Bites Nearby: Ege Sushi & Japanese Cuisine

may be inconspicuous from the outside, but its dining experience is not one I will soon forget.

The small casual restaurant is welcoming and friendly. It is conveniently located in the shopping center off Roswell Road. You can eat at a table or at the bar, where you can see your food prepared.

Ege is clean and makes you feel like you're in a small eatery in Japan. It is a fabulous, authentic dining experience.

Service: The server, who also happened to be the owner, made the dining experience like going to see a friend. The service is fast, polite and accommodating.

Appetizer: I tried the Tempura AP, an assortment of batter fried fresh shrimp and vegetables for $7.50. Each bite provided a crispy exterior and soft and delicious interior that pleased my stomach.

Salad: The house salad is the simple fresh greens with small diced tomato, shredded carrot and onion that you expect at a Japanese restaurant. The thick and spicy ginger dressing makes the salad a special treat. The salad is available for $2. A seaweed salad is also available for $3.50.

Entrees: The chicken teriyaki, grilled chicken with teriyaki sauce, was better than any I've had. The chicken was perfectly seasoned with a wonderful mix of vegetables that were subtly crunchy and bathed in sauce. The finely shredded vegetables and seaweed mixed with the well-cooked rice and soft, thinly glazed chicken made for a delightful explosion of taste. The chicken teriyaki is served with a house salad for $13.50.

Sushi: Seven pieces of the chef's choice of sushi and your choice of a California roll, tuna roll, shrimp tempura roll or spicy tuna roll for $15.50. The spicy tuna roll was a jolting blend of Japanese mayo and spice that left me smiling. The sushi was traditional, not deep-fried rolls. It was very fresh and affordable.

Bottom Line: Ege is a welcoming, cozy dining experience with reasonable prices and authentic, tasty Japanese lunch and dinner. I will be returning again and again to sample more of their diverse menu.

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sunday. Make sure you call ahead as seating is limited and the restaurant may close early if things are slow toward the end of the day.

Telephone: 770-977-7690

Location: 2100 Roswell Rd. Marietta, 30062. http://www.ege-sushi.com

Additional Asian Cuisine in Marietta: