Bites Nearby: Rice Sushi Bar and Chinese Cuisine

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out.

Here is this week's choice:

Isn’t it frequently the case that some of our favorite places to eat are the ones tucked away in a strip mall or off the beaten path?

These places are almost always found and usually become neighborhood staples.

Rice, located at 4045 Five Forks-Trickum Road in Lilburn, fits into this category.

This locally owned small restaurant is situated between a martial arts studio and a Publix grocery store at the intersection of Five Forks-Trickum and Killian Hill roads. It attracts frequent diners and does a robust takeout business.

Rice offers a sushi bar — a pleasant surprise so close to the mostly residential area — but its strength is traditional Chinese fare. Two dinner orders can easily be shared and feed a family of four, either at the restaurant or by takeout at home. (Rice also has a limited delivery area.)

All the familiar Chinese dishes are consistently well-prepared, but don’t overlook the chef’s specialties. Want a suggestion? Try the Sizzling Beef and Scallops ($12.95), served with brown sauce on a hot plate.

Rice is open for lunch and dinner 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunches (until 3 p.m.) run $5.55-$6.50, dinners are $7.25-$10.25, chef specialties are $10.95-$18.95. Sushi bar entrees start at $9.95. Info: 770-806-2995, www.rice-restaurant.com.