I could live here happily. Myself and cousin meet here for lunch almost twice a week as the sushi is some of the best I've had. The sashimi order is huge and my personal favorite. Their tuna is always cut very thick and the pieces are quite large. Their hot saki is great and comes out piping hot to complement the meals. I recommend getting yourself a $1 bowl of miso soup as well. As if that wasn't enough they have a full meal menu with hot pots and traditional dishes. Lastly you have to try the Mochi for desert, the green tea one is my fav. read more

Their lunch special is amazingly cheap. Huge serving sizes, quick service and, most importantly, delicious. A great option for vegetarians is the udon noodles with the veggie tempura. It's a short walk from here to the Gateway Film Center, so this is the perfect option for a mid-day meal and movie. read more

The one thing I love about Diaspora is how comfortable I feel there. The service is a big part of this. The food is also good and fits the price points and is a short walk from class. I love the korean fried chicken they have!!! read more

I love Diaspora! My husband and I were there at least three times a month when we lived on campus. (if not we had their take out) The staff is ALWAYS friendly. The place is ALWAYS clean. Sushi prices are wonderful for the area. Spicy Tuna or Salmon rolls are to die for! The only thing I wanted when pregnant with my son was their kimchi. I would order it several times a week. So needless to say, he is a fan. When he got older the staff would bring out soup for him but he would have his hands in the kimchi. The ladies couldn't believe it! I have not had anything with pork on the menu, but everything else is beyond belief wonderful. Whenever I am in town it is the first place thought of when eating. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do. read more

My husband and I go to diaspora regularly. Food has been consistent. They have great lunch specials if the normal menu price is a concern. Also, friendly and non-disruptive service! Not my number one choice for sushi in columbus, but their rice and noodle dishes are fantastic! read more

This location is perfect for sushi that is close to campus. The person I was with ordered the bibimbap and enjoyed it. Also, the staff were very friendly and accommodating. read more

I have been going to Diaspora for years now. They have the best California rolls I have ever tried. The food is always really good, the restrooms and dining area are always very clean and the service is great. read more

Inside it's a little unclean, and some items are overpriced. It's a sit down restaurant style

Please go here and get the dolsot bibimbap--it is a rice dish with beef (I get mine with tofu), veggies, and an egg, served in a hot stone bowl. It's delicious and it partially cooks in front of you in the bowl (so it's also fun). The service here is great, and the menu has a large variety of items for picky/less adventurous friends. I have not ever been disappointed with the sushi, although I crave the dolsot bibimpap so much, I rarely get anything else. On rough days in grad school, this dish made it all better. Sometimes you just have to eat your dolsot bibimbap feelings. read more

Diaspora is so delicious and an amazing deal. The lunch special comes with ramen and a roll of your choice and is under $9 which is really unbeatable, especially for the large amount of food they give you. These service is great- food comes out very quickly and in the rare chance that there is a wait, it is always very short. The California rolls are very good and the ramen even better. Definitely come here for the lunch special. read more

Small and casual korean/japanese restaurant. I tried the Yook Gae Jang which wasn't what I expected. There was no vermicelli noodles in the soup, which is different from the yook gae jangs I tried at other places. However, the flavors were good. The service was very laid back but it was still friendly. Don't feel shy to catch your server if they're walking around-- everyone's really nice but seems mostly hands-off unless you need them. My boyfriend had the ramen and sushi lunch combo. It was a good deal but there was nothing too special about it. The ramen is korean instant ramen, not the miso japanese ramen. He had the spicy tuna roll which was oddly salty? but was still fresh fish. Overall, I'd say this is a good place to stop by for a quick, casual lunch with pretty authentic korean food but maybe get your sushi fix somewhere else. read more

OK. Listen. Go here to eat the Korean food. I'm not sure what the deal is with sushi in Columbus. I find it at Thai places and Chinese places, Vietnamese places, Taco trucks, and vending machines. Go here. Sit down. Pick up a menu. Order Korean food. Bulgogi is quite yum. It's sizzling meats on a scalding iron dish. What's not to love? Bibimbap is indeed nom nom. It's the MVP of food in 2013. It's like Jose Canseco in 1988. Or like Psy in 2012. Or like wizards every year for infinity. Go for the dolsot bibimbap. it comes in a stone dish. Like Fred Flintstone style. You could take off your shoes (Didn't hear it from me, health inspector!) and you would supping like the fine folks of Bedrock minus a saber-toothed tiger. Ok, remember what I said about sushi? Well, I kind of negate my rant when I let slip that i indulged in some sah-KAY to wet the whistle. Savory hot rice wine booze deluxe. There were high chairs. suh-WHEAT! also... THE BEST PART!!!!!!! They bring you 2 billion and a half side dishes with your food. All kinds of things to fill up your table (and your tummy) so that there is no room to rest your elbows. I will sing a song for these dishes. read more

