"At $315 per person, this eight-seat omakase counter in the Star Metals building is a quintessential “big night out” spot. The exclusive setting and elegant, minimalist interior fit the bill of a posh, buttoned-up restaurant. But then the chef starts sharing Dekalb Farmers Market war stories, and now it feels like you just grabbed a stool at your neighborhood bar. But as the 16-course menu progresses—from beautiful small plates of marinated vegetables to lusciously smooth chicken pâté cubes—you’re reminded why you’ve paid so much to be here. Unlike a lot of other spots, Hayakawa slices its Japanese-imported fish selections into thick, meaty cuts (a preference of the chef’s hometown). Yet despite that bulk, everything from bluefin tuna to the striped bass melts away with a few chews." - juli horsford, nina reeder