Best sushi
One of the gorgeous plates of sushi at Tomo, which recently relocated to Buckhead from its original spot in Smyrna. Photo: Becky Stein / Special
OUR PICKS
1. Tomo
Chief Dining Critic John Kessler says, “The sushi remains impeccable — everything from the great selection of seafood to the always-perfect rice distinguishes this restaurant as one of Atlanta’s few true destinations for raw fish.”
2. Sushi House Hayakawa
3. Taka Sushi
4. Sushi Huku
5. Nakato
YOUR PICKS
1. Sushi Nami
You say, “Sushi Nami is by far the best place for sushi in Atlanta. The fish is the freshest you can find, the staff is very friendly and there are many unique (and delicious) rolls to choose from. To let you know my dedication to this place – I used to drive from Smyrna to Alpharetta to eat there, but now that the Sandy Springs location is open I don’t have to go quite as far.”
2. Tomo
3. Sushi House Hayakawa
4. Sushi Avenue
5. Sushi Kiku
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127 comments Add your comment
Michael
May 29th, 2012
1:38 pm
Mali in Virginia-Highland. Yum!
Brad
May 29th, 2012
1:47 pm
Sushi Uchi in Ellard Village! Best sushi, fresh, great atmosphere! Great chef!
thomas
May 29th, 2012
1:48 pm
sushi kiku on lenox road!!!!!!! half off tues – sun!! by far the best sushi bang for your buck in town. may not be the absolute best if you’re including outrageously expensive sushi.
Belinda
May 29th, 2012
1:52 pm
Sushi Nikko Nikko on Buford Drive near The Mall of Georgia
Mary B
May 29th, 2012
1:56 pm
Sushi House Hayakawa
Renee
May 29th, 2012
2:28 pm
Thaicoon on the Square in Marietta.
John
May 29th, 2012
2:29 pm
Sushi Avenue in Decatur on the square…..
loki44
May 29th, 2012
2:34 pm
I’ll second Sushi House Hayakawa.
Jessica C.
May 29th, 2012
2:36 pm
Sushi Kiku!
wrestler
May 29th, 2012
2:37 pm
Samarui Blue in Lawrenceville, GA
Shockadow
May 29th, 2012
2:38 pm
Damn, I miss MF Sushi…
Gimme a Break
May 29th, 2012
2:38 pm
I’m with Renee…Thaicoon near Marietta Square.
A
May 29th, 2012
2:39 pm
Tanaka on Highway 9 in Roswell. Way in the back of a non-descript strip mall, but authentic sushi!
JP
May 29th, 2012
2:40 pm
Minato’s off Spring Road in Smyrna!
Ted
May 29th, 2012
2:41 pm
For the money, Sushi Avenue on the square in Decatur. Consistently great
YummyYumYum
May 29th, 2012
2:42 pm
Seoul Garden on Buford Hwy at 285. Awesome sushi bar. Lunch specials, too. Box lunch with incredible quantity and variety of kimchee.
joe
May 29th, 2012
2:46 pm
JP is right. Tried them all and Minato’s is best. Don’t let the 1970’s decor run you off
Tom Chapman
May 29th, 2012
2:56 pm
Mori House is the BEST!!!! My wife and I have gotten a chance to know a couple of the chefs, Iwan and Herman. No matter what day of the week it is, if you want a great atmosphere with excellent service and fair prices, Mori House is the best in the Atlanta area! If you don’t believe me, you should go, eat, and enjoy what they have once while gazing at the sushi winning plaques they have on the wall!
Roz
May 29th, 2012
2:56 pm
My vote is Nori Nori in Sandy Springs with its buffet-style dining featuring sushi, hot and cold entrees and dessert bar. Wonderful variety and a great value!!!!
RD
May 29th, 2012
2:57 pm
It’s Minato’s for me … I haven’t tried the others but I can’t imagine them being any better.
Doug Canada
May 29th, 2012
2:59 pm
Rice is best sushi around. Located in Cumming at Hammonds crossiong. (369) Browns Bridge and 306. Order 2010 sushi platter . People drive from Dunwoody to eat there.
Greg in Alpharetta
May 29th, 2012
3:04 pm
Circle Sushi in Sandy Springs (Roswell Rd just South of the River) is our favorite. Been going there for years and it’s always been consistent and fresh.
Mellissa
May 29th, 2012
3:05 pm
Having lived in Japan for 6+ years, I can say that the most authentic (atmosphere and taste) are Hayakawa and Shoya. The local Japanese expats frequent those places as well. It really is like being in an Izakaya (Japanese bar).
decatur dawg
May 29th, 2012
3:09 pm
Harry and Sons in VaHi is the best bang for buck.