For the location and price, Diaspora is pretty darn delicious. As a creature of habit, my exposure to different dishes has been limited to whatever my friends order and allow me to try. Personally, the dolsot bibim bahp is the best dish on the menu. I have had the spicy tuna handroll, and while it's fine, it definitely isn't as tasty as what you'd find at a Japanese restaurant like Akai Hana or even Haiku, which is to be expected. Service is the main reason I'm not giving a better rating. As I said, for price and location, it's pretty great. Every time I go in, it seems as if the wait staff takes a long time to even take my table's order, even when we're sitting there with menus down and chatting while waiting. More than once, I've seen bigger parties and parties arriving later than we did get their orders taken before mine. I don't know what's going on with that, but it's pretty obnoxious. It speaks volumes that I'm willing to return for the food despite spotty service, though. Edit: It's been pointed out to me that flagging down a server is pretty common in Korean restaurants. Please keep that in mind when you're visiting for prompt service and a dash less of cultural ignorance! read more

Diaspora is one of my favorite restaurants on OSU campus. I have never had bad service on the 10+ times that I have been there. The Korean owners are incredibly friendly and attentive. I tried the deep fried eel roll, inari (a ABSOLUTE classic), and "shrimp killer" roll. The Good: Despite being on campus it has plenty of parking behind the building, which is accessible via alley way behind the Shell Gas station. I am previous Portland, Oregon resident and know what fresh fish tastes like. I was completely spoiled but when I moved back to Ohio I realized our quality is limited (not your fault Ohio, bad geographic location for some fresh salmon :) ) But Diaspora is the exception. They also have a -limited- but available selection of beer with some Asian beers like Tsing Tao. The owner remembers who I am and my order. Its clean and has bright colors throughout the building. Beautiful large hayao miyazaki-ish lanterns adorn the ceilings. They have fun names for the sushi (i.e. "Cowboy"). There is authentic Korean food like Bibimbap and bulgogi. Prices are reasonable for what you get. The Bad: semi limited seating. IS on campus so a problem for those who do not enjoy campus life. That is all the bad there is about this place! read more

Fantastic service, fantastic sushi. My girlfriend and i have been going to diaspora once a month or so for about 2 years and its undoubtedly our favorite restaurant in columbus. We r always greeted with a smile and sincere enthusiasm and feel very comfortable. We always go for sushi because it is hands down the best in the city. Highly recommend it to any sushi fans read more

I got the sampler for lunch and sad to say that nothing was very flavorful. The highlights were the California rolls and banchan, since it's hard to go wrong with kimchi and other assorted small plates, but even those weren't as good as those I've had in the stripmall zone of far north Columbus. The bulgogi was too sweet and stringy and overall it was a rather forgettable affair. I heard they stopped selling fried silkworm larvae, which is too bad since it would have likely been much more authentic than the watered down options you'll find on the menu. As much as I champion the city over the burbs: they definitely have us beat when it comes to Korean food. read more

Great food, great service. Two recommendations: (1) get the Godzilla Roll. It's amazing. (2) This is some serious spice for a lot of their korean cuisine. I loved it, but it is NOT catered at all for "american taste." Consider yourselves warned. read more

Diaspora has the best sushi on campus, scrach that, the best sushi in columbus. Their rolls are huge, rice are fluffy and soft, and ingredients are extremely fresh. Great service and I especially love the the tea that they serve there. Owners are down to earth and would always hook me up. Lastly, Diaspora is a great place to meet some korean girls read more

This is my favorite sushi place in Columbus. It is the only Korean restaurant I've ever eaten at, so I don't have much of a comparison there but I'm delighted by the Oh Jing Uh Bokum (squid) and all the side dishes! There are so many side dishes its really great. The sushi is fresh and large. Smooth texture and consistency. Exceeds my expectations. Two thumbs up! read more

