"Sure, money can’t buy happiness. But $315 secures you a spot at this eight-seat West Midtown omakase counter that gets pretty damn close to debunking that theory. Despite Hayakawa’s elegant, ingredient-driven courses and fancy minimalist interior, the fine dining restaurant still feels homey, thanks to a chef who throws around jokes and anecdotes about his hometown of Hokkaido while you’re chewing meaty cuts of top-notch nigiri. Don’t be surprised if the night ends with an Instagram follow from the chef and an invitation to reach out to him on social media for food or Japan travel recommendations." - jacinta howard, juli horsford, nina reeder