Baru

I am obsessed with this place! The atmosphere was fun and kitschy (no TVs insight which helped to experience the ambiance!), the food was absolutely amazing, the bartenders were charming, and the drinks were delicious. I’m deeply sad that I found this lovely establishment so close to the end of my trip.

If you like sushi, and are into environments that provide the perfect opportunity to be chatty, you can’t miss this place!

Visited 4 months ago

Ordered from here to try for the first time. Unfortunately for a place that appears to be upscale, and charges accordingly, it was average at best. I reserve one stars for disturbing disasters so this gets 2.

Lobster toast was pieces of lobster compressed into a thin meat patty. This was incredibly over seasoned. While lobster is naturally salty, they appear to have added salt to the patty mix, used salted butter throughout and seasoned the patty with additional salt before cooking. It was unbearably salty. For a sandwich demanding a premium price, one would expect hefty pieces of lobster as opposed to a compressed tiny flat patty salted to disguise the cheap can of chunk lobster bits. Apart from the bread (although likely not baked in house), this was not fresh. I would remove this from the menu. For the price, this was an inedible disaster.

Hamachi Ponzu (Hamachi Jalapeño) was excellent. Exceeded expectations. Yellowtail was fresh and brittle as expected, full flavor and crisp accoutrements made for a refreshing dish. This was the highlight of the meal.

White Tiger Roll, Tuna Fire Crunch and Yellowtail Yuzu were decent. Solid flavors. However when paying a higher than premium price, one does not expect “crab” to be cheap pollock sticks. When asking for +$20 for a roll, you expect something more, and certainly expect premium ingredients. Rice was hard and pasty and rolls had an express mall sushi feel to them. Grab n go.

None of these dishes provided value at all. I was disappointed overall. A premium price for an average meal was disheartening. I was provided with Kikkoman Soy packets, and wasabi paste packets. For the price that was paid, restaurants generally provide a premium soy and do not use commercial wasabi paste. Ginger was once again a prepackaged purchased product. Again, feels like I ordered from a mall sushi place. I easily overpaid by $50 for the 5 dishes I ordered relative to the quality I received.

I would not recommend this place at all and would not return. There are much better for much cheaper. Having not physically been there i cannot speak to the ambience, service or the cocktails. This place lacks a genuine chef. It had an assembly line feel with no heart. Save your hard earned money for a place that cares about what comes out of the kitchen.

Visited 5 months ago

We had a family group of 12 and Baru was unbelievably awesome. The service was on point and active with a lot of people ordering and sharing around the table. The sushi, oh my god, the sushi is amazing! Our family is from Seattle, Brooklyn and has traveled all over the world, and we love sushi. This spot should not be missed. Parking is easy in the 84.51 building.

Visited 3 months ago

I envited a couple of friends to eat here with me. It was the 1st time for all of us. The food was great! We really liked the atmosphere of the restaurant as well as the quality of the food that we received. The specialty drinks were interesting. I have not seen some of the options that they had on the menu before. We tried a variety of options on the menu. Both the sushi as well as some of the main dishes. Our clear favorite was the Seared Scallops dish that was on the chef's special for last night. They were delicious! We all loved the sushi options that we selected. The staff that served us was excellent from the moment we came in the door through the time we left. The greetings at the door were so pleasant. The person serving us was so nice and accommodating. We just had a great time all around. One word of advice, only order the Wasabi Margarita if you like wasabi. I do, so I found it enjoyable. But it truly has wasabi in it, so be prepared!

Went back again to celebrate my birthday. It didn't disappoint!

Visited 2 years ago

The hostess wasn't too friendly, not welcoming. Our server was good. She could do little more though. The ambient was OK. This place is more like Asian Fusion. The food was OK. They did their own way of making the sushi, katsu plate or fried rice. The only thing I like a lot was the Beef Tataki.

Visited a year ago

Went with my hubby on a date. The staff and service were nice. We had 3 small plates of appetizers and 2 sushi. The rainbow futomaki sushi was my favorite. Their sushi is really good quality and not too much rice.

Visited 9 months ago

Baru is the kind of place where exceptional service and culinary artistry come together, and my recent visit was nothing short of remarkable. Two team members, in particular, made the night truly special: Jacob, the brilliant bartender, and "Sushi Sam," the sushi master.

Jacob, behind the bar, is a true craftsman. From the moment we arrived, his warm demeanor and enthusiasm set the tone for a fantastic experience. What truly stood out was his willingness to share his personal notes and ideas for cocktails, offering a glimpse into his creative process. The highlight of the evening: Jacob’s signature Key Lime Martini! With its perfect balance of tart lime and creamy sweetness, this drink was nothing short of a masterpiece—refreshing, indulgent, and unforgettable. Jacob's Sugar Cookie Martini is also excellent!

Over at the sushi counter, Sushi Sam continued the magic. His consistent excellence and dedication to his craft are unmatched. On request, he prepared his signature Fire Scallop Roll—a sublime combination of fresh, buttery scallops and a touch of fire and smoky spice. This off-menu gem is worth every bit of the ask. Watching Sam work is a treat in itself, as his precision and passion shine in every detail of his creations.

Baru is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience elevated by professionals like Jacob and Sushi Sam. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly crafted cocktail or an extraordinary sushi dish, this is a place where the staff’s talent and care make every visit unforgettable. Highly recommend!!!

Visited 3 months ago

The food was fantastic. The service was fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed our dinner. So many of us come into town one a year for the Advanced Placement scoring, and this year, we got to experience this gem of an establishment. Highly recoomend!

