When you hear “tasting menu,” you probably picture a white tablecloth, hushed conversations, and a waiter in a tux explaining the notes of citrus in your amuse-bouche. Agni is the complete opposite. Yes, it’s a tasting menu. Yes, it has a James Beard-recognized and now USA Today recognized chef.
But instead of stiff formality, it’s pure energy… A wildly creative, rule-breaking dining experience that USA Today just named one of the best restaurants in America.
The Rulebook? Agni Threw It Out.
Traditional tasting menus are rigid, high-pressure, and come with a side of intimidation. Agni is playful, flexible, and full of surprises. No overly scripted service, just a staff that’s genuinely excited to share the story of each dish and interested in ensuring you are enjoying your dining experience. A meal here feels like an adventure, not a performance.
Agni doesn’t offer fine dining. They offer fun dining. (Sorry for the pun but I just couldn’t help myself)
A Menu That Speaks Many Languages
Chef Avishar pulls inspiration from literally everywhere. Whether he draws from his Bengali roots, his humble Midwest upbringing, kitchen experience in Chinese and Mexican restaurants, and his love for nostalgic flavors, they all show up on the menu at Agni in some capacity.
What’s really cool is that his team’s ethnic backgrounds add even more layers to play around with on the menu… Oaxacan, Thai, Indian, and so much more. The result is a mashup of flavors that somehow just work. He’s like a magician who is able to make any two cuisines blend together beautifully.
The Food Is Serious, But the Vibe Is Not
The dishes are meticulously crafted, but the restaurant itself is anything but uptight. No tuxedos, no stiff silence, no obnoxious businessmen trying to close a sale, just a warm, welcoming space where people are having a great time. Eating here feels like being at a dinner party where the host happens to be a Top Chef alum. And that’s exactly the vibe that it seems like Agni is trying to get across. Fancy but friendly.
Francy? Fandly? I don’t know, I might have to workshop these.
The Secret Sauce: Barua’s “Fun First” Approach
His food has decidedly won over critics, but it never has felt exclusive. It’s for everyone. He plays with nostalgia and high-end technique in equal measure, making fine dining feel accessible and exciting. Agni is a reflection of his personality: serious talent, zero pretension.
Agni | 716 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206