Already earning a reputation as one of Buckhead’s buzziest reservations to score, Koshu Club and the Castellucci Hospitality Group hold their own against a bevy of Buckhead’s elevated restaurants, with finesse, a bit of history, and a clear vision.
What Sets Koshu Apart?
Koshu Club serves as a sort of cultural passport inspired by Shōwa-era Japanese supper clubs. The restaurant, prompted by the positive response to Castellucci Group’s Mujo, is an intimate Japanese-inspired dining concept. “We started talking about all of the other parts of Japanese cuisine that we wanted to potentially showcase someday,” says Federico Castellucci, president and CEO of Castellucci Hospitality Group. “And that’s really how this idea came about. We wanted to showcase all these amazing Japanese ingredients and various recipes that you don’t see in traditional sushi restaurants. That was the genesis of the idea.” Chef J. Trent Harris, James Beard Award finalist and culinary mind behind Mujo, has developed an à la carte menu with nods to both Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) and Yōshoku (Japanese interpretation of Western cuisine).
The Vision Behind the Menu
Koshu offers prime cuts of American and Japanese meat, and, of course, seafood, slow grilled over binchōtan charcoal and prepared in the minimalist Japanese style. Think Grilled Lobster with Shiso, Kagoshima Striploin (A5 Japanese wagyu), and Ita Tenderloin (A5 Japanese wagyu), and more à la carte dishes. Equally as impressive as the menu, Koshu’s deep cellar is home to a 700-bottle wine list curated by CHG beverage director Nicolas Quiñones, a Japanese-style cocktail menu, an extensive sake list, and two in-house sake sommeliers.
The Details That Make it Distinct
While Buckhead’s culinary scene stands in a league of its own, Koshu Club boasts a few details that give it an edge. The low-lit mid-century space holds 45 seats, a 16-person bar, and a private dining room that seats 12 guests. Delicate touches are scattered across the restaurant, from the wine cellar and sake program on display to the traveling champagne cart. Even the team dons Sid Mashburn uniforms.
With a high level of hospitality and an intimate setting, Koshu Club makes a compelling case for why it belongs in the same conversation as the city’s most celebrated dining rooms. Koshu Club is located on 99 W. Paces Ferry Road, across from the St. Regis Atlanta.
