The Absolute Top Spots for Sushi in Nashville, TN
Everyone has their go-to rolls, sashimi or nigiri. You can get absolutely delicious sushi in an upscale dine-in restaurant or order a takeaway from a hole-in-the-wall at a strip mall. Both have their place in our hearts. But the thing sushi has to be is as fresh as can be! And these spots deliver on that front every time. Check out our list of the best sushi restaurants that Nashville has to offer for a taste of Japan right here in Tennessee.
Virago
1120 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 254-1902
Virago touts itself as “the pioneer of elevated sushi and Asian fusion cuisine in Nashville.” It doesn’t take long to see why when you step inside. The atmosphere is one of a kind, with some people even saying that it’s the type of place “James Bond would visit.” With its sexy lighting and red velvet curtains, Virago is definitely a date night spot. When it comes to sushi, Virago is incredibly accommodating to everyone. If you see something you like but are allergic to, they’ll customize it to fit your dining needs. We’d recommend The Bomb roll or anything with the wagyu. You’ll need a reservation to get in, but you certainly won’t regret setting aside the time for this dining experience.
Maru
1100 Fatherland Street, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 712-8115
With a minimalist and modern vibe, Maru is the perfect spot for a date night or a casual lunch with friends. Maru began with a family of three’s passion for food and how it can foster a sense of community. That passion was infused into their food, which has now resulted in a total of three different locations in the Nashville area. Each one crafts its sushi with only the highest quality ingredients. While each person’s tastes differ when it comes to sushi, we absolutely recommend the avocado bomb to start your meal. With a diverse menu that offers options for everyone, you honestly can’t go wrong.
Dear Sushi
557-A Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 471-6851
Dear Sushi is a prime example of not judging a book by its cover. At first glance, you’d probably write off a place like this by how it looks from the outside, but you’d be robbing yourself of the delightful sushi that lies within. With a beautiful assortment of options at an absolute bargain price, Dear Sushi is one of the hidden gems of the Nashville sushi scene. This place proves that you don’t have to pay extra for vibes and a swanky interior to get great quality. When the food is made with love, you taste it, and that’s what you get here. The spicy tuna roll and cream cheese roll are are classics and never disappoint.
Midori
5628 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 831-1203
For more than 20 years, Midori has offered up not only delicious sushi but authentic Korean food as well. While this article mainly focuses on sushi, it would be criminal not to include this place. Midori’s focus on a family-friendly atmosphere is felt across the entire dining experience. From the service to the food, you truly feel like you’re eating a home-cooked meal. That’s reflected in the price, as you’ll be paying a little bit more than standard takeaway joints, but it’s absolutely worth it. As far as food recommendations go, you can’t ever go wrong with the shrimp tempura roll.
I Love Sushi
2300 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 988-2397
You can tell from the name that this place loves what they do and seeks to spread that love to every person that walks through the door. Whether it’s your first time trying sushi or you fancy yourself a bit of a sushi aficionado, I Love Sushi is the place for you. Located near Vanderbilt’s campus, I Love Sushi’s passion for Japanese cuisine combined with carefully selected ingredients results in a food experience you won’t forget. No matter what else you order, you can’t go to I Love Sushi without getting the Jalapeno Bomb. Made from deep-fried jalapenos and filled with cream cheese and snow crab, your tastebuds will thank you for the explosion of flavors filling your mouth when you take a bite.
O-Ku Sushi Nashville
81 Van Buren St, Nashville, TN 37208
(629) 900-0021
O-Ku Sushi Nashville takes a southern approach to authentic Asian cuisine. O-Ku sources its ingredients from not only the finest markets in Norway, Scotland, Hawaii, and New Zealand but also local, sustainable sources. We recommend the Playboy roll or the Tennesse Two-Step roll. Pair each with one of O-Ku’s delightful specialty cocktails, and you won’t ever have to wonder if you’re coming back. For those who wish to be more intimate, O-Ku also offers an Omakase experience.