Excellent intro to Korean cuisine. Everything was so tasty. Korean chicken wings, dumplings in beef bone broth, and stir fried pork and vegetables. Quick service on an OSU game day. Very attentive server. Six TV screens in a small space. I highly recommend. read more

I really wanted Bibimbap on a hot stone. So I was happy that I saw the Dolsot Bibimbap in their menu. I had this in Koreatown in NYC so I wanted to see if Diaspora can do it as well. So I got that and the Dynamite appetizer which was a mix of shrimp, scallop, crabmeat, and mushroom. It was sooo tasty. But the bibimbap fell short. It was just ok. I also got a Kirin Ichiban beer. My appetizer came after my bibimbap. So I ended up eating them together. When I wanted to order tempura ice cream for dessert, they told me that the kitchen was closed. This was without letting me know. But later on, they were nice enough to make it for me anyway and didn't charge me for it. I was about to give 3 stars, but everyone was really nice there so I bumped it up by one. read more

Diaspora is the best value for Korean food in Columbus, hands down. The food is good, the price is right, and their sushi is surprisingly good. The Korean food is not the most authentic, but it is very tasty. I am especially a fan of the management, the two Korean women who are usually there running the place are very friendly. If you're looking for the best Korean food for your buck, Diaspora is your restaurant. . . read more

Diaspora was my first experience with Korean food, so I don't have much else to compare it too, which is why I'm giving it three stars. I really enjoyed the food, and the atmosphere was really nice. I got the bibim bahp and I thought it was delicious. Since it was my first time with bibim bahp (I must have looked confused) the owner came over and helped me prepare it the correct way so I would get the best experience with it - which I thought was really cool. I plan on going back to try more of the menu. read more

I was really excited about trying Diaspora after reading all of its reviews on Yelp. I was especially looking forward to trying their signature noodle dish: jjambong. I didn't know what to think of it when I first drove by. The storefront was relatively dark and because its windows are covered with "magic menu papers", I couldn't really see what it looked like inside. Additionally, I wish I had known that they had a parking lot right behind the store. We drove around for a while and ended up parking on the street because it wasn't specified as to whether the parking in the back was for Diaspora patrons. So, park your cars in the back! :) If there isn't free parking in Columbus, that would be reason for me to NOT go back to a restaurant so this was good. When we walked in, the restaurant was pretty full. There was a good mix of students and "others". There were a good number of Asians in the restaurant, which always reassures me when I walk into an Asian restaurant. The restaurant itself is not too big but it seems better that way since it doesn't seem like there's just a lot of empty space. Now, for the food: we ordered jjambong, the Diaspora box, and the garlic chicken wings. Firstly, the Diaspora box was great. It contained different compartments of California roll (4 hefty pieces), 2 pieces of deep-fried Korean dumplings, Spring roll, salad, a choice of Don Katsu (deep-fried pork cutlet), bulgogi or spicy dweji bulgogi (sauteed pork marinated with spicy sauce and onions) and a bowl of rice. We opted for the dweji bulgogi. For $9.95, this box is a steal! Everything on it tasted great. Secondly, I knew what they were trying to do with the chicken wings. For Koreans who tried Kyochon or any of its derivatives, that's what I expected. However, it's quite different. They use tempura batter instead of the cornstarch batter they use for Kyochon. There was a strange smell to it... maybe it was the garlic?? Nevertheless, it tasted quite good. And, again, it's qute a big portion... although it seems small because it comes on such a huge plate. And, the sauce that accompanies the chicken wings are quite spicy. I loved it but if you can't do the spice, you should skip out on the dipping sauce. Lastly, the *dun dun dun* jjambong. Jjambong is really one of my favorite dishes. And, I can't really say definitively that Diaspora jjambong is fabulous and that I can't wait to have it again. Don't get me wrong. It is by far the best bowl of jjambong I had in Columbus. They really don't skimp out on the ingredients.(Jjambong is a spicy noodle dish with fresh seafood and veggies). There were chunks of meaty crab, mussels, lots of squid, a gigantic shrimp, lots of onions, portabella mushrooms, etc etc... And, the noodles they used were good. However, I can't leave out the fact that the broth is still lacking. It's a bit bland... :*( I really really want to like this jjambong and maybe I'll put a bit of salt into it the next time I'm there... and, aother thing is that there was a lot of seafood but not too much noodles. Other than the food, the waitresses were extremely friendly and helpful. The banchan (side dishes) were very good. One thing that seems to distinguish Diaspora from other Korean restaurants in Columbus is that they use fresh ingredients. I've had my share of noodles coming out in chunks from Kaya and Silla. And, one thing to keep in mind is that Diaspora doesn't seem to make their flavors milder for non-Korean patrons. Some of the side dishes were extremely spicy... even for me, and I love spice!!! So, beware if you can't handle spicy food. Next time, I really want to try their different sushi rolls and some other authentic Korean dish... although I'm pretty certain that I'll be ordering the jjambong again... and hope that it's not as bland next time around. read more

