Ten months after joining Umi Modern Japanese as Lead Chef, Kazuo Yoshida will introduce his signature omakase experience at M @ Umi in Buckhead. The omakase will be available for one seating at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays starting in mid-September. The event is set upstairs from the main dining area and offers an intimate setting with only eight seats.
Chef Yoshida plans to serve about 19 courses per evening, including otsumami, nigiri, soup, and dessert. He emphasized the importance of hospitality and sourcing high-quality ingredients. “Practicing Omotenashi hospitality and thoughtful, anticipatory service is of utmost importance to me, as is sourcing the best quality ingredients and fish possible,” said Yoshida.
The menu will focus on nigiri but will change based on inspiration from the team. Dishes may include Smoked Bonito Salad, Madai Sashimi, a tasting of Ötoro & Chútoro (fatty & medium fatty tuna), Wagyu Hand Roll with caviar, Uni Risotto, and Butter-Poached Lobster.
Originally from Nagasaki, Japan, Chef Yoshida has been involved in omakase-style restaurants in the United States since arriving in New York City in 1992. He has earned the nickname “Uni King” during his three decades working in New York City’s sushi scene. “I hope to inspire more people to explore the art of true omakase, complete with bold creativity and craftsmanship that define my signature ‘Kazuo-style,'” he said.
Yoshida’s career includes opening Jewel Bako East Village as chef in 2001 and serving as opening chef at Brooklyn’s 1 or 8 in 2010. In Miami, he helped launch MYUMI sushi truck before moving to Atlanta after working at Juku restaurant in New York City.
The space for M @ Umi was designed by Design Research Studio (DRS) and Gareth Payne Studio. It features globe pendants, an acrylic painting by Atlanta artist Todd Murphy, and white yakisugi walls—a Japanese technique using charred cedar boards for texture.
