Gut Reaction | Want a little family with your sushi? Try Ohana Grill

Setting the Table

Ohana Grill is a small and new restaurant in the Bi-Lo shopping center off Dick Pond Road. They’re settled in the strip mall adjacent to the large grocery store and have been serving guests their Japanese fusion cuisine for about two months now. Their name reflects their status, as they are a family owned and operated eatery.

The family, like their restaurant, is young and friendly so talking with them was part of the enjoyment of Ohana. The interior remains rather bare-boned, but hopefully they will be able to change that as time goes on and they increase their customer base.

Currently, there are a few tables and one hibachi grill. No doubt most of their clientele take advantage of their take out, which can even be called in. As young as they are, Ohana Grill has aspirations to eventually offer delivery.

Down the Hatch

Most of the menu is of course rice-based, but they do offer a few low-carb options. The hibachi and sushi options are typical of these express grills, including shrimp, chicken and steak hibachi, and the California roll.

They also offer teriyaki tuna and scallop hibachi, and a few different combinations. All entrees come with fried rice and grilled vegetables.

Ohana Grill has a few specialties, like their Spicy Ahi Tuna bowl that is sushi rice with raw tuna, avocado and seaweed salad on top. It is just as advertised; the bowl has a kick very similar to kimchi.

Honestly, the ingredients by themselves are delicious enough, so mixing the different toppings together, like just the tuna and rice or the avocado and seaweed salad, can make for a unique flavor with each bite.

Their other specialty is called the Rumor’s Lunch and is a lot of food for $11.99. Teriyaki chicken and vegetables comes on fried rice alongside shrimp tempura and a California roll. Everything (except the rice) is made to order, so feel free to specify any changes you’d like to the meal.

Check, Please

The prices are very reasonable, with the most expensive entrée at 14.99. There are meals for two as well, with the steak and chicken hibachi for two at 18.99. The most expensive sushi roll is $7.99 with a full 10 pieces.

Express bowls (rice and meat) range from $5.99 to $8.50. The children’s menu doesn’t go over $5, and Ohana Grill also offers sides (mostly ingredients from the main menu like hibachi chicken or vegetables) for an array of prices.

With room to grow (and a young baby to grow as well), hopefully this small Ohana will blossom with the support of the local community. For your quick fix of Asian fusion, stop by the Ohana Grill, where everyone is family.

This story was originally published September 2, 2015 at 1:39 AM with the headline "Gut Reaction | Want a little family with your sushi? Try Ohana Grill."