Reasonably priced Korean food. Stone bowl bibimbap and sundubu jjigae are really good. Be warned their ramen tastes like the instant stuff.

The spicy beef broth was AMAZING and the space was playing korean music (my jam) and the green tea was perfect and I never wanted to stop eating. Basically. Such great prices, and massive portions. read more

Lost my ticket after waiting a half hour for my food on lunch break. No food, no real apology, and now hungry at my desk. First and last time going here. Outstanding! read more

This place is fantastic. Everything I order here is exceptional. This is perhaps my favorite Korean restaurant in Columbus.

I went here randomly one day for lunch, and discovered they have an amazing lunch special! Soup (udon or ramen) and a choice of sushi from a limited menu, for under $10! The sushi is good, but the udon soup is what I keep coming back for! I brought my boyfriend there and he is now addicted. I want to try other stuff on the menu, but when the soup is that good it's hard to get myself to branch out. Highly recommend! read more

Family owned deliciousness in the midst of OSU campus. The food tastes homemade and they have the Korean classics along with a selection of ramen and sushi. I come here often for someone who lives 2500 miles away. read more

A bit pricy for its food! But this place has all of the most basic Korean food types. If you just simply want to switch your taste buds a little bit, this restaurant may be a good choice around to campus. Personally, I like their bulgogi and soon tofu! read more

Diaspora food is one of my favorites. Very affordable and very clean. I would recommend this to anyone looking for Korean food. Unfortunately, Columbus has only so many options which raises the cost of all dishes. Glad Diaspora doesn't try to fit in with the rest. read more

I have been here about five times this month! It's that good seriously I love their deal on a Cali roll and miso soup it's delicious I wish tee miso soup was bigger cause it's so good...I fell in love with this little place it's perfect seriously the rolls are huge and it fills you up hitch is awesome because some places make them pretty small so if you want a filling sushi meal that has miso soup on the side for 4.95 from noon to three this is your place!! I'm sad I'm moving away and won't be coming here often :( read more

Prices very fair for the food you get, which is plentiful and tasty. Enjoying the ambience, which is kpop music and multiple tvs (currently showing the football games). Definitely will come to again! read more

If you like spicy seafood noodle soup, you have to try their jambong. I've tried many other Korean places like Min-Ga or oriental but their jambong is by far the best I've had. I'd drive from Michigan to Columbus jut for it! read more

I'm a huge fan of Korean food. I especially love Bibimbap. The Bibimbap I got here was pretty mediocre, and it left me a bit dissatisfied. The rice was mushy, the ground beef was dry, and they left out a couple key ingredients that add that extra kick of flavor I am so used to tasting. Also, I think they watered down the Siracha sauce. Really?? Ugh. Two stars...Meh. I've experienced better. read more

I love this restaurant. Not only do they give you six side dishes with your korean, but after coming here three times they know who I am and what my favorite dish is. Great service. Great food. Decent prices. I will continue to come! read more

If you want big sushi rolls this is your place. Even their cali rolls are the size of specialty rolls and will leave you satisfied guaranteed! Could go here everyday and alternate between sushi and their korean food, which is bomb! read more

Came in from out of town for a week and tried a lunch. Service kinda slow on a weekday with only a few customers. Had Kasudon, bulgogi , udon soups all fairly good. Teriyaki chicken not great. Overall fairly decent college town place for a lunch deal. May come back for lunch menu only. read more

This is my favorite lunch place near the OSU campus. I am a big fan of Korean food and I have had a lot of experience. This restaurant serves very good quality Korean food! My favorites are soon tofu and pork bulgogi. Their dishes are not very cheap overall but the lunch specials are of great value. The Korean lady who runs the restaurant is also very nice. I highly recommend this place. read more