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This Korean Restaurant in Columbia Is Worth Every Bite—Here’s What to Try

Issue #567

September 26, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ High of 83, low of 56

✨ LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 👇

😋 This Korean Restaurant in Columbia Is Worth Every Bite—Here’s What to Try

📌 9/27 - 28: Grand Opening of Hummingbird Hollow Farmers Market

🗓 List of Upcoming Events - Just Added Some Yard Sales!
 
🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

This Korean Restaurant in Columbia Is Worth Every Bite—Here’s What to Try

If you’ve driven down Nashville Highway in Neapolis, chances are you’ve seen the sign for Mirinae Korean Restaurant. We all have those places we mean to try one day… and if Mirinae is still on your “someday” list, it’s time to move it to the top.

Step inside and you’ll find one of the area’s most exciting new dining destinations—authentic Korean dishes served with bold flavors, generous portions, and warm hospitality. Until now, getting Korean barbecue, bibimbap, or kimchi stew meant a trip closer to Nashville. Not anymore.

At the center of Mirinae is owner Yun Choo, whose path to Columbia has been anything but ordinary. He began his culinary career in Seoul, where he studied hospitality and food service before working at the Hilton International. There, he learned the art of fine dining and wine service while serving international celebrities and dignitaries. Just ask him when you visit—he’s got a few stories to share about who’s sat at his tables over the years.

In the late 1990s, Choo moved to New York City, where he worked at a Korean restaurant near the United Nations. What started as a short-term stay turned into a new life, and eventually he settled in Nashville. That’s where he took over Samurai Sushi, a small downtown restaurant that quickly grew into one of the city’s most popular sushi spots. At times, the lines stretched out the door, and in those early years Choo often found himself overwhelmed, handling most of the food prep on his own to keep up with demand. Over time, Samurai grew into one of Nashville’s go-to sushi spots, and its name still carries weight among the city’s food lovers.

After decades spent mastering French and Japanese cuisine, Choo felt it was time to return to his Korean roots. The result is Mirinae—a name that means “milky way” or “stream of stars”—a fitting title for a place that now shines brightly in Columbia’s dining scene.

Mirinae’s specialty is Korean barbecue, and the current all-you-can-eat special makes it easy to try. Beef bulgogi, spicy pork, pork belly, and other cuts are grilled fresh and served with a spread of sides, or banchan. It’s not buffet food—it’s quality meat prepared to order, making for a hearty, shareable meal that’s hard to forget.

But the barbecue is only part of the story. The menu is broad and approachable, with photos of each dish to guide newcomers. First-timers rave about bibimbap, a colorful rice bowl layered with vegetables, egg, and choice of protein. The kimchi pancake is another standout, crisp and savory with just the right tang. Korean fried chicken, offered in flavors like sweet chili and garlic honey, has also quickly become a local favorite.

Soups and stews, like the spicy yukgaejang or the comforting beef rib soup known as ugeoji galbitang, show off the heartier side of Korean cooking. And while sushi isn’t currently part of the lineup, Choo says he’s more than willing to bring it back if enough customers request it. For fans who know his sushi from years past, that’s an exciting possibility—and one more reason to stop by and ask.

Customers Are Talking

What really sets Mirinae apart is the reaction it’s gotten from diners. Google reviews are filled with praise, from those trying Korean food for the first time to seasoned fans who have enjoyed it in Seoul, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

“This place is absolutely amazing! It’s a little hidden gem that many haven’t found yet,” writes Troy Harwell. “The food is top notch and the waitress we had was phenomenal. If you don’t give this place a try, you’re missing out!”

For Frank Sokol and his family, Mirinae was an introduction to Korean flavors: “Food was great, service was attentive. My son (who is picky) said the ramen was great and had a wonderful flavor. All in all a great experience.”

Others celebrate finally having an authentic option close to home. “Food was absolutely delicious! I have been slowly dying inside without a Korean BBQ restaurant near Spring Hill and when I heard they opened I was so excited!” says one reviewer. “Way closer than Nashville thankfully. I’ll be a regular now!”

Even Korean Americans are impressed. “The food was very authentic and tasty,” says CJ Kim. “We ordered the spicy pork bulgogi, LA galbi, and beef tofu soup. We are very excited to have a Korean restaurant in the area! We will definitely be regulars!”

And then there are the superlatives: “The spicy pork bulgogi is my absolute favorite so far. It might be THE BEST pork bulgogi we’ve ever had actually! We’ve eaten at a lot of different highly rated places all over Dallas, Chicago, and LA in the past, so this dish definitely stands out.”

The friendly staff at Mirinae serves up generous portions - and the all you can eat special lets you try all the flavors!

More Than Just a Meal…

The warmth of the staff and hospitality of the owners come up again and again in reviews. Guests talk about being greeted with smiles, checked on often, and made to feel comfortable even if they’re unfamiliar with Korean cuisine. One diner summed it up this way: “The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the service was excellent. Thanks for an awesome dinner and night out.”

Even the small touches—hot barley tea on a cold night, side dishes refilled without asking, or a friendly chat at the grill—help create an experience people want to share with friends and repeat often.

A Restaurant Worth Discovering

Mirinae isn’t flashy from the outside. But inside, it’s full of life and the rich aromas of sizzling meat and simmering soups. It’s the kind of place you want to bring out-of-town guests to impress them with Columbia’s growing food scene, or simply return to again and again when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful.

As one enthusiastic reviewer put it: “Some of the best food I have ever eaten. We will be returning for sure. Don’t let the strip mall appearance fool you. This place is a real gem.”

For Columbia, Mirinae is more than just another restaurant—it’s a taste of Korea, served with hospitality that makes you feel right at home.

Location: 2500 Cayer Lane, Columbia
Hours: Mon - Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday: 11AM - 10PM, Sunday: 11AM - 9PM (Closed Wednesday)

All You Can Eat Special: Sat-Sun from 11AM - 9PM, all other days from 4PM - 9PM,

9/27 - 28: Grand Opening of Hummingbird Hollow Farmers Market

Join us for our grand opening of Hummingbird Hollow Farmers Market! We are anticipating up to 80 vendors to shop, we will have kids games, bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals so much more! 

Enjoy our beautiful 16 acre farm, do some shopping and have a great time! Please note there is NO parking fee and now is a wrist band fee of $5 for all kids activities. This is the only fee for the entire Market other than your own personal purchases!

Location: 1722 B Dodson Road Columbia

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, September 26th

Saturday, September 27th

Sunday, September 28th

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Sept 30: Columbia Police Department CommUnity Event
Oct 11: Columbia Fall Fest
Oct 11: Whole Hog Festival

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, September 26th

TBA, The Spot: Burgers & Beers, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
The Nature Project, Buck & Board, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Murphy Ridge, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Open Mic, Grinder’s Switch, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Chris Wallin, Larry Gatlin & Gary Chapman, The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Banji & The Jets, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 – 11:00 PM

Saturday, September 27th

Nick Bentley, Keg Springs Winery, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Stacey Mitchhart Band, The Mulehouse, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
Martin Lane, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Ben Cannon, Buck & Board, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Music on the Porch, 106 Pleasant St, Mt Pleasant, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Kirwan, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
The Deltaz, Puckett’s, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Fall Series, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Aberration, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Open Range, The Boondox, 8:00 PM
Zone Status, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, September 28th

Eileen, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
The Deltaz, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk