Let me share something that's changing how Columbus residents celebrate special occasions—and honestly, it's about time. For years, folks in Columbus dealt with crowded restaurants, rushed service, and the hassle of coordinating transportation for group celebrations. But there's a better way, and it's transforming how Ohioans host unforgettable events.
I'm Rumla, and I've been bringing premium hibachi experiences directly to homes and venues across Columbus for years now. What started as a simple idea—bringing the excitement of Japanese steakhouse entertainment into people's homes—has become something much bigger. Through Love Hibachi , we've served thousands of families throughout Central Ohio, and I've learned exactly what makes an at-home hibachi experience truly exceptional.
The beauty of what we do isn't just about the food (though trust me, the food is incredible). It's about creating those genuine moments of connection and amazement when your guests watch a skilled chef perform right in their own space. No fighting traffic on 270, no waiting for tables, no splitting up your party because the restaurant couldn't seat everyone together. Just pure entertainment, exceptional cuisine, and memories that last.
Here's what you need to know about hibachi catering in Columbus, Ohio —it's not just dinner, it's an entire event. When people first hear about our service, they often think it's just a chef showing up with some ingredients. But what we deliver is the complete Japanese steakhouse experience transplanted directly to your location.
Our professional hibachi chefs bring everything needed to create restaurant-quality teppanyaki right before your eyes. We're talking about the full setup: commercial-grade hibachi grills, premium ingredients sourced fresh, all necessary cooking equipment, and most importantly, the skills and showmanship that make hibachi so entertaining. You get the knife tricks, the onion volcano, the egg toss—everything that makes hibachi dining special, but without leaving the comfort of your chosen venue.
What makes Columbus such a perfect market for this service? This city has grown tremendously, and with that growth comes a sophisticated appreciation for quality dining experiences. Columbus residents know good food, and they value unique entertainment. That's exactly where we excel. Whether you're planning an event in German Village, hosting friends in Dublin, or celebrating in Grandview Heights, we transform any space into an authentic teppanyaki experience .
Ready to elevate your next celebration? Book your event and let's create something unforgettable together.
Look, I won't tell you we're the only hibachi option in Columbus—that wouldn't be honest. But what I will tell you is why families, companies, and event planners throughout Central Ohio keep choosing Love Hibachi over traditional restaurants and other catering services.
First, we bring the entire experience to you. No reservations, no parking hassles, no worrying if the restaurant can accommodate your group size or special needs. Your home, your backyard, your office, your event venue—we make it work. I've cooked in stunning Short North lofts, sprawling Worthington backyards, corporate offices in Easton, and even community centers in Hilliard. Every location offers unique possibilities.
Second, our chefs are genuinely exceptional. teppanyaki professionals These aren't just cooks who know their way around a grill. They're trained who understand that half the job is entertainment. They interact with guests, customize the show to your crowd, and make everyone feel like VIPs. From kids who've never seen an onion volcano to food enthusiasts who appreciate the technical skill involved, our chefs know how to engage every audience.
Third, customization is our specialty. Got dietary restrictions? No problem. Want to adjust the menu for picky eaters? We've got you. Need to keep it mild for the kids but spicy for the adults? Absolutely. Vegetarian, gluten-free, allergy concerns—we handle it all. This level of personalization is something traditional restaurants simply can't match.
Fourth, the value proposition is unbeatable. When you calculate the per-person cost of taking a large group to a hibachi restaurant (meals, drinks, tips, maybe even a couple of Ubers), our service often comes out comparable or even less expensive. Plus, you're getting a private chef experience, not sharing a table with strangers, and you control every aspect of the environment.
And honestly? The cleanup is on us. After an evening of entertainment and incredible food, the last thing you want is to spend an hour scrubbing your patio or dealing with dirty dishes. We handle setup, cooking, and complete cleanup. You literally just enjoy.
Let me break down exactly what you're getting when you contact Love Hibachi for your Columbus event. This isn't a mystery box situation—we believe in complete transparency about our service.
