Buckhead Restaurant Umi Sushi Opens a New Covered Patio During the Pandemic Called the Bonsai Room | Eater Atlanta

"After reopening for dine-in service in June, I watched Umi evolve how it serves diners safely during the pandemic by opening an elegant covered patio called the Bonsai Room. To match Umi’s sleek dining-room aesthetic, the Bonsai Room features an equally modern design with an eight-foot bonsai tree prominently displayed in the middle of the 40-seat, all-weather patio; its slatted exterior and pocket windows — inspired by a Tadao Ando open-air structure — allow fresh air to circulate. Owner Farshid Arshid told Eater that “As restaurants are public venues, we have a responsibility to be cautious during the pandemic,” and that some diners will only dine outdoors, so he built this space for them. Earlier in the pandemic Umi pivoted to takeout in March — a move Arshid said he never anticipated — and the restaurant has long been notoriously strict about allowing guests to take uneaten food to-go, with patrons even resorting to stealing placemats or grabbing to-go containers from Chops Lobster Bar next door for their leftovers. Reservations for the patio and dining room can be made by calling 404-841-0040, curbside takeout can be ordered online, and masks are highly encouraged while not eating or drinking." - Beth McKibben