Photo by Brandon Amato
Located less than a five-minute drive from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a mixed-use development called Abrams Fixtures promises lofts, offices and, of course, restaurants. One of the first restaurants to be announced is Ryokou Omakase, set to open this summer Ryokou means journey or trip in Japanese, and that’s what chef Paul Gutting wants diners to do when they visit. Currently a chef at Leonard Yu’s omakase table, Gutting will lead the sister spot, serving a 10-12-course tasting focused on Japanese small plates. (At the omakase table, 20 courses primarily highlight nigiri.)
“It will be a smaller, more curated menu,” says Gutting. “I am visiting every region to find out [items] That goes with the food we want to make.”
For example, Hokkaido is known for its seafood, so Ryoko might serve a lobster consommé with uni to represent the region. Gutting is considering a kaiseki course with pickled vegetables as a symbol of Kyoto. Expect a multi-course traditional Wagashi dessert that uses ingredients from all over Japan—the culmination of the journey. The menu will change seasonally. Aomori Prefecture is known for its apples, which are harvested in the fall, so Gutting says he can include them in a dish during that time.
“Omakase means the chef’s choice or recommendation. In Japan, you can find it in almost any restaurant. In America that usually means a sushi-centric, course menu,” explains Gutting. “There’s a lot of Japanese fish that people don’t know about. Places like Mujo have worked to bring in a lot of distributors. [to Atlanta] So we can more easily get the ingredients we need to make really high-quality omakase.”
At 11 seats, Ryokou will be smaller than an omakase table. Diners will eat at the bar, and reservations are required. The space will be modern with hinoki wood and a green onyx bar top. There will be a handful of wines and select Japanese-inspired cocktails. Sake will be the centerpiece of the beverage program, with pairings available for each course.
“I hope people look forward to the ride,” Gutting said. “I want Ryokou to be its own standalone restaurant, not an extension of Omakase Table.”
Omakase Table opens on Westside in 2022 A new Buckhead location is in the works, designed to give the two chefs each their own separate room and sushi counter. A third room could offer small plates. According to Gutting, the Westside location could be turned into a more accessible omakase restaurant.
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