Picture by David Hwang
Whereas dwelling in New York Metropolis, I used to be spoiled for selection with inexpensive, no-fuss sushi locations that allowed me, a low-paid journal editor, to eat my favourite rolls a couple of instances every week. After transferring residence to Atlanta, I struggled to seek out locations like this. Whereas I like the pomp and circumstance and excessive artwork of sushi at Muzo, Nobu, and Umi, I lengthy for the times of easy rolls that I may devour on a random Wednesday evening.
My husband Don grew up consuming hibachi and sushi in Marietta ready by Sunafuji. A couple of years in the past, we have been delighted to find that his Sushi Nobo in Vinings was not removed from us. The place wasn’t fancy, however the sushi was wonderful, and Don was an animated man who lit up the place. He handed away final yr and the restaurant closed, leaving a Don-sized gap in our hearts. As soon as once more, we have been looking for a weekday sushi place, solely this time with a toddler in tow. We lastly discovered our spot in Wagaya, however it took us asking round and trial and error to seek out what we have been in search of.
In that spirit, when you’re in search of a strong no-frills sushi spot, Atlantans spill their favourite neighborhood spots.
Sandy Springs
Bishoku is considered one of my favourite eating places. I hesitate to name it a gap within the wall, however it’s a hidden gem. The workers are very pleasant and useful and the service is quick and dependable. The menu has a variety of sushi and sashimi choices and all the pieces is extraordinarily contemporary and flavorful. I’ve been going for about 5 years after a number of mates advisable this place. It is often busy, however you may by no means have to attend lengthy for a desk. – Stephanie Beckham, Senior Finance Supervisor
Courtesy of Demon Bayzan
Chambly
We’ve got the basic downside of eager to eat with a one-year-old after we assume we’re eating as adults, so we continually wrestle to discover a restaurant that is family-friendly and cute sufficient to really feel prefer it. Deal with fudo is a straightforward selection as a result of it is welcoming and nice for our baby and complicated sufficient for adults. I am specific concerning the high quality of the fish in my sushi, and Fudo presents nice worth with out sacrificing high quality. Hand rolls are the perfect bang for the buck, and our go-to rolls are A Star Is Born (spicy tuna, crab salad and crunch topped with seared tuna, yellowtail, salmon, spicy aioli, spicy ponzu, scallions, assorted tobiko) and black Pink (shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, crab salad, avocado, wrapped in pink soy paper, topped with spicy kabayaki sauce). Fudo will get further brownie factors from my movie-buff husband for the cinematic title! –Lauren Howther, freelance publicist
Photographed by Martha Williams
Smyrna
I first began going to Minato about 9 years in the past after I moved to Smyrna. I instantly fell in love with its kitschy environment, just like the rocks on the partitions and the lovable dolphin decorations. They’ve nice high quality sushi rolls like avocado and salmon. Later, I discovered about its off-menu gadgets just like the cowboy hat, a shrimp cracker topped with a mound of creamy crab salad made crunchy with tempura flakes, then topped with fried scallops and drizzled with eel sauce. I not too long ago discovered about one other off-menu merchandise, Kevin #2, which incorporates crab salad and shrimp. I like going as a result of it is often inexpensive. I feel it’s Cheers Japanese restaurant. You go there as soon as and also you’re a daily. –Leah Pickard, freelance author
Marietta
Thaikun is a kind of locations that makes you are feeling such as you’re “going to dinner” in an unpretentious setting. The workers is welcoming and educated, and watching the sushi being freshly rolled by the cooks enhances the expertise. There are a number of artistic specialty rolls at affordable worth factors. We have been going since we moved to Marietta in 2015, however I really feel like when you spend any time in Marietta Sq. it is a kind of locations you be taught by osmosis. –Ashley Wilson Clarke, Solicitor
Dunwoody
I ended up at Wasabi Home as a result of it was the one place I may discover open early on a Sunday and I used to be craving sushi. I am going again as a result of the value cannot be beat. For a date evening, we are able to get 4 rolls, an appetizer and sizzling sake to separate for about $100 with a tip. We most likely go there two to 3 instances a month, getting there as quickly as they open. The rice is cooked completely, and after we get the nigiri, it is good and heat with simply the correct amount of wasabi. The rolls are traditional-ish and the fish is contemporary. —Jocelyn Dubuque, proprietor of Jordie Sweets
Picture courtesy of Starfish
Buckhead
We have been going to Starfish on Peachtree Street for so long as we have lived within the neighborhood, most likely over 12 years. It is inside strolling distance, low cost, and never pretentious. They know us now and nonetheless maintain us despite the fact that we aren’t there as typically as earlier than. We prefer to strive completely different rolls and typically get the chef-selection combo. I am additionally a fan of low cost, good sake. -Keaton McCune, Insurance coverage Skilled
Decatur
We began going to Sushi Avenue after they opened in 1997. My mother lived in Japan for some time as an English instructor, and we have been excited to discover a sushi restaurant close by. I visited it with Decatur’s highschool band after I was in class and beloved the environment. As life goes on, I’ve come to like how family-friendly it’s. I additionally recognize that they maintain off on elevating their costs so long as they will; Even with the value hike, I nonetheless assume it is a deal for the standard. That is the place I am going yearly for my birthday, and I like taking my mates there in addition to my youngsters for lunch. -Meg Sizemore Clark, Skilled
Roswell
Of all of the sushi locations we have been to, none price the cash or had entry to the standard of fish Tanaka does. Mr. Tanaka, who has been operating it for over 20 years, has a tremendous provider that he has been utilizing for years and you’ll discover it instantly. It’s pure and contemporary. My favourite factor on the menu is the sashimi octopus—you’ll be able to style the salt water in it. We love that it is a small and intimate place and the service is all the time superb. We’ve got been going for about 15 years after a pal of our daughter discovered it. —Gary Bixler, proprietor of The Farm Sauce
John’s Creek
After I moved from the town to the northern suburbs, I used to be thrilled to seek out an genuine Japanese sushi spot close by. The vibes at Daisuki Sushi Izakaya are laid-back, as a very good izakaya must be, and the fish is as contemporary as any high-end sushi restaurant in Atlanta. This place presents quite a lot of rolls, sashimi, and nigiri — the hama kyu roll is easy and refreshing — together with an ever-changing specials menu, an important unagi bowl, and takoyaki so good I wrote it an entire love letter. Scorching, freshly fried pink for dessert. Do not miss the Bin Taiyaki. The house owners are pleasant, and the beer is ice-cold. For Japanese-food lovers, Daisuki is definitely worth the drive. — Mairead Wells Walljasper, editorial digital director atlanta journal
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