Visited 10 months ago

I brought my girlfriend here for her birthday dinner and we absolutely loved it. They gave us a great table. The waitress was very polite, wishing her happy birthday and even bringing us a delicious dessert. Needless to say, I look like a pretty great boyfriend right now. Thank you, Baru!

Visited 2 months ago

Visited 2 months ago

Visited 3 months ago

We had a family group of 12 and Baru was unbelievably awesome. The service was on point and active with a lot of people ordering and sharing around the table. The sushi, oh my god, the sushi is amazing! Our family is from Seattle, Brooklyn and has traveled all over the world, and we love sushi. This spot should not be missed. Parking is easy in the 84.51 building.

Visited 3 months ago

I’ve been here quite a few times and Jacob was my best server yet! He made phenomenal recommendations and his cocktail suggestions were unreal. Fantastic night. Highly recommend the corn ribs, lobster shots, and fried rice. Can’t speak highly enough!

Visited 3 months ago

Visited 3 months ago

Visited 3 months ago

Baru is the kind of place where exceptional service and culinary artistry come together, and my recent visit was nothing short of remarkable. Two team members, in particular, made the night truly special: Jacob, the brilliant bartender, and "Sushi Sam," the sushi master.

Jacob, behind the bar, is a true craftsman. From the moment we arrived, his warm demeanor and enthusiasm set the tone for a fantastic experience. What truly stood out was his willingness to share his personal notes and ideas for cocktails, offering a glimpse into his creative process. The highlight of the evening: Jacob’s signature Key Lime Martini! With its perfect balance of tart lime and creamy sweetness, this drink was nothing short of a masterpiece—refreshing, indulgent, and unforgettable. Jacob's Sugar Cookie Martini is also excellent!

Over at the sushi counter, Sushi Sam continued the magic. His consistent excellence and dedication to his craft are unmatched. On request, he prepared his signature Fire Scallop Roll—a sublime combination of fresh, buttery scallops and a touch of fire and smoky spice. This off-menu gem is worth every bit of the ask. Watching Sam work is a treat in itself, as his precision and passion shine in every detail of his creations.

Baru is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience elevated by professionals like Jacob and Sushi Sam. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly crafted cocktail or an extraordinary sushi dish, this is a place where the staff’s talent and care make every visit unforgettable. Highly recommend!!!

Visited 3 months ago

Came in on Saturday because my boyfriend and I had been dying to come here for the sushi but was left more impressed with our server, Jenna. She was amazing and made the experience much better! Very attentive, friendly, held conversation and was over all wonderful. Will be coming back and asking for her!

Visited 3 months ago

Food and service was spectacular. Thanks for a happy birthday y'all.

Visited 3 months ago

The food was AMAZINGGG!!! Great appetizer selection and delicious drinks.

Visited 3 months ago

The food and service were fantastic! Our server Jacob did a wonderful job even though it was busy super busy. The fried rice is *amazing*! Though there wasn't a thing I didn't enjoy food wise

Visited 3 months ago

decidedly bland and poor quality food considering the price. the restaurant has nice atmosphere and I’ve always had great interactions with the staff, but the food is nowhere near as good as you would expect. I would not consider this a japanese restaurant but more asian fusion. the chicken “katsu” is more on par with school lunch chicken patties, and some of the sushi I’ve had seemed about as fresh as the premade rolls at kroger. the food is just too inconsistent to be asking such premium prices. I can’t afford to be spending so much on a meal that turns out to be mid at best.

Visited 3 months ago

Dining at Baru was an extraordinary experience from start to finish! This restaurant is an absolute gem, offering a perfect balance of upscale sophistication and welcoming warmth.

The ambiance was chic and stylish, creating the ideal setting for an unforgettable meal. What truly sets Baru apart, though, is the staff. They were not only incredibly attentive and knowledgeable but also genuinely charming and friendly. Their warmth and hospitality made us feel welcome, turning a great evening into an exceptional one.

The food? Absolutely phenomenal! The menu offered a delightful range of options, and everything we tried was nothing short of spectacular.

What makes Baru even more special is its inclusivity. This is proudly a LGBTQ+ friendly bar and restaurant, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a space where everyone can feel comfortable and celebrated.

Baru is the kind of place where you don’t just have a meal—you have an experience. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night out, this place is a must-visit. We left feeling wowed and can’t wait to return!

Visited 4 months ago

Dining at Baru was an unforgettable experience! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. The ambiance was welcoming and set the tone for a delightful evening.

Our server, Jordan, was phenomenal—attentive, friendly, and highly knowledgeable about the menu. Jordan’s communication and suggestions elevated our dining experience, ensuring everything was perfect.

The star of the night, however, was the incredible food crafted by Chef Jon and his team. Every dish was a testament to the chef’s skill and creativity. The Baru fried rice was bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The lobster and yellowtail sushi was fresh and beautifully presented, while the dynamite roll was equally as great. The chicken Katsu was crispy, tender, and delicious, while the crispy Brussels were a standout—the best we have ever eaten. And we can’t forget the lobster toast!

Baru is a must-visit for anyone seeking extraordinary Japanese cuisine. Chef Jon and the team have created a menu that is both innovative and satisfying, and with Jordan’s exceptional service, the experience was flawless. We can’t wait to return!

Visited 4 months ago

Visited 4 months ago

Visited 4 months ago

Excellent service, food, and venue

Visited 4 months ago

Everything about Baru I loved! The food! Was amazing! I also got the scallop fried rice that was made to perfection! I ate it before I could take a picture of it! It was delicious! It's definitely a place to put on your list if you are in the Cincinnati area!

Visited 4 months ago

Jacob our bartender was fantastic! He made our experience memorable and went over the top to create delicious drinks! Hands down a phenomenal night out!!!

