Atami Japanese Restaurant

Just opened in March, Atami Express Japanese Restaurant in Elyria is a hibachi lover’s dream.

A small eatery located in the Chestnut Commons shopping plaza, Atami serves up delicious grilled meats, vegetables and rice at great prices. The quaint, brightly-lit dining room is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner date.

Adorned with bamboo plants and traditional Japanese décor, Atami packs big restaurant taste and feel into a smaller, more intimate package. Made-to-order favorites like steak teriyaki, hibachi shrimp, seaweed salad, miso soup, fried rice, sesame chicken, green tea and a full kids' menu make Atami a place the whole family can enjoy.

Watch through the window as the chefs prepare your meal on the large hibachi, creating each dish with such precision and grace that you are sure to be stunned by their distinct culinary skills.

Kids love to watch as Atami's cooks cut, chop, flip, sizzle and sautee the ingredients of their favorite meals. When the food is done, they're sure to want to attempt to eat with chopsticks, just like they do in Japan.

All meals are served with fresh salad and ginger dressing, mushroom soup and a fruit flavored sorbet. The cuisine is authentic, fresh and light, and the staff is always attentive and helpful.

Patrons of Atami say their favorite menu item is the chicken teriyak — a traditional dish made with moist chicken tenderloin chunks grilled on the Japanese hibachi, a sweet teriyaki glaze made with soy and pineapple, and savory fried rice with sweet peas and onions. The popular dish is served with grilled pineapple and sauteed vegetables.

Whatever your culinary delight, Atami Japanese Restaurant is sure to please. If you're unable to eat in, the restaurant also offers a full carry-out menu. Reservations are never required.

- by LeeAnn Mullen, Cleveland Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

LeeAnn Mullen

LeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.