I had plans to meet a friend for dinner and this is the restaurant that he picked. Despite living in the University area for almost 5 years now, I had never been to Nakato.
Nakato offers Teppsn Yaki (hibachi) and Sushi. My friend and I were both in the mood for sushi so we did not sit at a hibachi table. The sushi/non-hibachi section is a decent size. It has a full bar with seating and then probably about 6 table/booths with seating for 4 at each.
Obviously hibachi is this restaurants main selling point which is always a cause for concern when you order the sushi whether or not it will be any good. I've been to other hibachi places that also offer sushi but it seems more like an after thought and isn't that great. However the items we ordered from the sushi menu were great!
Off the sushi appetizer menu I got the Hawaiian poke salad with tuna and the tuna carpaccio. I visited Hawaii last May and fell in love with poke. While it is definitely better in Hawaii this salad had a a good flavor. The tuna carpaccio was also delicious. I also ordered a sushi roll. The rolls here aren't that special or creative - again I think it has to do with the fact that hibachi is its main attraction and the sushi is more of a secondary menu item. My friend ordered the sashimi Omakase and the sea urchin. He was excited that they actually had the sea urchin. He told me other restaurants that list it on their menus often tell him they do not have it in stock.
The parking lot is a little strange, especially if you get brought in the back. The outside decor is pretty stark and bare for the most part. You might drive right past it. The inside is very nice and clean. While the sushi was nothing special it was fresh and delicious. If you don't want anything fancy or into sashimi and nigiri Nakato is a great option.
I am glad that I finally found this gem in the University area.