This post is sponsored by Gyusan, but all opinions are my own.
If you’ve been wanting to try all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ, let me point you to Gyusan in Columbia, a newish yakiniku and sushi spot in the Merriweather District that had me seriously impressed. You grill premium cuts right at your table, and the quality’s legit, especially the A5 wagyu, which honestly MELTS in your mouth. There are three all-you-can-eat tiers to pick from, and the top one gets you that wagyu (more on why it’s worth the splurge below). Between the meat, the unlimited sushi add-on, and a full bar of cute cocktails, this is the kind of place you go when you want to make a meal an event. If you’re in Howard County and you love Japanese BBQ, Gyusan’s a must-try!
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What Makes Gyusan a Standout Japanese BBQ Spot in Columbia
Gyusan’s an all-you-can-eat yakiniku spot, which means you grill thin, high-quality cuts of meat right at your table, and it pairs that with a full sushi program, so you get the best of both worlds in one sitting. What sets it apart is the tier system: you pick from Prestige, Master, or Legend, and the higher you go, the fancier the proteins get, topping out with that A5 wagyu on Legend. The service is a huge part of it too, the staff will straight-up cook your meats for you if you ask, and they’re great about guiding you through it. It’s a newer spot (the original location’s in Arlington), and it’s landed in Columbia’s Merriweather District, which has quietly become one of the better eating pockets in Howard County.
What to Order at Gyusan
With all-you-can-eat, the real question is which tier and what to prioritize. Here’s how I’d play it.
Go Legend for the A5 Wagyu ($88 / $98)
If you’re going to do it, do it right: I recommend the Legend tier. Yes, it’s the splurge (that’s $88 with member pricing, $98 regular), but it’s the one that gets you the A5 wagyu, and that alone is worth it. The wagyu melts in your mouth, no exaggeration. Heads up that certain premium proteins are limited to one order per person, so plan your rounds. If Legend’s out of budget, the Prestige ($48 / $58) and Master ($68 / $78) tiers still get you a great spread, you just won’t get the top-end wagyu.
Add the Unlimited Sushi ($5 Extra)
Do NOT skip the unlimited sushi add-on! It’s only $5 extra and it rounds out the whole meal. There’s a mix of regular rolls and special maki, and my favorite was the inari roll, so yum. It’s a smart way to break up all that grilled meat with something fresh, and for five bucks it’s a no-brainer.
Cocktails, Beer, Soju and Sake
They’ve got a proper drink menu too: beers, soju, sake, and a lineup of cute cocktails. I really liked the neko punch, which comes in an adorable cat cup (very instagram-worthy). Sake is on the menu if you want something to sip alongside the meat.
What Is Yakiniku (and How Is It Different from Korean BBQ)?
If you’ve done Korean BBQ but never yakiniku, here’s the quick version. Yakiniku just means grilled meat in Japanese, and like Korean BBQ, you cook bite-size cuts on a grill at your table. The difference is in the style: yakiniku leans on smaller, lightly seasoned cuts that you dip in sauce after grilling, letting the quality of the meat (hi, A5 wagyu) do the talking, while Korean BBQ tends toward bolder marinades and bigger portions. Both are a great time. If you’d rather go the Korean route, Chosun Hwaro nearby does some of the best KBBQ around. You can read more on how the two styles differ.
The Vibe and Experience
Gyusan sits in the Merriweather District, a walkable, modern little pocket of Columbia, so it’s an easy place to make a night of it. The grill-your-own setup makes it a fun one to share, whether you’re with a group, celebrating, or on a date. The service really stood out: they’re attentive, and they’ll cook your meats for you if you’d rather sit back. I’d book ahead on Resy for a prime-time table since it’s popular, though walk-ins are welcome when there’s room. If you’re exploring the Merriweather District, lak is another popular spot in the area.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 6200 Valencia Ln Space C110, Columbia, MD, in the Merriweather District. Heads up: Google Maps sometimes lists it as “Gyu San” (two words), so search that or the address if it doesn’t pop up right away. More on their website.
- Hours: Monday through Thursday 12-3pm and 5-10pm, Friday 12-3pm and 5-11pm, Saturday 12-11pm, Sunday 12-10pm.
- Pricing: three all-you-can-eat tiers, Prestige ($48 / $58), Master ($68 / $78), and Legend ($88 / $98), with member and regular pricing. Unlimited sushi is $5 extra.
- Reservations: book on Resy for the best experience; walk-ins are welcome when there’s space.
- Parking: easy, with district garages nearby (like Symphony Woods) if the lot out front fills up.
- Deals: they run rotating weekday specials (first responder and student discounts) plus a happy hour, so check their Instagram before you go.
- Also: a lunch menu and all-you-can-eat sushi options are available.
Is Gyusan Worth The Splurge?
I’d say yes, especially if you go Legend for the A5 wagyu, which is honestly the whole reason to come. It’s pricey, but for a special occasion or a serious meat lover, it delivers, and the service and sushi round it out beautifully. If you’re looking for all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ in the area, this is a strong answer. If you just want incredible sushi in Columbia without the grill, Takumi is another local favorite of mine.
Have you guys made it to Gyusan yet?! Let me know which tier you’d go for, and if you try the neko punch, tell me if it’s as cute in person as I think. Save this for your next special-occasion dinner, Nomsters, and send it to the biggest wagyu lover you know.