Visited 4 months ago

First time eating here last night and the food was absolutely amazing!!! Couldn’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Visited 4 months ago

I am obsessed with this place! The atmosphere was fun and kitschy (no TVs insight which helped to experience the ambiance!), the food was absolutely amazing, the bartenders were charming, and the drinks were delicious. I’m deeply sad that I found this lovely establishment so close to the end of my trip.

If you like sushi, and are into environments that provide the perfect opportunity to be chatty, you can’t miss this place!

Visited 4 months ago

My boyfriend and I went here over this past weekend. It is my first time and I was excited to try this place. I don't even know where to start. At first, they wanted to seat us outside on the patio in 40 degree weather before we told them we had a reservation. Once we were seated at the bar, we were asked to be seated somewhere else at the bar - and have our appetizer taken off the bill. Towards the end of the night, our server disappeared and I had to flag some other waiter down to get the check. The food was subpar. The manager that was cleaning the bar next to us didn't even make eye contact when I asked him about the wine selection nor did he even welcome us to the restaurant or say hello. I am sorry but this is terrible customer service. If you want to keep a business, have better customer service. I will not be returning.

Visited 5 months ago

Desde el primer momento, Ana nos hizo sentir como en casa. Su atención fue impecable y su conocimiento de coctelería es impresionante. Nos recomendó varios tragos que resultaron ser perfectos para nuestro gusto, y cada uno estaba mejor que el anterior! Ana realmente tiene un don para mezclar sabores y crear un ambiente divertido y relajado. Si visitas Barú, asegúrate de buscar a Ana! Gracias por una noche inolvidable 🌚

Visited 5 months ago

Visited 5 months ago

Beautiful restaurant and delectable sushi! We visited on a whim while downtown midweek and we were so delighted. Staff was pleasant and energetic, providing great suggestions. Seating was quick, dress code casual and prices ($$) as expected.

Visited 5 months ago

Baru is a very ~aesthetic~ downtown joint that I went to with friends for a birthday celebration, thinking the atmosphere and prices would be representative of the food quality. Unfortunately I was incorrect.

The chicken katsu resembles a Tyson chicken breast, and the yuzu yellowtail roll was utterly flavorless. The potatoes in the appetizer were undercooked, and overall the food was just sub-par for the price. The only thing worth writing home about are the lobster shots, which, for $6 each, I would certainly hope to be memorable.

Unfortunately just not worth the price or the fight for parking.

Visited 5 months ago

Visited 5 months ago

Great atmosphere. Monday half price sushi and sake are great. Wagyu was also pretty good

Visited 5 months ago

Visited 5 months ago

Walked in at 4pm for late lunch to an empty restaurant, and the host refused to seat us because they “were fully booked up with reservations”…at 4pm. Apparently this place is a huge hit with the AARP early bird dinner crowd.

Sat at the bar and had dinner, zero people came in to eat while we were there. The friendliness of the bartender was the only positive thing to say about this place.

Visited 5 months ago

Easily some of the best sushi I’ve had. The salmon nigiri was melt in your mouth good. Not to mention they have fresh, real ground Wasabi!

Visited 5 months ago

Ordered from here to try for the first time. Unfortunately for a place that appears to be upscale, and charges accordingly, it was average at best. I reserve one stars for disturbing disasters so this gets 2.

Lobster toast was pieces of lobster compressed into a thin meat patty. This was incredibly over seasoned. While lobster is naturally salty, they appear to have added salt to the patty mix, used salted butter throughout and seasoned the patty with additional salt before cooking. It was unbearably salty. For a sandwich demanding a premium price, one would expect hefty pieces of lobster as opposed to a compressed tiny flat patty salted to disguise the cheap can of chunk lobster bits. Apart from the bread (although likely not baked in house), this was not fresh. I would remove this from the menu. For the price, this was an inedible disaster.

Hamachi Ponzu (Hamachi Jalapeño) was excellent. Exceeded expectations. Yellowtail was fresh and brittle as expected, full flavor and crisp accoutrements made for a refreshing dish. This was the highlight of the meal.

White Tiger Roll, Tuna Fire Crunch and Yellowtail Yuzu were decent. Solid flavors. However when paying a higher than premium price, one does not expect “crab” to be cheap pollock sticks. When asking for +$20 for a roll, you expect something more, and certainly expect premium ingredients. Rice was hard and pasty and rolls had an express mall sushi feel to them. Grab n go.

None of these dishes provided value at all. I was disappointed overall. A premium price for an average meal was disheartening. I was provided with Kikkoman Soy packets, and wasabi paste packets. For the price that was paid, restaurants generally provide a premium soy and do not use commercial wasabi paste. Ginger was once again a prepackaged purchased product. Again, feels like I ordered from a mall sushi place. I easily overpaid by $50 for the 5 dishes I ordered relative to the quality I received.

I would not recommend this place at all and would not return. There are much better for much cheaper. Having not physically been there i cannot speak to the ambience, service or the cocktails. This place lacks a genuine chef. It had an assembly line feel with no heart. Save your hard earned money for a place that cares about what comes out of the kitchen.

Visited 5 months ago

This place is an amazing spot for drinks with a friend (they have an awesome happy hour) or dinner for date night. The atmosphere is sophisticated and chic. The sushi is awesome and tastes like you’re in California. The matcha tiramisu comes in a glass and it is the icing on the cake after an amazing meal. The servers are knowledgeable and attentive. I will be back!

