Nakato Japanese Restaurant

This is one of the more impressive hibachi restaurants that I have been to. Although my food was great (the little I did get to eat). I was in the restaurant not even 30 minutes before finding out that my car had been broken into which was parked in the restaurant's back lot. And after talking to some of the waitstaff, one reported seeing this same event happen twice already since they have been working there. So in my opinion, Nakato is a good Japanese restaurant, but they need to spruce up their security! They should seriously consider investing in some cameras for their parking lots.

Posted 08/27/09

Nakato's is the reason that hibachi is my favorite cousine .

Posted 03/01/09

My wife and I tried this place recently for dinner.the food was very generic and plain.But not only that...the portion size... if you blinked twice you'd miss it. And then, to top it off... they rushed us out. Not good value at all.

Cons: food taste, portion size

Posted 02/13/09

A friend told my boyfriend and I about this place. We went this past weekend and OH MAN want a party we had with our Hibachi Chef. I'm a Chef and I can tell you it's with the Price. Our Chef was such a show off and made the whole table laugh all the night. The food was cooked just like we both wanted it to be. I had the steak/scallops mmmmmmmm and my boyfriend had steak/chicken. We both were like WOW all night long. I did try there Sushi for an app mmmmmm is all I could say. We both plan to go back this Sunday for the Sushi and try it more. I can't wait I so do LOVE Sushi, and trying to get the boyfriend to, but I don't think he can get past the RAW part just yet. Oh don't let the surrounding scare ya away from such a great place to eat. If you know ATLANTA thats such an upcoming area and an area rich in History for Atlanta.

Pros: FOOD AND SERVICE

Cons: None

Posted 01/22/09

Family owned and operated and it shows. You won't be disappointed. The Hibatchi is great, always very fresh and good proportions. Good mixed crowd. Great drink selection. I go at lease once a month

Cons: Hibatchi is the best in town

Posted 11/21/08

This place is great, their sushi rolls are phenomenal, always fresh and nicely presented. The sushi bar creates a great atmosphere for conversing with the chefs while watching them prepare your fish. The hibachi rooms are also a lot of fun, and the food is ALWAYS exceptional. The staff is very friendly and outgoing, and they always have specials for food and sake they can tell you about if you are looking for something new. Overall it has a great atmosphere and vibe, and the food is always great!

Pros: the hibachi room atmospheres and the sushi bar scene

Cons: it fills up quickly on the weekends

Posted 08/16/08

Best of Japanese cuisine in Atlanta - I usually eat on the formal/sushi bar side of the restaurant. Staff is always willing to suggest new and wonderful food. Sushi is incredibly fresh and the presentation is magnificent. The hibachi grill side is especially fun if you are with children and looking for a bit of a show.

Posted 07/16/08

nakato is my favorite place... nakato has the best sushi in town... their fish is fresh everyday... n' they even got some of their fish flew from japan..
ask for special of the day...n' gotta have the sake.....
nakato...is awesome

Posted 07/10/08

Went there with a few friends and was surprised how reasonable the sake and sushi prices were. The hibachi chefs were very entertaining and the filet and scallops were delectable. I highly recommend Nakato for birthdays and special occasions. I will absolutely be back. Big ups!!

Posted 07/09/08

This is why I love family owned and operated joints. They know their stuff. The food quality is amazing. The menu gets a bit tricky to navigate because it's so extensive but the friendly waitstaff would lead you in the right direction. The sushi quality is very high compared to many places I have tried in Atlanta. You must try!!! You won't be disappointed.

Pros: Great food and service, what more can you ask for?

Posted 07/08/08

Nakato offers what is probably the most authentic Japanese dining experience in Atlanta. The restaurant is divided into two sides, a teppanyaki side which does the hibachi cooking in front of you, which is very popular, and a traditional Japanese dining room side. The traditional dining room offers traditional dining with a view of a nice outdoor patio and Japanese garden, a full service sushi bar, and a full service bar and lounge area. The restaurant also offers private, traditional, Tatami-room style service, which requires a reservation. The restaurant offers a very nice, tranquil atmosphere that is great for enjoying a meal together with family, friends, or business partners.

The sushi offered is excellent, everything is very fresh, and the menu offers great variety. The chef does cater the menu to the season, however, many popular items are offered all year round. The menu can at times be difficult to navigate because the restaurant offers so much variety, but the chefs and the wait staff can be very helpful in helping you find something. If you're feeling bold and daring, and you're thinking sushi, you may even try an Omakase style dinner, where the chef puts together the equivalent of a tasting menu composed of the day's freshest ingredients for you to enjoy.

