I love when I find a review I started ages ago. Reading my "cliff notes" so I can remember what to put in the review is absolutely a delight. This one did crack me up a bit. So, for the hellzbellz of it, I thought I'd just put in my exact notes. Here it goes: "Max is a delight. Shrimp Shumai is wonderful. Chicken Fried Rice is done properly without being over seasoned or too salty. Spicy Tuna will run you out of town!" HA! What fun notes I left for myself. I do recall their drinks being very nice and strong. Totally worth ordering a fun adult beverage. Max was an absolute delight... just a nice human being. I remember we'd had a really rough day and Max read the vibe. Without being overwhelming, Max just made dinner a wonderful experience. Thanks, Max. You're good people. The entire food scene was great that night. We enjoyed everything we ordered. Even though this was a while back, I remember we took leftovers home (which I NEVER eat)... that night, I ate them! Price was on-point, ambiance is great... sit away from the door if you are a wuss like me and hate the cold "door blast". I remember being impressed by the amount of take-out and doordash that was lined along the counter. Kanji OTR is solid. We'll look forward to visiting again! read more

After an intense afternoon at the Auschwitz exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center, a low key dinner to debrief seemed perfect to my husband and I. Kanji OTR at Findlay Markey was perfect! Knowledgeable server (she's tried everything), quiet ambience and good food added up. We started with a veggie roll, my husband had his favorite, the Korean wings, and I went with Udon veggies and tofu. Fresh and ample! read more

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Place was packed on a Saturday evening, but not so packed that we couldn't get a seat at the bar. I went with the tteok-bokki and shared a big baller roll with my friend. My impressions were just alright - the food got the job done but I wasn't too impressed. However, service was good and shoutout them for putting the Kentucky Derby on! read more

Kanji OTR - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This place is still top notch. Food is amazing, drinks are delicious and service is super friendly and attentive. If you have not tried Kanji OTR you need to. read more

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We've gone here before with a great meal but yesterday may have been an off day ... The seafood bowl was pretty good, a couple of mussels, some shrimp and strips of squid. The chicken bowl didn't have much chicken which were cubes of chicken. The sides were excellent. Excellent service. read more

What delicious sushi! After a week long service trip, we were able to go to Findlay market, others who had been before mentioned sushi and since it is my favorite food, I had to try and! We came during half price hour which is also a nice treat. I had the Joe burrow roll, because when in Rome. I also had a the tsunami roll that was raw delicious and fresh! Just like I love! Check this place out; if you are in the area! I can't wait to go back! read more

Kanji OTR - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Street parking was available. Our server was very polite and told us the popular menu items frequently ordered, Wings along with something else. We decided to try thr wings, ugh, I'm glad he told us because they were perfectly cooked, seasoned and the sauce is finger licking good. Our server came over with 4 small dishes with roots/veggies seasoned very well for us to get and if wanted, to add to our meals. The shrimp fried rice was good but could've used more seasoning in it. The galbi, I couldn't stop eating this (beef) because it's seasoned so well . This is a place I'd definitely come back to. read more

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First time going to Kanji! I've been planning this date for my girlfriend and I for a while now and it was everything I imagined! Love that the interior has a lot of plants, makes it a welcoming setting. We ordered everything at once. We got the Hot Sake, a lemonade(free refills), Seoul Chicken Wings(must have) and the Beef Bulgogi. For the sushi rolls we got the Tokyo, Crazy Spicy Cali, BTS, Sunday Morning and Sweet Potato. Everything was amazing and the staff was great! We'll be back! read more

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Came here for the half off sushi and was a bit skeptical as I'm partial to coastal states that serve fish. I was pleasantly surprised with how fresh and with the flavors. We had a spicy tuna roll, a play on a rainbow roll, and chicken katsu. All very authentic and delicious. Services was impeccable. The food came out so fast I still had gyoza and miso soup that I had barely eaten. We came in for a late night bite and had a full on 4 course meal. Incredible! read more

I absolutely MUST STOP BY here anytime I'm in Cincinnati! Found it last year while at the Findlay market and now I ALWAYS have to go! The kimchi soup was perfect for the cold weather, the Seoul wings are PERFECT! Crunchy, sweet Korean flavor, and the sushi is always 1/2 off so I always have to get a few rolls! Soo good!!! We just parked somewhere and took the Connector cable train that stops right in between Findlay market and Kanji!! read more

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Overall , the meal was average and I feel like I am rounding up. The sushi rolls were standard and I enjoyed them as well as the chicken wings. Both entrees left much to be desired. The chicken katsu was dry, the breading was detached and it needed seasoning and a more substantial sauce. The bulgogi beef also lacked flavor and sauce. read more

Amazing food- loved the banchan! I only wish there had been more, especially of the eggplant and kimchi! Service was excellent. Lovely atmosphere- bright and cheery. Free parking is impossible to find, and paid parking is abundant but can be difficult to access due to the popularity of OTR, especially on the weekends. Can't wait to come back! read more

