J. Liu

Worthington, Ohio

http://www.jliurestaurant.com/

This is a very attractive restaurant with a well-trained, personable and professional staff. It is clean and uncluttered and the layout is well thought out. In a previous incarnation it was called Jason’s and it had pretty good food but was not as integrated as J.Liu. I am not sure how to describe the decor other than to say it is kicky and different but it is not distracting. There is a lot of wood from the wood floor to the dark wood paneling. The ceiling is high and airy.

The menu is interesting with a lot of variety from classic American fare to Italian and Asian. There are a wide variety of entrees from your ubiquitous burger to Filet Oscar (Filet Mignon with lump crabmeat and béarnaise sauce). Included in the lunch entrees they have an entree called “Columbus' Best Phad Thai”. With that challenge I had to see if they could live up to the title. The truth is it was very good. I am not sure it is the absolute best, but it is darned good. If the other dishes are as good, J.Liu will be a fun place to go. While not cheap, it is reasonably and competitively priced.

This is a nice place to go to talk with a friend, enjoy some good food and maybe even get a glass of wine or a beer. I had the company of a genial friend to talk to and that enhanced the experience. Nice place, good company in a comfortable setting. Top it off with good food and it is hard to beat that combination. For relaxed dining with good conversation J.Liu is a good choice.