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Atlanta / Dining / Japanese


 

For a landlocked city such as Atlanta, MF Sushi is a godsend, or at least like something straight from Los Angeles. The energetic environment is injected with a maximised minimalism design sensibility, as well as some ambient beat-based music. The sushi and sashimi is indeed best described, forgive the pun, as a cut above. Daily shipments include the finest yellowtail, horse mackerel, eel and the city’s only otoro tuna belly. Freshly grated wasabi root costs $4 extra, but it’s money well spent. Fruit-infused sake cocktails work as aperitives or digestives.

 

Advertised as a sake and sushi bar, Miyako is perhaps not doing itself justice. While the main draw of this unassuming storefront nestles on the ground level of a condo high-rise remains a carefully handpicked selection of both infused and non-processed sakes – replete with thoughtful, vivid [description]s – the food is worth more than a second thought. Sushi, tempura and a selection of Chinese dishes is available. Those on a budget or in a rush can benefit from the constantly replenished $6.99 lunch buffet, or $1 sushi 'happy hour’ 5-7pm Mon-Fri. Those looking to unwind can indulge in refined rice wine till 2 am. Fridays and Saturdays DJs sometimes spin.

 

The food is the show and the show is the star at Nakato Japanese steakhouse. Amid the blond wood and sliding rice-paper doors the 'samurai chefs’ manning the Hibachi-grill cooking offer a sizzling spectacle and excellent conversation piece for large groups of carnivores. There may be a script but this isn’t science, so meat can range in tenderness. Sushi is limited but fresh, not showy but solid. For those wanting to be delivered more pre-cooked fare, tempura and teriyaka is available in a dining room redecorated according to season.

 

At the crossroads of Midtown, known for its gay pride, lively Nickiemoto’s is as flamboyant as the passersby. Brushed metal, bamboo and pulsing primary colours combine in a kinetic fusion complementing the California-style vibrantly presented rolls. More than sushi is offered – a wide range of Pan-Asian tempura, stir-fry, peppercorn catfish, etc. is also available. Tuesdays and Sundays offer $1 sushi all day, and Monday nights feature hugely popular Geisha drag performances from 9 pm, so if you plan to roll in for more than food make a reservation. During summer the patio is popular for cocktails.