We were staying up the street while in town for a work trip and were trying to decide on dinner the first night and we found Kanji with great reviews so we decided to give it a try! The AC was broken that day but that did not change our experience- our whole experience was amazing! Between the 4 of us we ordered a good amount of sushi rolls, mixed drinks, and more. The waitress was very friendly and helpful in her recommendations for not only what she finds best as we asked her, but other local things we could do since we'd never visited Cincinnati before! We did not have a single roll that we didn't love! Everything was amazing and we will definitely be back the next time we're in town! read more

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Great sushi at a reasonable price! For the price this is the best quality in Cincinnati. They waitresses and waiters are very attentive and the food is great! They recently updated their menus. The decor is great too, it's always fun looking around and seeing some awesome plants! read more

Sushi was okay, but for half-price it's 5 star What I really enjoyed was iced matcha! It had an amazing hint of honey, and looked really nice in the cocktail glasses Service was high-tier! We've been seated fast and got enough attention from the waitress. The closest parking lot is 2 minutes away, $3 per hour read more

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Great service. Good menu lots off choice for that picky sushi eater. I would highly recommend stoping by for a visit. The space is very clean, wide open and lots of light great place for lunch. read more

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Kanji almost never disappoints when it comes to sushi! We did takeout this time, but Kanji OTR is a whole vibe--perfect for a summer day or one of those "I'm feeling spontaneous but also hungry" moments. The atmosphere is chill, though it can get busy if there's a game or if Findlay Market is poppin'. But hey, that just means more people making good life choices. Now, let's talk about the Kanji Chicken Wings--easily some of the best Korean wings in the city. They come out fresh, hot, and so crispy you'd think they were double-fried by angels. That first bite? Crunch so loud you might scare the person next to you. Service? It's... service. They take your order, bring your food, and check on you just enough to make sure you're alive and still vibing. No complaints there. Back to the sushi--Kanji's sushi always looks and smells fresh, and the flavors usually slap. Every once in a while, the seaweed wrap might get a little chewy, but that's just the universe reminding you that nothing in life is perfect. Still, it's easily one of the best sushi spots in Cincinnati. So if you're visiting Cincy or just looking for a solid sushi spot, Kanji is a must. Just be warned: once you try those wings, you might start measuring all other wings against them--and most will fail. read more

Kanji OTR - Sunday Morning & Sweet Potato Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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We stopped in here for a girls night and it did not disappoint. We tried the Thai Tanic and the Santa Monica rolls and they were both fantastic. The bottle of wine was a tad overpriced. Our server, Ashley, went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and informed. She walked us through the menu and was attentive and offered recommendations when we asked. Super sweet girl, super cute restaurant, great food. Highly recommended! read more

Kanji OTR - Thai Tanic, Santa Monica - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Greatly enjoyed our dinner at Kanji on Friday night. We didn't have to wait for a table, but would make a reservation if more than four people. Everyone was super friendly and had great service. We definitely over ordered. The tempura was fried perfectly, super flavorful shrimp. Enjoyed the dipping sauce it came with. Sushi was delightful. Would order every roll again, and was hard to narrow down the order. Loved the bibimbap and it was awesome leftover. All the kimchi it came with was delicious. Vibes were high. Clean place. Couple of tvs over the bar. Draft beer was $2 off which is a great deal on a Friday. read more

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Jap chae was so rubbery I had to swallow the noodles whole. I didn't eat it and left it on the table. The chunks of chicken were so dry they were not edible. The sushi presentation was horrible. At least cut it nicely. Giving 2 stars because the signature drink was good and the bartender was friendly. read more

Kanji OTR - Jap chae with chicken. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Tried kanji for the first time on a girls night out- and I cannot wait to come back already. The cocktails to start out were so amazing! So refreshing and unique. The shrimp shumai was perfect all around and so were the rangoons. I was struggling with what to order because I'm not a big fan of spice and our waitress suggested to get the Ramyun but sub the spicy beef broth for miso broth- and it was delicious. The rice cakes added in were great too. Truly loved this place and want to come back soon! Great cute area too right across from Findlay Market. read more

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Put some respect on this place! My wife and I have been coming here for years. We now hear people talk about it like it's new (which is great) but just know the quality here has been long lasting and the service is always quality. Check it out. Takeout travels well! Bulgogi - a fan favorite! read more

Kanji is my go to sushi restaurant. I travel far and wide because everytime, it's perfect! Kanji does no wrong in my eyes and the food is always fresh and delicious! I don't have one bad thing to say. The staff are always nice and polite as well. read more

Kanji OTR - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This is the place if Korean food is your thing! The service was fast, friendly and attentive. The food was flavorful and came out quickly. read more

Kanji OTR - Bimbebap - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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The food was amazing and authentic. The environment was great to connect with friends over amazing food and service. I loved the Korean chicken wings and the sushi. We got the playboy roll and two tuna rolls. We also got the kimchi crab Rangoon which were a delicious elevated version of your typical Krab Rangoon. Definitely recommend. We will be coming back! read more

This is one of my favorite, if not the best, sushi place I have been too. The quality is exceptional for the price. The service can be hit or miss but all my servers have been kind. This is a great place for lunch after shopping at Findlay Market or dinner with friends and family. I do think this place is better for smaller groups due to the table arrangements, but Ive sat comfortably with a group of 5. read more