Lisa
May 29th, 2012
3:22 pm
Hashi Guchi and Hashi Guchi Jr.
(Lenox and Windy Hill Rd)
OakhurstDude
May 29th, 2012
3:25 pm
Kroger of course. What’s wrong with you people!!!
ATLVOL
May 29th, 2012
3:27 pm
HASHIGUCHI JR at Lenox! No frills but consistently great sushi and great service! The number of Japanese patrons eating there daily tells the story!
William
May 29th, 2012
3:30 pm
Mo Mo Ya in Buckhead
Gizmo
May 29th, 2012
3:38 pm
Mellissa,
Have you ever been to Ege Sushi in Marietta? I think Ege is the best, but I’m curious how it compares to Hayakawa and Shoya.
Saucey
May 29th, 2012
3:39 pm
Rusan’s in Buckhead!
Alicia Sullivan
May 29th, 2012
3:42 pm
Sushi House Hayakawa, hands down. Authentic and delicious, worth every penny and parking is never a problem.
Gary
May 29th, 2012
3:57 pm
Anyone who says ‘Rusan’s’ needs to eat sushi anywhere else to understand what good sushi is. While I miss Soto terribly and have been to his NY restaurant several times, if you are going for the food, the only place to go is Bishoku. The quality of the fish is fantastic. The preparation of the sushi is excellent. It does get very busy on Fridays and Saturdays so I recommend a reservation. My favorite think is to sneak away from work and eat there for lunch. It is a very peaceful place to relax for an hour while eating wonderful food. I am guessing my wife and I eat there at least twice a week. People who eat there tend to become regulars. It is just that good.
RK
May 29th, 2012
3:59 pm
Taki in Dunwoody.
Grant
May 29th, 2012
4:00 pm
Taka’s Sushi on Pharr Road – always great and Taka is honest about his fish and what is best that day/week. Love it!
Jeff
May 29th, 2012
4:05 pm
Super China Buffet
Jap Man
May 29th, 2012
4:07 pm
Publix, dummies.
GaPeachy
May 29th, 2012
4:15 pm
I’m no Sushi expert, but i would have to go with RA in midtown for Sushi. Great happy hour and late night specials, and love love love the ambience and wait staff.
HM
May 29th, 2012
4:24 pm
Mori House is the best. Great service and the sushi is always fresh. I’ve turned several non-sushi eaters into sushi-ites with trips to Mori House!
Morimoto
May 29th, 2012
4:24 pm
Nakato bitches. Rusan’s? Really?
the big bad sani
May 29th, 2012
4:25 pm
Sushi Huku
CG
May 29th, 2012
4:25 pm
Sushi Kiku off Lenox Road near the intersection of Lenox and Buford Hwy.
KW
May 29th, 2012
4:32 pm
Sushi Nami in Alpharetta or Twist in Buckhead. Both very good!
J Free
May 29th, 2012
4:37 pm
the new Sushi Nami at the Perimeter and of course the original is always great!
Howard
May 29th, 2012
4:38 pm
Kuroshio in Kennessaw. Hands down the best I’ve ever had. They’re on Restaurant.com so there’s always deals, and the sushi always tastes incredibly fresh. It’s always very packed. Definitely a local favorite in the NW metro area.
A
May 29th, 2012
4:39 pm
Sushi Yoko. imho.
Kyle
May 29th, 2012
4:39 pm
Rusan’s in Buckhead
Hugh
May 29th, 2012
4:42 pm
Bishoku in Sandy Springs is by far the best!
rick
May 29th, 2012
4:43 pm
i got sick for 2 days off of publix sushi, Rusan’s is dogfood…..suprisingly try Twist at Phipps!! its very good, also my highend pick would be Nobu at the Ritz Carleton Residences (past phipps on left accross from BP)
Ted
May 29th, 2012
4:46 pm
Hashiguchi Jr. at Lenox and Thaicoon at Emory. Both are excellent places to eat sushi.
Wolf
May 29th, 2012
4:46 pm
Rusans is garbage…….it’s like saying Burger King is the best burger in Atlanta.
hands down Minato’s is the best Atlanta Sushi. The best Sushi happy hour is Ra sushi in Midtown. $6 and $7 rolls that usually go for 12-14 at normal hours.
Curzen
May 29th, 2012
4:50 pm
Shoya Izakaya in Doraville
jan
May 29th, 2012
4:52 pm
Tanaka in Roswell. The best !!!!
Ann
May 29th, 2012
4:55 pm
Rice in Cumming……
johnny fontane
May 29th, 2012
4:55 pm
My house….had to do it.
