Maki Fresh Atlanta

Let me preface my review as I believe many would categorize me as a bit of a sushi snob. I think of myself more as a purist than a snob - what I mean by that is that I like very fresh fish in largish portions either as sashimi or nigiri. I tend not to buy rolls with the exception of something really spicy (volcano or spicy tuna, for instance) or something like a rainbow roll where there's so much fish that you can still taste it over all the other stuff used in the roll. As for sushi buffets, I've found most to be rather on the crappy side (the fish is almost always frozen - the only way they can afford to serve so much of it and break even on costs) - however there are a few exceptions and I will occasionally visit a buffet, mostly due to the quick in-and-out nature as I don't always have a lot of time to enjoy my lunch.

All of the above being said, I was relatively leery of Maki Fresh, more due to my own tastes, but secondarily due to my buffet experience (I know it's not a buffet but if you've been to one you'll know they rely heavily on rolls so my immediate thought was to place Maki in the same category). I was both mildly surprised at Maki, and at the same time disappointed. More to follow.

The first thing I noticed was that the rice at Maki seemed a bit under-cooked and flavorless. I'm not sure if it was a bad night or what but there's nothing like "off" rice to turn me away from sushi (sushi really is all about the rice, in case you didn't know - and in that regard I am indeed a snob). I wanted a bit more vinegar and the right consistency (slightly sticky, not crunchy rice) so the rice was a bit of a negative to my experience.

On the good side, I was surprised at some of the combination roles available at Maki - I especially liked the beet and cream cheese combination. I also liked the Ringo (eel, strawberry, jalepeno and cream cheese) and the BLT. Many of their rolls also contained jalepeno which is always a plus to me. Most of the others I didn't feel were either unusual enough or had strong enough flavors to pull off the combinations. I personally think that rolls should have rather strong flavors - try the rolls during the sushi lunch at Shout to see what I mean. I did like the ahi salad but it's nearly become a staple these days at many restaurants (especially Goldfish and the like in Atlanta) so Maki Fresh's version was on par. I tried a few other things but I especially disliked the chicken salad roll (not my thing I guess), didn't really like the asparagus (seemed "misplaced" in a roll) and I thought their version of spicy mayo a bit weak.  On the flip side, I liked the drinks I sampled - the sakerita was much better than I had expected.

Overall, I like the concept. I would have graded it a 4 if the rice was better and the rolls a bit stronger in flavor.

This is so Good!!. It is so nice to a have sushi place that you can tell is excellent quality, and tastes so good! I have been a few times, and even the prepared sushi is great. I definitely recommend them- the atmosphere is soothing and great for a date, group of friends going out to eat, I have even seen job interviews happening there! I have seen all different dress attires; casual, business casual, and even business professional-
Very Good! We will be back