TOMO Restaurant Quietly Opens at Ritz-Carlton Residences Buckhead
The wait is over! About a week ago, I went to TOMO Japanese Restaurant on the first night it was open. I couldn’t wait any longer! The restaurant is in the “soft opening” stage, but you will not be able to tell any difference. It feels like they have been open for years, and they have! (Just not at this location.) The new restaurant is slightly larger in size and now has a full bar and outdoor terrace, two things the last location lacked. It was definitely a good move to Buckhead!
The restaurant is located at the base of the new Ritz-Carlton Residences Buckhead. A gorgeous new condominium project just steps away from Atlanta’s best shopping! TOMO is a welcome addition to the Buckhead restaurant scene, so be sure to check it out. I think it’s the best sushi in Atlanta.
There are two things that have not changed at TOMO since the move. First, they still use the freshest quality, melt-in-your-mouth fish for each item on the menu. Secondly, you always receive stellar service. When you walk through the front door, you are immediately greeted with a warm welcome. It’s like coming back home to see your family. It’s good to know some things don’t change.
The new space has floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides, which let plenty of daylight in. There are a good number of spacious booths used throughout the restaurant, all of which are covered in white backs and brown seats cushions. Exposed concrete columns not only hold up the ceiling, but also provide a cool, hip modern twist to the space. The bar is off to the right and can accommodate a good number of people. It’s the perfect place to wait for your table if you don’t have a reservation, or just want to pop in to try one of the new cocktails on the menu. The ceiling has orange and amber accents, while the floor is black. There is a good mix of materials and contrast in the restaurant, but it’s not overwhelming to look at. It’s done just right.
Chef/owner Tomohiro Naito (pictured above) truly cares about the experience you have at his restaurant. He has worked in New York, Boston, Maine and Las Vegas. He is not only an expert at Japanese cooking, but has also French and Italian styles. In Las Vegas, he worked at NoBu for three years. Maybe you have heard of NoBu? You can always find him walking throughout the restaurant, making sure everything is going perfectly, greeting new and long time customers and checking out the kitchen and sushi bar. He does a superb job!
Below, to the left, is the long sushi bar. This is where I like to sit. It’s where I can see everything being prepared, plus there is a great view of the restaurant.
Below: The outdoor terrace is private and sheltered from the elements. Shades can be pulled down in case there is rain.
Below: TOMO’s Special Roll. So yummy! The fish is so beautiful and it literally melts in your mouth.
Below: I don’t remember what this was, but I ate every single bit of it, including the fried fish bone. Crazy good!
My favorite part of any meal is dessert. Kimiko is a master at making them for the restaurant and I am a master at eating what she prepares. If you search through my blog, you’ll find a photo of the Mango Sunny Side Up dessert. It’s absolutely amazing and very creative.
Below is the Chocolate Plant, which consists of Belgium callebeau chocolate and a pinot noir reduction. If you like chocolate, you will love this.
Below is the Pear Mousse with pear jelly and fresh whipped cream.
Below is the stellar Warm Bread Pudding. This isn’t your traditional bread pudding, it’s much better. Creative, light and simply delicious.
Right now, the restaurant is only open for dinner. I think it’s best to make reservations, especially on the weekend. Remember, this restaurant is NOT located at the hotel. It’s at the new building – 3630 Peachtree Road at Peachtree Dunwoody.
Let me know what you think!