Some of my favorite specials offered are Abalone and Giant Clam Sushi served with Seaweed Salad side and Ginger, Tataki Roll, White Kelp Roll, Miso Broiled Cod, Miso Steamed Seabass, Chawanmushi (a delicate seafood egg custard dish), or the Chirashidon (mixed sushi and sashimi served with sushi rice).

The prices may be a bit steep for those who are just looking for mainstream American-Japanese dining and sushi, but for those with a palate and taste buds for more authentic Japanese cuisine that offers exotic tastes, this is probably the place for you. A reservation is recommended, but walk-ins can easily get a table later in the night (~after 8:30).

Pros: Very authentic Japanese cuisine. Excellent Variety of Fresh Sushi. Great Variety of Sake and Shochu to enjoy with dinner as well. Ambience

Cons: Can get expensive. Service can sometimes be slower than expected during peak hours.

Posted 07/08/08

One of the best and most authentic sushi meals Ive ever had. Note that teppanyaki or "hibachi" is about as authentic Japanese as Taco Bell is Mexican....take the reviews of those that went out for "authentic" Japanese and complain about their onion volcano with a grain of salt. The Omekase plate was excellent as was all of out very attentive waiters suggestions.

Pros: Fresh, high quality sushi, excellent specials

Cons: a bit expensive but worth it.

Posted 06/22/08

are you serious!!!! the reviews are ridiculous! i did not try the hibachi but i did try their sushi. not impressed! sushi rice was too hard and chewy and the fish was of mediocre quality. presentation is standard and the chefs were not the most talented. i dont think that i will being going there again because if you are not capable of taking care of your sushi rice which is crucial, then i dont trust their handling of the fish.

Pros: nice looking place with very good service

Cons: sushi rice is not taken care of along with the fish

Posted 05/11/08

I can't tell you how much I love Hibachi, so if you are anything like me you will LOVE Nakato's! Think Benihanna's with Japanese chefs (not mexican) and quality food. The scallops are to die for!!! I go as much as I can and am never disappionted. Best Habachi I can find, if you know better let me know!

Oh yeah they also have sushi. Supposedly pretty good, but who cares, give me my steak and scallops!

Pros: Hibachi, atmosphere, chefs, service...

Cons: none

Posted 04/20/08

The place was empty and the service was interesting to say the least. Our so called Chef was not entertaining at all. Waffle house could have done better cooking our steaks. I thought that this was the place for some good sushi? Where were all the customers? Who is our waitress? Why are there so many adult entertainment establishments near by this nice restaurant. Hard to explain to the kids what triple x means. Overall, it was OK not the best at all. There are better places to dine for the money.... Like Pizza or even Waffle House.

Pros: Pretty Garden, Valet, nice interior.

Cons: Food, Service, Taste

Posted 02/15/08

I've been to many sushi places in Atlanta (I love sushi..mmmmmmmm!), and I can flat out tell you this place is the best value of quality and price I have found. Go there and try their dragon roll I know you won't be dissapointed!

They also have Hibachi there as well, though I've never tried it, my friend says it's very good as well. Maybe some day, but it's so hard to go and not eat their sushi!

Pros: Sushi!!!

Cons: Area (Cheshire Bridge Road...Yikes!)

Posted 02/11/08

My husband and I have dined at this location and one in MRYTLE Beach. The food was fresh, it just did not have a lot of flavor. The white sauce was more of a mayonaisse base, more like a tartar sauce. It was different than any other japanese steakhouse white sauce that I have ever tasted.I don't think the food was worth the high price. There are other restaurants with much better food and a lower price.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: The white sauce and bland tasting food

Posted 09/02/07

i've been to japan few times and i think i tried most japanese restaurants in atlanta and nakato is the favorite
nothing fancy and crazy things going on that place but they have consistency in food and service and grest price too
i will definitely recommend nakato for everyone

Pros: service, parking, sake

Cons: none

Posted 08/21/07

Amazing sushi, sashimi, and just about everything else we've tried. The restaurnt has a very relaxing atmosphere and its not about being 'seen' its just about enjoying a great meal. The service is professional, friendly and helpful. We love going to Nakato.

