Nashville, Tennessee, is a city that is famous for its vibrant music scene, but it also has a lot to offer when it comes to food.
The city has a diverse culinary scene, and Japanese cuisine is one of the most popular. There are many Japanese restaurants in Nashville, each offering a unique dining experience.
If you're a fan of sushi, sashimi, ramen, or other Japanese dishes, then you're in for a treat. Nashville has some of the best Japanese restaurants in the United States.
Whether you're looking for a casual lunch spot or a fancy dinner restaurant, you're sure to find something that suits your taste.
In this blog post, we'll be reviewing some of the best Japanese restaurants in Nashville.
From traditional sushi bars to modern fusion restaurants, we've got you covered. So, if you're looking for a delicious Japanese meal in the Music City, keep reading!
1. O-Ku
O-Ku is a Japanese restaurant that offers fantastic food and a great atmosphere.
Although it can be a bit pricey, the quality of the food and service make it worth it. The restaurant has a contemporary design that is both welcoming and upscale.
The menu offers a unique spin on traditional Japanese dishes, including the delicious Spider Rolls and Miso Hamachi Tacos.
The drink selection is also impressive, featuring signature cocktails like the Shogun gin cocktail. Whether you're dressed up or in casual attire, O-Ku is a great choice for a special occasion or a night out.
2. Sonobana
Sonobana is a must-try Japanese restaurant for anyone visiting the city. With a large and impressive sushi menu, the restaurant offers delicious and authentic Japanese food.
The presentation of the dishes is beautiful and the staff is friendly and accommodating.
The market adjacent to the restaurant is also a great place to find Japanese goodies that are hard to find elsewhere.
The prices are reasonable and the quality of the food is excellent. Highly recommended for anyone craving Japanese cuisine.
3. Otaku Ramen
Otaku Ramen is a must-visit Japanese restaurant for those who love authentic ramen and Japanese snacks.
Their locally sourced ingredients make their dishes fresh and flavorful. The restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
The staff is polite and provides excellent service. The menu has a variety of options, including vegetarian, and customers can customize their orders.
Though the restaurant does not take reservations, the wait time is usually short. Otaku Ramen is reasonably priced and worth every penny.
4. Midori
Midori is a Japanese and Korean restaurant that offers a variety of delicious dishes.
The restaurant has a quaint atmosphere and the staff is friendly and attentive.
The sushi and seafood are fresh and made to order. The Korean dishes are also worth trying.
The prices are reasonable for the quality of the food. Midori is a great option for a casual dining experience.
5. Sunda Nashville
Sunda Nashville offers a delightful dining experience with creative spins on Asian cuisine. The restaurant's modern space and attentive service add to the overall ambiance.
The gluten-free menu offers many delicious options, and the portions are generous. The wagyu crispy rice and sunda sundae are highly recommended.
The cocktails are well worth the price, and the food is well-seasoned and tasty. The Oxtail Dumplings, Wings, and Crazy Rice are must-try dishes.
The restaurant is a great location to stop by for brunch or dinner. Sunda Nashville is a chic venue that offers eclectic Asian food and is definitely worth a visit.
6. Samurai Sushi
Samurai Sushi is the perfect place for sushi lovers.
The restaurant offers a wide variety of sushi rolls and sashimi that are made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The miso soup is also a must-try.
The cozy and intimate atmosphere of the restaurant makes it a great spot for a date night or a night out with friends.
The service is friendly and attentive, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. If you're looking for a great sushi restaurant, Samurai Sushi is definitely worth a visit.
7. Maru Sushi & Grill – East Nashville
Maru Sushi & Grill offers fresh and authentic Japanese cuisine at affordable prices. The sushi is high quality and packed with filling, not just rice.
The owners, Rita and Harry, are polite and great at what they do. The atmosphere is modern and airy, making it a great spot to catch up with friends.
Service is friendly and fast. They also offer a good selection of rolls and a diverse texture profile to their dishes.
If you're looking for a chill, family-owned spot for Japanese eats, Maru Sushi & Grill is worth checking out.
