At Bully Boy, one of Atlanta’s most distinctive Japanese-inspired restaurants, Executive Chef Wendy Roman invites diners to embark on a journey where seafood and global flavors meet in fresh, unexpected ways. Just steps from the BeltLine in the Old Fourth Ward, Bully Boy is more than a dining destination—it’s a space where curiosity, creativity, and hospitality shine on every plate.
Housed in an industrial-style building on Ralph McGill Boulevard NE, next to its sister restaurant TWO urban licks, Bully Boy boasts soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and abundant natural light that set a relaxed, inviting tone. Roman first discovered the restaurant through a friend, and he was immediately captivated. “Working as a chef and exploring different cuisines helped me discover my love for seafood and Japanese cuisine,” he recalls. “When I saw the space and the menu here, I knew it was the right fit.”
What sets Bully Boy apart in Atlanta’s dining scene is its commitment to innovation and playfulness. “We feature Japanese cuisine fused with influences from around the world,” Roman explains. “Our cocktail program follows the same philosophy—it’s designed to complement every dish beautifully.”
The menu is built for sharing, encouraging guests to sample multiple small plates and step outside their comfort zones. For an even deeper dive, Bully Boy offers sushi-rolling classes paired with sake tastings, giving guests a hands-on experience with Japanese culinary traditions. “It’s a fun way for people to learn about the sushi-making process while enjoying the flavors themselves,” Roman says.
Two of Roman’s favorite dishes embody his philosophy: the Calamari Fries and the Whole Fish. The calamari is reimagined into fry-shaped pieces, a playful twist on a classic. The Whole Fish—fried red snapper served with seasonal vegetables and a sweet chili sauce inspired by Hawaiian and Thai flavors—is a true showstopper and a testament to Roman’s seafood-driven creativity.
For Roman, the goal is simply – to spark curiosity in every guest. “I want people to feel happy and comfortable, but also adventurous. I want them to try something they’ve never had before—or maybe never even heard of,” he says.
Seasonality keeps him inspired. “Keeping up with the seasons and ensuring our menu reflects them keeps me on my toes. It pushes me to experiment with new flavors and ingredients,” he adds.
When he’s not in the kitchen, Roman looks to soccer and family for inspiration. “Soccer is my passion—it brings me joy. My family is also my greatest inspiration; they push me to be my best, inside and outside of work.”
Ask him the one ingredient he can’t live without, and his answer is immediate: spice. “Whether it’s peppers, hot sauce, or seasoning—whatever brings the heat—I love it,” he says with a smile.
Chef’s love of heat will be on display at Grand Tasting Midtown presented by Taste of Atlanta on Thursday, October 16 from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm where Roman and his team will showcase a Hamachi Crudo featuring black plums, cherry tomato, fennel, cucumber, green onion, and Serrano peppers. “We can’t wait to wow the attendees at Epicurean Atlanta on the evening of the event. Community events like this are special to us because we get to connect one-on-one with people and share what we do at Bully Boy.” Tickets for the event are available at https://midtown.tasteofatlanta.com/.
Sponsored by Taste of Atlanta
