Hinsdale welcomed the opening of its first-ever Japanese restaurant this week, tempting the palates of curious patrons at the stylish and colorful Nabuki, located at 18 E. First St.

Eager servers and a team of beaming sushi chefs greeted the crowd of diners: couples, a large group of friends, and families with children, all who turned out for the debut of this upscale 100-seat eatery.

The menu offers classic preparations, including 21 varieties of tempura, hot and cold appetizers, eight specialty rolls from Head Chef Juan Perez, plus a selection of some 10 different main-course entrees. In addition, sushi is offered by the piece, roll or in combinations. Sushi rolls are priced from $7 to $16 and main-course dishes are $14-$32.

Perez, a food service veteran, said he regards sushi-making "a work of art" and that he anticipates incorporating organic items into the menu as well as seasonal rolls and daily specials.

As the restaurant becomes more established, management expects Nabuki's carry-out business to flourish and complement its sit-down service, Peter Burdi, one of the owners, told Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Patch. Nabuki's other owners include Clay and Lori Naccarato and Burdi's wife Dana.

Burdi said Nabuki's eye-catching decor blossomed after an extensive seven-month-long remodeling project. The floors gleam with bamboo, and walls with undulating paneling create a relaxing effect of flowing water. The wall behind the 16-seat pale appeltini green sushi bar is the color of mango and provides a striking accent.

Butcher block high-top tables and a large-screen plasma TV adorn the bar.

Nabuki occupies adjoining buildings on First Street that previously housed a hair salon and a Mexican restaurant.

Burdi also operates another restaurant a few doors east of Nabuki. He and a partner started Il Poggiolo in 2009, which features regional Italian fare.

Nabuki is open daily for dinner only, starting at 5pm.

www.nabukihinsdale.com