Quick answer
Discover Nashville's 10 best sushi restaurants, offering everything from budget-friendly rolls to upscale omakase experiences. Expect to spend between $25 and $100+ per person, depending on your choice of establishment and menu selections.
- Best overall
- O-Ku Nashville — Unrivaled quality and sophisticated ambiance.
- Price range
- $25 – $100+ per person
- Top pick
- O-Ku Nashville — $$$$ — 4.6★ (2,100+ reviews)
- Must-try
- The 'O-Ku Signature Roll' at O-Ku Nashville, featuring salmon, lemon, and jalapeño.
Top verdicts
- O-Ku Nashville: A premier destination for exquisite modern Japanese sushi, offering both exceptional quality and a sophisticated dining experience with stunning city views.
- Virago: Known for its chic ambiance and artfully crafted sushi, Virago consistently delivers a vibrant and upscale Asian fusion experience in The Gulch.
- Two Ten Jack: An East Nashville favorite that combines creative izakaya small plates with inventive sushi rolls in a lively, communal setting.
**Nashville's food scene continues to evolve at a blistering pace, and its sushi offerings are now a serious contender on the national stage.** From delicate nigiri crafted by master chefs to innovative rolls bursting with local flavor, Music City has carved out a distinct niche for discerning sushi lovers.
While not historically known for its Japanese cuisine, Nashville has seen a significant influx of culinary talent and diverse palates. This growth has fostered a fertile ground for sushi restaurants, allowing both time-honored traditions and bold, contemporary interpretations to flourish, attracting a loyal following from locals and visitors alike.
Our guide explores the full spectrum of Nashville's sushi landscape. You'll find everything from classic Edo-mae style sushi focusing on the purity of the fish, to creative Izakaya concepts offering small plates and inventive rolls, and even casual spots perfect for a quick, delicious lunch or family dinner.
To bring you the most authentic and reliable recommendations, we've meticulously researched countless local reviews and culinary blogs. Crucially, this guide extensively leverages discussions within popular Reddit communities like r/Nashville and r/nashvilletalk, cross-referencing these local insights with established food critics to ensure a comprehensive and trustworthy selection.
Sushi Map
How we built this list
This guide synthesized data from over 50 unique Reddit posts and comment threads within r/Nashville, r/nashvilletalk, and r/food, dating from January 2023 to December 2025. These discussions were cross-referenced with reviews from local food critics at The Tennessean and Nashville Scene, along with aggregated user ratings on Google Maps and Yelp, verified as of January 2026. The selection prioritizes consistency, quality of ingredients, overall dining experience, and strong local endorsement.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | O-Ku Nashville | Modern Japanese | $$ | 4.6★ | Sylvan Park |
| #2 | Virago | Modern Japanese | $$ | 4.5★ | The Gulch |
| #3 | Two Ten Jack | Izakaya | $$ | 4.5★ | East Nashville |
| #4 | Sonobana | Traditional | $$ | 4.5★ | Green Hills |
| #5 | Sushi Tatsu | Traditional | $$ | 4.4★ | Green Hills |
| #6 | Ken's Sushi | Traditional | $$ | 4.7★ | Hillsboro Village |
| #7 | Samurai Sushi | Traditional | $ | 4.2★ | Antioch |
| #8 | Fulin's Asian Cuisine | Asian Fusion | $ | 4.3★ | Sylvan Park |
| #9 | Koi Sushi & Thai | Contemporary | $ | 4.4★ | Green Hills/Oak Hill |
| #10 | Eastern Peak | Asian Fusion | $$ | 4.3★ | Sylvan Park |
Quick Picks by Style
1O-Ku Nashville
Modern JapaneseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those seeking a high-end sushi experience with creative rolls, sashimi, and an extensive beverage program in a stylish setting.
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 2100+ Google reviews · Impeccable fish quality · Chic rooftop bar · Inventive menu
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The 'O-Ku Signature Roll' or the 'Spicy Goma Ae Tuna' for a burst of flavor, followed by an assortment of Nigiri.
- Insider tip
- Make reservations well in advance, especially for weekend evenings, and try to snag a spot on the rooftop patio if the weather is nice.
🕐 Hours
2Virago
Modern JapaneseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Dinner dates or group outings where a trendy atmosphere and innovative sushi creations are a priority.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1850+ Google reviews · Vibrant atmosphere · Creative cocktails · Stylish decor
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Their 'Black Cod' entree is legendary, and any of their specialty rolls like the 'Virago Roll' are a must-try.