Visited 5 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

Visited 6 months ago

It was a very creatively designed restaurant. They had several Asian offerings of beers and liquor to make the experience unique. The sushi, and the brussels sprouts were delicious. I would highly recommend this restaurant

Visited 6 months ago

The corn ribs were deelish!! Loved the food and the experience !

Visited 6 months ago

Great food service and atmosphere, all three of my plates were delicious and the sake I chose was delicious as well. Definitely worth the stop!

Visited 6 months ago

My to go order of churros were burnt so I could not eat them. Make sure to check the container before you leave. Besides that, EVERYTHING ELSE WAS A 5!!!

Visited 6 months ago

One of the best atmospheres I’ve ever been in. Food was amazing.

Visited 6 months ago

Great sushi. Bartender knew about as much about Saki as my left shoe. He made a good dirty martini though. Our table server was fantastic! Sushi, especially the Shashimi was really good.

Visited 7 months ago

Baru has big city elegance and vibe.
It is an absolute must while in Cincinnati.

The nigiri sushi is a limited selection, but after cautiously trying the Hamachi, we ordered an order of Sake and Unagi as well. All were excellent. In fact, they were so good I wondered why other reviews seemed underwhelmed at the quality of the food!

The quality was extremely high.

The Tokyo Wedge Salad is divine. I will never eat at Baru without starting with this salad. The dressing is perfect, the melange of ingredients is deft.

For those who do not care for raw fish, the cooked specialties are also excellent. The salmon plate with ginger greens was very good, as was the scallop fried rice. Next time, I plan to try the New York Strip Steak.

The bar is excellent. There is a huge selection of sake, whiskey, and other spirits. Chris, the bartender in charge, is a master of his craft. As a side note, the stemware and glassware are good quality, which makes a huge different in the cocktail experience.

Baru’s ambiance is totally fun without being obnoxious. The lighting, seating, and glass box esthetic are all brilliant, making Baru a wise choice for any occasion. The acoustics are great, the sound system is top notch, but the music does not overwhelm. Very notable are the moving light sculptures throughout the room.

This is an excellent choice for a date night, a group event, a business dinner, and also would be an enjoyable solo experience.

Going back again Friday and will update!

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

I envited a couple of friends to eat here with me. It was the 1st time for all of us. The food was great! We really liked the atmosphere of the restaurant as well as the quality of the food that we received. The specialty drinks were interesting. I have not seen some of the options that they had on the menu before. We tried a variety of options on the menu. Both the sushi as well as some of the main dishes. Our clear favorite was the Seared Scallops dish that was on the chef's special for last night. They were delicious! We all loved the sushi options that we selected. The staff that served us was excellent from the moment we came in the door through the time we left. The greetings at the door were so pleasant. The person serving us was so nice and accommodating. We just had a great time all around. One word of advice, only order the Wasabi Margarita if you like wasabi. I do, so I found it enjoyable. But it truly has wasabi in it, so be prepared!

Went back again to celebrate my birthday. It didn't disappoint!

Visited 7 months ago

I don't usually leave reviews but felt the need. This was one of the worst dinners we've had recently. The lobster toast was severely over salted. The only dish that was decent was the beef tataki.

We ordered some sushi rolls and nigiri. The rodeo drive roll was so basic with the tiniest amount of crab. I don't think they even added the caviar. I can't believe how much they overcharged for this basic roll! Definitely not worth $28.

The nigiri was the worst of all. There was so much rice included it was insane. Clearly the sushi chef had zero training. The ikura was borderline rotten. They should be ashamed to charge so much for sub-par food that's barely edible.

We went on a Tuesday night and hardly anyone was there. The service was extremely slow even with the restaurant being practically empty.

Needless to say we will never go back.

Visited 7 months ago

Food is beyond excellent. Get the Tuna Fire Crunch, White Tiger, and SHABU. Come on Mondays for Make Sake Monday. Even the bathrooms are immaculate. (That says a LOT about the attention to detail in a restaurant). EAT HERE. I’ve eaten Sushi in every corner of this world and they know what they are doing. Lights are cool over the bar…you’ll see.

Visited 7 months ago

Very disappointed in this location- this used to be one of our favorites when it first opened. Since then has fallen off a cliff- ordered crispy tuna rice- was delivered with hair in two of them- absolutely disgusting - place is overpriced for very mid food, ok service, & horrible management. The quality has completely deteriorated would recommend any sushi spot over this place. E+O, Nasu-(Newport), Wabi Sabi.

Visited 7 months ago

Absolutely delicious and fun for sharing! Staff were great, atmosphere was fun!

Visited 7 months ago

We absolutely loved the food, and service. Thank you so much for everything. Maj was wonderful ❤️❤️❤️

Visited 7 months ago

Visited 7 months ago

The bartenders are terrible. Getting a drink at an after hours party is impossible. I was there for over 45 mins and never got served. When asked “HOW DO I GET A BEVERAGE?” I was told to calm down. Again, this is after waiting calmly for over 45 mins. I will never return. I pray this place goes away and is replaced by an establishment that actually wants to service customers.
Dope atmosphere. I didn’t eat so I can’t rate the food.

Visited 7 months ago

Great food, drinks, and atmosphere! Would absolutely recommend!

Visited 8 months ago

Hello!

I live across the street from Baru and I visit at least twice weekly.

Great venue, food and the staff are all amazing.

I highly recommend the chef’s choice Chirashi Don Sashimi (absolutely fresh fish!), jumbo crab fried rice, seared scallops and any of the appetizers, but most certainly the lobster shot appetizer!

Visited 8 months ago

I went to dinner at Baru with my husband and another couple for date night. We have really been looking forward to trying it.

We started out with the edamame, tempura shrimp and corn for small plates. The starters were what I would expect from a mediocre bar. However, it all went downhill from there.

