Blue Fin Sushi (Duluth)
I grew up eating at SakanaYa, a popular joint among Japanese. They had an amazing robata menu (kushiyaki/yakitori), authentic dishes not found anywhere else, fantastic noodles, fresh sushi, and overall great Japanese food. After undergoing a change in management and ownership, they eventually closed after many years. I was ecstatic to find out that it has been reincarnated to Blue Fin Sushi a couple of years ago. Located in the northern part of PIB, the new digs is bigger, nicer, more contemporary. Out of the four original sushi chefs, only one remains. The menu has also been considerably whittled down but with a few old favorites still surviving. Overall, prices have gone higher.
One of the draws here is the ramen (an extensive part of the menu). I’ve seen two top Japanese chefs eat ramen here regularly and swear by their goodness. I agreed. Until in recent months when the flavors are just off — not quite as bold as before and more thin in taste and consistency. Despite the shortcomings, the ramens here are still far better than most places. Although smaller in serving size than most places, each order comes with a side of California roll (lunch). My favorite is the Shio Ramen made with clear broth seasoned with salt then topped with tender pork slices. I also like the Spicy Miso Ramen which is great during colder months.
All sushi are fresh. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Last week, the sea urchin were just melt-in-your-mouth delicious that I ate 12 pieces. Amazing.
The soba here is fantastic — cold, chewy, with a good dipping sauce. I could eat this everyday. Save room for the gyozas. They are crazy good with their thin skin and flavorful filling. They’re steamed then fried. The hamachi kama and grilled salmon are all great options as well. The portions are smallish so you have to order a few different items to get your fill. Still, it’s a great way to sample the menu.
This place is on my regular rotation. Try it.
Insider tip:
Closed on Mondays.
The scoop:
Blue Fin Sushi
2863 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Duluth, GA 30097
(770) 232-5004
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7 responses so far ↓
1 Food Near Snellville // Aug 21, 2009 at 11:40 am
Glad to see you in form again!
I recall Sakana Ya. We would eat there at times when we were visiting Books Japan. Which reminds me, is everything in Friday’s plaza closed?
2 Sean // Aug 21, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Man I haven’t had real ramen in so long. I’m definitely going to check this place out next time I’m out in Duluth. Thanks for the review!!
3 Do you put sugar in your greens? (and other food thoughts) « Food Near Snellville // Aug 21, 2009 at 4:24 pm
[…] Down Atlanta’s recent review of Blue Fin Sushi (a resurrected Sakana Ya) has me wondering about the fate of one other restaurant in Friday’s […]
4 Chloe // Aug 21, 2009 at 9:40 pm
FNS: not sure — I saw Hot Wok’s sign is still there. Will check it out and let you know.
Sean: these are the places you need to try when it comes to ramen– Blue Fin, Haru Ichiban (both in Duluth), Umaido (up in Suwanee), and Yakitori Jinbei (Cobb). Let me know when you’re in town (I know school starts soon for you, if it hasn’t already) and I’ll tag along.
5 Sean // Aug 23, 2009 at 11:45 am
Sweet deal! I’ve always wanted to eat with you, Gene, Jennifer Z. or all of you guys! I’m following you on twits so I’ll let you know when I go back home
6 CC // Jan 8, 2010 at 1:00 am
My kids grew up eating sushi at Sakanaya and we love BlueFin. Uno and Hiro are wonderful restauranteurs and sushi chefs. We miss being there as often since the economy has been so off. Try it, you’ll love it…tell Uno CC sent you!
7 Chloe // Jan 8, 2010 at 2:01 am
CC: I, too, grew up eating sushi at Sakanaya. I saw one of the original waitresses there recently (at another Japanese restaurant) and she was so happy to see me and even told everybody there that she has known me since I was young.
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