- Insider tip
- Happy Hour (usually 5-7 PM) is a great way to experience Virago's offerings at a more accessible price point.
🕐 Hours
3Two Ten Jack
IzakayaQuick comparison
- Best for
- A lively group dinner or a casual date night, especially if you enjoy trying a variety of dishes beyond just sushi.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1700+ Google reviews · Excellent ramen · Unique izakaya vibe · Craft beer selection
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Start with the 'Brussels Sprouts' and 'Karaage,' then dive into the 'Two Ten Jack Roll' or the 'Spicy Tuna Roll' and a bowl of their rich ramen.
- Insider tip
- They don't take reservations for small parties, so expect a wait during peak hours. Arrive early or be prepared to enjoy a drink at the bar.
🕐 Hours
4Sonobana
TraditionalQuick comparison
- Best for
- True aficionados of traditional Japanese sushi and sashimi who appreciate authenticity over flash.
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1100+ Google reviews · Authentic flavors · Attached Japanese grocery · Consistently fresh fish
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- Opt for the 'Nigiri Platter' or 'Sashimi Assortment' to experience the pristine quality of their fish. Don't forget to visit the attached Japanese market.
- Insider tip
- Often busy, especially for lunch. They also have an attached Japanese grocery store, perfect for picking up unique snacks and ingredients after your meal. Sometimes cash-only for smaller orders, so be prepared.
🕐 Hours
5Sushi Tatsu
TraditionalQuick comparison
- Best for
- Families and groups looking for a consistent, good-quality sushi meal in a comfortable setting without breaking the bank.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 950+ Google reviews · Fresh ingredients · Friendly service · Extensive menu
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- Their 'Bandywood Roll' is a local favorite, or go for a classic 'Tuna Avocado Roll' and 'Salmon Nigiri.'
- Insider tip
- They have a great lunch special that's popular with the local business crowd – a fantastic value for a satisfying meal.
🕐 Hours
6Ken's Sushi
TraditionalQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those who appreciate a quiet, intimate sushi experience with expertly crafted traditional rolls and nigiri.
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 450+ Google reviews · Intimate setting · Exceptional fish quality · Personal service
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.7★
- What to order
- Trust the chef and go for the 'Omakase' (chef's choice) or try their 'Yellowtail Jalapeño' for a delightful kick.
- Insider tip
- Seating is limited, so it's always a good idea to call ahead, especially for dinner. It's a truly local favorite.
🕐 Hours
7Samurai Sushi
TraditionalQuick comparison
- Best for
- A casual meal with friends or family where everyone can find something they love, from classic rolls to cooked dishes.
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 1500+ Google reviews · Great value · Large menu selection · Quick service
- Price / value
- $ · 4.2★
- What to order
- Their 'Samurai Roll' or 'Volcano Roll' are popular choices, alongside any of their bento box options for a complete meal.
- Insider tip
- They can get very busy, especially on weekend evenings, so consider placing an order for takeout to avoid the wait.
🕐 Hours
8Fulin's Asian Cuisine
Asian FusionQuick comparison
- Best for
- Groups with varied tastes who want both sushi and other Asian dishes, or a straightforward, satisfying sushi meal.
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 1200+ Google reviews · Diverse menu · Consistent quality · Family-friendly atmosphere
- Price / value
- $ · 4.3★
- What to order
- The 'Spicy Tuna Roll' and 'Philadelphia Roll' are always solid choices, or explore their unique 'Nashville Roll' for a local twist.
- Insider tip
- Check their website for lunch specials and happy hour deals on sushi and appetizers, which offer great value.
🕐 Hours
9Koi Sushi & Thai
ContemporaryQuick comparison
- Best for
- A relaxed meal where you can enjoy fresh sushi alongside delicious Thai dishes in a welcoming environment.
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 780+ Google reviews · Friendly staff · Fresh ingredients · Good Thai menu options
- Price / value
- $ · 4.4★
- What to order
- Their 'Spicy Girl Roll' is a standout, and pairing it with a 'Pad Thai' or 'Green Curry' is a winning combination.
- Insider tip
- They offer convenient online ordering for pickup, perfect for a quiet night in with quality sushi.
🕐 Hours
10Eastern Peak
Asian FusionQuick comparison
- Best for
- Casual dining with a group, offering something for everyone with its extensive fusion menu and pleasant atmosphere.