DO NOT go to baru for sushi. You will be sadly disappointed. The rolls we had tasted like they were made the day before. What was completely unacceptable however was their tuna crudo...it was HORRIBLE! Thick, veiny and chewy...I had to spit it out.

I am truly appalled that this restaurant has 4.5 stars. The prices are INSANE for the quality of fish you get.

The only redeeming thing about this restaurant was our very friendly and attentive waiter.

Visited 8 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

I come to Baru frequently in the past year and my favorite server/bartender is Deasia. Makes the experience 5 star every time for me and my friends and she gets my food and drinks out very quick. I recommend her to all my friends and family

Visited 8 months ago

The food is always on point! Chris the bartender/ service was fun and energetic. He made the experience super cool! Chris keep up the good work and good energy!

Visited 8 months ago

Today was my first time visiting Baru. It seemed a little slower granted it was a rainy Sunday. I don't write reviews often/ ever but I felt as if I needed to say something about this incredible place! First off the food was incredible, a little pricey but the freshness of the fish is well worth it. My server Arnold was very knowledgeable in guiding my family through the menu. He set up an incredible experience for us with his professionalism, and overall personality. I believe the manager named Micah also stopped in on us to ensure our dining experience was up to par. Cheers!

Visited 8 months ago

Great environment and energy. The food was exceptionally delicious!

Visited 8 months ago

Good food and service in point!

Visited 8 months ago

Visited 8 months ago

Honestly I thought we were at the wrong restaurant after reading all the positive reviews. We went in and most of the staff looked unhappy and we sat at a high top because the sun was shining through the windows so bright we couldn't see very well. Food was mediocre at best. Crispy rice tuna was not bad but not great. Nigiri was just okay. Sushi was totally overpriced given what we got and I've had much better sushi elsewhere in Cincinnati. The vibe of the restaurant was strange as the lights going up and down was too much. It felt like a nightclub that decided to start serving sushi, but not in a good way (I am in my 30's so this wouldn't scare me off). Wouldn't recommend.

Visited 8 months ago

Very chill vibe here. LOVE the lights!!! Food was good too.

Visited 9 months ago

Food was great and service was fast. Our server Jordan was on top of things.

Visited 9 months ago

Eh. I had always wanted to try this place, went in at midnight-ish (online said they were open until 2am). Drinks and vibes were good, then around 12:30 you could tell they wanted to close (turned on lights, turned music off, didn't ask if we wanted another drink, mopping, you get it), which is totally fine, there were only like 7-10 people there. But maybe, use your words? Just say, hey we're closing early, sorry, heres your check. They didn't even bring our check I had to like flag a bartender down and ask for it, didn't thank us for coming in and then locked the door immediately after us.

Visited 9 months ago

Arnold was an amazing server at Baru! From the warm welcome to his excellent menu recommendations, he made our dining experience exceptional. The sushi was fresh and delicious, and Arnold's friendly and attentive service added to the enjoyment. Highly recommend asking for Arnold!

Visited 9 months ago

I had a fantastic experience. From start to finish, everything was top-notch. The service was impeccable, the staff were incredibly friendly and the overall atmosphere was just great. I couldn't have asked for a better time. Arnold, took great care of us and even boxed our food. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a wonderful experience.

Visited 9 months ago

My server Arnold, was very nice and very professional. I have never had wine opened for me with such class. Sushi was great. 100% will be back!

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 9 months ago

Beautiful restaurant TJ hooked us up with a great booth and told us all about the bar. Really great introduction he’s the type of guy you want representing your establishment. Food was great. We’ll be back for sure.

Visited 9 months ago

Went with my hubby on a date. The staff and service were nice. We had 3 small plates of appetizers and 2 sushi. The rainbow futomaki sushi was my favorite. Their sushi is really good quality and not too much rice.

Visited 9 months ago

Great atmosphere, food and service. Frequent sushi eater (lived in Japan). Rainbow Futomaki was amazing. So nice when not overbalanced by rice. Perfect! M

Visited 9 months ago

Cute decor but sushi is overpriced for the portion and it was very loud here. We had to practically yell to hear ourselves and the other person. I think the fault lies with the structure of the place, it causes a lot of echoing, especially on days when it is full!

Visited 9 months ago

Great atmosphere, great food and also great service from Mallory. I had a Hamachi Jalapeno and Steak Tartar. I will definitely come back and try the tuna truffle crudo.:-)

Visited 9 months ago

Visited 9 months ago

The food was fantastic. The service was fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed our dinner. So many of us come into town one a year for the Advanced Placement scoring, and this year, we got to experience this gem of an establishment. Highly recoomend!

Visited 10 months ago

Food was excellent. Atmosphere is nice. Will definitely return - looking forward to trying more of the menu.

Visited 10 months ago

Visited 10 months ago

Lindsay made my birthday celebration for my partner very special by helping me with my large group reservation. Thank you so much Lindsay. Umajesty was our server and he did an amazing job to ensure our table of 9 was well taken care of, thank you!

Visited 10 months ago

I have been to hundreds of sushi restaurants..this is one of my favorites ever. Upscale, modern, upbeat. Amazing food presentation. Big rolls and portions.

Visited 10 months ago

Absolutely amazing experience at Baru in Cincinnati! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and an inviting atmosphere. The modern, chic decor set the perfect tone for a fantastic evening.

The menu is a culinary adventure, bursting with vibrant flavors and innovative dishes. Each bite was a delight! We started with the sushi, which was incredibly fresh and masterfully prepared. The lobster sandwiches were out of this world – rich, buttery, and perfectly seasoned.