Every Love Hibachi event includes your professional hibachi chef, all cooking equipment (yes, we bring the actual hibachi grill), premium fresh ingredients prepared that day, complete setup before your guests arrive, the full interactive cooking performance, and thorough cleanup afterward. You provide the space and the guests—we handle literally everything else.
Our standard menu features hibachi favorites that everyone loves: tender hibachi chicken hibachi shrimp hibachi steak hibachi vegetables yum yum sauce, succulent , perfectly seared , fresh seasonal , signature fried rice, and those addictive and ginger sauce that people always ask about. But here's the thing—this menu is fully customizable. Want to add lobster? Done. Need an all-vegetarian menu? Easy. Prefer salmon or scallops? Say the word.
We proudly serve Columbus and the surrounding communities throughout Central Ohio. From the heart of downtown Columbus to outer suburbs like Powell, New Albany, Grove City, Gahanna, Westerville, and beyond, we've got coverage. Not sure if we serve your area? Check our service areas or simply reach out—we're constantly expanding our reach to serve more of Central Ohio.
Whether you're planning an intimate dinner for 10 or a major celebration for 100+, we scale to your needs. Small gatherings get the same level of attention and showmanship as large corporate events. We've done them all, and we know how to make each one special.
Over the years, I've cooked for virtually every type of celebration you can imagine. Some events are clearly perfect for hibachi catering, but I've been surprised by how many different occasions our service elevates.
Birthday parties are probably our most common booking, and for good reason. Kids and adults alike are mesmerized by the performance. There's something magical about watching the onion volcano erupt or catching shrimp tossed from the chef's spatula. Plus, hibachi naturally brings people together around the cooking surface, creating a social atmosphere that traditional party formats can't match.
Corporate events and team building activities have become huge for us in Columbus. Companies recognize that shared experiences create stronger teams, and nothing facilitates bonding quite like an interactive hibachi dinner. We've served everyone from small startups in the Arena District to major corporations hosting events at their Dublin headquarters. The combination of entertainment and quality dining makes it perfect for client appreciation events, holiday parties, and team celebrations.
Wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners—now this is where hibachi really shines. Couples looking for something beyond the typical catered wedding food are discovering that hibachi creates an experience their guests will actually remember. The interactive element gets people talking, laughing, and engaging with each other. Plus, it's Instagram gold, which matters to today's couples.
Graduation parties, especially here in Columbus with such a strong Ohio State presence, have become major events for us. Families want to celebrate their graduate with something special, and hibachi delivers on both the quality and the wow factor. We've done countless grad parties throughout University District, Clintonville, and every Columbus neighborhood you can name.
Holiday gatherings and family reunions are ideal for our service. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fourth of July, family reunions—these occasions bring together people of all ages, and hibachi appeals across generations. Grandparents love it, kids are thrilled by it, and everyone eats well.
Here's something I've noticed about Columbus after serving hundreds of events throughout the city—this place has a unique celebration culture that makes it perfect for what we do. Understanding this helps explain why Love Hibachi has become such a hit here.
Columbus sits at this interesting intersection. It's got the sophistication and culinary appreciation of a major metropolitan area (the dining scene here is legitimately impressive), but it's maintained this approachable, Midwestern hospitality that makes people feel comfortable trying new things. That combination is gold for a service like ours.
The corporate culture here is particularly strong. With major employers like Nationwide, Cardinal Health, Wendy's headquarters, and countless tech companies calling Columbus home, there's constant demand for distinctive corporate entertaining options. These companies recognize that cookie-cutter catering doesn't cut it anymore. They want experiences that make employees feel valued and create genuine engagement. That's precisely what we deliver.
At the same time, Columbus has this incredibly family-oriented character. People here invest seriously in birthday parties, graduation celebrations, and family milestones. They're not just checking boxes—they're creating memories. That mindset aligns perfectly with the hibachi experience, which naturally creates those "remember when" moments.
The city's growing diversity has also shaped how we operate. Columbus is increasingly international, with significant Japanese, Asian, and multicultural communities. Some of our clients grew up with authentic teppanyaki; they know the real deal when they see it, and they appreciate that we respect the culinary traditions while making them accessible to everyone.
