Norcross is an emerging, vibrant destination for Japanese cuisine. A new wave of chefs and restaurateurs are introducing authentic regional specialties and modern interpretations, while traditional sushi bars and izakayas continue to refine their craft. And of course, there are classic ramen shops and teppanyaki spots to explore, too. Here’s where to savor the best of Japan in Norcross.
Poke Factory & Ramen Bar
$ | (678) 353-6627 | WEBSITE
There’s a cheerful neon sign glowing in the window of Poke Factory & Ramen Bar, the beacon of this vibrant spot for fresh, customizable meals and quick lunches. Bowls rarely taste the same twice, but there are a few signature favorites: the Spicy Pork and Rice, creamy sesame-dressed poke bowls, and the house-made ramen. The team at this spacious, casual eatery know exactly what sauce to recommend, and make you feel like they’ve saved the freshest ingredients just for you.
And if you let them know you’re craving something specific, it’ll be prepared with care—and an extra drizzle. Poke Factory & Ramen Bar’s reasonable prices bring the same quality to healthy options, diverse ingredients, and satisfying Japanese-inspired dishes, right in the heart of Norcross.
Sushi Kingdom Dunwoody
$$ | (678) 272-1777 | WEBSITE
Yellowtail with jalapeño, robot waiters, and all-you-can-eat sushi are what keep Sushi Kingdom Dunwoody going strong in the Norcross area. Trust the staff on the daily specials, which can include fresh sashimi selections and bubble tea in various flavors. We love any of their riffs on the all-you-can-eat lunch (the extensive buffet with hot food stations is something we dream about all week) and the traditional zen vibe: a clean, welcoming space with lovely decor that makes you want to linger.
The dining experience is full of wonderful service, kid-friendly atmosphere, and ample parking to match those delicious, relaxing flavors served in a setting perfect for group gatherings or date nights.
Hibachi
$ | (678) 428-8501 | WEBSITE
It’s hard not to be captivated by the sizzle of the teppanyaki grill or the gleaming stainless steel hoods that crown the cooking stations at Hibachi. They’re part of the appeal of this bustling dining room that’s equally popular for both dine-in evenings and quick take-out lunches. The chef honed his craft for years, earning awards for his precise technique. Now, he applies that skill to classic Japanese-American hibachi fare.
The fresh ingredients and balanced flavors at Hibachi showcase his dedication, like the perfectly seared hibachi steak and the tender hibachi chicken, both cooked with expert timing. Have a seat at the counter over a warm meal, while watching Chef Kong orchestrate the flames with practiced ease.
Mr.Bento Casual Japanese Food
$$ | (470) 545-0278 | WEBSITE
There’s a cheerful buzz when you step into Mr. Bento, the cozy Japanese spot with interactive fun around every corner. We love sitting near the drawing wall to watch families creating artwork while waiting for their meals. The bento box is the way to go at Mr. Bento, with sides: options lean traditional, with a good mix of teriyaki, tempura, and deep-fried pork.
(Their sushi burrito usually features some nice spicy salmon options, too.) The commitment to quality fish is strong here—if it’s on the menu, get the shrimp tempura hand roll, as well as an enjoyable cotton candy treat for kids with purchases over twenty dollars.
UFO Hibachi Express
$ | (678) 404-7692 | WEBSITE
Most Japanese spots keep their hibachi and sushi menus separate, but at UFO Hibachi Express, they blend everything under a ‘fresh and flavorful’ banner, which captures their straightforward, welcoming vibe. It’s a super affordable, come-as-you-are eatery, equally perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner with family. The focus is on healthy, generous portions, with loads of low-carb options like shrimp and beef without rice, and house-made sauces like the popular ginger sauce.
Hibachi meals from the owner are the star, with sushi and miso soup available, too (though our go-to order is the classic hibachi combo with veggies and that addictive ginger sauce).