Pros: Fresh fresh fresh!! good valet parking, great service

Cons: None

Posted 06/02/07

I normally receive a great service there with a Japanese lady - unfortunately, I had a really bad experience with another waitress the other day. I also noticed Mr. Kakinuma, the executive chef, was not there that night, to my disappointment. He always prepare such a wonderful meal every time I go.
I joined my friends who were already there, so after I found out what they have ordered, I told the waitress "bring me the same thing," thinking it will show up not too long after my friends' dinner, because they ordered just about 10 minutes prior to my arrival, and it was relatively easy dish to prepare - So, there were total of 3 same dinner sets (2 ordered at the same time, an additional ordered later,) and 3 appetizers. One of the appetizers showed up. Then, one dinner set showed up, but not the other. We had to ask "where is the other one we ordered at the same time?" and the waitress said "oh, yes, it's coming." Then the other dinner set arrived shortly after. The dinner looked not so appetizing, and my friends said they were ok, but not great. Half way through their dinner (I told my friends to go ahead, thinking mine will be coming very soon), two other appetizers showed up, which had absolutely zero presentation whatsoever. I was still missing my dinner set. Minutes later (since the waitress was no where to be found on the floor) I had to catch her and asked for my dinner. She said "oh, I thought you didn't want anything. Sorry." I just told them "you know what, forget it." since my friends have already finished eating. 15 minutes later one of the manager came over, "something wrong? We can prepare something quickly." At that point, I was so over with them so I told them I didn't want anything, because I did not want to spend my money there. The dessert dishes we ordered smelled like the fridge, and staled. Overall very disappointing, I will only go there when the Exec. Chef and the good waitress are there!

Pros: Great food only when Executive Chef is there

Cons: Mediocre food if the chef is not there, bad service

Posted 05/02/07

For me Japanese food is comfort food. Whenever I need a pick-me-up I head to Nakato for fresh, beautiful sushi, sashimi and tempura. Their menu is extensive, with everything from an ala carte menu for nigiri and hand rolls to elaborate combination dinners. If you are not a fan of sushi, have no fear there are plenty of cooked options. I am not a fan of Teppanyaki (food cooked on the iron griddle) and have not experienced it at Nakato but there is always a long wait for the tables and people seem to enjoy the experience. The restaurant can be crowded so reservations are recommended. If you are in the mood for an authentic Japanese meal you must try Nakato..

Pros: Great atmosphere, staff and fresh food

Cons: Long waits if you don't have a reservation

Posted 02/12/07

I had such a wonderful time at Nakato this past weekend that I had to share. Everything!!! I mean Everything was perfect. The company, the service, and the food. I highly recommend the traditional dinning overlooking the garden. It was so romantic. I highly recommend it!!

Posted 01/15/07

After a recommendation from a friend, I went to the restaurant with my wife. Beforehand I checked them out - ?authentic Japanese? sounded pretty good to me, and I had great expectations. Unfortunately, everything was quite the opposite. Although their premises are quite nice and there were Japanese cooks and waiters all around us, none of those assigned to us were Japanese. We waited for approx. 20 minutes, although we were the only one at the table (which was quite a surprise - before it we first called Benihana, but they were completely booked for the night, with at least one hour waiting for those to choose to walk in).

Beside the appetizer (Japanese dumplings) and the salad, which were both quite nice, everything else was below average, and even disappointing. Shrimp, lobster and scallops all tasted very much the same, since the cook poured so much soy sauce over them (in combination with a whole lemon that he squeezed over only my portion of scallops) that nothing else could be tasted. Everything was cooked on oil (no butter for lobster), and I couldn?t even taste any garlic (and definitely not smell it). The latter is not a good thing, since I think that garlic really adds a lot to the food (all of us have watched ?Emeril Live!? right?!). And the rice was dry and not salty enough. The only good thing (beside the salad and appetizer that I mentioned above) is that the size of the shrimps and scallops is impressive, although I wonder if they would have cooked (and tasted) better if they would be a bit smaller. It is obvious that their fish is fresh, but that is all. To add a final point ? with a price tag of at least 30% more than Benihana (lobster/scallop combination was around $39 in comparison to ?Benihana?s? lobster/scallop/shrimp combination of around $30), I will probably think very carefully whether I want to come back to this restaurant again. Or maybe I will, but not for food ? rather for its beautiful Japanese garden outside.

Pros: Japanese ambience

Cons: Bad cook

Posted 01/13/07

I've been to many of the Japanese Restaurants around Atlanta but always find myself returning to Nakato with a sigh of relief and comfort. Everything you ask for is there... the quality, the service, the atmosphere. And you know it's authentic when you see Japanese customers enjoying themselves. I highly recommend it!!!!

Pros: service

Cons: none

Posted 12/13/06

What a find! Servers are super friendly. You'll like to see chefs prepare food in front of you !!! Go, go, go.