What I especially appreciate about Columbus is the community-minded spirit. Neighborhoods like Clintonville, Bexley, German Village, and Worthington have strong local identities and active community events. We've become part of that fabric, serving block parties, neighborhood celebrations, and community fundraisers. When locals trust you with their important events, that means something.
Let me walk you through what actually happens when you book Love Hibachi for your Columbus event. No surprises, no hidden steps—just clear expectations so you know exactly what you're getting.
It starts simple. Reach out to us through our contact page or give us a call. We'll discuss your event details: date, location, expected guest count, any dietary requirements or preferences, and your vision for the event. Based on that conversation, we'll provide a detailed quote that breaks down exactly what you're paying for.
Once you're ready to move forward, we secure your date with a deposit. Closer to the event, we'll finalize the exact headcount and any last-minute details. We're flexible—we understand that guest lists change, and we adjust accordingly.
Our team arrives early, typically 45-60 minutes before your scheduled start time. We need space to set up the hibachi grill, arrange our cooking station, and prepare ingredients. This setup is efficient and organized—we've done this thousands of times, so we know exactly how to make it work smoothly.
When your guests arrive, they're greeted by a professional setup that looks and feels like a premium experience. The chef introduces themselves, explains how the evening will unfold, and then the show begins.
Here's where the magic happens. Your chef starts cooking, and suddenly your backyard or venue transforms into an entertainment space. The knife skills, the flame tricks, the personality—it all comes together. But it's not just about showing off. Your chef is also preparing genuinely excellent food, carefully monitoring temperatures, timing different proteins perfectly, and ensuring every plate meets our standards.
The interactive element is what really sets hibachi apart. Guests can ask questions, request different cooking styles, and engage with the chef throughout the process. It's social, it's entertaining, and it creates a natural flow to the evening that keeps everyone engaged.
Then comes the food itself. Each course is served fresh off the grill— hibachi vegetables fried rice with that perfect char, packed with flavor, proteins cooked to your exact preference. The meal unfolds in courses, which naturally paces the event and keeps energy high throughout.
After everyone's eaten and satisfied, we handle all cleanup. The grill gets packed up, all supplies and equipment are removed, and we leave your space exactly as we found it (minus the delicious meal, of course). The entire experience, from our arrival to departure, typically runs 2-3 hours depending on group size.
One question I get constantly: "What's actually on the menu?" Let me break down our offerings and explain how we customize for Columbus tastes and preferences.
The foundation of every Love Hibachi experience starts with our classic hibachi selections:
Proteins: We offer premium cuts including tender chicken breast, juicy steak (typically sirloin, though we can upgrade to filet), succulent shrimp, fresh salmon, and scallops. Each protein is seasoned with our signature blend and cooked to perfection on the teppanyaki grill.
Vegetables: Fresh seasonal vegetables including zucchini, onions, mushrooms, broccoli, and carrots, all grilled with light seasoning that enhances their natural flavors without overpowering them.
Fried Rice: This isn't your typical fried rice. We prepare it fresh on the hibachi with eggs, vegetables, and savory seasonings. It's become one of our most requested items.
Noodles: Upon request, we can substitute or add yakisoba noodles prepared teppanyaki-style with vegetables and your choice of protein.
Sauces yum yum sauce ginger sauce: Our housemade (that creamy, slightly sweet sauce everyone loves) and traditional accompany every meal. We also offer teriyaki glaze, spicy mayo, and other sauces upon request.
This is where we really shine. Got someone who doesn't eat meat? We'll create a spectacular all-vegetable presentation with tofu or extra mushrooms. Gluten sensitivity? We use gluten-free tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. Kids who only want chicken and rice? Absolutely. Adventurous eaters who want extra spice and exotic preparations? We can do that too.
For Columbus events, we've noticed certain trends. Ohio folks generally appreciate hearty portions (we deliver on that). There's strong interest in steak and chicken combo plates. And kids here absolutely love the fried rice—we often make extra just to account for second helpings.
