Nakato Restaurant

"If walls could talk, Nakato’s traditional tatami-style private salon would tell the tales of many rowdy birthday celebrations. The Buckhead hibachi is always filled with couples and groups, and has been for the past 40 years. That’s because service is quick and the show (with knife skills and fiery bursts) is entertaining. And then, of course, the food never disappoints. Shrimp tempura is golden and fluffy. Garlic noodles have just the right kick. The steak is cooked to the appropriate sizzle. Sure, hibachi is hibachi, but there isn’t a cooler dining experience so close to a dancing flame." - demarco williams, nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard

"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: Courtesy of Nakato photo credit: Courtesy of Nakato photo credit: Courtesy of Nakato 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. Food Rundown photo credit: Courtesy of Nakato 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. 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. 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. 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. photo credit: Courtesy of Nakato 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. 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

"Testuko Nakato opened her eponymous Japanese restaurant 50 years ago in Atlanta, now located on Cheshire Bridge Road. Still owned and operated by the family, the iconic restaurant offers traditional Japanese fare served in tatami rooms with low platform tables as well as hibachi-style dining and sushi via its sushi bar." - Missy Frederick, Beth McKibben

"Family-owned and operated Nakato is Atlanta’s oldest Japanese restaurant. Located on Cheshire Bridge Road, come here for traditional sushi as well as teppanyaki dishes and hibachi-style dining. The restaurant turned 50 in 2022. Read more about about the family and Nakato’s legacy in Atlanta here." - Eater Staff

"Atlanta’s oldest Japanese restaurant on Cheshire Bridge Road will be open on Christmas Day for sushi and hibachi, as well as omakase and private dining. The Wagyu beef cooked on a hot stone is a crowd favorite. Reservations are recommended to ensure seating is available." - Caroline Eubanks