and focus on a set omakase menu, HARU Omakase typically doesn't offer traditional "promotions" in the same way a casual restaurant might. However, the omakase concept itself offers inherent value as a complete, curated dining experience. Key aspects to consider include:

• Fixed Price Omakase Menu: The omakase menu is a set price ($89 per person, as of recent information), which includes multiple courses. This provides transparency and allows diners to enjoy a chef-curated meal without the guesswork of à la carte ordering. The price also includes the chef's interaction and explanations, adding to the experience.

• Optional Pairings: While an additional cost ($45 per person for sake/wine pairings), these are thoughtfully designed to enhance the meal, offering a form of "special offer" for a complete sensory experience rather than just a discount.

• Chef's Table Experience: For a nominal additional fee (e.g., $10 prepaid seat hold, or $10 service fee on the final bill if not pre-paid for certain bookings), sitting at the Chef's Table offers a unique and more personalized experience, which can be seen as a premium feature at a reasonable upgrade cost.

Due to the nature of omakase, it's less about discounts and more about the value of the unique, high-quality, and exclusive culinary journey. For the most current pricing and any potential seasonal additions, locals should refer to HARU Omakase's official website or OpenTable listing.

For reservations or inquiries, you can reach HARU Omakase through the following:

• Address: 2027 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA

• Phone: (614) 696-9682

• Reservations: Highly recommended via OpenTable or their official website.

Their operating hours are generally Tuesday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:15 PM (with specific seatings for the Omakase Counter at 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:30 PM). They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Always confirm their current hours and reservation policies directly, especially for special events or holidays.

For the residents of Columbus, Ohio, HARU Omakase represents a significant and exciting addition to the local fine dining scene. It fills a niche for those seeking a truly upscale and authentic Japanese culinary adventure, particularly through its signature omakase experience. This isn't just a restaurant; it's an intimate performance where the freshest ingredients are transformed into edible art right before your eyes by Executive Chef Yudi Makassau and his talented team.

The consistent praise from local patrons for the "phenomenal" food quality and presentation, coupled with "top notch" service and a tastefully designed atmosphere, solidifies HARU Omakase as a premier choice. While it offers an elevated experience, it's exactly what Ohio locals deserve when seeking a special night out or wishing to explore the heights of traditional Japanese cuisine. For those who appreciate meticulous preparation, innovative flavors, and an unforgettable dining journey that has the potential to become a Michelin-recognized establishment, HARU Omakase is undeniably the ideal destination in Columbus, offering a world-class experience right in our own backyard.

HARU Omakase

2027 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA