Week: Thur.
September 15th
It was obvious from my first bite of buttery Hamachi topped with
one lone serano pepper sliver, that Tomo was going to be a restaurant
that makes a difference for those living in the Vinings and nearby
Smryna. Sushi chef Tomohiro Naito is serving the finest quality
sushi this part of town has ever seen, or even knew existed.
It all takes place in a simple yet well-designed one-room strip
center slot. Tomo’s skillful design is the artistry of Tony
Akly whose resume of recently completed projects consists of
Taurus, Trattoria Monaco and RiceSticks.
But the artistry on your plate is the result of Tomohiro, a NoBu
disciple, who arrived in Atlanta via Las Vegas. He’s flying
in high quality fish from Japan daily, quality similar to that
of Taka, who, as we all know, serves some of the most exquisite
sushi in town.
In my opinion (as foodsnoty as that might be to some), there
are only two types of uni in this world: absolutely rancid uni
and then there is the type of uni that makes life worth living
and one of the few items remaining in this world that contends
with sex as one of life’s finer moments.
Needless to say, I consider Tomo’s uni to be in the latter
category – so smooth-n-creamy and nary a nautical nuance.
Most die-hard sushi connoisseurs I know claim they can judge
a sushi restaurant purely on the merits of its uni. I wouldn’t
go that far.
Sushi enthusiasts will also notice abalone sashimi on the menu
and it’s served on a spit-polished and shiny shell. Fluke
arrives in a pool of white truffle oil wearing only a light showering
of Hawaiian pink – my absolute favorite of the fancy sea
salts. Wasabi is the real deal, discernable by its fibrous texture,
light green color and mild flavor.
Is Tomo in the same league as Soto and Taka? Not quite. However,
I would only place him a notch below the two big fish but head
and shoulders above the rest.
One draw back, I do find Tomo to be slightly overpriced as we
were charged $16 for hamachi kama, which I’m accustomed
to paying no more than $14 for similar quality. |
Sushi Chef Tomohiro Naito
Type of Cuisine: Japanese/Sushi
Address/Tel:
3256 Cobb Pkwy, Atlanta Tel: 770-690-0555
Recommended: Abalone Sashimi, Yellowtail Serano
Sashimi, Fluke w/ White Truffle Oil, Monk Fish Liver,
Uni, Special Sweet Edamame
Pricing:
Apps: $4 - $12
Entrees: $14 - $ 29
Sushi: $4 - $8 (2pc/order)
Lunch: $8 - $16
Hours:
Tue - Fri: 11:30am - 2pm (lunch)
Tue - Thus: 5pm - 10pm (dinner)
Fri & Sat: 5pm - 10:30pm
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