Service was top-notch. Our server was knowledgeable, attentive, and made excellent recommendations. It’s clear that the staff at Baru take pride in what they do.

And the cocktails – wow! Creative, refreshing, and expertly crafted drinks that perfectly complemented our meal. They were truly a highlight of the evening.

Baru is a must-visit for anyone in Cincinnati. It’s a dining experience that you won’t forget. Highly recommended!

Visited 10 months ago

Great food and atmosphere. Service was pretty slow.

Visited 10 months ago

Visited 10 months ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

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Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

The hostess wasn't too friendly, not welcoming. Our server was good. She could do little more though. The ambient was OK. This place is more like Asian Fusion. The food was OK. They did their own way of making the sushi, katsu plate or fried rice. The only thing I like a lot was the Beef Tataki.

Visited a year ago

The appetizers were good but the sushi itself was mediocre. If I’m going to spend more than $100 for dinner, I want to be blown away. This was not it.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Excellent all around. Will be back.

Visited a year ago

It was fine, but 100 dollars for lunch for 2 with no drinks is just way too much. Food isn’t anything great. Nothing special.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Food was incredible, fish was fresh and everything else super well cooked. The vibes were immaculate. Our waiter Arnold, was super friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely come back
Ask for Arnold as your server!!

Visited a year ago

Baru has an upscale interior and very friendly service. The shifting light bulbs at the bar also add a fun touch to the ambiance. However, I found the food to be rather underwhelming, especially considering the price point.

The steak tartare was flavorful, with a rich blend of raw steak and egg yolk that paired nicely with the crackers. Similarly, the salmon sashimi was decent and nicely plated. However, the sushi rolls, such as the yellowtail yuzu and rodeo driver, fell flat and lacked depth in the flavor.

Overall, while the restaurant’s dining ambience makes it suitable for special occasions, the food quality left much to be desired, and there are better Japanese options available at this price point.

Visited a year ago

Update your closing times!

Visited a year ago

Sophia was wonderful knowledgeable and guided me to the perfect lunch.

Visited a year ago

Fun spot food was very good

Visited a year ago

Great vegan options. Filling and tasty. Great service although I went before it got busy. Love the black and red decor and high ceiling and wrap around bar. Great for a bar hopping night with friends. Maybe not a family with kids kind of a place. Date night would be good here.

Visited a year ago

Overall great Sushi restaurant. More for the corporate traveler with their corporate card. If you know what I mean $$$$. You could easily drop $125 per person.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

It was an enchanting experience to eat sushi at Baru. From the unique decor, the great food taste and presentation and the motivated staffs. Everything went well. I will definitely come back.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Amazing veggie lunch … wish we had one of these in Raleigh!!!!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Great new spot! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and cocktails too. I highly recommend the crispy rice and tuna appetizer, the lobster shot had wonderful flavor, and corn ribs. I went back for lunch but that was a bit pricey. The chicken sandwich was unctuous though.

Visited a year ago

Sashimi was really good, fish tasted excellent. The other roll I got was very well put together and tasted great.

Ate at the bar and the drinks were really well done. Service and atmosphere were all quite good, would come here again.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Amazing food, some of the best ever. A bit pricey but worth it!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Very good food however you will pay for it, service was excellent.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Vibes! Food was good, we even got mochi (not pictured).

Visited a year ago

It was obvious that a chicken did not fry this rice

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Enjoyed a night out with friends! We enjoyed everything from the cool modern atmosphere to the delicious sushi and of course yummy martinis!

Visited a year ago

Great food and friendly staff! Really cool vibe!

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Steak tartare was good but everything else was below average for the price you pay. Way too expensive for the quality of food you get.

Visited a year ago

The atmosphere is fun and comfortable. Service was good. Our food was just okay. To be frank, I have had better sushi at my local Thai place. We had the Yellowtail Yuzu and Truffle Crunch. Mine hardly had any Yellowtail, and I couldn't taste the Yuzu. The Truffle Crunch roll was good but of course rich. It was happy hour, so we ordered the Chicken Katsu for an app. The dipping sauce was good, but the chicken was dry and rubbery (like it had been frozen). We did like the pickles it came with. We also ordered the Panko asparagus. This was a big miss. They are HEAVILY breaded, and bland. The mayo that came with it was nothing special. As it was happy hour, we also ordered cocktails, and old fashion and the highball, not great. I was really excited to try this place, but was sadly disappointed. For the price, I felt like we were paying for the atmosphere.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Everything about this place is on point. First the space is so beautiful and comfortable. I love the low chairs swivel much easier to get in and out from your table.

However the real reason is the amazing food they serve here. The corn ribs should be part of your order. So much flavor and a great hand food. The fallen angel roll was one of the best I've had. They torch the top to really bring out flavors. Crab fried rice was also excellent.

Nice selection of Japanese beers and a large sake menu. Monday's are half priced sushi so I'll be back then. Service across the board was very cheerful and enthusiastic.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

I have been regularly coming to Baru and have enjoyed my experiences until recently. The bartenders are great and the interior design works well besides the echoing. I celebrated my birthday at Baru and my bottle service experience fell short of expectations. I initially communicated with Tommy, overseeing bottle service, expressing my interest in a single bottle of Tito’s for $250 on my Monday celebration.

Tommy inquired about the number of attendees, and after I told him 17 he emphasized that the more people the better. On the night of my birthday, he asked about additional guests and confirmed my choice of Tito’s. Unfortunately, there were no birthday wishes, but I assumed that was just part of the business routine.

