Sizzling Sushi Star Yuji Modern Japanese Lays Down Roots in Junction Krog District
Beauty meets big flavor at new sushi spot, led by restaurateur Alex Kinjo, where every entrée is a work of art
Bringing walkability and new infrastructure to the city, Atlantans boast about the BeltLine for good reason, and the latest BeltLine buzz grows with Junction Krog Street’s new hot spot Yuji Modern Japanese.
Led by visionary Alex Kinjo of MF Sushi, Kinjo Room, and Yakitori Kona, the new Japanese venture is a shining star on his extensive resume. “When I created my first restaurant, MF Sushi, I fell in love with the business because it gave me creativity and freedom,” says Kinjo. “Ever since then, I’ve been a restaurateur.”
Kinjo set his sights on the enviable Junction Krog District real estate when walking along the BeltLine years ago. “I asked my agent ‘what’s going to be there?’ and that I would love to have a sushi lounge bar there,” says Kinjo. “Seven years later, my dream came true.”
With a concept in mind, Kinjo named the budding restaurant after his close friend Yuji Matsumoto, who resides in Kyoto with his father Shinji, owner of the sake brand Kizakura that is now the restaurant’s private label.
Influence from the culturally rich Japanese city is evident upon first glance. A true renaissance man, Kinjo led interior design efforts and was guided by scenes from his nature-filled trips when visiting Matsumoto. Cherry blossom blooms and paper lanterns linger overhead, while a wall of windows allows for an extra dreamy golden hour. What was once a hindrance during development, an unsightly support column was beautifully transformed into a showstopping 360-degree bar with radial wood beams and sparkling pendant lights.
“Just like there’s no boundary with creativity and design, there’s also no boundary with good food,” explains Kinjo. “Good food is good food.” This very mantra and free thinking lent a hand to menu development. Instead of focusing on one element—such as just omakase or traditional dishes—Yuji knows no bounds and encompasses a wide array of Japanese offerings.
The full sushi bar offers an up-close look at the chef’s masterful creations. And in true Kaiseki-style, dishes are intended for sharing and focused on textures and flavors. For an enchanting evening, start with your choice of nigiri followed by the branzino with crispy rice and blistered tomatoes. The perfect pairing awaits with the Desert Rose cocktail with codigo blanco, lime, raspberry, and hibiscus.
Drink selections abound inside and on the spacious covered patio, where chilled sake can be found on tap and diners can sip on Japanese whiskey or creative craft cocktails. Lunch breakers can stop by Yuji Next Door to satisfy takeout cravings.
And with business booming, the talented staff behind the new concept reveal their secret ingredient. “From chef and bartender to art director and manager, our team has had the same people for the last 15 years,” says Kinjo. “And that’s where our success comes from—the people and our bond.” instagram.com/yujiatlanta