We’re blessed in the A with an unexpectedly good sushi scene—of the 15 restaurants included on this list, four are included in Atlanta’s Michelin Guide. But prestige isn’t the only reason to grab your chopsticks. Beyond the intimate omakase counters and upscale tasting menus, you’ll find just as many hole-in-the-wall neighborhood favorites, lively izakayas, and family-friendly spots serving impeccably fresh fish.
Whether you’re splurging on a special-occasion nigiri flight or popping in for a casual weeknight roll, Atlanta’s sushi landscape delivers. Read on for favorites to fit every budget and occasion.
Tomo
Dining at Michelin-recommended Tomo doesn’t come cheap—after all, it is located inside the Ritz-Carlton Residences—but those seeking a chance to munch on 24-karat gold-infused sushi likely know what to expect. Don’t miss the garlic yellowtail roll with microgreens or Tuna Tuesdays, exclusive monthly tastings of sustainably raised tuna sourced from the Bluefin farming research institute at Kindai University. 3630 Peachtree Rd. NE, Ste. 140, Atlanta, tomorestaurant.com
Circle Sushi
Circle’s exterior is unmarked, save for a neon sign simply reading “SUSHI”—and for those in the know, not much more is necessary. The Sandy Springs shop is a go-to for both traditional and more modern rolls; Monday through Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m., take your pick from a selection of fresh fish from Japan—squid, kanpachi, and shima aji to name a few. 8725 Roswell Rd., Atlanta
Eight Sushi Lounge
Opening ITP felt like a logical next step for the family who owned Cumming-based Rice Restaurant and Sushi Bar. Now, son-and-daughter duo Handy and Windy Ho lead West Midtown’s Eight, with Handy serving as executive chef and Windy its director of operations and sake sommelier. Sushi traditionalists might not be a fan of the kitschy names and sometimes heavy-handed offerings–the “Bonnie and Clyde” salmon and yellowtail cannolis come drizzled with avocado mousse–but we think it’s a whole lot of fun. Bonus: the bruschetta menu of creative meat-topped sandos is one we have yet to find anywhere else in Atlanta. 930 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta, eightsushiatl.com
Umi
Despite its location in an already-crowded fine-dining corridor of Buckhead—Michelin-starred Atlas and Atlanta-staple Chops & Lobster Bar are just across the way—Umi stands out as one of our favorite destinations for out-of-the-box rolls with cross-continental flavor. A foie gras roll, for instance, pairs the French delicacy with bluefin tuna and serrano pepper truffle oil. The Japanese desserts are just as good as the sushi, ranging from paper-thin mille crepes to a famous chocolate kyu; only a dozen of the Yamazaki whiskey-infused, berry-filled treats are made each night. Have one and end the evening at Himitsu, the Japanese craft cocktail lounge next door. 3050 Peachtree Rd. NE, Ste. 1, Atlanta, umiatlanta.com
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Not in the mood for an expensive omakase? With three locations across the metro, Kura offers a novel, family-friendly sushi experience that’s easy on the wallet. Select dishes as they float by on a conveyor belt and pay by the plate, or order favorites on the touchscreen tablets. And have no fear: the chain’s patented ventilated lids and plate-tracking tech ensures every bite is fresh. Multiple locations, kurasushi.com
MF Sushi
Although brother-restaurateur duo Chris and Alex Kinjo are also behind Kinjo Room in West Midtown and the Beltline’s trendy Yuji Modern Japanese, we’re partial to their very first concept, MF Sushi. Dining at MF—which stands for “magic fingers”—might be a prerequisite for understanding Atlanta’s sushi scene, which the restaurant dominated in the early 2000s with long runs first on Ponce de Leon and then in Buckhead. Today, it serves up the same signature nigiri plates for which it became famous on the sleek first level of an Inman Park apartment complex. 299 N. Highland Ave. NE, Ste. K, Atlanta, mfbaratl.com
Mujō