Sonobana
40 White Bridge Rd, Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 356-6600
If you come here for lunch, don’t be surprised to see every table filled, and there’s a reason for that. For over 35 years, Sonobana has been serving up delicious sushi and authentic Japanese food. Sonobana opened in 1987 and looks and feels like a traditional Japanese restaurant. There’s no modern fusion going on here. To make things even better, they also run the attached Japanese grocery store where you can buy sushi-grade cuts of fish and other hard-to-find Japanese products. As far as the food goes, we suggest the White Bridge roll and Rising Sun roll. The Bento Boxes are also incredible if you want to go in a different direction. Whether you’re looking for delicious food or to stock up on Japanese products, Sonobana is the place for you.
Sunda
592 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 610-7566
By fusing different flavors from Japan, China, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and more, Sunda has created a modern take on classic Asian cuisines. Sunda’s focus on updating traditional dishes with modern cooking methods, high-quality ingredients, and top-level presentation has resulted in an exceptional culinary experience that still has its roots in tradition. This contemporary approach has resulted in award-winning sushi that will make your tastebuds dance with delight. Sunda also features an impressive list of premium sakes, Asian beers, and seasonal cocktails. With an experience this good, it’s no wonder that you need to make a reservation to dine here. Trust us; it’s worth it.
Samurai Sushi
2209 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 320-5438
Samurai Sushi stands out not only because of its cozy atmosphere but also because of its impressive selection of Asian beers. It’s easy to sit back and relax with some of the inventive sushi that they have on their menu. Of course, you can choose to get not only rolls but also sashimi. And if you really want something fun to start off your dining experience here, we highly recommend getting an avocado bomb. Trust us!
Osake
2204 Elliston Pl suite d, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 340-0058
Osake is not your ordinary Japanese restaurant. The casual eatery feels more like a diner and offers a wide array of items including sushi rolls, teriyaki, and more. Plus, the bar is ready to serve up sake and Japanese beers. You’ll find a few items that aren’t on every menu around town, including a baked salmon roll that will absolutely blow your mind. The combo specials are a great way to indulge in a few different items to see what you’ll fall in love with.
Nomzilla! Sushi Et Cetera
1000 Gallatin Ave A, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 712-7409
Nomzilla is a hidden gem located in east Nashville. It is known for its casual ambiance, unique menu offerings, and a wide variety of specialty rolls, including fan favorites such as the Aloha and One Night in Bangkok rolls. This spot is perfect for those who have an adventurous palate. In addition to sushi, Nomzilla offers a variety of other dishes to indulge in, such as ramen, fried rice, bulgogi, curry, and udon. The sushi here is fresh, reasonably priced, and overall just delicious! Stop by Nomzilla on weekdays from 5 to 7 pm for happy hour and grab a $5 glass of wine with your sushi.
Two Ten Jack
1900 Eastland Ave #105, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 454-9255
Two Ten Jack is a Japanese-inspired neighborhood pub, or izakaya, offering sushi, ramen, yakitori, and other delicious comfort food that incorporates local, Southern ingredients. Located in east Nashville, this sushi spot is known for its fun and relaxed dining environment as an urban gathering spot for the community where local and Japanese culture can come together. Order your sushi nigiri or sashimi, and choose between options such as tuna, octopus, Hawaiian butterfish, and more. Order some miso soup and perhaps some sake alongside your sushi, and you’ll be sure to have a tasty and unforgettable experience!
Maru Sushi & Grill
1100 Fatherland St Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 712-8115
Maru Sushi serves sushi in a friendly and inviting environment, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family. They offer traditional rolls with fresh ingredients; Our favorites are the Tuna Lover rolls, Alaska rolls, and the classic California rolls. Regardless of what you decide to get, the tasty rolls at Maru never disappoint. Whether you’re an adventurous sushi connoisseur or prefer the classics, Maru Sushi offers a diverse menu to satisfy every palate in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Nashville, check out our Charlotte city page.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on February 22, 2023 and last updated on December 7, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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