Anne
May 29th, 2012
4:56 pm
Tomo
Captain Tempura
May 29th, 2012
4:59 pm
Steel in Midtown. Mt. Fuji roll is not to be missed
Jeff
May 29th, 2012
5:06 pm
Sushi Uchi. Ellard Village off Holcomb Bridge Rd. Best in Atlanta
Bluce Lee
May 29th, 2012
5:09 pm
Minato’s on Spring Road! Hands down the best in town, decor is old and retro but the Albacore tuna and Crab Salad are crazy yummy. Ginger dressing is best in town too.
Tank8
May 29th, 2012
6:07 pm
Ege sushi off Roswell rd…amazing….also if anyone votes for ru sans
They don’t know what sushi is
nancy
May 29th, 2012
9:02 pm
Kuroshio, near Town Center Mall in Cobb County…great staff, beautiful.presentation, fun place…their Hot Wok Shrimp appetizer is great, and their house salad with ginger dressing is a meal by itself…but the sushi is the star of this show!! We eat there at least twice a month, and never get tired of it.
UGA
May 29th, 2012
9:08 pm
Agree with Sushi Kiku on Lenox. It’s up there with what MF was, but substantially cheaper as long as you go at lunch or on one of the half-price nights.
Kevin
May 29th, 2012
9:10 pm
Sushi Avenue in Decatur
Rupricht
May 29th, 2012
9:13 pm
Just got into sushi about two years ago with a trip to the now defunct BluePointe across from Phipps Plaza. Asahi on Shallowford Road in Marietta is close to home and the Futomaki and Ebi Makimono rolls are excellent.
BigEd
May 29th, 2012
9:14 pm
Tomo, Taki, Nakato
JK
May 29th, 2012
9:31 pm
Sushi House in Johns Creek (Jones Bridge Rd) – A little hole in the wall with some of the best sushi I have had in 30 years. I have converted many of my friends. If you care about the food, and not a fancy atmosphere, this is the place to go.
Smarty
May 29th, 2012
9:35 pm
TOMO hands down! One of the best sushi places in America and it’s right here in Atlanta. Minanto is nice and good but they are from Laos so not true Sushi.
Sarah
May 29th, 2012
10:00 pm
Steel in Midtown, hands down!
ABC
May 29th, 2012
10:06 pm
Tanaka in Roswell FTW!
Lia
May 29th, 2012
10:19 pm
Sushi Avenue in Snellville and Decatur, Hashiguchi Jr, Mo Mo Ya in Jonesboro
vicky kimbrell
May 29th, 2012
10:21 pm
Kimchee is not sushi or Japanese.
Gooch
May 29th, 2012
10:27 pm
Garlic in Decatur. Not only Thai food but an out of this world Sushi bar and chef. High quality ingredients and creative specials everyday. Plus outside dining patio. Outstanding.
Bama Man
May 29th, 2012
10:36 pm
Sushi House at Peachtree and Biscayne in South Buckhead
gatorsc1
May 29th, 2012
10:36 pm
Kuroshio and umezono
Logical Dude
May 29th, 2012
11:35 pm
Sushi Mito in Norcross has salmon that melts in your mouth. I accidentally spent over $50 by myself! All you folks touting the “best” places, at least tell me what you ate and WHY you think it’s the best! Otherwise, you will not convince me at all. I’ve tried sushi all over Atlanta, and this one is the best overall. For a better deal, try the dollar sushi nights at Shallots in Roswell or for a more genuine feel, try Kang Nam in Doraville.
Edward
May 30th, 2012
12:28 am
Starfish on Peachtree RD in SoBuck is great for a more upscale experience. For quick lunches, can’t beat Maki Fresh at Peachtree Battle.
Roger
May 30th, 2012
12:40 am
Tomo. Moved from Vinings to just north of Phipps Plaza.
Mike
May 30th, 2012
12:47 am
Sushi Huku – expensive but excellent. I agree w/ anyone who says Rusan isn’t good. I remember it making best of lists when I moved down here and concluded that those people must have been living under a rock. It’s the McDonalds of sushi. The same goes for any sushi buffett.
Steve
May 30th, 2012
12:59 am
Tried Hayakawa based on recommendations of it being authentic. I have never been to Japan so maybe it is authentic, but I wouldn’t know. What I do know is I didn’t like it as much as I had hoped. Americanized may not be hip, but it’s definitely better tasting to me.
The big problem with Sushi is there is a decided ‘cheap’ buffet style sushi (kiku, RuSan’s, etc) and an expensive style sushi that is much better but for most middle class Americans it cannot be eaten frequently. I sure wish some restaurants would fill that middle area.
