We had a confirmed 6:00 PM reservation at Hayakawa on October 22, booked through Resy with multiple confirmations and reminders. When we arrived, the door was locked, and after ringing the bell twice, we were told the chef was injured and there would be no omakase service that evening. While the staff member who spoke with us was polite and apologetic, no one had reached out in advance to cancel the reservation or notify us—despite the fact that the meal was prepaid ($812). This was meant to be a special birthday celebration, and it was extremely disappointing and unprofessional to find out only upon arrival. Given the restaurant’s reputation and the high price point, we expected far better communication and respect for guests’ time.
Alex Oakley
My first visit to Hayakawa was during a kaiseki service, led by the wonderfully informative and hospitable Monet, so I had to return to try Chef Hayakawa’s omakase service. Unbelievable food, intuitive and elegant sake and wine pairings, and the opportunity to watch two masters of their crafts (both Monet and Chef Hayakawa) doing what they do best. Not to mention the top notch service provided by the incredible staff. I cannot recommend Hayakawa enough if you want to truly experience the pinnacle of Atlanta’s dining scene.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Peter Watt
Wow is the only word. I cannot find anything to criticize about my experience last night. The staff were so observant, kind and the highest level of professionalism. Monet taught me so much about Hokkaido (where chef Haya-San is from). Haya-San was so charming and lovely to learn from as well. The dishes were plentiful, beautiful and just the right amount of nigiri. So special. I loved this adventure and will be back as soon as possible. Thank you for the most memorable experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexander Oakley
There really isn’t any other experience like it in Atlanta. A flawless atmosphere, incredibly competent and talented staff, and most importantly, incomparably presented and delicious food. The standout is, of course, Monet. The sommelier and, at least for this month, presenter, was unbelievably knowledgeable and congenial. She made each course not only delicious but an experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Henri Bricard
Came for bday celebration for my wife. This is a must try. We were fortunate enough to have booked during their kaiseki seasonal menu window and had an amazing but most importantly authentic time. Monet was an amazing somm and guide through the experience. Couldn’t recommend this enough.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Richard Scalesse
We had an incredible omakase experience at Hayakawa. Every course was beautifully presented and showcased the chef’s precision and artistry, with flavors that were fresh, balanced, and unforgettable. The attention to detail and warm hospitality made the evening feel both intimate and special. Easily one of the best sushi dining experiences we’ve had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gilbert P
This experience was a dream. I wish I could go every week. The food is incredible, and Chef Hayakawa and the servers are all amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kiara R
Loved this place plan to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Larry Stokes
Have eaten here both pre and post Michelin star. It's always been a lovely time. Visiting Japan ruined sushi for me, but this place is the next best thing in Atlanta. It's not cheap....but worth the investment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mohamed Elgendy
A very nice experience! The atmosphere was truly special, and I loved everything—especially the Ngiri! The chef and staff were very friendly and personable.
Best experience of omakase! Make sure you come hungry because there are so many courses in the 2 hrs we were here. Chef is hilarious and very entertaining. Every bite brings you back to the freshness of the sea. Love the presentation and the cleanliness. You can let them know your diet restrictions ahead of time and they will try to make sure to fit your dietary requirements. Coming back soon!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
crawford lloyd
Im not sure how anyone could leave anything less than a 5 star review. From the moment the dinner starts the staff was so engaged and the food was amazing. Sommelier made great sake recommendations. I definitely will return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Abbey Perini
While it is true that you can get sushi rolls and cheaper omakase experiences elsewhere in Atlanta, you can't get the Hayakawa experience anywhere else. The restaurant is named after the sushi chef because you are paying for an experience curated by him. At the new location, with only 8 seats, you get to watch 44 years of sushi-making experience up close, and ask any questions you want.
This is also why you need to be diligent about confirming your reservation and arriving early - the experience starts from the minute the doors open. Dishes are perfectly timed. There are (validated) parking spaces in the building, signs directing you to the restaurant, and space to wait in the lobby until the door is unlocked.
With Monet's expert translations, explanations, and guidance, you learn how every ingredient is thoughtfully selected (and usually flown in directly from Japan). As French fine dining starts with the highest quality ingredients, so does Hayakawa's. With both Monet and Hayakawa, you can clearly see they love what they do and are overjoyed when you love it too. And we love it - Hayakawa's the only chef to get me to really contemplate a mouthful of fish.
I have had many Michelin star experiences in my time, but none as personalized and personable as Hayakawa's. He is happy to alter his nigiri to personal tastes (and mouth sizes). He loves it when you are curious about his craft. With and without Monet's help, he chats with and cares deeply about his customers. Truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lando Roberts
Really enjoyed the Michelin starred Omakase experience with Chef Hayakawa.
The food was incredible including his special touch on delicacies from his home (Hokkaido) including the Hokkaido uni. I also enjoyed his personable demeanor and great conversation during dinner. I look forward to visiting him and his team in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi
James Terry
Absolutely incredible sushi! I've had several omakazi experiences and this was among the best. Hayakawa truly earned their recognition. The nigiri may be the best I've ever had and his signature sea urchin dish was well worth the additional cost - please try it! The CA's made the night unique with a level of service that addresses everything before you even think to ask. I was blown away by them. The meal didn't take long but never felt rushed either. Just an enjoyable evening with incredible food, service and conversation with the staff. 10/10 I would strongly recommend!
