The best Japanese restaurants in Nashville can be found all over Music City. From luxe omakase experiences to elegant sushi rolls to fusion menus that offer a little bit of everything, there’s something for every kind of craving when you book a table at a best Japanese restaurant in Nashville.
Head to East Nashville for an Asian barbecue-inspired favorite. Dig into fusion plates at a destination in The Gulch, or check out a celebrity hotspot in Germantown.
Book a table at a best Japanese restaurant in Nashville on OpenTable today.
Read on to discover the 7 best Japanese restaurants in Nashville right now.
For a luxe steakhouse and sushi experience — check out Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse (Downtown/Sobro)
A Nashville gem with big-city steakhouse swagger, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse brings top-tier Japanese flavors to the heart of Music City. In addition to top-quality classic steakhouse fare, the restaurant is also known for its impeccably sourced sushi and high-end steaks like a Japanese A5 filet mignon plus standout cocktails. Enjoy it all in a setting dripping with old-school glamour and frequent live music.
For Southeast Asian fusion dishes at a best Japanese restaurant in Nashville — book a table at Sunda New Asian (The Gulch & North Gulch)
Located in the heart of The Gulch entertainment district, Sunda New Asian is where you go for modern Southeast Asian dishes—think sushi, nigiri, and sashimi sitting side-by-side with plates of lumpia and Korean fried chicken steamed buns. The sleek dining room has a decidedly upscale ambiance, making it a date-night favorite. For an extra memorable experience, book a weekend sushi rolling class.
For wood-fired Japanese favorites — head over to Noko (East Nashville)
East Nashville favorite Noko is a destination for its standout Asian barbecue-inspired menu. The kitchen churns out perfectly cooked wagyu brisket, smoked fish, vegetables, hot wings, and other top-notch wood-fired dishes. With a cozy, modern dining room and a well-curated sake selection, Noko is one of the best Japanese spots in town.
For an exclusive omakase experience at a best Japanese restaurant in Nashville— try Kase x Noko (East Nashville)
Kase x Noko in an intimate omakase experience in East Nashville. The 14-seat counter provides front-row views of chefs crafting pristine sushi and nigiri from fish flown in daily from top markets in Japan, Hawaii, Spain, and more. While the 14-course Asian-inspired tasting menu commands a special-occasion price tag, the artistry behind each bite—from house-aged fish to perfectly seasoned rice—makes this a Nashville standout. Enjoy a pre-or post-dinner drink at cocktail bar.
For super fresh sushi, sashimi, robata, and more at a celebrity favorite — book a table at O-Ku (Germantown)
O-ku is a destination for its traditional and modern takes on Japanese favorites like sushi and robata. The sleek, industrial-chic space sets the stage for standout Asian-inspired dishes like wagyu beef prepared tableside, signature rolls, grilled skewers, poke, and more. For an epic date night, book the omakase with sake pairings, a favorite of locals and celebrities alike.
For sustainably sourced rolls and sashimi — try Blue Sushi Sake Grill (Downtown/Sobro)
For sustainable and responsibly caught Japanese seafood, head to Blue Sushi Sake Grill. Expect creative rolls and traditional nigiri plus non-sushi standouts like the “everything” smoked salmon tempura and tuna tower. Don’t miss the restaurant’s extensive vegan offerings. Paper lanterns line the ceiling and walls, giving the room a romantic glow. Time it right to catch happy hour drinks and bites.
For modern dishes at a best Japanese restaurant in Nashville — visit to Ichigo Ichie (Music Row)
Ichigo Ichie offers a fresh take on traditional Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Enjoy dishes like hamachi drizzled with truffle sauce and Mongolian beef. The intimate space, complete with warm wood accents, rich red banquettes, and a lively cocktail lounge, makes it a go-to for date nights and group dinners. To round out your meal, check out the robust list of Japanese whiskeys and sake.
When it comes to Japanese dining, Nashville’s has it all. From intimate omakase dinners where you’re chatting with the small party around you or lavish sushi boats filled with every kind of roll imaginable to fresh sashimi and ice-cold sake in a luxuriously appointed dining room, there’s something here for every occasion.
Remember, the best seats fill up fast, so make sure to book a table ahead of time.
Reserve your spot at one of the best Japanese restaurants in Nashville by booking ahead on OpenTable today.
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Esther Carlstone is a travel and food writer based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Tripadvisor, Insider, and more. Follow her on Instagram @familyfieldtrip.
