Located just down the street from Twisted Taco and Leopard Lounge, RA Sushi is a newcomer to the buegoning Atlanta restaurant scene, located next to Ri Ra Irish Pub. But RA has locations around the country. Newly opened RA Sushi invited me to come and sample their menu last month.

I headed out to RA on a Tuesday evening in July. Upon entering, I was amazed at how hopping RA was on a Tuesday evening. I absolutely adored the outside couches and tables, as they are perfect for lounging. I would have opted to sit out there had it not been for the looming threat of rain.

I was equally surprised by the beautiful people at RA. They seem to pride themselves on having gorgeous waitstaff. After my meal, Nicole, the manger, walked me around the restaurant. She also pointed out that all the pictures of women on the wall are not models, but servers at various RA restaurants around the country.

Starting off with a couple appetizers, I ordered the Calamari Tempura, Ra’ckin Shrimp and the Pork Gyoza. All were excellent choices. The Pork Gyoza, or pot stickers, had a great flavor and texture, while the Ra’ckin Shrimp, served with a ginger teriyaki dipping sauce was cooked perfectly with a light breading. But the biggest surprise of all was the calamari. I was expecting the rings like you pretty much get everywhere else, but these were thick pieces of calamari steak. It was dusted with a peppery powder and served with a soy dipping sauce. But it didn’t need either of those – it was fully capable of standing on its own.

So far, I had my socks knocked off with the appetizers, so what could follow up such a great meal? All around me, I kept seeing the same type of roll being delivered to table after table. It had a thick orange sauce of top with a cracker-like object set atop it. After inquiring, I found out it is called the Viva Las Vegas roll and comes with tuna and crab with eel sauce, it is topped with a cream cheese mixture and spinach flakes. One of those were ordered along with the Tunacado – Tuna and Avacado, of course, served up with some ponzu dipping sauce.

The Tunacado was extremely fresh and the perfect mouthful was a bite of tuna, a bite of avacado and a dip in the ponzu sauce. Now the Viva Las Vegas roll was tasty too, although I still have yet to truly master the art of eating with chopsticks. These are pretty large and very difficult to eat in one bite. And, while I did think it was tasty, I also didn’t taste much fish. I think many of the rolls are similar with lots of heavy sauces and tempura flakes. Something sushi purists may not go for.

After 3 appetizers and 2 meals, you would think we refused dessert, right? I really should have but I couldn’t resist having the fried ice cream. This comes in four sticks with chocolate and raspberry sauce drizzles on top. It was delish, definitely a sharing dessert.

The bottom line is that RA Sushi is a gorgeous space with a hot staff and a killer patio. Is RA Sushi going to be the next great sushi destination in Atlanta? Not sure. Does it provide fresh, decent food in a pretty atmosphere? Absolutely. And I am looking forward to hanging on the patio of RA on a fall evening with my gang.

Extras: Half off select sushi appetizers from 3 to 7 Monday through Saturday. Beer, Wine and Cocktail specials all day Monday through Saturday $3-$4 each.
I had a couple mixed drinks during the meal but think the Chang (Thai) beer pairs better with the food than cocktails.

RA Sushi
1080 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA
404 267 0114
Website