8. Bang Bang Hibachi Grill & Sushi Nashville
Bang Bang Hibachi Grill & Sushi Nashville is a popular Japanese food truck that serves up delicious and authentic hibachi and sushi dishes.
The food is cooked to order and the portions are generous for the price. The restaurant has a great system in place to maintain social distancing, making it a safe option for dining out.
The sushi rolls are especially recommended and the Dragon Roll is a must-try. While the wait time can be a bit long, it's definitely worth it for the high-quality food.
The restaurant is a great option for those looking for a casual and affordable Japanese dining experience.
9. Nomzilla!
Nomzilla! is a must-visit Japanese restaurant for anyone in search of fresh sushi and flavorful Asian cuisine. With a fusion menu that includes vegetarian and gluten-free options, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The bar serves up craft cocktails that are sure to impress, while the modern and fun decor creates a hip atmosphere.
The staff is knowledgeable and accommodating, even taking extra care with food allergies to ensure no cross-contamination.
And with prices that are more affordable than other sushi restaurants, Nomzilla! is a great value for the quality of food and service.
10. Toyama Japanese Steak House
Toyama Japanese Steak House is a modern Japanese chophouse that offers delicious hibachi meals and inventive sushi.
The restaurant's atmosphere is welcoming and the staff is friendly and attentive. The food is of excellent quality and the portions are generous.
The bento boxes are a great option for lunch, and the hibachi experience is a must-try for dinner. The restaurant's bar serves classic and creative cocktails that complement the meal perfectly.
Toyama Japanese Steak House is a great choice for anyone looking for a delicious Japanese meal in a modern and welcoming setting.
11. Kisser
Kisser is a must-visit Japanese restaurant. The open-air kitchen is a treat to watch, and the small menu ensures every dish is spot on.
The yaki onigiri is crispy and comforting, while the mini chirashi is a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
The smoked wings are sticky and juicy, and the tantan ramen is a must-try.
The staff is warm and welcoming, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
12. Asahi
Asahi is an authentic Japanese restaurant that offers a variety of dishes including sushi, teriyaki, and tempura.
The restaurant has a casual setting and the service is great. The chef serves the food directly to the customers and the food is clean, fresh, and tasty.
The miso soup and tofu are fantastic and the sushi rolls are highly recommended. The owner and staff are friendly and welcoming, making customers feel like family.
Asahi is a great place to go for those who want to try traditional Japanese cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
13. Kobe
Kobe is a Japanese restaurant that offers an extensive menu with great selections.
The food is very fresh and delicious, especially the sushi and bento boxes. The staff is welcoming and friendly, providing excellent service.
Despite its unassuming location, the restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Prices are reasonable and portions are generous. Kobe is definitely worth a visit for anyone craving Japanese cuisine.
14. Sakura
Sakura is a Japanese restaurant that offers affordable lunch menu prices with high-quality sushi and bento boxes.
The staff is friendly and attentive, and the health score is impressive at 98%. Customers rave about the variety of sushi offerings, including specialty rolls like the Tennessee and Magic roll.
The restaurant also serves cooked items like melt-in-your-mouth filet and delicious hibachi veggies.
If you're looking for excellent Japanese food at a good price, Sakura is definitely worth a visit.
15. Sushi Circle
Sushi Circle is a charming, family-owned Japanese restaurant that offers delicious food and friendly service.
The master chef is a pleasure to talk to and creates expertly crafted sushi and niri. The sashimi is incredibly fresh and the selection of food and beverages is great.
The atmosphere is cozy and authentic, making it a perfect spot for lunch or dinner. Don't forget to bring your own bottle of wine with a $5 corkage fee.
Sushi Circle is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic and delicious Japanese dining experience.
16. Two Ten Jack
Two Ten Jack is a chic and modern Japanese restaurant that serves up delicious small plates, sushi, and ramen.
The ambiance is trendy and stylish, with wood paneling and Miyazaki films playing in the background. The menu offers a wide variety of drinks, including unfiltered sake, and the food is mouthwatering.
The miso butter and skirt steak yakitori are particularly addicting. The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience.
Reservations are recommended, as the restaurant can get busy. If you're looking for a unique and tasty Japanese meal, Two Ten Jack is definitely worth a visit.
