New Japanese restaurant, Meiji, to open May 21

Dinner and a movie is one thing. But flown-in sashimi grade sushi and locally grown produce with a side of old-school samurai flicks for supper? Keep talking.

On May 21, Fayetteville can add yet another new restaurant to its list. This time, it’s Meiji Japanese Cuisine, and it’s coming to the Signature Square retail center at the intersection of Joyce Boulevard and Crossover Road.

Meiji will offer sashimi grade seafood flown in twice a week as well as other Japanese cuisine. “We will serve authentic sushi for people who know and love sushi and we will also have a few signature dishes that set us apart,” said owner and operator Darwin Beyer.

Beyer, an experienced sushi chef, has worked in Kansas City and most recently at Kobe in Fayetteville.

Carpenter Buck Maidt builds the sushi bar

Beyer plans to partner with Janet Bachmann and other local farmers to supply shiso, edible flowers, and other specialty produce. Meiji will also feature exclusive ice cream flavors created by Maggie Moo’s.

We stopped by this week and the crew building out Meiji’s contemporary dining room says they’re still on track for the scheduled opening in a few weeks. The restaurant will feature a historic family kimono in the dining room as well as a projection screen playing 1970’s and 80’s samurai movies.

Specialties will include daikon maki, Robata, and weekly specials based on produce available from local farmers.

Prices range from $6 to $9 for lunch plates and bento boxes. Dinner entrees start at $10.