A chef works behind the sushi bar at Yuji Japanese restaurant at Junction Krog District in Atlanta.
The sushi bar at Yuji Japanese restaurant at Junction Krog District in Atlanta. (Provided by Yuji)

Japanese restaurant Yuji, from the team behind Kinjo Room, Paya Thai, and Yakitori Kona, opened on Feb. 6 at the Junction Krog District on the Eastside Beltline. 

Located on the ground floor of the new Old Fourth Ward complex, expect a menu of Japanese dishes inspired by kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal), including umami wagyu, blistered shishito peppers, branzino, and lobster rolls. Lunch will offer a bento box option. 

In addition to serving cocktails, beer, wine, and sake on draft, look for nonalcoholic mixed drinks like the Yuji cobbler made with in-season fruit, lemon and lime juices, and orange fennel oleo saccharum.

Flanking the Eastside Trail, Yuji hopes to capture people walking and cycling along this heavily traveled portion of the Beltline. The restaurant features a large patio, two outdoor bars, and a walk-up window for ordering to-go food via a touchscreen display. 

The circular cocktail bar set with wine glasses, place settings, and chopsticks at Yuji Japanese restaurant at Junction Krog District in Atlanta.
The cocktail bar at Yuji Japanese restaurant at Junction Krog District in Atlanta. (Provided by Yuji)

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A grand opening for Yuji is planned for the end of February. Until then, the restaurant will serve a limited food and drinks menu and remain closed on Mondays.

Brash Coffee recently opened as part of the Junction Krog District, serving both coffee and cocktails from its Beltline location. Later this summer, a second location of Italian restaurant Yeppa & Co. will open at the complex, backed by Pietro Gianni and Stephen Peterson of Storico Fresco and Forza Storico. 

Yuji, 667 Auburn Ave., Old Fourth Ward. Open currently Tuesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 11 p.m.

Beth McKibben serves as both Editor in Chief and Dining Editor for Rough Draft Atlanta. She was previously the editor of Eater Atlanta and has been covering food and drinks locally and nationally for over 14 years.