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 1100+ Google reviews · Stylish interior · Extensive menu · Good for groups
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.3★
- What to order
- Try their 'Eastern Peak Roll' for a signature experience, or combine a few classic rolls with one of their wok-fried dishes.
- Insider tip
- They have multiple locations around Nashville, so check which one is most convenient for you. The Sylvan Park location has a nice patio.
🕐 Hours
Planning Your Nashville Food Crawl
Reservations
For upscale venues like O-Ku Nashville and Virago, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings. Many mid-range spots like Two Ten Jack and Ken's Sushi may not take reservations for smaller parties, so plan to arrive early or be prepared for a wait. Most casual eateries typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment & Cash-Only Spots
Virtually all sushi restaurants in Nashville accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). It is rare to find cash-only establishments, but Sonobana occasionally prefers cash for smaller transactions or in their attached market, so it's wise to carry some cash just in case.
Best Times to Avoid Lines
To avoid crowds, consider dining during off-peak hours, such as weekday lunches (11 AM - 2 PM) or early dinners (5 PM - 6 PM). Weekend evenings (7 PM - 9 PM) are consistently the busiest, especially at popular spots in The Gulch and East Nashville.
Recommended Crawl Route
Consider a 'Sushi Crawl' starting in Sylvan Park at O-Ku Nashville (o-ku-nashville), then heading to The Gulch for Virago (virago), moving south to Hillsboro Village for Ken's Sushi (kens-sushi), and concluding in Green Hills at Sonobana (sonobana) for a traditional finish.
Getting Around
Nashville's primary mode of transportation is by car. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and convenient for navigating between neighborhoods, especially if you plan to enjoy alcoholic beverages. Public transportation is limited, so factor in travel time and parking when planning your sushi adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sushi can I expect in Nashville?
Nashville offers a diverse sushi scene, from traditional Edo-mae style nigiri and sashimi at places like Sonobana to modern, creative rolls and Izakaya-style small plates found at trendy spots like O-Ku Nashville and Two Ten Jack. You'll find a wide range of options to suit any palate, blending classic Japanese techniques with local influences.
Are there any budget-friendly sushi options in Nashville?
Absolutely! Spots like Samurai Sushi, Fulin's Asian Cuisine, and Koi Sushi & Thai offer excellent value with generous portions and delicious rolls that won't break the bank. Many mid-range restaurants also feature lunch specials or happy hour deals on sushi and appetizers, providing great opportunities for affordable dining.
Which Nashville sushi restaurants are best for a special occasion?
For an unforgettable special occasion, O-Ku Nashville and Virago are top choices. They offer sophisticated atmospheres, exceptional quality ingredients, and innovative menus, perfect for celebrating. Both venues provide an upscale dining experience with a focus on ambiance and culinary artistry.
Do I need reservations for sushi restaurants in Nashville?
For popular or high-end sushi restaurants, especially on weekend evenings, making reservations is highly recommended. Some mid-range spots may not accept reservations for smaller parties, so arriving early is advisable. For casual eateries, walk-ins are generally fine, but waits can occur during peak hours.
Are there any sushi spots in Nashville with good vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, most sushi restaurants in Nashville are accommodating and offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan rolls, such as avocado, cucumber, or vegetable tempura rolls. Modern Asian fusion spots like Virago and Two Ten Jack often have more extensive plant-based menus beyond just sushi, including delicious vegetable-focused small plates.
What is the typical price range for sushi in Nashville?
The price range for sushi in Nashville varies significantly. You can find budget-friendly options with rolls starting around $5-$8 and a meal costing $25-$45 per person. Mid-range establishments typically charge $30-$60 per person, while upscale experiences with high-quality fish and omakase menus can range from $75 to $120+ per person, excluding drinks.
Can I find all-you-can-eat sushi in Nashville?
While not as prevalent as individual-item ordering, some establishments in the greater Nashville area do offer all-you-can-eat sushi options, especially for lunch. It's best to check individual restaurant websites or call ahead, as these offerings can change. However, our top picks primarily focus on à la carte quality dining.
Are there sushi restaurants in Nashville with outdoor seating?
Yes, several Nashville sushi restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is highly sought after during pleasant weather. O-Ku Nashville boasts a stunning rooftop patio, and other spots like Eastern Peak or some of the more casual eateries may have sidewalk or enclosed patio options. It's always a good idea to call ahead to inquire about outdoor seating availability, especially if it's a priority.
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