Tanaka in Alpharetta isn’t bad, but the restaurant is dark, dingy, and detracts considerably form the average taste of the Sushi.
My plea goes out to whomever ran Sushi Zutto in Alpharetta (North Point at Old Milton). I know you closed your doors a couple of years ago, but you were by far the best Sushi where a real man could go eat and still spend under $20. It’s probably why you went out of business. If you folks are reading this post and have changed name/locations .. please post it here.
torchesandpitchforks
May 30th, 2012
1:37 am
Mori House in Suwanee, Best sushi in the South!
jcatl
May 30th, 2012
2:42 am
Sushi Hayakawa without a doubt though price-wise it’s a bit more than your average sushi joint. Ege Sushi is very good everyday sushi but not in the same league.
Brian
May 30th, 2012
3:04 am
My go-to sushi is Mori House in Suwanee. Will make the drive all the way from Loganville for that from time to time.
Soto
May 30th, 2012
7:22 am
Since I mover to the village in NYC, it is my friend Taka
gtg437w
May 30th, 2012
8:18 am
buckhead sushi house – So good…
Lisa
May 30th, 2012
8:38 am
About the Publix sushi…..they do have authentic sushi chefs who rove around the locations, making rolls and packaging them for sale. But I have a friend who works in the meat department at Publix who told me he watched the sushi chef sneeze all over his hands, wipe his nose with his hands, dab them on a napkin and go right back to making rolls.
So after that, I kind of lost my appetite for Publix sushi, no matter how convenient.
Amanda
May 30th, 2012
8:49 am
Miyako Hibachi, Sushi & Steak House in Austell and Kiku Japanese in Alpharetta – sushi buffet only one I have ever seen!
Rarmen
May 30th, 2012
9:00 am
Tomo and Bluefin, both very good!
mld465
May 30th, 2012
9:20 am
Czar Ice Bar has the best Sushi, not to mention 200 vodkas!
piambro
May 30th, 2012
10:09 am
Gekko Sushi on Glen Iris and North in Midtown
Jay
May 30th, 2012
11:22 am
Thai Heaven by the airport…their Atomic Rolls are the best!!!!!!
Linda
May 30th, 2012
11:51 am
Sushi Avenue in Snellville is the best sushi . Their volcano roll is awesome. My husband can always get fresh quail eggs and uni. We have gone to other local sushi places in the area but none compare to thre freshness of Sushi Avenue. The color of their salmon and tuna is always so much better.
Yukio
May 30th, 2012
12:24 pm
Ege Sushi in Marietta is a top contender in Atlanta. Very traditional Japanese food. Very little roll menu. They have a daily and seasonal menu. Their quality rivals those in Shoya and Hayakawa. Their price is more reasonable than Shoya and Hayakawa. If you like deep fried rolls, Ege is not the place for you.
Frank
May 30th, 2012
1:40 pm
Czar Ice bar is THE place for Sushi! I met Master Chef Saito there last week, and his creations are so unique and awesome, that I will not order Sushi anywhere else now. They are at 56 East Andrews drive if your interested!
Southern Boy
May 30th, 2012
2:10 pm
I am not sure about consuming any raw meat – bacteria, e-coli, and other stuff that gets in your body.. It is already enough of the fast food garbage, and all institutionally made meals, candy, soups, entrees, etc. USA – #1 in colorectal cancer, among the top 5 in obesity, etc, etc. Go figure…
Doug
May 30th, 2012
2:17 pm
You people do realize that most of the grocery stores use gased tuna, don’t you?
Bored At Work
May 30th, 2012
2:30 pm
Strip in Atlantic Station
StefR
May 30th, 2012
3:13 pm
No question – Sushi Nami in Sandy Springs and Alpharetta. There is no comparison….anywhere in Atlanta. NY Strip Roll, Heated Salmon and Akami….seriously!
Sharon R.
May 30th, 2012
3:17 pm
Sushi Nami…hands down best sushi in Atlanta!
Amy Kitchens
May 30th, 2012
3:19 pm
Sushi Nami is by far the best place for sushi in Atlanta. The fish is the freshest you can find, the staff is very friendly and there are many unique (and delicious) rolls to choose from. To let you know my dedication to this place – I used to drive from Smyrna to Alpharetta to eat there, but now that the Sandy Springs location is open I don’t have to go quite as far.
Shelton
May 30th, 2012
3:30 pm
Sushi Nami… The best sushi in town… Amazing and fresh served by a great staff!!!!
