Nagomiya: Japanese Flavor in the heart of Midtown
The warm and modern interior of Nagomiya — the moment I stepped in, I knew I had made the right choice,
Originally logged on September 12, 2024
Midtown Atlanta has its fair share of hidden gems, and Nagomiya easily rises to the top of my list. Sushi has always been one of my favorite things to eat, and after living in Atlanta for over four years, I’ve been to more sushi restaurants than I can count. But none of them came close to what I experienced here.
The night had been winding down, and I was supposed to meet up with some friends for a drink. I was starving, and my entire feed at the time was filled with sushi. I was getting fed up seeing all these great-looking dishes online while every spot I’d tried over the years left me unfulfilled. If I was going to eat sushi, I wanted something that truly delivered. After weeks of searching for a new place, I finally came across a restaurant called Nagomiya—just minutes from where I was working at the time.
And if you know me, you know I don’t just pick a restaurant; I investigate. After scanning Google reviews, checking Yelp, and talking with one of my close friends, Tyeshiro—who is of Japanese background—everything pointed toward this being the real deal. So before my night out, I convinced my Morehouse brother Malcolm to drop me off. From the outside, the restaurant didn’t look like much, but the moment I walked in, I knew I had made the right decision.
The interior was warm and modern, and the service was even better. The staff greeted me with genuine hospitality—something I can’t say for a lot of restaurants in Metro Atlanta, especially in the heart of Midtown. After being seated and handed the menu, it was time to dive in.
Whenever I try a new restaurant, I like to order anything that immediately catches my eye. Doing this always gives me two things:
A sense of what I want to order the next time I return.
A chance to see the range and versatility of the kitchen.
If you walk into a BBQ restaurant and the menu includes something like quail—when everything else is pork or beef—it usually means the chef has more up their sleeve than they let on.
A spread worth documenting — the lineup that defined my tasting experience at Nagomiya
Roll 1: Crunchy 14th
Tuna • Salmon • Yellowtail • Cream Cheese • Ponzu • Fried Roll
This roll is a perfect example of range. A lot of traditional sushi chefs would never fry a roll—they’d call it disrespectful to the craft. But Nagomiya embraces both tradition and innovation. The presentation was beautiful, but the cream cheese overpowered the fish for me. It wasn’t bad—just not my preference. I want the fish to speak for itself; that’s the heart of sushi. But for someone who loves a richer roll, this might be perfect.
Roll 2: Midtown Blaze
Spicy Tuna • Crab Salad • Seared Salmon • Tuna • Yellowtail • Spicy Mayo • Black Tobiko • Crispy Onion
A mouthful to describe, but an absolute standout. I love bold, complex flavors, and this roll delivered exactly that. The spice, the texture, the smoky notes from the seared salmon—it all came together beautifully. This was one of the best rolls of the night and something I’d easily order again.
Roll 3: Double Shrimp
Shrimp Tempura • Crab Flakes • Cream Cheese • Boiled Shrimp • Kabayaki Glaze
A simpler roll, but a pleasant surprise. At first, I felt the flavors were a bit strong, but after a few bites, everything balanced out. The textures were great, the shrimp was cooked perfectly, and the kabayaki added a nice sweetness. A very solid roll.
Roll 4: Swirling Eel
Mayo • Cucumber • Eel • Avocado • Arare
This was the simplest roll of the group, and I wanted it to be my favorite—but it fell just short. The only change I wish they’d make is swapping the avocado for a mushroom (shiitake or baby bella). The earthiness would pair better with the eel. A tiny drizzle of eel sauce would’ve elevated the entire thing. Just one drop. Still enjoyable, but not the standout I hoped for.
The standout bite of the night — fresh, buttery yellowtail sashimi.
Bonus: Yellowtail Sashimi
I always order at least one traditional item when trying sushi, and this was easily the best bite of the night. The yellowtail was fresh, buttery, and clean—a beautiful reminder that sometimes the simplest dishes say the most. The presentation was sharp, and honestly, as I’m writing this, I’m realizing yellowtail may be one of my favorite fish in sushi.
A quiet moment from a nearby Japanese garden — the perfect reflection of the peace that good food brings
Final Thoughts
Nagomiya is a fantastic spot for anyone who appreciates both classic and modern takes on sushi. The service, ambiance, and food all work together to create a memorable experience. They even play old Japanese films on a projector sometimes, which adds an authentic charm to the space.
My only advice:
Bring someone with you. Don’t be the person ordering five rolls in silence while you write notes—that was me. Learn from me.
A great experience overall, and I look forward to returning to see what else they have to offer.
Until next time,
Keep on traveling, and keep on eating— Seasoned Thoughts
