New Bedford’s Hidden Sushi Bar You Need to Try

I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for some scrumptious sushi.

You might not even know it’s there, but tucked inside Fathom’s Waterfront Bar & Grille is a sushi spot quickly becoming New Bedford’s latest hidden gem. Simply called Fathom’s Sushi, the cozy corner opened in February and recently expanded to lunch hours, now serving Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

A Hidden Treasure With Just a Few Seats

With space for just 10 to 12 guests, the sushi bar feels like a secret only the locals whisper about. What's cool about this place is that guests can enjoy the full bar and menu while watching sushi made fresh right in front of them.

It's a great addition if you don't feel like waiting for a table in the main restaurant. For those in a rush, takeout orders are just a phone call or click away.

The Chefs Behind the Bar

The sushi program is led by two names familiar to SouthCoast foodies.

Tommy Rego of Fairhaven is a seasoned sushi chef who spent years at Turk’s; Rego also comes from a family of scallopers. His background brings unmatched authenticity and freshness to the bar.

James Nickerson of Wareham is the other. Formerly of the Ice House, Nickerson got his start assisting at the Waterfront Grille before becoming the first sushi chef at The Black Whale. Together, the pair delivers quality and creativity with every roll.

What to Try First

For newcomers, Rego recommends easing in with the Shrimp Boat Captain Roll, a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with a glass of hot or cold sake (Japanese rice wine). More of an experienced sushi connoisseur? Regulars rave about the Lobster Boat Captain Roll, wrapped in soy paper and stuffed with lobster and shrimp so tender it “melts in your mouth.”

Other standouts include:

• Fish-On! Sushiki Salad, a colorful variety of fish in one dish.
• Fisherman’s Market Roll, a unique mix of raw and cooked seafood in a single bite.
• Hamachi (fatty white fish) and the playful Philly Roll, blending sushi tradition with bagel-shop comfort.

For something fun, order by name:

• Dunia’s High Heel, named after the owner’s wife.
• Mean Lady, a tongue-in-cheek nod to a former bartender who left for a competitor.
• Fish-On!, named after a seafood salesman’s personal boat.
• Viking Power, inspired by the FV Viking Power state-of-the-art scalloping boat docked at Pier 3.

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Straight From the Boats to Your Plate

One of the biggest differences at Fathom’s Sushi is its direct connection to Fleet Fisheries. Everything from lobster, scallops, brown fish and much more comes straight from the boats, ensuring unmatched freshness.

READ MORE: New Bedford Seafood Restaurant Featured on Phantom Gourmet

The newest vessel to join the fleet, The American Eagle, is now the largest lobster boat on the East Coast, supplying the sushi bar with some of the best seafood available.

The Experience

Between the harbor views, the bustle of the seafood market, and walls wrapped in ocean scenes, stepping into Fathom’s Sushi feels like stepping onto the water itself. Add in fresh sake and rolls that honor the SouthCoast’s fishing heritage, and you’ve got an experience that’s both authentic and unique.

So next time you’re craving sushi in New Bedford, don’t just think big, think hidden. The best seat in the house might just be one of the 12 at Fathom’s Sushi.