Amanda
May 30th, 2012
3:31 pm
Sushi Nami!!! Both locations – Alpharetta and their new Sandy Springs/Perimeter hot spot. Best sushi in Atlanta!
Upscale Man
May 30th, 2012
3:58 pm
Now that MF is closed, Bishoku is the best. Used to love Sushi Huko before it was sold, but it is no longer as consistent.
Sushi Nami
May 30th, 2012
4:10 pm
freshest, tastiest with original pairings and beautiful presentation!
Crystal
May 30th, 2012
4:23 pm
Gekko, RA, and KiKu HANDS DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Candice
May 30th, 2012
4:38 pm
Sushi Nami
Ashley
May 30th, 2012
5:12 pm
Miyako off east-west connector in Austell. YUMMY!
Anon
May 30th, 2012
6:09 pm
Umezono off Wendy Hill and Cobb Parkway.
Steve
May 30th, 2012
6:58 pm
Czar Ice Bar! Master chef Saito (sp?) is absolutely amazing. Japanese, formally trained, and an passionate about his art! His food is works of art, and every bite amazing!
Michael Livingston
May 30th, 2012
7:00 pm
Czar Ice Bar in Buckhead- Master Sushi Chef Saito is amazing!
Tina
May 30th, 2012
8:04 pm
Sushi Avenue, Decatur.
Bob
May 31st, 2012
2:32 am
If you didn’t choose Tomo, then you have never had the experience. The only place left that flies his fish in from the Tokyo Market.
Terry
May 31st, 2012
9:17 am
@Bob, Many places in Atlanta fly their fish from Tsukiji market. Any restaurant that sells (as sashimi or tataki) sanma, aji, kinme-dai, kuro-mutsu, mizu-tako and any other fish/octopus from Japan, has to have their fish flown in. I’ve ordered aji tataki at Sushi Yoko. I’ve seen it on the menu in other restaurants too. I know that Ege restaurant (in Marietta) has prepared all of those fish I’ve listed, along with many other fish from Japan.
JRay
May 31st, 2012
10:23 am
OMG, nobody in the ATL has better sushi than Sushi Nami. Two locations, Sandy Springs and Alpharetta…..nothing else compares. Not Twist, Shout, Rusans, nothing. If you have not tried it….you need to do so. http://sushinami.com
LaKisha
May 31st, 2012
10:49 am
Kiku…the New Orleans Roll is to die for!
Danny
May 31st, 2012
2:23 pm
Czar Ice Bar in Buckhead! Master Saito rocks! His creations are true works of art – looks and taste. I’ve eaten sushi all around and he’s got them all beat – hands down, spectacular!
Jen
May 31st, 2012
3:44 pm
Czar, Czar, Czar! No question about it. Its in Buckhead, in the Andrews Complex (right next to Souper Jenny’s). Sushi lover or sushi novice, you’ve gotta try this! The plates are as beautiful as they are tasty. So good!
Kris
May 31st, 2012
3:48 pm
Hands down(Chop Sticks) it’s Czar ice Bar at East Andrews.
Egger
May 31st, 2012
5:22 pm
Bottle Rocket Castleberry Hill.
MMMmmmm....Food!
June 1st, 2012
12:38 pm
@Southern boy…..Whatever. Thanks for the Vote. Now, go wash your hands and retreat to your protective bubble.
Deacon C
June 1st, 2012
1:51 pm
Tanaka Japanese Restaurant in Roswell…authentic & awesome!
Tim
June 1st, 2012
2:42 pm
ATLANTA NOT Buford or Marietta.
Mark
June 1st, 2012
6:01 pm
Sushi Nami in Alpharetta. Once you try it you can’t go anywhere else.
shelly
June 1st, 2012
10:13 pm
taka, tomo
shelly
June 1st, 2012
10:14 pm
taka and tomo!
Eric
June 2nd, 2012
11:41 pm
Czar Ice Bar in Buckhead for sure!!! I started eating sushi about 4 years ago, so far Czar has the best. I met Master Chef Saito last time I went, he is awesome. They have amazing drinks as well.
White Trash Bill
June 3rd, 2012
3:19 am
Andy’s Trout Farm in Dilliard, GA
Tracy
June 3rd, 2012
9:39 am
I enjoy Nabu, loved MF Sushi, and Benihana on occasion, but if you are willing to drive a little west of Atlanta, Tokyo Steakhouse in Douglasville, GA (Hwy. 5) is amazing. They stay booked for hibachi, but they know their sushi.
Allison
June 4th, 2012
10:17 am
Sushi Nami in Alpharetta & Sandy Springs! Freshest fish around- can’t be beat!