Renovated Nakato Forges Ahead

Many Atlantans credit Nakato on Cheshire Bridge as their first taste of sushi, as “cold rice, warmish fish, a burst of something briny. One bite in and we are experts.”

For more than half a century, Nakato has been woven into Atlanta’s dining landscape, introducing generations to authentic Japanese cuisine as a cultural bridge between Japan and Georgia. The family-owned restaurant just began a new chapter with a $2.4 million renovation led by third-generation owner, Sachi Nakato Takahara.

Helping tell that story is Debbie Rosen, president of The Rosen Group Atlanta, who leads Nakato’s marketing and public relations efforts. Her communications campaign highlights not only the extensive renovation, but also the remarkable family legacy. She said, “Rather than reinventing an Atlanta landmark, Takahara has carefully restored and elevated it.”

Takahara’s grandmother first arrived in Atlanta in 1972 and purchased the former Caruso’s Restaurant on Cheshire Bridge, transforming it into Nakato with architectural details and craftsmanship imported from Japan. At a time when authentic Japanese restaurants were virtually unknown in Atlanta, Nakato hosted ambassadors and dignitaries. Born and raised in Atlanta, Takahara is suited to guide the restaurant through a changing culinary landscape while remaining faithful to its roots.

Working with Atlanta-based Nelson Design Group (The Battery Atlanta), Takahara personally selected every design element in the renovation. The result is a brighter, more contemporary space where Japanese artistry is the focal point, beginning with the handcrafted white oak bar, built by Atlanta furniture maker, Whitney Wolf (The Jack Ellis Company) that anchors the dining room. The wood carries its own Atlanta story, salvaged from a white oak tree that fell during a storm at Wolf’s family home in nearby Druid Hills. The symbolism appealed to Takahara since white oak is also native to Japan, creating a physical connection between her family’s homeland and the city where Nakato has flourished for five decades.

Suspended above the bar is a custom canopy from Japanese Paulownia wood and in a traditional Asanoha pattern, a centuries-old geometric design showing growth, strength, and resilience. The renovated hibachi dining room showcases a dramatic Seigaiha wave motif in blue and metallic gold, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and the endless rhythm of the sea. Nearby, artwork inspired by Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic “Great Wave” provides another reminder of Japan’s artistic heritage. Our server stated that the hibachi room was constantly busy, while the renovated Garden Room, where we dined, was more subdued.

Another treasured feature is traditional Tatami Rooms, among the few authentic examples in the United States. Handcrafted tatami mats were shipped back to Japan for meticulous restoration by artisans dedicated to preserving traditional techniques. These rooms are worth a special occasion experience.

Nakato replaced hibachi grills and ventilation systems (operating since 1991) with state-of-the-art equipment, improving guest comfort and culinary performance. The redesigned outside area features an entrance canopy and landscaped streetscape creating a graceful front.

What we sampled:
Sake (not the same pronunciation as the wine) Harami: salmon belly – as clean as it gets, “melt in your mouth”
Nasu Dengaku: miso glazed eggplant; served hot; on the sweet side
Sea Bass in kobu seaweed broth; steamed then grilled
Gindara: miso marinated grilled back cod
Illuminati Roll: standing proudly almost triangular, topped with waving micro greens (kaiware sprouts), yellowtail and salmon outside, then spicy tuna, avocado, sesame seeds
Green tea ice cream
Japanese tiramisu
The menu is extensive: tempura, rice and noodles, chef’s specials, soups, hot pots, all the sushi in the rainbow. Don’t miss the Kiss of Death roll! Menu notes gluten and egg ingredients. Unusual surprises include caviar inserts, golden eye snapper, and Yum Yum Roll with smoked salmon and cream cheese for those who like a “Jewish-isy” fusion.

Nakato introduced a Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday with creative cocktails (around $10) like Lychee Blossom, Yuzu Spirits, Sake, then dumplings, sushi boards, miso Caesar salad, avocado tuna dip and more.

Nakato is located at 1776 Cheshire Bridge Road. For more information, please call 404-873-6582.