At Nakato, the hibachi experience is still as hot as ever - Review - Atlanta - The Infatuation

"Hibachi in Atlanta was once a big deal, and then it petered out like a dying flame in an onion volcano. But Nakato has remained through it all. With more than fifty years of cooking with flair, the Cheshire Bridge Japanese restaurant is still the go-to destination for birthdays, anniversaries, and any occasion that calls for a side of sushi and a show. The hibachi room and private tatami-style salons roar with the sound of hissing grills and rowdy “happy birthday” shouts. Eggs fly through the air, knives clank like percussion, and the space hears more applause than a pre-season Hawks game. When the show is over, your plate is full of stir-fried noodles that have just the right garlicky kick, a generous portion of filet mignon and chicken that are still sizzling, and a fried rice that just tastes better because you saw them make it. photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair Pause Unmute As fun as it is, the hibachi menu shouldn’t get all the attention. Nakato may not be young, shiny, and new but their raw fish selections easily put them on par with the other top-notch sushi spots. So if you just want sushi (and a thinner crowd), there's a separate, very ordinary dining room that operates at more of a Sunday-driver's speed. Grab a seat and choose from more than 25 roll options that cover everything from spicy (the Kiss of Death roll topped with spicy tempura flakes) to simple (a very good eel roll). We'd say order the spicy tuna-topped Illuminati Roll, and try not to drop your chopsticks when raucous cheers break out from the next room. RESERVE A TABLE Food Rundown Hibachi You can order a few sushi rolls here, too, but the hibachi portions are always more than enough for us. Select from nearly 30 protein combos (the filet mignon and teriyaki chicken are standouts)—plus, of course, you get the usual soup, salad, fried rice, and a vegetable medley. You'll also get a heaping pile of garlic noodles, a less standard (but delicious) hibachi addition. photo credit: Courtesy of Nakato Beef Negimaki Thin strips of broiled beef are rolled into circles, drowned in soy sauce, and topped with scallions. This is one of the best appetizers, so it should be on your table. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Hamachi Jalapeño The yellowtail is so thinly sliced it’s almost translucent. The jalapeño sliver gives the fish a nice kick, and the slightly citrusy ponzu sauce gives it some tang—it’s an appetizer that’s reliably good every time. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Gindara We wish they served this cod in a bigger portion. It’s flaky and moist with a little burst of sweetness from the miso marinade. Kiss Of Death Order this one if you love some heat on your sushi roll. The tuna and masago caviar has drops of sriracha. The outside has spicy tempura flakes and a little drizzle of wasabi cucumber sauce to dial up the intensity. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Illuminati Roll We assume it's named this because of its triangular shape, but no matter the case, it's a must-order. The yellowtail and salmon stuffed inside are tender, and the spicy tuna on top dripping with eel sauce and a spicy aioli makes us want to see what else this secret society has been hiding." - Juli Horsford