Yuji Modern Japanese is the latest restaurant from Alex Kinjo and the Kinjo Enterprise team — the same group behind MF Sushi in Inman Park, Kinjo Room in West Midtown, and Yakitori Kona in Virginia-Highland. So the pedigree is there. The menu takes inspiration from kaiseki, the Japanese tradition of multi-course dining focused on seasonal ingredients and balance of flavors, but Yuji doesn't lock itself into any one format. It's a full sushi bar, a craft cocktail destination, and an elevated dinner experience all in one.

The location alone is worth the trip. Yuji sits on the ground floor of the Junction Krog District building, right at the corner of Irwin Street and Auburn Avenue across from Krog Street Market. There's a massive covered patio with outdoor bars facing the Beltline trail, plus a walk-up window for to-go orders. Whether you're doing a proper dinner or just strolling the trail and want to pop in for a cocktail and a few rolls, the space makes it easy.

The interior is genuinely beautiful — warm, dim lighting, a showstopping circular bar at the center of the room, cherry blossom details overhead, and big windows that make the space feel open and airy earlier in the evening. It's the kind of place that feels special without being stuffy. The energy is lively but not overwhelming, and the outdoor patio adds a whole other dimension in good weather.

This is the one. Otoro is the fatty belly cut of bluefin tuna and it's the richest, most buttery piece of fish you can get. At Yuji, it's executed perfectly — minimal garnish, letting the quality of the fish do all the work. It's a splurge but completely worth it for sushi lovers.

Clean, fresh, and has just the right amount of heat. The yellowtail is delicate and the spice doesn't overpower it — it just adds enough to make every bite interesting. This one is a must-order every single time.

A classic combination done really well. The sweetness of the eel sauce plays perfectly off the shrimp, and the texture contrast between the crispy elements and the rice is spot on. Comfort food in sushi form.

Rich, indulgent, and honestly one of the best rolls I've had in the city. The lobster and salmon together make for a combination that feels elevated without being overly complicated. Order this one and don't share it.

The house roll and a great example of what this kitchen does well — creative without being over the top. It's the kind of roll that makes you understand why people keep coming back.

Crispy, savory, and satisfying in a way that only a good soft shell crab roll can be. The texture is everything here — that crunch against the rice and fresh ingredients is hard to beat. A solid order any time of year.

The cocktail program at Yuji is seriously underrated. The Yuji Highball is a Japanese whisky drink with bright citrus and herbal notes — easy to drink and the perfect pairing alongside raw fish. The Desert Rose is a stunning-looking riff on a margarita with a deep berry color and floral flavor — it photographs beautifully and tastes just as good. They also have sake on draft, which is a fun detail that not many Atlanta spots can claim.

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