Momma’s Teriyaki in Atlanta: What to Know About This Local-Style Asian Comfort Food

If you’re searching for “Momma’s Terriaki” in Atlanta, you’re most likely looking for casual, homestyle teriyaki-style meals—the kind of plate that feels comforting, filling, and affordable, often with an Asian or Hawaiian twist.

Atlanta doesn’t have a major chain or landmark restaurant that officially goes by “Momma’s Teriyaki” citywide, but the idea behind that name—simple grilled meats, sweet-savory sauces, rice, and veggies in a relaxed setting—is easy to find across the metro area.

This guide explains how teriyaki-style and similar “Momma’s kitchen” international cuisine works in Atlanta, where you can look for it, and how to navigate options whether you live here or are just visiting.

What People Usually Mean by “Momma’s Teriyaki”

When Atlanta diners search for Momma’s Teriyaki, they’re often looking for:

• Casual, family-style Asian food
• Grilled chicken, beef, or tofu with a teriyaki or sweet soy glaze
• Rice or noodle plates with veggies and maybe a salad
• A vibe that feels more like home cooking than fine dining

In Atlanta, this kind of food is spread across several international cuisine categories:

• Japanese restaurants and teriyaki grills
• Hawaiian / Island-style plate lunch spots
• Pan-Asian and fusion restaurants
• Food courts and takeout counters in malls and markets

You may not always see “Momma” in the name, but the comfort-food style and simple plates are very similar to what people have in mind.

Where to Look for Teriyaki-Style Plates in Atlanta

1. Japanese & Teriyaki-Focused Restaurants

Many Japanese restaurants across Atlanta, especially casual spots, offer:

• Teriyaki chicken, beef, or salmon
• Bento boxes with rice, salad, and sometimes tempura
• Simple grilled meat plates with teriyaki sauce

You’ll commonly find these near:

• Midtown and Downtown Atlanta – areas with lots of office workers and visitors often have quick-lunch teriyaki options.
• Buckhead – many sit-down Japanese restaurants with grilled and teriyaki-style entrées.
• Perimeter Center (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs border) – malls and office parks often have fast-casual teriyaki counters.

When you check menus, look specifically for:

• “Chicken Teriyaki Plate”
• “Teriyaki Bento”
• “Teriyaki Donburi” (teriyaki over rice in a bowl)

These are usually the closest match to a “Momma’s kitchen” teriyaki meal.

2. Hawaiian and Island-Style Plate Lunch in Metro Atlanta

Teriyaki-style comfort food is also common at Hawaiian or Island-style restaurants, which serve:

• Plate lunches with a protein (often teriyaki-style), rice, and macaroni salad
• Kalua pork, chicken katsu, and other homey dishes with Asian and Pacific influences

You’ll typically find these in suburban shopping centers around metro Atlanta, especially:

• North Atlanta suburbs (e.g., around Duluth, Suwanee, or Norcross) where there are many Asian and fusion eateries.
• Westside and Upper Westside areas, where newer fast-casual options often cluster.

On menus, look for:

• “Teriyaki Chicken Plate”
• “Mix Plate” (often with teriyaki plus another protein)
• “Island Plate” or “Hawaiian Plate Lunch”

These often come closest to the hearty, mom-style portion sizes people associate with a place called “Momma’s Teriyaki.”

3. Food Courts, Markets, and Mall Teriyaki Stands

In and around Atlanta, shopping mall food courts and Asian markets are a consistent place to find teriyaki-style meals:

Common formats include:

• Steam-table teriyaki chicken served with fried rice or white rice
• Grilled-to-order teriyaki with vegetables
• Combo plates where you can mix teriyaki with other dishes

Areas to check:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza (Buckhead)
• Perimeter Mall (Dunwoody)
• Cumberland Mall (near the Battery Atlanta)
• Asian markets in Doraville and Duluth (such as large international grocery centers), which often host small food stalls offering grilled meats and rice plates

If you’re staying near one of these areas, this is often the quickest and most budget-friendly way to get something teriyaki-style without a long sit-down meal.

Typical “Momma’s Teriyaki”-Style Menu in Atlanta

While each Atlanta restaurant is different, most teriyaki-style spots have a core set of items.

Common Proteins

• Chicken teriyaki – usually the most popular and most affordable
• Beef teriyaki – sometimes sliced steak or thin-cut beef
• Salmon or shrimp teriyaki – more common at Japanese restaurants
• Tofu or vegetable teriyaki – available at many Asian and fusion spots

Common Sides

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Fried rice (especially at food court-style counters)
• Steamed or stir-fried vegetables
• Green salad with a light dressing (more traditional Japanese)
• Macaroni salad (common at Hawaiian-style places)

Typical Price Range in Atlanta

*Prices vary by neighborhood and portion size, but this gives a general Atlanta-based expectation.

How to Find a “Momma’s Teriyaki”-Type Spot in Your Part of Atlanta

Because there isn’t one famous restaurant by that exact name across Atlanta, the best approach is to search by style rather than only by “Momma’s Teriyaki.”

If You’re in the City (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside)

• Search for “Japanese restaurant near me”, “chicken teriyaki near me”, or “Asian grill Atlanta”.
• Downtown and Midtown tend to have more lunch-friendly, fast-casual options aimed at office workers and students.
• West Midtown and the Howell Mill/Upper Westside corridors often host modern casual Asian spots with grilled bowls and teriyaki sauces.

