Hayakawa
Atlanta, USA




The Experience
From Michelin Guide
A local legend for his Japanese cuisine on Buford Highway, Chef Atsushi Hayakawa has begun a new chapter in West Midtown. Located in a sparkling office structure, the slick lair hosts a mere handful of diners per seating. His stage is a backdrop of dark-streaked stone and a silken wood counter; and the use of a microphone to banter with guests amplifies Hayakawa's buoyant personality.Rotating with the seasons and changing weekly, the meal is a procession of small courses and hews toward the structure of kaiseki. After items such as an appetizer trio with clear fish soup, scallop sashimi with miso-mustard sauce and simmered monkfish, it's time for sushi. The chef crafts nigiri from imported fish that needs little embellishment and is amply sized in the tradition of Hokkaido style in deference to the chef's hometown.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Kaiseki Menu Special
- Hayakawa offers a unique kaiseki menu for a limited time, which focuses on cooked dishes and sashimi, distinguishing it from the traditional sushi-centric omakase experience.
Exclusive Reservation-Only Dining
- The restaurant operates on a reservation-only basis, ensuring an intimate dining experience with limited seating available during specific hours from Wednesday to Saturday.
Unique Location and Parking
- Located on the second floor of the Star Metals office building, guests must navigate a specific parking garage with validation provided at the restaurant, adding an unconventional twist to the dining experience.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
Signature Ingredients
- Seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Japan: Highlighted as a key aspect of the restaurant's commitment to authenticity and tradition, ensuring that each dish reflects the true essence of Japanese cuisine.
- Wagyu beef: A luxurious ingredient featured in various menu items, known for its rich marbling and tenderness, often prepared with traditional Japanese techniques to enhance its flavor.
- Sashimi: A staple of Japanese cuisine, served fresh and artfully presented, showcasing the quality of fish sourced from reputable suppliers, emphasizing the restaurant's dedication to freshness and quality.
- Kaiseki components: During special events, the restaurant offers kaiseki courses that include a variety of meticulously prepared cooked dishes, highlighting seasonal vegetables and delicate flavors that reflect the changing seasons.