Circle Noodle
$ | (770) 778-3183 | WEBSITE
We have a soft spot for cozy lunches, especially when the afternoon sunlight filters through the unassuming cafe windows just right. Circle Noodle may just be our preferred spot on weekdays when we’re craving authentic udon, but it’s equally wonderful for a quick dinner, which they do until early evening. The menu at this Japanese-owned spot leans towards traditional udon bowls, followed by light tempura, with loads of options featuring fresh ingredients like okra and shiitake.
The beef belly udon and pork belly udon are great lunch picks, and for something different, it’s got to be their modern Udon Carbonara with its slippery texture. In between slurps, take in the simple wooden tables and friendly chatter from the Japanese staff. Lunchtime is lovely here, when the small space fills with the aroma of flavorful broth.
Kin No Tori Ramen Bar Alpharetta
$ | (678) 622-1718 | WEBSITE
Kin No Tori Ramen Bar’s location in the quiet Alpharetta strip places it right off the beaten path. The energy is lively, both inside at the long communal table or outside in the unassuming shopping center parking lot.
Their classic, anime-themed menu has something for ramen purists, seafood lovers, and adventurous eaters alike, and we love their signature Tonkotsu Black with flavorful pork broth, plentiful thin noodles, and crispy shishito peppers, and any topping they’re offering for an extra $2. There are two seating options here: a regular, mostly small-table setup—including their traditional Japanese decor with anime screens—and another communal one, with spots that might only appear fleetingly.
They don’t skimp on service, but there’s a comfortable, attentive staff ready to help make your wait enjoyable.
Tokyo Express
$ | (770) 596-6198 | WEBSITE
Tokyo Express’s food court location—it’s inside Northlake Mall and open during mall hours—makes it a convenient spot to grab a satisfying lunch or early dinner with generous portions. In the bright atmosphere of the food court, this is a reliable choice for tasty Mongolian chicken, flavorful fried rice, and fresh green beans. Food is all freshly prepared, with vegetarian options available, and the friendly staff often offer free samples so you can try different items.
We like their efficient service, where kind employees ensure a positive experience even during busy times. The mall’s bustling surroundings might be distracting, but rest assured the food here is consistently hot, tasty, and offered at a fair price.
Haru Ichiban Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (770) 622-4060 | WEBSITE
When you need a reliable escape, make your way to Haru Ichiban Japanese Restaurant in Duluth for authentic Japanese comfort food, plus consistently fresh fish and generous portions. The menu shines with the essentials: beautifully presented sashimi, a highlight with its pristine quality, and the Sunset Roll with chicken teriyaki skewers, perfectly balanced with a simple dipping sauce.
We appreciate the family-owned vibe at Haru Ichiban, the unfussy, well-executed dishes, and the clean, inviting space. It’s cozy without being cramped, and comfortable while still welcoming for small gatherings.
Flying Roll
$ | (770) 299-1222 | WEBSITE
Flying Roll is a snug spot for a memorable meal with those you cherish, and regulars here often feel like part of the family. The restaurant’s Korean sushi focus and dedication to authentic flavors means fresh, well-seasoned rolls and teriyaki plates are on the menu, plus special sushi options that are a must-try. Begin with a rainbow roll and a chicken teriyaki plate—both flavorful and satisfying—before exploring the menu for other delights.
The small dining area offers personal service, a clean, fresh environment, and a warm, inviting atmosphere thanks to the friendly staff, especially the kind and sweet lady named Suki, who makes guests feel truly special. Her attentive care is a tradition you won’t want to overlook, even if food preparation can take a little time.
Sushi Momo
$$ | (678) 241-9937 | WEBSITE
Ask any Johns Creek local about Sushi Momo and the answer is always an enthusiastic “yes”—its cozy dining room and friendly atmosphere have been hosting family dinners, date nights, and casual lunches since it opened. Service is attentive, there’s a fresh Japanese menu, specialty rolls like the Fire Salmon and Baked Paradise, and a selection that includes sushi, udon, and kids’ bento boxes.