Want to make it extra special? We offer several premium additions:
Columbus presents some unique advantages for at-home hibachi service that make this city particularly ideal for what we do.
The weather: Columbus has gorgeous weather from late April through early October. Those Ohio spring and summer evenings? Absolutely perfect for outdoor hibachi events. We've done countless backyard parties where the weather was just ideal—not too hot, comfortable humidity, beautiful skies. Even when it's cooler, our grills generate plenty of warmth, and there's something special about hibachi on a crisp autumn evening.
The space: Columbus homes typically have more space than you'd find in denser coastal cities. Whether it's a backyard, a patio, or even a spacious garage, most Columbus properties can accommodate our setup easily. We've worked in everything from cozy Short North patios to expansive New Albany estates, and we make it work beautifully every time.
The parking: Unlike trying to coordinate a large group at a restaurant where parking is limited, when you host at home, everyone parks easily. No coordinating rides, no designated drivers beyond what's necessary, no showing up late because they couldn't find parking. It's just simpler.
The cost of living advantage: Columbus offers incredible value compared to coastal cities. That same advantage extends to our service—you're getting a premium experience at Midwest prices, which means more people can afford to create these special memories.
Let me address something important: when you're inviting someone to cook in your space, you want to know they're professional, safe, and reliable. Here's how we ensure quality across every Love Hibachi event.
Our chefs maintain proper food handling certifications and follow stringent safety protocols. All ingredients are sourced fresh from trusted suppliers and kept at safe temperatures until cooking. We use separate cutting boards and utensils for different proteins to prevent cross-contamination. Everything is prepared with the same cleanliness standards you'd expect from any licensed restaurant—actually, probably higher, since we know we're cooking in your personal space.
We don't cut corners on equipment. Our hibachi grills are professional-grade, well-maintained, and regularly inspected. All propane tanks are properly certified and safely transported. We carry backup equipment to every event because we believe in being prepared for anything.
Love Hibachi carries comprehensive liability insurance. We're a legitimate business that takes responsibility seriously. This matters particularly for corporate events or venues with specific insurance requirements.
Our chefs aren't just skilled cooks—they're professionals who represent our brand. They arrive in clean, professional uniforms, maintain courteous demeanor, and treat your guests and your space with respect. Background checks, training, performance standards—we maintain high bars because your trust matters to us.
How much does hibachi catering cost in Columbus, Ohio?
Pricing varies based on several factors including guest count, menu selections, location within the Columbus area, and any special customizations you request. Generally, our rates are competitive with what you'd pay taking a large group to a traditional hibachi restaurant, but you're getting a private chef experience with complete customization. The value proposition is exceptional when you consider you're not paying for drinks, tips are typically simpler, and you have complete control over the environment. For detailed pricing tailored to your specific event, the best approach is to contact us directly with your event details. We'll provide a comprehensive quote that breaks down exactly what you're paying for.
What kind of space do you need for hibachi catering?
We're surprisingly flexible with space requirements. For the cooking setup, we need approximately a 10x10 foot area with access to open air or proper ventilation. This can be a backyard, patio, driveway, garage with doors open, covered pavilion, or even certain indoor spaces with appropriate ventilation. Seating can be arranged however you prefer—tables around the cooking area, picnic-style seating, or standing cocktail format. We've successfully executed events in compact Short North patios and sprawling suburban backyards alike. The key requirements are level ground for the grill, access to electricity if available (though we can work without it), and reasonable proximity to where guests will be seated. If you're uncertain about your space, we're happy to discuss your specific setup or even do a site visit for larger events.
How far in advance should I book Love Hibachi for my Columbus event?
For the best availability, especially during peak season (May through October) and around major holidays, we recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance. Popular dates like Saturdays, graduation weekends, and summer holiday periods fill up quickly. That said, we understand that sometimes events come together on shorter notice, and we'll do everything possible to accommodate last-minute requests if we have availability. We've successfully pulled together events with just a few days' notice when the stars align. The earlier you reach out, the more flexibility we have to ensure we can serve you on your preferred date with your ideal chef. Corporate events and wedding-related celebrations should book even earlier—2-3 months ahead is ideal for those.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies?