If You’re in Buckhead or Sandy Springs

• Expect more sit-down options where teriyaki is one of many Japanese or pan-Asian dishes.
• Look for “bento box,” “grilled chicken bowl,” or “teriyaki entrée” on menus.

If You’re in the Northern Suburbs (Doraville, Chamblee, Duluth, Suwanee)

• This corridor is known for its dense Asian dining scene, including Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and fusion restaurants.
• You’re more likely to find:
  • Dedicated Japanese grills
  • Hawaiian/Island-style plates
  • Food stalls in large Asian markets serving grilled chicken or beef over rice

For Atlanta residents, many people treat this area as a go-to destination when they specifically want a wide range of Asian and international comfort foods.

Tips for Ordering Teriyaki-Style in Atlanta

To get something that matches what you imagine a “Momma’s Teriyaki” plate to be, use these simple adjustments when ordering:

• Ask for extra sauce on the side if you like your teriyaki sweeter or saucier.
• Choose steamed rice if you prefer something lighter; fried rice if you want a heartier meal.
• Add vegetables – most Atlanta spots can add steamed or stir-fried veggies for a reasonable upcharge.
• If you’re sharing, order a combo (where available) with two proteins, like chicken teriyaki and beef or chicken katsu.

🍱 Quick tip: At many metro Atlanta Asian restaurants, if teriyaki isn’t listed as a plate, it may appear in “bowl,” “bento,” or “donburi” form—still the same sweet-savory concept.

Dietary Considerations Atlanta Diners Often Ask About

Atlanta diners are increasingly looking for flexibility. When you’re ordering something like a “Momma’s Teriyaki”-style dish, you can often:

• Request grilled instead of fried (for katsu or other breaded meats)
• Ask for less sauce if you want to cut back on sweetness or sodium
• Swap white rice for brown rice when available
• Choose tofu or veggie teriyaki if you avoid meat

If you have gluten concerns, keep in mind:

• Traditional teriyaki sauces often include soy sauce, which may contain gluten.
• Some Atlanta restaurants now offer gluten-conscious or tamari-based sauces, but you’ll need to ask the staff directly and read menu notes carefully.

When You’re Visiting Atlanta and Staying Near Major Attractions

If you’re near key Atlanta landmarks, here’s what you can realistically expect:

• Downtown (near the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, State Farm Arena)

  • Many options will be general Asian or Japanese rather than teriyaki-only.
  • Look for restaurants advertising “grill,” “hibachi,” or “bento” within walking distance or a short rideshare.

• Midtown (near Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre, major hotels)

  • A good mix of sit-down Japanese, sushi bars with teriyaki entrées, and pan-Asian spots.
  • Bowls and rice plates are common lunchtime offerings.

• Near Truist Park/The Battery Atlanta

  • The Battery area tends to feature a mix of sports-oriented and casual chain restaurants, some with Asian-inspired bowls or grilled chicken plates that echo teriyaki flavors.

If your hotel has limited dining options nearby, using a delivery app and searching for “teriyaki chicken” or “Japanese grill” filtered to your address will generally turn up several options across Atlanta.

How Teriyaki Fits into Atlanta’s International Cuisine Scene

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is heavily influenced by its international communities, especially along the I-85 corridor and in inner-city neighborhoods that have welcomed a wide range of cuisines.

Where “Momma’s Teriyaki”-type food fits in:

• It’s usually part of the everyday, accessible side of international dining—rice plates, combo meals, and takeout-friendly options.
• Many Atlanta residents think of it as weekday lunch food or easy family dinner takeout, rather than special-occasion dining.
• You’ll often see teriyaki-style dishes offered alongside:
  • Korean BBQ or bibimbap
  • Chinese stir-fries
  • Sushi and ramen
  • Island-style plates in more casual suburban spots

If you’re exploring Atlanta’s International Corridor around Buford Highway (BuHi), you’ll encounter a huge number of spots where teriyaki-style dishes show up on expansive menus alongside other Asian favorites.

Practical Next Steps for Finding Your Version of “Momma’s Teriyaki” in Atlanta

To track down the kind of homestyle teriyaki plate you have in mind:

1. Search by dish, not just the name.
   Use keywords like “chicken teriyaki Atlanta,” “teriyaki bowl,” “Japanese grill,” or “Hawaiian plate lunch.”

2. Use your location.
   Include your neighborhood or nearby landmark in your search:

   • “teriyaki chicken Midtown Atlanta”
   • “Hawaiian plate lunch near Buckhead”
   • “Japanese teriyaki Buford Highway”

3. Check photos and menus.
   Most Atlanta restaurants post photos; look for:

   • Grilled meats over white rice
   • Glazed, shiny sauce (teriyaki-style)
   • Plate combos with rice + salad or veggies

4. Call ahead if you’re particular.
   If you want something very specific—extra sauce, grilled only, tofu instead of meat—call the restaurant briefly to confirm they can do it. Staff at most casual Atlanta spots are used to simple customization.

5. Consider travel corridors.
   If you have a car, exploring Buford Highway, Duluth, or Doraville significantly widens your options for international comfort food, including teriyaki-style plates.

If “Momma’s Teriyaki” for you means hearty, sweet-savory grilled plates that taste like comfort food, Atlanta has plenty of ways to get that experience—whether at a Japanese grill in Midtown, an island-style plate lunch spot in the suburbs, or a quick teriyaki bowl from a mall or food court while you’re out exploring the city.