The miso ramen, with its flavorful meat and umami-rich broth, and the udon, with chewy noodles and clean broth, are on the menu, along with their famous sushi: high-quality fish that’s absolutely delicious. The overall experience—fresh ingredients, excellent service, and great prices—is a perfect way to enjoy a meal.
Happy Sumo Sushi and Steak House
$$ | (770) 248-0203 | WEBSITE
Happy Sumo Sushi and Steak House has become a go-to destination for families and celebration-seekers in Norcross. The accommodating staff—especially attentive to special dietary needs like Celiac disease—have transformed what could be just another hibachi spot into a welcoming, lively dining experience.
Drop by for a lively hibachi show that entertains both adults and kids, a satisfying sushi lunch, or a special occasion dinner with well-prepared classics like fried shrimp and plentiful vegetarian options. The menu offers variety without overwhelming: the hibachi routine is a crowd-pleaser, though some regulars might wish for an occasional twist. Happy Sumo’s service shines even during busy times, ensuring everyone leaves planning their next visit—especially for birthdays.
Volcano Steak & Sushi
$$ | (770) 515-8818 | WEBSITE
Volcano Steak & Sushi is the kind of lively spot we want to hit pretty much any night for a quick bite and a show—before a movie, after work, or even for a full dinner. Tucked into Norcross, the comfortable booths and tables in this decorative space fill up fast, but grabbing a seat at the hibachi grill is perfectly entertaining, too. Start with some sushi or ramen, or make your way through the very reasonable menu, with options ranging from hibachi to dim sum and filet mignon to lobster rolls.
The consistently delicious dishes—some sushi, hibachi, ramen, and vegetables sizzling on the grill—are reliably satisfying.
Lily Sushi Bar
$$$ | (678) 650-3168 | WEBSITE
This intimate Norcross gem began as a modern sushi counter before expanding into a full dining destination with wonderfully cooked dishes and specialty rolls. The space has a clean, contemporary feel: think sleek sushi bars, cozy nooks for quiet conversation, and warm lighting throughout.
There’s a fantastic selection of fresh sashimi and specialty rolls, and on a recent visit, we couldn’t stop dipping their perfectly seared scallops into the ponzu sauce left behind by the yellowtail jalapeño appetizer. If a full dinner isn’t in the cards, Lily Sushi Bar works great for cocktails, a late lunch, or for a nightcap after work. Whenever you go, the roll they call the Dragon—a beautifully prepared eel and avocado creation with spicy mayo and eel sauce—is a must-order.
Kaya Sushi & Ramen
$ | (770) 609-8590 | WEBSITE
Kaya Sushi & Ramen is the ultimate Norcross Japanese spot, and the perfectly cooked spicy house ramen with pork belly is something everyone in Norcross, visitor or longtime resident, should try at least once. The cozy vibe and friendly, inviting staff who treat you like family give off a warm, welcoming atmosphere, as does the menu featuring standout dishes. Its outstanding sushi rolls like the salmon avocado, 007, and double dragon make Kaya a mind-boggling destination for sushi lovers.
Every visit starts with a sense of comfort and anticipation; get some tempura shrimp, considered the best by many, to start and then delve into mains like the Kaya Signature Ramen with its flavorful broth and perfectly cooked chashu pork belly, or enjoy a refreshing Thai tea alongside.
Wasabi House
$$ | (770) 804-8400 | WEBSITE
This recently remodeled Japanese spot is the refreshed version of the Norcross favorite: a bright and comfortable dining room in the front, with a hibachi station producing sizzling plates in the back. Come here for a quick lunch special (with the chef’s own special sauce) and a beautifully presented sushi platter, or with dumplings fashioned from the kitchen’s consistent recipes—we’re especially keen on the vegetarian options.
The hibachi plate, with fresh ingredients and lovely presentation, is the perfect dish for sharing, followed by the classic stone pots or sushi rolls for dessert. Wasabi House’s lunch menu features excellent pricing for the quality, with standouts including the fresh sushi and customizable dishes. The new management has made great changes, and the food is consistently delicious—they’re efficient, especially when the chef’s attentive service is on display.
