Umaizushi Atlanta Airport
Nestled in the heart of Concourse C’s Centerpoint food court at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (6000 N. Terminal Pkwy), Umaizushi Bistro Bar is a surprising slice of Japanese cool amid the terminal’s frenetic buzz. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, this HMSHost-run gem—launched years back to spice up ATL’s dining scene—caters to travelers craving a fresh, fast escape from the usual airport grub. With its sleek black-and-orange decor and an open counter where sushi chefs work their magic, it’s a spot that feels more like a hip urban bistro than a concourse pitstop.
Menu
Umaizushi keeps it tight and tasty, blending sushi classics with Pan-Asian twists. The Hawaiian Roll ($12-$14) is a tropical standout—soy paper wrapping tuna, yellowtail, salmon, mango, and avocado for a sweet-savory bite that’s a layover highlight. The Black Dragon Roll ($14-$16) ups the ante with shrimp tempura, cream cheese, and a drizzle of unagi sauce, topped with eel and tobiko for a rich, smoky finish. For non-sushi fans, the Spicy Maguro Bowl ($10-$12) layers tuna over rice with a fiery kick, while the Golden Curry Bowl ($10-$12) offers tofu, beef, or chicken in a fragrant broth. Add a sake or craft beer ($7-$10), and you’re at $20-$25 for a meal—steep, sure, but it’s airport sushi done right.
This isn’t a sprawling sit-down affair—think a snug bar counter with a handful of stools, sharing the food court’s communal chaos. The open kitchen lets you watch sushi artisans slice and roll in real time, a mini show that distracts from the gate-wait grind. Service is a mixed bag: quick and attentive when it’s calm, stretched thin during peak hours (some travelers griped about 20-minute waits or rice shortages). It’s a hit with sushi-craving flyers, though the tight space means you might be elbow-to-elbow with a stranger or taking your roll to-go. No gluten-free guarantees here—the rice isn’t safe for celiacs—so plan accordingly.
Umaizushi isn’t just another airport eatery—it’s a bold move by HMSHost to bring legit Japanese vibes to ATL’s busiest stretch. Since its debut, it’s earned a rep for freshness (that fish doesn’t taste like it’s been sitting) and a menu that dares to mix it up, from curry bowls to creative rolls. It’s not flawless—prices sting, and the sushi selection slimmed post-COVID—but for a quick hit of umami before takeoff, it’s a standout. In a terminal packed with predictable chains, Umaizushi turns a layover into a little culinary detour. Next time you’re in Concourse C, skip the burger and let this bistro roll you something memorable.