Sushi Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia

by Anne Marie Bailey

Atlanta is not all about southern cooking. The city loves its food culture. Chefs from all across the globe are headed to the peach capitol to see what the buzz is about. Sushi restaurants are flourishing in this young, energetic city. Check out the lighter side of southern hospitality at one of Atlanta's sushi restaurants.
Taka Sushi Cafe

Chef Taka Moriuchi names his sushi roll creations after his favorite things--Diet Coke, Home Depot, the CNN roll. Taka Sushi Cafe also serves traditional Japanese entrees. If you're feeling adventurous, splurge on the eight-course omakase (chef's menu) where the sushi chef takes you into his world creating a special meal just for your table. Choose to dine on the outside patio. Taka Sushi Café is open for dinner Monday through Saturday starting at 5:30 p.m. Taka Sushi Café 375 Pharr Road Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 869-2802 www.takasushiatlanta.com

Rise Sushi Lounge

This sleek downtown Atlanta sushi bar has something for everyone. Rise Sushi Lounge offers Asian tapas, Japanese entrees and a comprehensive sushi menu. Sample it all with a three-course chef's dinner. Creative specialty cocktails and an extensive sake list complement the menu. It's Atlanta, so check out the peach-tree roll: salmon, avocado and cream cheese, flash fried and finished with a drizzle of ginger soy. Rise Sushi serves lunch Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3p.m. Dinner is served nightly. Rise Sushi Lounge 300 Marietta St. Suite 104 Atlanta, GA 30313 (404) 477-0947 www.risesushilounge.com
MF Sushi Bar

"Magic Fingers" is the nickname of sushi chef and co-owner Chris Kinjo. Joined by his brother Alex, the two have created a sophisticated sushi den to the beat of ambient techno music. The first restaurant in Atlanta to exclusively serve sushi, the brothers advocate sushi as a sensual, artistic experience. Start with the toro tartar: fatty tuna and pine nuts finely diced and dusted with wasabi tobiko. Ask your server for specials that aren't listed on the menu or sit at the sushi bar and give the chef full creative license. MF Sushi is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday. MF Sushi Bar 265 Ponce de Leon Ave. Unit B Atlanta, GA 30308 (404) 815-8844 www.mfsushibar.com