Tommy was absent upon our arrival at 10:30, and later, the bottle service staff informed me that Tito’s was unavailable. Throughout the evening, Tommy's engagement with me was minimal, almost as if I was being avoided. I get it. All business. He came over once to take a birthday shot with me, and that was the extent of our interaction.

During the evening, I witnessed a bottle service girl expressing dissatisfaction to her friend about my $100 tip for her on my $350 tab. This added to my discomfort, creating an atmosphere where I felt undervalued and the staff appeared discontent. Addressing such aspects of service could significantly enhance the overall customer experience at Baru.

While expressing gratitude towards Tommy, I must convey that the overall experience left me feeling more like a transaction than a valued customer. He could be more attentive to guests. I hope to see improvements in service and communication for future patrons. We are humans, not cash cows. I work in the service industry and I just expected normal treatment.

Visited a year ago

Great food, great portions, great service! Had a wonderful dinner at Baru before catching a show and was greatly impressed. We had three appetizers that were each different and wonderful on their own - corn ribs, tepanyaki mushrooms, and tempura rock shrimp (special of the evening, not a regular dish). Those could have been a meal on their own but we also got two sushi rolls (big rolls of 8 pieces each) and a couple bottles of saki. Our server, Christina, was knowledgeable about each dish, how it was prepared, and very attentive to our needs - my water glass never went empty (which is a pet peeve) even though it was a busy Saturday night. On our way out we met the owner, Tailor, who is very gracious and inviting. Overall Boru was a terrific experience I would recommend to anyone.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

The crab fried rice was to die for. Omg it was so flavorful and delicious. For the price I feel the portion size could be a bit better but it’s definitely worth it

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Best chicken fried rice in the area.

Visited a year ago

Baru has a intimate atmosphere and exceptional decor. The service is great, where the server staff was attentive to our large party and ensured our party had what we needed. The food is good and has is presented very well. Our table sampled many things from the menu, with the peppers, crispy rice tuna, brussel sprouts, and hamachi jalapeno being some of the favorites eaten. I'd recommend this place for a date or hanging with friends.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

We had an amazing experience. The food, service, and atmosphere were a 10. Our server was so knowledgeable and helped us with our drinks and sushi. The yellowfin was the best I ever had. We look forward to our next visit to Baru.

Visited a year ago

Amazing all the way around. Very fresh sushi.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

We are looking forward to returning for a full meal.

Visited a year ago

everything was amazing, except for the moving lights at the bar

Visited a year ago

This place is a vibe, excellent food, and bourbon selections👌🏽

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

A lucky find for me. Jake the bartender was super as was the sushi. I'm looking forward to going back

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Great service, drinks were decent, sushi was fantastic.

Visited a year ago

Everything about our experience was amazing. Fantastic atmosphere, delicious food and our service was attentive and accommodating. Excellent experience.

Visited a year ago

Baru opened in a space previously occupied by a pizza restaurant. Baru is a big improvement. The menu focuses on sushi, but there are several entries that offer ample variety.

We started with a Tokyo Wedge that was enough to feed three people. Loved the dressing on the salad. The corn ribs are terrific and, again, there were plenty of pieces to satisfy three people.

Plenty of sushi choices to satisfy your appetite. Plus, we had a plate of Chicken Katsu.

The service was excellent. Good came out quickly and at the correct temperature.

Baru is a great place for a casual dinner.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

My husband surprised me for date night to Baru and the experience was horrible and it's sad that these experiences still exist and it's year 2023. We had reservations, waited 30 minutes before being acknowledged and offered water. However, when other customers arrived who did not look like us received service and hospitality within five minutes.

First impressions are lasting.

We did leave and had a great date night elsewhere where we received great customer service and hospitality.

Visited a year ago

Really disappointed with our dining experience. There were just too many things that were disappointing.
1. We had a choice to sit at the bar or outside because we didn't have reservations but when we walked in and after dinner there were many tables available.
2. Service was just really not what we expected. Waiter commented on our food order, evidently having an opinion about what was right and not right to order. Same when I ordered a drink. Who does that?
3. Food was just ok. My dish has 🥶 COLD noodles with very good warm scallops.
4. The waiter brought the check before we were done with eating our food.
5. Didn't get a refill on the water.
Left deflated and disappointed.

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

Visited a year ago

I was excited to try based off the reviews, price, and location. I assumed Cinci had gotten a high quality sushi place. However, the sushi was mediocre at best. Not sure how they justify charging such high prices when they aren't even using the proper rice for their sushi. Drinks were good, atmosphere was very cool, and service was attentive but food delivery was slow. Ultimately, not worth the price. I wish people would stop opening places for just the vibe and invest in good food too.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

We stopped in Baru after a matinee show at the Aronoff. We were just looking for a drink and an appetizer on this visit. We are looking forward to returning for a full meal.

The place is gorgeous and the seating at the bar was really comfortable. However, getting in and out of your seat with people next to you is an exercise in flexibility. The service was lovely at the bar. We were seated right in front of the glass washing station, so everyone who stopped to wash a glass talked to us.

We ordered the a beautiful Rose wine, the Hamachi Jalapeño, and the Spicy Tuna appetizer. Both dishes were very fresh and lovely. However, we thought the presentation could have been neatened up a bit (see pics).

We look forward to having a full meal next time we return.

Visited 2 years ago

Best sushi place in cincy

Visited 2 years ago

Great atmosphere and drinks! So fun for a date night to sit at the bar or to go with a small group. Will definitely be returning!

Visited 2 years ago

Great experience! Bear was an awesome waiter!

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Best sushi I have ever had. The atmosphere was amazing. The staff was very attentive. We went on a Monday which is half price sushi and sake. Everything was fresh and tasted amazing. I'm not big on Wasabi and ginger that come with sushi, but here that was amazing also. I would definitely recommend trying this place to everyone I know. The sake selection was amazing and the one I ended up choosing did not disappoint. I love everything about this place.

