Sushi Rolls and Sunshine. Our National Sushi Day Picnic at ATO Sushi

Some holidays are too perfect to ignore. June 18 gave us a delicious double feature, as National Sushi Day and National Picnic Day were on the same date. Naturally, we knew exactly how to celebrate both. We grabbed a blanket, found some sunshine, and made our way to Ato Sushi at Bowen Yard in Winter Haven. 

ATO Sushi has been on our radar for a while. Known for their colorful poke bowls and jumbo sushi burritos, they bring a casual, creative vibe to Japanese-inspired eats. The Express Yourself Poke Bowl is a personal favorite, and it has kept us from exploring much else on the menu. But today we were determined to branch out and dive chopsticks first into their other offerings. 

And what better excuse than National Sushi Day to do it? 

FIVE DOLLAR ROLLS. COUNT US IN. 

For the celebration, Ato Sushi rolled out a $5 sushi roll special featuring five classic options. We did the responsible thing and ordered one of each. Our lineup included: 

   •     Shrimp Tempura Roll 

   •     California Roll 

   •     Veggie Roll 

   •     Spicy Tuna Roll 

   •     Mexican Roll 

Each roll was a bite-sized celebration. The shrimp tempura was crispy and light, with just the right crunch. The California roll was fresh and comforting, like the sushi version of a hug. The spicy tuna had a little kick, and the veggie roll was surprisingly satisfying with its mix of cucumber, avocado, and crunch. We accidentally missed the Mexican roll this time, but it’s officially at the top of our must-try list. 

And because we have zero chill when it comes to food holidays, we went beyond the roll specials and ordered a few more things from the menu that caught our eye. 

DUMPLINGS, FRIED CHICKEN, AND A HAPPY ACCIDENT 

We started with the Zukku Dumplings, a twist on traditional pork dumplings. These came sautéed in egg and a sweet soy glaze, and they were honestly the first to disappear. Next was the Pork Gyoza, perfectly pan-seared with a savory filling that made us all nod after each bite! 

Then came the surprise hit of the day. Karrage Fried Chicken. If boneless fried chicken and Japanese curry seasoning had a delicious baby, this would be it. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside with a flavor profile that lingers in the best way possible. We did not expect this to be our favorite, but here we are. 

BOWEN YARD VIBES AND PERFECT PICNIC ENERGY 

Since it was also National Picnic Day, we grabbed a space at Bowen Yard and made our own sushi picnic. The courtyard space at Bowen Yard was designed for moments like this. 

There’s something extra fun about unpacking a spread of sushi rolls, dumplings, and fried chicken in a communal space while other groups laugh and eat around you. It felt like a very local kind of magic. 

ROLL WITH IT 

ATO Sushi gave us exactly what we needed to celebrate the most delicious holiday crossover of the year. We tried something new, we ate too much, and we soaked in the atmosphere of one of Winter Haven’s community spaces. 

So whether you’re team poke bowl or team spicy tuna roll, make your way to ATO. And maybe bring a friend, a picnic blanket, and a curiosity for something beyond your usual order. 

We’ll be back soon. But not just for the poke bowl. Probably. 

ATO 

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven 

IG @atobowenyard