When it comes to eating raw seafood, would you ever consider skimping on quality? Nah, us either... and neither does Rise. That's why they're serving grade one sushi, the tip-top of the top of the shelf in terms of quality and freshness.

This sexy sushi lounge in the Luckie Marietta District currently holds the title for Downtown’s premier sushi spot, specializing in an extensive list of delicious fish (including the newest addition, blue marlin), mouthwatering rolls and amazing presentation you’ll have to see (then eat) to believe. And with grade one sushi prepared by a sushi chef with years of experience, you can take comfort in knowing that you're not entrusting your taste buds to just anyone. All the more reason to kick back at Rise's 360-degree bar with a stiff glass of sake, watch the action unfold, and practice using those chopsticks.

In my experience, it seems that sushi spots are either trying to hard to work that chic fusion thing, or... well... not trying at all. Happily, I found that Rise does indeed rise to the occasion, but leaves all that pretense and snobbery behind. Rise isn’t trying too hard with over-the-top décor, but there are some things that are a tad over-the-top in the best way possible. For example, take the Sushi and Sashimi Combo (chef’s selections) that will be presented to you on a multi-tiered platter, as colorful as a tropical vacation. Or, the Nasaki Salad, which is the fancy-schmanciest production (for a salad) that I’ve ever witnessed. The rolls aren’t quite as wildly presented, but what they lack in tiered plates and dramatic size, they make up for in taste. If you need spice in your life, try the Long Beach (spicy tuna and cucumber topped with salmon, avocado, jalapenos and mango sauce), or if you’re trying to stock up on good fatty acids, get your hands on the Omega 3 roll (spicy salmon and avocado topped with sea bass and drizzled with spicy sauce).

If you’re all about the raw stuff (sans all those fancy sauces and rice), the extensive nigiri and sashimi selections will please your sophisticated palate with fishes like mahi-mahi, swordfish and red snapper. But, if “Ooh Baby, I like it Raw” just ain’t your tune, get down with the Salt and Pepper Calamari to start and perhaps the Shrimp and Scallops entrée to finish. And, because sushi doesn’t feel complete without a Japanese beer or bottle of smooth, unfiltered sake, Rise has that, too. They're also planning to rework their beverage menu in the coming months, so be on the lookout for some tasty signature cocktails to swill while you hone your chopstick skills. But Rise's main draw? Well, consider this: when it comes to eating raw seafood, would you ever consider skimping on quality? Nah, us either... and neither does Rise. That's why they're serving grade one sushi, the tip-top of the top of the shelf in terms of quality and freshness. If someone gave you the keys to their Lambo in exchange for you giving up the trusty ol' '86 Escort, you'd probably take them up on it, right? If you've been anywhere near grocery store sushi, you need to give it up and see what real sushi's all about at this Downtown lounge. You'll never look back.

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Menu Highlights:
Long Beach Roll, $13.50
Omega 3 Roll, $13.50
Sushi and Sashimi Combination Dinner, $29
Nasaki Salad, $14.5 lunch, $16 dinner
Salt and Pepper Calamari, $8.50
Ahi Tuna and Tomato Fresco, $8.50
Shrimp and Scallops, $21
Rise Combination Lunch (miso soup with two menu items), $12.50

Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 11:30 a.m – 3 p.m., 5-10:30 p.m.
Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday, 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Sunday, 4 – 10 p.m.