In recent years, healthy eating and organic foods have escalated in popularity as “going green” becomes the new slogan of America.

With this push for more awareness about what is going into Americans’ food, perhaps it is no surprise that sushi bars-whose dishes often contain fresh ingredients-are
maintaining their popularity.

Most Fresh

Tokyo Sushi Rock: How do you combine fresh sushi, Viagra and a blowtorch? Not quite as well known as the other sushi bars around Athens, Tokyo Sushi Rock opened in early November and is tucked away in the middle of Broad Street. This sushi restaurant came as the biggest surprise since from the outside, the place looks like a cheap Chinese buffet. However, the inside of the restaurant consists of a dimly lit eating area with a nicely sized bar and big screen TVs. The menu offers everything from the standard California roll to Viagra, Playboy and Black Dragon Roll. The decor and exceptional art that goes into the sushi rolls is pleasing to the eye as well as to the taste. The spectacular fresh fish is as stunning as watching the sushi chef behind the bar lightly cook the rolls with a blowtorch.

Downside: Aside from the cool, modern sinks, the bathroom is kind of eerie with only two stalls.

Grade: A-

Best Atmosphere

Shokitini: Hands down, Shokitini has the best ambiance with its black ceiling, multiple spotlights, big screen TVs and karaoke rooms. It is the only sushi restaurant in Athens that uses the chic checklist ordering style where customers take ordering into their own hands, checking off what they want on the menu. The music booms from overhead, and black-clad servers race around to serve their customers. The assortment of sushi is vast, and prices range from $3 to $14.

Downside: This sushi restaurant is almost always overflowing with customers, so unless you go on a weekday or make arrangements to get there early, be prepared to wait. The waiting area is exceptionally modest, and it is common for the lines to reach past the doorway.

Grade: B+

Best Price

Ru San’s: The most expensive sushi roll on Ru San’s menu is the Atlantic Olympic Five Ring, which is priced at $19.95. Nevertheless, the title of “best price” sushi restaurant goes to Ru San’s because of the immense variety of $1 to $2 sushi available. On its menu, Ru San’s has 50 original house rolls, and most of them are less than $10. The covered patio with space heaters allows customers to enjoy an outdoor setting with indoor protection from the cold.

Downside: Unless you order the special or original house sushi rolls, the regular sushi is kind of bland.

Grade: B

Biggest Waste of Money

Inoko Japanese Steak & Seafood: Inoko Japanese Steak & Seafood is known for its hibachi cooking, not for its sushi. For a good show, by all means, stop by Inoko, but for a sushi experience, stay away from this restaurant. Although the rolls aren’t too pricey (everything on the menu is less than $10), the quality makes you feel as though you picked up sushi from the local grocery store. It is apparent that the restaurant does not specialize in this particular Japanese cuisine. Embarking on your sushi adventures at this steakhouse is a waste of money.

Grade: Barely passing