A noteworthy sushi experience requires a few specific elements coming together just right: the fish has to be fresh and properly sourced, the sushi chef seasoned and in tune with their ingredients and customers, and the environment, welcoming and set up for quality and success.
At Takumi Cuisine, the elements perfectly align to create an ideal sushi destination.
Opening in 2023 on WestPonce de Leon Ave, Takumi is a still-new feeling addition to Downtown Decatur that has quickly been recognized amongst the city’s best spots for expertly crafted sushi and omakase.
“Sushi is an art,” says owner Yuen Cushing. “I like to experiment and try new things. When I was given the opportunity to open this place and I met Henry (Sushi Chef), I knew this was going to be a great opportunity to do something unique.” Experimentation has been the focus at Takumi for Yuen and Executive Sushi Chef Henry Wu. Trying new things and finding unique ways to delight customers is a feature of the restaurant. “Yuen had a totally different idea when she opened this place,” explains chef Henry. “She wanted to collaborate and experiment. If I have an idea, she says, ‘ok, let’s try it.’ I am passionate about what I do, and she lets me follow that passion with the menu.” Yuen’s vision for her restaurant from the beginning has centered around quality and creativity. It has been a journey to find the right partnership to help realize this vision, and she is excited to collaborate with Chef Henry.
Creativity is on full display throughout Takumi’s offerings. Sushi lovers will find everything from classic sushi rolls and nigiri preparations to more adventurous bites highlighting exotic ingredients like unique fatty tuna cuts and caviars. “We never compromise on quality ingredients,” says Yuen. “We source everything fresh; we get a lot of ingredients direct from Japanese fish markets. We like to experiment and play with the menu, but it always starts with quality.” Besides sushi, Takumi also offers its take on traditional Japanese Cuisine (Washoku), such as Ramen, Hamachi Kama, Udon and Soba Noodles, Tempura, Yakitori, and Donburi. Takumi’s menu also boasts specialty items such as Japanese A5 Wagyu, Caviar Service, and occasional specials such as Fresh Oysters, Abalone, and more.
The quality and playfulness really shine through with Takumi’s omakase tasting menu, an opportunity for diners to let the expert hands of the sushi chef guide their meal based on what is fresh and in season. “I like to surprise people with something they have never had before,” says Chef Henry. “I have trained with amazing sushi chefs who taught me the importance of creating a new experience for each diner. I want each dish to engage all of the senses in a unique way.”
With Chef Henry’s culinary expertise leading the kitchen and Yuen’s passion for distinctive cocktails behind the bar, diners should expect unique surprises across the menu at Takumi. Each cocktail is thoughtfully crafted to bring a unique Japanese experience to the guest. The Oita Onsen is served with a smoke-filled ice cube to make you feel like you are bathing in a hot spring in Oita. The Ginza Night is served with colorful, flashing ice cubes, and the disco ball and the smoky liquor recreate the nightlife of Ginza. The Hokkaido Summer, with the pale green midori melon liquor under a foam of egg white, depicts the snow-covered landscape of Hokkaido.
The omakase menu is an ever-changing selection of traditional high-quality sushi preparations combined with Chef Henry’s unique creations. Depending on the day, you may be served an oyster with an edible shell, intricately prepared squid, or an eggless “egg” dessert. “It should feel like a magic show,” Chef Henry passionately explains. “People should leave satisfied. They should go home peaceful and relaxed and fall asleep thinking about their meal.”
While still young, Takumi has solidified itself as a destination for sushi in the metro area and a clear standout in the Decatur food scene. “We want people to join us for a unique dining experience they can’t find in other places,” says Yuen. “Our menu is artistic, fresh, and there’s always something new to try.”