Fuji Steak & Sushi in Chattanooga: Cooked and Raw at One Counter
Fuji Steak & Sushi combines a teppanyaki grill station with a full sushi bar under one roof on Chattanooga's North Shore, positioning itself as a hybrid rather than a pure sushi specialist. The format appeals to diners who want theater (watching chefs cook tableside) alongside precision raw fish work, making it distinct among the city's sushi-focused options.
What you're ordering
The menu splits into three lanes. Teppanyaki entrees, cooked live at your table, run $18 to $38 per person and include choice of protein (chicken, steak, shrimp, tofu), vegetables, fried rice, and soup. Sushi rolls and nigiri follow standard pricing: specialty rolls (spicy tuna, California, dragon, and house originals) typically $8 to $16 per roll; nigiri runs $2 to $4 per piece or $18 to $25 per omakase-style set. Appetizers like edamame, gyoza, and tempura occupy the $5 to $12 range. The sushi rice is seasoned conservatively, allowing fish quality to register; nori (seaweed) snaps rather than cheating you with older stock.
How it stacks against Chattanooga's other sushi options
Fuji's core competitor is Ichiban Sushi & Asian Cuisine, also on the North Shore, which operates as a straightforward sushi bar and hibachi restaurant with similar roll pricing but no integrated teppanyaki counter. Ichiban leans toward volume and speed; Fuji emphasizes the theatrical element and allows longer table time. If you want sushi only, faster service, and lower overhead noise, Ichiban edges ahead. If you're celebrating with a group and want the chef-performance experience alongside fresh rolls, Fuji justifies the visit. For diners seeking omakase (chef's choice progression), neither Fuji nor Ichiban offers formal omakase menus; Tanaka Japanese Restaurant, on Broad Street, does, though at a higher price tier ($60 and up per person) and with longer reservation lead times.
Who this place suits
Families with children gravitate here: the teppanyaki cook's knife work and flames entertain kids while adults eat. Date nights work too if you book a table near the grill and want to talk across the action. Business groups and celebrations (birthdays, promotions) benefit from the social setup. Solo sushi diners or quiet couples may find the environment loud and the teppanyaki commitment awkward; sitting at the sushi bar only is possible but underutilizes the restaurant's layout.
What happens on your first visit
Arrive with a reservation if you want teppanyaki; walk-ins seat at the sushi bar (usually shorter waits). Servers will seat you at a large table with five to eight other diners if you're a smaller party; you share a chef and cooking surface. Expect 60 to 90 minutes for a full teppanyaki experience. If you're sushi-only, you'll order from a menu at the bar, and rolls arrive in 8 to 12 minutes. Servers explain the daily specials (often local availability) and offer sake pairings by the glass ($6 to $10) or bottle ($35 to $70). Payment is standard card or cash.
Hours, parking, and access
Fuji Steak & Sushi operates Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., closed Mondays. Confirm current hours by phone, as restaurant hours shift seasonally. Parking is on-street along North Shore Drive or in the building's small lot; weekend evenings fill quickly, so arrive early or use an alternative nearby lot. The restaurant occupies a ground-floor storefront accessible by ramp; restrooms are interior and standard-width.
Fuji's dual format fills a practical gap: it's the only Chattanooga sushi destination where teppanyaki quality and sushi craftsmanship coexist at comparable skill levels, making it a reliable choice for mixed-preference groups or anyone wanting both fire and raw fish in one evening.
