Thai & Sushi in East Atlanta: Where to Go and What to Order

If you’re in East Atlanta and craving both Thai food and sushi, you’re in one of the better parts of the city to find it. Between East Atlanta Village, Edgewood, Poncey-Highland, and nearby Kirkwood and Reynoldstown, you’ll find several spots where pad thai and spicy tuna rolls can share the same table.

This guide focuses on how Thai and sushi restaurants work in East Atlanta, what you can typically expect from the menus, and practical tips for locals, visitors, and anyone planning a night out in this part of the city.

What “Thai & Sushi” Usually Means in East Atlanta

Many Atlanta restaurants blend Thai cuisine with a Japanese-style sushi bar under one roof. In East Atlanta, that usually translates into:

• A full Thai menu (curries, noodles, stir-fries, appetizers)
• A sushi menu (rolls, sashimi, nigiri, sometimes poke-style dishes)
• A casual, neighborhood feel that fits East Atlanta’s laid-back vibe

You’ll often see these places near other independent bars, music venues, and coffee shops, making them easy to add to a night out in:

• East Atlanta Village (EAV)
• Edgewood Avenue corridor
• Little Five Points / Poncey-Highland area
• Memorial Drive and Moreland Avenue corridors

Typical Locations and Neighborhood Vibe

East Atlanta Village (EAV)

EAV is known for its walkable streets, live music, and bars, and it often includes:

• Compact Thai & sushi spots with intimate dining rooms
• Takeout-friendly menus geared toward locals and nearby residents
• Late-afternoon or evening-focused operating hours

Parking in EAV is a mix of street parking and small lots, so it’s smart to:

• Arrive a bit early on weekend nights
• Be prepared to walk a block or two from where you park
• Check posted signs; some lots are reserved for specific businesses

Edgewood, Inman Park, and Poncey-Highland

Just a few minutes from East Atlanta Village, these neighborhoods often host:

• Slightly larger Thai & sushi restaurants with more seating
• Options close to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Spots that can work for a casual date night, a group dinner, or a pre-concert meal before heading into Downtown or Midtown

If you’re staying near Downtown Atlanta, these Eastside neighborhoods can be a good middle ground—close to the city center but with a more relaxed, local feel.

What You’ll Usually Find on the Menu

While each restaurant is different, East Atlanta Thai & sushi menus tend to follow a consistent pattern.

Classic Thai Dishes

Expect to see:

• Pad Thai – Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, peanuts, and choice of protein
• Pad See Ew – Wide noodles with broccoli and a slightly sweet soy-based sauce
• Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao) – Spicy, basil-heavy wide noodles
• Green, Red, or Panang Curry – Aromatic coconut-based curries served with rice
• Basil Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow) – Minced or sliced meat with Thai basil, chilies, and vegetables
• Tom Yum or Tom Kha – Hot and sour soup or coconut soup with lemongrass and galangal

Spice levels are usually customizable, often on a 1–5 scale. In Atlanta, a “3” can already be fairly spicy for many people, so it’s fine to start low and adjust on your next visit.

Common Sushi Options

Most East Atlanta Thai & sushi restaurants offer:

• Nigiri & sashimi – Salmon, tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, eel, and more
• Simple rolls – California rolls, spicy tuna, salmon avocado, cucumber rolls
• Specialty rolls – Often named after local themes, with combinations that may include:
  • Tempura shrimp
  • Cream cheese
  • Avocado, cucumber, or mango
  • Spicy mayo, eel sauce, or chili sauces

Many places will prepare vegetarian or vegan rolls on request, using avocado, cucumber, tofu, or pickled vegetables.

Quick Comparison: Thai vs. Sushi Experience in East Atlanta

How to Choose the Right Spot in East Atlanta

When you’re deciding where to go, a few local-specific considerations can help:

1. Proximity to Where You Are

• Staying in or near East Atlanta Village?
  Look for nearby spots on Flat Shoals Avenue or Glenwood Avenue, which commonly host Thai, sushi, and other international restaurants.

• Coming from Downtown or Midtown?
  East Atlanta is usually a straightforward drive via I-20 or surface streets like Memorial Drive or Moreland Avenue, but traffic can be heavy during rush hours.

2. Parking and Transit

In East Atlanta and nearby neighborhoods:

• Expect a mix of free street parking and small, business-specific lots
• On popular nights (Friday–Saturday), allow extra time to find a spot
• Rideshares are common in EAV, Edgewood, and Poncey-Highland, and can be easier than hunting for parking if you’re going bar-hopping afterward

3. Ambiance and Group Size

• Couples or small groups (2–4 people)
  Most Thai & sushi spots in East Atlanta have cozy seating and can usually accommodate walk-ins, especially on weeknights.

• Larger groups (6+ people)
  Calling ahead to check wait times or group seating can save frustration—especially on weekends or during big events inside the city.

Ordering Tips for Locals and Visitors

For First-Time Visitors to East Atlanta

If you’re new to the area and want a reliable experience:

• Start with one Thai entrée and one or two sushi rolls to share
• Ask how spicy the dishes typically come; Atlanta Thai restaurants can be bolder with heat than some national chains
• If you’re catching a show or heading to a bar afterward, mention any time constraints when you’re seated

For Atlanta Locals

If you already live nearby:

• Many East Atlanta residents rotate through a few favorite spots, depending on mood—one for noodles, one for sushi-heavy nights
• Consider calling in takeout or placing online orders for Thai-focused dishes, which usually hold up very well on the drive home
• Watch for lunch specials during weekdays in commercial areas like Memorial Drive, Moreland Avenue, or Edgewood, where office and daytime traffic support mid-day deals

Dietary Preferences and Food Allergies

Most East Atlanta Thai & sushi restaurants are used to working with different dietary needs, but it’s still important to speak up.

Vegetarian and Vegan

Common options include:

• Vegetable spring rolls or fresh rolls
• Tofu pad thai, pad see ew, or drunken noodles
• Vegetable curries with tofu instead of meat
• Avocado or cucumber rolls and custom veggie sushi rolls

Ask whether dishes contain fish sauce, oyster sauce, or shrimp paste, which are standard in many Thai recipes. Some kitchens can adjust recipes if you request it clearly.

Gluten Considerations

Some soy sauces and tempura batters contain gluten. If you are avoiding gluten:

• Ask if they offer gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
• Consider simple rolls without tempura and Thai dishes that aren’t battered or fried
• Confirm whether curries or stir-fry sauces use standard soy sauce or any wheat-based ingredients

Takeout and Delivery in East Atlanta

Many East Atlanta residents rely on takeout and delivery for Thai & sushi, especially on weeknights.

Things to expect:

• Thai curries, fried rice, and noodle dishes generally travel very well
• Crispy items (spring rolls, tempura) may soften slightly in transit
• Sushi is often best when you’re within a short driving radius, as rice texture and fish quality are most appealing when eaten soon after preparation

If you live in nearby neighborhoods like Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Cabbagetown, or Kirkwood, you’ll often be within range of multiple Eastside Thai & sushi options.

Practical Local Tips for a Smooth Visit

Here are a few East Atlanta–specific pointers that can make your experience easier:

• Traffic timing:
  Try to avoid peak eastbound traffic on I-20 and Moreland Avenue between late afternoon and early evening on weekdays.

• Event nights:
  If there’s a major event in Downtown or Midtown, traffic can spill into East Atlanta neighborhoods as drivers cut through side streets. Plan a little extra time.

• Weather considerations:
  On rainy evenings, parking fills quickly near East Atlanta Village and Edgewood. Rideshares can be more convenient if you’re planning to stay out.

• Tipping and payment:
  Most places accept cards and mobile payments. If you’re splitting checks with a group, it helps to mention it at the beginning of the meal.

If You Need Local Information or Assistance

While Thai & sushi restaurants in East Atlanta are mostly independent businesses, a few official resources can help you navigate the area more confidently:

• City of Atlanta Department of City Planning
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  For zoning, neighborhood maps, and general area information.

• Fulton County Board of Health – Environmental Health Division
  10 Park Place South SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  This office oversees restaurant inspections within parts of Atlanta. If you want to check inspection scores for specific restaurants, you can contact the Board of Health for guidance on where to find official records.

These agencies don’t endorse specific restaurants, but they can be helpful if you want to better understand restaurant standards and inspection processes in the Atlanta area.

If you live in or are visiting East Atlanta, combining Thai dishes and sushi in one meal is easy to do. With a bit of planning around location, parking, and spice level, you can turn a simple dinner into a satisfying part of your East Atlanta experience.