We had a confirmed 6:00 PM reservation at Hayakawa on October 22, booked through Resy with multiple confirmations and reminders. When we arrived, the door was locked, and after ringing the bell twice, we were told the chef was injured and there would be no omakase service that evening. While the staff member who spoke with us was polite and apologetic, no one had reached out in advance to cancel the reservation or notify us—despite the fact that the meal was prepaid ($812). This was meant to be a special birthday celebration, and it was extremely disappointing and unprofessional to find out only upon arrival. Given the restaurant’s reputation and the high price point, we expected far better communication and respect for guests’ time.
My first visit to Hayakawa was during a kaiseki service, led by the wonderfully informative and hospitable Monet, so I had to return to try Chef Hayakawa’s omakase service. Unbelievable food, intuitive and elegant sake and wine pairings, and the opportunity to watch two masters of their crafts (both Monet and Chef Hayakawa) doing what they do best. Not to mention the top notch service provided by the incredible staff. I cannot recommend Hayakawa enough if you want to truly experience the pinnacle of Atlanta’s dining scene.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wow is the only word. I cannot find anything to criticize about my experience last night. The staff were so observant, kind and the highest level of professionalism. Monet taught me so much about Hokkaido (where chef Haya-San is from). Haya-San was so charming and lovely to learn from as well. The dishes were plentiful, beautiful and just the right amount of nigiri. So special. I loved this adventure and will be back as soon as possible. Thank you for the most memorable experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
There really isn’t any other experience like it in Atlanta. A flawless atmosphere, incredibly competent and talented staff, and most importantly, incomparably presented and delicious food. The standout is, of course, Monet. The sommelier and, at least for this month, presenter, was unbelievably knowledgeable and congenial. She made each course not only delicious but an experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came for bday celebration for my wife. This is a must try. We were fortunate enough to have booked during their kaiseki seasonal menu window and had an amazing but most importantly authentic time. Monet was an amazing somm and guide through the experience. Couldn’t recommend this enough.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had an incredible omakase experience at Hayakawa. Every course was beautifully presented and showcased the chef’s precision and artistry, with flavors that were fresh, balanced, and unforgettable. The attention to detail and warm hospitality made the evening feel both intimate and special. Easily one of the best sushi dining experiences we’ve had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This experience was a dream. I wish I could go every week. The food is incredible, and Chef Hayakawa and the servers are all amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved this place plan to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Have eaten here both pre and post Michelin star. It's always been a lovely time. Visiting Japan ruined sushi for me, but this place is the next best thing in Atlanta. It's not cheap....but worth the investment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A very nice experience!
The atmosphere was truly special, and I loved everything—especially the Ngiri! The chef and staff were very friendly and personable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Best experience of omakase!
Make sure you come hungry because there are so many courses in the 2 hrs we were here.
Chef is hilarious and very entertaining.
Every bite brings you back to the freshness of the sea.
Love the presentation and the cleanliness.
You can let them know your diet restrictions ahead of time and they will try to make sure to fit your dietary requirements.
Coming back soon!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Im not sure how anyone could leave anything less than a 5 star review. From the moment the dinner starts the staff was so engaged and the food was amazing. Sommelier made great sake recommendations. I definitely will return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
While it is true that you can get sushi rolls and cheaper omakase experiences elsewhere in Atlanta, you can't get the Hayakawa experience anywhere else. The restaurant is named after the sushi chef because you are paying for an experience curated by him. At the new location, with only 8 seats, you get to watch 44 years of sushi-making experience up close, and ask any questions you want.
This is also why you need to be diligent about confirming your reservation and arriving early - the experience starts from the minute the doors open. Dishes are perfectly timed. There are (validated) parking spaces in the building, signs directing you to the restaurant, and space to wait in the lobby until the door is unlocked.
With Monet's expert translations, explanations, and guidance, you learn how every ingredient is thoughtfully selected (and usually flown in directly from Japan). As French fine dining starts with the highest quality ingredients, so does Hayakawa's. With both Monet and Hayakawa, you can clearly see they love what they do and are overjoyed when you love it too. And we love it - Hayakawa's the only chef to get me to really contemplate a mouthful of fish.
I have had many Michelin star experiences in my time, but none as personalized and personable as Hayakawa's. He is happy to alter his nigiri to personal tastes (and mouth sizes). He loves it when you are curious about his craft. With and without Monet's help, he chats with and cares deeply about his customers. Truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really enjoyed the Michelin starred Omakase experience with Chef Hayakawa.
The food was incredible including his special touch on delicacies from his home (Hokkaido) including the Hokkaido uni. I also enjoyed his personable demeanor and great conversation during dinner. I look forward to visiting him and his team in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi
Absolutely incredible sushi! I've had several omakazi experiences and this was among the best. Hayakawa truly earned their recognition. The nigiri may be the best I've ever had and his signature sea urchin dish was well worth the additional cost - please try it!
The CA's made the night unique with a level of service that addresses everything before you even think to ask. I was blown away by them. The meal didn't take long but never felt rushed either. Just an enjoyable evening with incredible food, service and conversation with the staff.
10/10 I would strongly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Sea Urchin Hand Roll
Loading...