Visited 2 years ago

I had a fantastic dining experience at Baru! The Gravlax roll with coconut rice and the crab with fried rice were both incredibly delicious. However, what truly made the evening exceptional was our server Cleo. Their wonderful recommendations and personable demeanor added an extra layer of enjoyment to our meal. A must-visit spot for both delectable dishes and exceptional service!

Visited 2 years ago

Amazing staff, atmosphere and food.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Cleo was amazing!!!! This was some of the best service I’ve ever had! This was my first time at Baru and Cleo made this experience so enjoyable! I will definitely be back and tell all my friends about my experience here!

Visited 2 years ago

Omg every single thing we ordered was fresh and delicious Definitely going to return

Visited 2 years ago

I hate that I'm terrible with names because our waitress was a absolute gem! The food was great the place was lovely but our waitress was wonderful! ( dark hair , gorgeous, covered in tattoos ) I told her we are best friends now so if you're reading this I'm sorry I suck and forget your name but girrrllll you're delightful! Made our night hanging out with you !

Visited 2 years ago

I had a fantastic experience at BARU during a recent visit. Stopping by for last call on a Thursday night, I was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant atmosphere and exceptional offerings. The drinks they serve are top-notch, a testament to the mixology expertise of their staff. Speaking of which, the staff was incredibly friendly and provided timely service throughout the evening.

Our bartender, John, stood out with his passion for bourbon and his genuine love for his craft. As an American patriot, his enthusiasm was infectious, creating an engaging and enjoyable interaction. John's dedication to his wife was heartwarming and added a personal touch to the experience.

The drinks themselves were a highlight of the evening. I absolutely loved "The Side Piece," a unique concoction that was both flavorful and refreshing. The "Sake-Tini" was another winner, showcasing the diversity of their menu.

Overall, BARU exceeded my expectations in every way. It's clear that they take pride in delivering excellent drinks, exceptional service, and creating a welcoming ambiance. I left with a smile on my face and a newfound appreciation for bourbon. I'll definitely be returning for more memorable evenings at BARU.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Nice space. Prime time location. For this location, should have a much more developed menu and offerings. Staff friendly and good intentions, but need a great deal more training.

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Christina was on point and super knowledgeable. It was a perfect end to the evening and a wonderful experience. We will definitely be back!

Visited 2 years ago

Great Service! Great Atmosphere!

Visited 2 years ago

Great experience, starting with great service with Marcus as our server and Monica is an amazing chef!!
Food is super fresh and delicious, great atmosphere and great service.
Highly recommend!

Visited 2 years ago

Delicious food and wonderful service, DeAsia was fantastic! Will definitely be back.

Visited 2 years ago

A little pricey, but the food is great. Josina was wonderful and made perfect recommendations. Overall enjoyed our experience.

Visited 2 years ago

Overpriced for the quality served and very hit or miss. Rock shrimp, Mushroom Teppanyaki, and tartare were great. Maki was all meh. Rolls not constructed very well and underwhelming. Crispy sweet potato was undercooked to the point of being tough and still pliable. Wagyu nigiri was far from high quality or prep. No visible marbling, but still had silverskin and tendon that was untrimmed. Chewed for ages and eventually had to spit it back out on to the plate. Salmon had zero marbling as well and was on the tough side. Not a good sign when they are already out of king crab and lobster halfway through service and uni and other high quality ingredients have been removed from the menu. Yuzu tart was very good.

Visited 2 years ago

amazing experience and outstanding food!! We loved our time here

Visited 2 years ago

Abby was awesome! Great service and lovely vibes!

Visited 2 years ago

Yuhhhhh dis sooosh rocked my world

Visited 2 years ago

Visited 2 years ago

Best sushi in Cincinnati and wonderful service

Visited 2 years ago

Our first experience at Baru was great!

Let's start with the most important part - the food:
We ordered wagyu tartare (which was served with housemade seaweed chips) to start. It was very fresh and flavorful and the seaweed chips were fresh and crisp ($18).
We then ordered 2 sushi rolls - the shabu roll (which was fully cooked, but good/$22) and the ebi roll (which was also cooked and topped with their delicious, smoky, housemade Sriracha/$13). I love raw sushi but my husband does not, so I can't speak to the freshness of their uncooked rolls.

Total for appetizers: $53

We ordered $6 draft beers (not a bad price) and we also tried the pineapple and sparkling sake - both of which were excellent!

For dinner, I ordered the seared salmon, which was crisp and flavorful and served with rice and greens ($38). My husband ordered the crab fried rice and we were so impressed!! $34 for a large serving of fried rice, a very generous amount of large, flaky pieces of crab, and some housemade sauce accompaniments was so worth it!

Onto the service - our waitress, Deasya (sp?), was awesome, helpful, friendly, and attentive, and I'm so sorry for misspelling her name.

Onto the atmosphere - okay, overall, it's really cool. The design of the restaurant is very unique and aesthetically pleasing, but it does feel like you're in a night club. We were basically yelling across the table to hear each other. Which is fine. I'm in my 30s. I shouldn't act like I'm 80. But it was a little too loud for my liking. Don't come here for a quiet, romantic dinner. DO come here for an energetic evening with friends and loved ones.

All in, before tip, we spent $154. This is usually the amount I'd spend at a nice steak restaurant, such as Embers. However, the food was so good, it's worth it! We'll be back!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi was amazing! Very reasonable priced and the atmosphere is top tier.

Visited 2 years ago