Pros: fun

Cons: none

Posted 11/20/06

I loved this. It's such a unique compilation of Japanese themes, but the themes are well done. I find I can come once a week, largely because changing the menu from which one orders changes the experience. There are other places that really do a poor job when they don't focus (Genki) but Nakato came through on all fronts. Try the noodles and feel free to slurp them down! The sushi is good, but I preferred the grilled foods! Very exciting and tasteful. Stay away from the kitsch.

Pros: grill, taste

Cons: area is mixed

Posted 04/22/06

We sat on the hibachi side and ordered some noodles, grilled food, and sushi. I didn't like the noodles that much because they were too soupy. However the hibachi grilled food was excellent. They also have about 3 different menus, so make sure you ask for the extra ones (they only gave us one at first). Service was very good.

Pros: big menu, service

Cons: valet only

Posted 04/09/06

This is one of the best sushi restaurants I've been to in Atlanta since moving here. The service was excellent, we were seated promptly. The sushi tasted fresh and came within a reasonable time. This was a good recommendation from Citysearch.

Pros: Good sushi, Reasonable prices, Good service

Posted 04/08/06

Sat on the sushi bar side. Was very impressed. The sushi was extremely fresh, prepared relatively fast (the place was packed) by a friendly helpful chef. The wasabi is amazing.

The menu items were pretty good as well, try the mushroom dish (forgot the name, but very good). Prices are pretty typical for ATL, and very worth it if you want authentic Japanese style ambience. The menu is huge and can be overwhelming a bit but I guess thats a good thing.

Pros: fresh sushi, ambience, big menu

Cons: location

Posted 03/21/06

The first time I ate here several years ago I had a food epiphany. It was utterly delicious and one of the most amazing dining experiences of my life. Sadly, as the years have gone by the quality of food and service have defiinitely declined and now I would rather spend my money elsewhere.

Posted 03/02/06

I lived in Japan for 10 years and miss the food. Don't let the seedy neighborhood fool you. This place is excellent. I felt like I was in Japan again. The decor is great, too! Our server did everything right. He even came out to see us off. Wow. Sushi/sashimi selection is not big, but very, very fresh.

Pros: friendly service, fresh sushi

Cons: valet parking only

Posted 12/16/05

my wife and i, we spend about $60 sushi apt was ok. about steak i want M cook but chef dont care. (cook W) shrimp over cook. rice has no tast. Service: you can batter service at fastfood restaurant. SO DONT WAST YOU MONEY. ....

Posted 11/27/05

So I have finally found the Real Deal in Atlanta for Sushi and Japanese food. Coming from NYC, I was so frustrated with the lack of authentic Japanese Cusine in this city. I've searched and finally found Nakato, tucked away in area where you wouldn't think such a restaurant exists. They do everything. The sushi, hibachi, the authentic Japanese food... and its all so good. I highly recommend it. Sit infront of Kaki, for a real treat at the sushi bar.

Pros: very authentic, service is friendly, the garden

Posted 08/20/05

Interesting how the So called Sushi Places in town are really catering to an uniformed public! I have frequent all of them, and i always returned to nakato's as I do notice and have discovered they are they only one's importing their Fish and if you ever dined in their (ido not mean the Habashi area) but truely dined their you will be impressed. i like the Idea that in the Kitchen the Help are not from South of the Border, and The fact that nakato's does the Food preperation for Delta flights to Japan is Impressive, No the Sushi is not Cheap, but it is really not from the Local Vender either! like so many others. And i have been sick enough in this town from bad food from really over rated resturaunts, . To know eating at nakato's is Super Safe.

Pros: Ambiance, Quality

Posted 02/27/03

fresh, generous portions, and great service. I take people there 3 times a month.

Pros: location, sushi, service

Cons: smoke only at bar

Posted 12/14/02

This review is for hibachi dining. I have only been to a few other hibachi/japanese steakhouses, but this one pales in comparison. While the food was ok, the show was not. When I go to a hibachi restaurant, i expect to be entertained. At other restaurants, the chef makes you feel comfortable, he makes you laugh, and above all, he entertains you. Perhaps it was just a bad day, or maybe the chef was new, but i was not entertained at all. He did no tricks (not even the volcano onions!)! And there was not a single joke! oh, how boring! If you want to be entertained, don't come here. go to Harbor Docks in Destin, FL if you are there.

Pros: the waitress was nice

Cons: no tricks!, boring, expensive

Posted 11/27/02

The freshest sushi in town. Knowledgable Chefs that will take the time to explain to you in English any questions you may have.

Pros: everything is great, very fresh, traditional food too!

Cons: can be expensive

Posted 08/22/02

I always enjoy my time spent at Nakato's. The food is wonderfull!

Posted 08/18/02