Great spot! Sister restaurant to Drunken Bento in Clifton but alot less college students. Great location, but parking can be rough. read more

Kanji OTR - Fish katsu, and they use red snapper which is a plus. But the best part is the mustard sauce. Delectable! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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The first time me and my partner came here they were very welcoming and gave us great service. This time we came on a Saturday and had no wait, great food again, and the vibe/aesthetic of the whole place is very charming. Our server though was very curt with us, I can understand having a rough day but it felt as if she had a certain tone with us that she didn't have with others and it was definitely because we are young. We try to tip well as we were both servers/bartenders once and know how that is. I really didn't appreciate the constant sighing and being dismissive or feeling the need to leave a 25% tip in spite of that so hopefully the next young couple that comes in doesn't get judged so hard. It sucks because we both really enjoyed this place too. Again the food was awesome and i'm sure if you look the part you will get great service. read more

Kanji is always great. My server was amazing. The Thai Iced Tini was a fantastic drink and I think I found a new favorite sushi roll in the Bee Stinger. So glad I stopped in before the concert I attended down the street. Only regret was I didn't bring a cooler for my leftovers read more

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Great place to for Korean food. Service is amazing. The wings so good the kimchi ragoons delicious. Great sushi and Bulgogi was tender and so yummy. read more

Fantastic Korean wings (think Korean Fried Chicken) and delicious hamachi nigiri. The Joe Burrow role was well executed as a jalapeño popper inspired sushi role, but wasn't my favorite. read more

Kanji OTR - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Kanji was my go-to spot for sushi when I lived in OTR. They have great Korean food and sushi, as well as wonderful cocktails. My personal favorites were the Fish Katsu (breaded fish with a delicious mustard sauce and a generous amount of traditional Korean sides), any of their sushi rolls (best sushi in Cincy!), the shrimp shumai, hamachi carpaccio, tuna tataki, and takoyaki. The Elm Street cocktail was also stellar. Great for date night or for takeout, and most definitely the best sushi spot in town. read more

Meh . I hopped in this place to get a quick sushi fix . I wouldn't say it was the worst sushi I've ever tried - but it was pretty darn lackluster . It was disappointing because I was really craving it . The service was just alright.... they also overcharged my card . .. I left and went down the street to get more food because I was STILL hungry . $30 and still hungry doesn't sit well with me . Won't be back : read more

Kanji OTR - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Food was delicious and came out super fast. Interior was nice but the Christmas decorations were still out? The bartender served us and was nice, too. read more

Kanji OTR - Miso Soup - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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The taste was on point! I felt like the Seoul Chicken wings had the Korean flavor I've been missing, and the Dolsot Bibimbap stone bowl warmed me up completely for the cold walk through Findlay Market. You have to remember to occasionally stir the stone bowl ingredients to get just the right amount of rice crisp without burning loved all of the sides. Highly recommend! read more

Kanji OTR - Seoul Chicken Wings with authentic sauce! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Recently came here for happy hour, it was a nice way to get a small selection of yummy apps for a good price. Great cocktail list, and good sushi as well! Can't go wrong with an order, or two, or the Gyoza. We didn't love the Agedashi Tofu, I prefer smaller tofu cubes and a crispier and/or more sauce-y exterior; the breading was very thin, fell off easily, and didn't have a ton of flavor. read more

I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT! I've only been twice and both times didn't disappoint. Parking in OTR is usually in a lot that you pay per hour. The service, cleanliness, and half off sushi is always amazing. The last time I went with my mom and we shared everything. We got the spicy pork bimbimbap which was so flavorful and hot with so many topping and sides. The kimchi Rangoons were a special in the summer that I knew I had to try. They were delicious as expected. I could have eaten a million of those. The tsunami roll was so fresh and light which I loved. Everything was perfect and this restaurant is a must anytime I'm in Cincinnati!!! read more

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I've been to kanji OTR on multiple occasions. This place offers a casual upscale ambiance and decor with assorted 1/2 off sushi rolls and traditional Korean dishes. The service can be hit or miss depending on the hours. Usually you can get seat without reservations. I actually prefer the bulgogi here which is a large enough portion to split between 2 people and is perfectly seasoned with a semi sweet marinate. Some of the common sushi rolls I get are the playboy, crunch munch, stamina roll, cha cha. Although, no specific sushi roll is exceptional, it is fresh and good enough for a 1/2 off sushi restaurant. What kanji does so well is balance ambiance with menu variety. It does this by tending to both Korean and Japanese palates and because of that it remains one of my staple places to take friends and dates looking for both types of cuisine. read more

Good food and great sushi with a nice outdoor patio overlooking the market. The space they're in is cool with big windows and natural light.

On vacation and wanted sushi to celebrate! This place didn't disappoint. Small world the host went to high school down the street from where I went. The sushi was amazing and 1/2 off. Asleigh did an amazing job and kept the drinks full and was a blast to have as a server. You have to try the deep fried cheesecake! Come here you won't be disappointed!!! read more