Absolutely, and this is one of our strongest advantages over traditional restaurant dining. We customize menus extensively to accommodate virtually any dietary need: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies, shellfish allergies, religious dietary requirements—you name it, we've probably accommodated it. During the booking process, we discuss all dietary restrictions in detail and plan accordingly. Our chefs use separate equipment and preparation areas for allergy concerns, and we clearly communicate with guests about ingredients. This level of customization simply isn't possible when you're ordering from a regular restaurant menu. Whether you've got one person with specific needs or half your guest list requiring modifications, we handle it seamlessly. Just be sure to give us complete information during booking so we can prepare properly.
What areas around Columbus do you serve?
We proudly serve Columbus and the broader Central Ohio region. This includes the city proper and surrounding communities like Dublin, Powell, Worthington, Westerville, New Albany, Gahanna, Grove City, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Bexley, Grandview Heights, and beyond. We regularly travel throughout Franklin County and into neighboring counties for events. If you're located outside the immediate Columbus area, reach out anyway—we may still be able to serve you, especially for larger events. You can check our service areas on our website for detailed coverage information, or simply contact us with your specific location. We're constantly expanding our service area as demand grows throughout Ohio.
For more detailed information about our service, setup requirements, and policies, visit our FAQ page where we address additional common questions.
Here's what I've learned after thousands of events throughout Columbus: the difference between a good party and an unforgettable celebration often comes down to creating genuine moments of shared experience. That's exactly what hibachi catering delivers.
When your chef tosses that shrimp and someone catches it in their mouth, erupts in cheers. When the onion volcano blazes, phones come out and laughter fills the air. When that first bite of perfectly prepared steak hits, people pause and appreciate it. These are the moments that everyone becomes stories, the experiences that people talk about for years.
I've seen it happen countless times—guests arrive at a party not knowing quite what to expect, and they leave with huge smiles, full stomachs, and this sense that they were part of something special. That's not because we're doing anything revolutionary. It's because we're combining excellent food with genuine entertainment and personal attention in an environment where people feel comfortable and connected.
Columbus is my home market, and I take pride in serving this community. Whether you're a lifelong Columbus resident celebrating your family's milestones, a transplant looking to create new traditions in your adopted city, or a business looking to make your next event memorable, is here to deliver something exceptional. Love Hibachi
The beauty of this service is its versatility. Intimate dinner parties, huge celebrations, formal corporate events, casual backyard gatherings—we adapt to your vision and make it happen. You define what success looks like, and we execute it flawlessly.
Look, I could keep writing about how great our service is, but at some point, you've just got to experience it. The stories from satisfied customers throughout Columbus, the five-star reviews, the repeat bookings—they speak louder than anything I can say here.
What I can tell you is this: if you're planning any kind of special event in the Columbus area, if you want to create an experience that your guests will genuinely remember and appreciate, if you value quality food and entertainment but also want the convenience of hosting on your terms, then deserves your consideration. Love Hibachi
We've spent years perfecting this service, training exceptional chefs, sourcing quality ingredients, and learning exactly what Columbus residents expect and appreciate. We take pride in every single event we serve because we know we're often part of once-in-a-lifetime celebrations. That responsibility matters to us.
Ready to get started? Visit lovehibachi.com to explore our full menu options, view photos from past events, and learn more about what makes us different. Or jump straight to booking your event —we'll walk you through everything you need to know and answer any questions you have.
Your next unforgettable Columbus celebration is just a conversation away. Let's create something amazing together.
Transform your gathering, delight your guests, and discover why families and businesses throughout Columbus, Ohio trust Love Hibachi to deliver exceptional . We're ready when you are. at-home hibachi experiences
Contact Love Hibachi today and bring the excitement of Japanese steakhouse entertainment to your Columbus event. Your guests deserve something extraordinary.
