$$Japanese, Sushi
Craving sushi? Head south of downtown to Ballantyne, where Chef/owner Robin Anthony is focused on fish. He sources quality from around the world, buying prime salmon from Denmark and directly from Tokyo's famed Toyosu market. Pick a few "tapas" from their small selection for Japanese-influenced bites that deliver on flavor and display creative takes. Of course, sushi is the centerpiece here and if you're not sure what to order, let the chef curate a cavalcade of nigiri and sashimi. Prime Fish also features a notable selection of sake for pairing with dishes. Of note, the restaurant only accept
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews
Despite its Japanese name, Prime Fish primarily serves steaks and Western cuisine. Food quality is polarized: dry-aged steaks, seafood, and cocktails receive praise, while others report inconsistency and saltiness. Service is generally efficient and accommodating, even for walk-ins during peak times, though some guests cite rude staff or rushed pacing. The atmosphere is spacious with outdoor seating, but noise levels and tight table spacing are frequent complaints. Value varies based on portion satisfaction. This venue suits families seeking traditional American steakhouse experiences rather than authentic Japanese sushi.
Suitable for steak lovers and family gatherings, but not recommended for those seeking authentic Japanese sushi.
$$Italian-American
Don't have an Italian grandmother? Then head to Little Mama's, where you can sit at the counter, slide into a booth or find a seat in the main room and watch as they make their own mozzarella. This is a kitchen that takes a few prime ingredients and turns them into something special, with homemade pasta and pizza, as well as entrees. Begin the meal with some of their house-made mozzarella or stracciatella and add a few of the suggested accompaniments to fill your own crostini before twirling your fork into a pasta or tucking into meat or fish. Brunch is also available on the weekend, and a sec
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 60 reviews
Little Mama's in Matthews offers Italian-American cuisine with a 4.4/5 TripAdvisor average. Food quality is a primary strength, with cheese ravioli, lasagna, chicken parmesan, and house-made mozzarella sticks frequently praised as authentic and generous. Service is generally professional, though experiences vary regarding pacing, with some feeling rushed while others faced long waits. The atmosphere is often busy, requiring early arrival or reservations, and some find it noisy, though a cozy sunroom is available. Value is mixed; portions are large, but some note limited menu variety and higher costs compared to similar chains.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic home-style Italian food who can tolerate peak-hour queues.
$$$Mediterranean Cuisine, Contemporary
With its sleek, understated design and metropolitan vibe, Rada might just be the hippest spot in town, but fortunately its cool trappings are accompanied by genuinely warm hospitality and crowd-pleasing cuisine. Before turning to food, whet your appetite with one of their impeccable martinis, like the San Sebastian, enlivened with Basque pepper brine. The compact, broadly Mediterranean menu is well-suited to sharing, with frequently changing options that might include small bites like eggplant escabeche or a meatball with zingy harissa, as well as more substantial fare like buttery Dover sole