The menu changes daily at this omakase-only Edomae-style restaurant, but guests lucky enough to grab one of its 15 seats can generally expect small cooked plates and a progression of seasonal nigiri. Its 2024 Michelin star came as no surprise, given that James Beard-nominated executive chef J. Trent Harris is at the helm—Harris earned two Michelin stars as an executive sous chef for two omakase-only NYC and Tokyo restaurants, as well as a star as chef de cuisine at the now-shuttered NYC Mediterranean spot Aldea. To dine at Mujō, make sure to set an alarm 30 days in advance, as reservations open at 10 a.m. on the first of the month. 691 14th St. NW, Ste. C, Atlanta, mujoatl.com
Nakato Japanese Restaurant
A longtime staple of Atlanta’s sushi scene, this Cheshire Bridge restaurant offers comforting classic rolls alongside a hibachi menu and even shabu-shabu hot pot. But it’s the off-menu extras that set Nakato apart, like a hand-delivered hospital sushi delivery service for new moms and bookable private classes with a sushi chef. 1776 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE, Atlanta, nakatorestaurant.com
Chirori Omakase and Sushi
An expansive selection of nigiri serves as the perfect jumping-off point for navigating Chirori’s menu. Start with truffle caviar-topped anago eel or smoked Spanish mackerel before diving into well-priced maki rolls and even a few robata-grilled meats, like a classic galbi and a black cod marinated in saikyo miso. 349 14th St. NW, Ste. C-1, Atlanta, chiroriatl.com
Brush Sushi
Behind the main dining room of this Buckhead Village restaurant sits O by Brush, a Michelin-starred 20-course omakase experience. But the standard Brush menu offers equally high-quality fare, taking its name from the act of brushing each piece of nigiri with a sweet nikiri shoyu sauce. $155 per person yields an expansive tasting menu, while a la carte items include sashimi or nigiri available to try dry-aged or fresh; signature maki rolls; and a $99 temaki handroll selection. Ossetra caviar service for the table is available if you still haven’t had your fill. 3009 Peachtree Rd. NE, Ste. 140, Atlanta, brushatl.com
Hayakawa
Yes, we’re recommending yet another place with a Michelin star—even with so many to choose from, chef Atsushi Hayakawa’s namesake restaurant still stands out. Get on Resy for one of the two omakase seatings offered Tuesday through Saturday evenings so you can feast on fish sourced from Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Market, all sliced thickly in the tradition of the chef’s native Hokkaido. 1055 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, hayakawaatl.com
Shoya Izakaya
A departure from the many omakase counters on this list, Japanese-owned Shoya offers an authentic izakaya experience where the drinks and small plates are just as big of a draw as the a la carte sushi. The rolls here are blessedly affordable and mostly traditional, lacking the cream cheese and crazy spice combos found at other joints. 6035 Peachtree Rd., Ste. A101, Doraville, shoya-izakaya.com
Cuddlefish
In the morning, this restaurant in Dunwoody’s swanky new High Street development functions as a bakery and cafe; by night, Cuddlefish blends Japanese and Taiwanese traditions, specializing in sushi-style hand rolls and a temaki tasting menu offered at the chef’s counter. It’s the newest concept for ChingYao Wang and Jason Liang, the team behind Brush and Lucky Star. As pastry chef and creative director, Wang draws from her Taiwanese upbringing to inform the artisanal snacks on display. On the way out, stop by the market for coffee beans and other specialty goods. 290 High St., Dunwoody, cuddlefishatl.com
Fudo
With a menu that spans over 50 signature rolls, this Chamblee restaurant is overwhelming in the best way possible. You can’t go wrong with the “First Kiss” roll, though, which is fitting, given that the casual-but-chic ambiance and middling (read: non-omakase) price point make it a great first date spot. Don’t miss the dynamite shrimp here, either. 5070 Peachtree Blvd., Ste. A-100, Chamblee, fudoatl.com
O-Ku
O-Ku is a Southeastern chain, but we feel good about positioning it alongside the heavy hitters on this list thanks to its can’t-miss happy hour. Monday to Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m., head over to its industrial-looking home in West Midtown for specials on small plates like hamachi carpaccio and shishito peppers plus discounted rolls. 1085 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Ste. A3, Atlanta, o-kusushi.com
