Reviews for Utage Sushi Bar in Athens, GA

I really hate to throw down the one star, but this place has gone down hill badly since the change in ownership. It used to be... our go-to for good sushi in town but we went there for my wife's birthday and it was just...not good. The agedashi tofu whichused to be good was just...fried tofu. where is the dashi? That's a broth. The vegetable appetizer was literally four pieces for$7 and the asparagus was 3/4 just inedible fiber. The miso soup is abysmal without even so much as the extra effort to put sometofu or spring onions in it. The tamago nigiri was literally bad as in not fresh, rotting, stinking, turned... they served that.However considering how dead this place was at peak dinner time, I'm not surprised they're having a hard time turning over theirfood stocks. The other good sushi place downtown had a wait time of 40 minutes for a table so it's not just that there's noappetite for sushi. Just not Utage's sushi. The prices that utage charges reflects when it was under better management who caredabout the quality of the food. I feel as though the current management is just trying to coast on that reputation while pinchingpennies wherever they can. It's not going to pay off as they've lost us forever as customers. We will not be back. Read more

If you're in downtown Athens, it's definitely a must to visit here! Great food for college students and for anyone who wants... sushi. It's really nice to still see a local restaurant and not the usual saturated franchises stuck in Athens. And theatmosphere is a really cool ol'school bar+asian influences design. I came here with my friends and the servers were genuinelygreat and the rolls are to die for! Oh and their deal for choosing 3 FILLING rolls for $33 is a steal???? I see a lot of peoplecomplain about prices and changes but honestly in today's inflation it only is fair(just look at sushi at publix or kroger).Plus it's in downtown Athens, which you're already lucky not to spend an arm and a leg(if you're not getting takeout foodlol) I'll also say I came here awhile ago and noticed its under a new management. I remember before it felt cluttered andmessy(kind of like a trashy bar) but now its much better. Plus it's nice to look at a cohesive and pleasant menu, definitelyfits in with the current times. Overall great restaurant, great service, great location and great Read more

I went for dinner at 5pm when it was empty, and the atmosphere was too quiet for my liking, but the service was friendly and the... food was great! Everyone enjoyed their sushi. Prices are just okay, but you probably can't do much better for sushi in downtown. Read more

Server was really nice: however, this was unable to save us from the food. Ordered the domo plate, veggie tempura plate, bagel... roll, and a chicken karaage ramen with tonkotsu broth. The tuna sashimi tasted frozen and bland. The octopus was really chewyand rubbery. The saving grace for me was the salmon pieces that were somewhat decent. I really enjoyed how nice the server was. He was genuine and very helpful. If you're looking for good sushi, this place would not be it. Read more

Raman is not good, and taste like instant noodles. American sushi are not bad. Sashimi are not so fresh, so you won?t think it?s... good?. Read more

Wife took me out for dinner! :) She said she really enjoyed about a year ago on multiple occasions.She said this isn't the same... place it used to be...I had an rather sad bowl of Ramen and they messed wife's Ramen bowl...tuna appetizer was over cooked anddry,lettuce it came with was wilted and dry.... :( server was apologetic and very nice. Sorry people just giving honestreport. Would give this place another shot to see if was fluke event,but not at over $50. Read more

The food and customer service was amazing here and the environment was warm and welcoming. John Isaac was our server and he was... such a pleasure to be around. We got seated right away and got our food so fast! My husband and I ordered ramen and the servingsizes were HUGE. Well worth the price! We love ramen and this is definitely the best ramen place in Athens that we?ve found. Wewill definitely be back here to try the sushi and other ramen! Read more

We had a great time at this Japanese restaurant just recently. The food was tasty, and the best thing of all was that it was... reasonably priced. John-Isaac was our server, and he made the experience quick memorable. We look-forward to returningsometime soon. Read more