Top Spots for Japanese Food in Nashville | Restaurants, Dishes & Trends

Exploring the Rich Japanese Food Scene in Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee has developed into an surprisingly impressive hub for Japanese cuisine over the past few decades. As the city continues to grow and welcome new waves of residents and visitors, its dining scene has diversified dramatically from the meat-and-three's that the area was once known for.

In particular, Nashville's Japanese food offerings have expanded exponentially. From longtime, critically acclaimed establishments to hidden gem mom-and-pop shops, Music City is now home to over 30 Japanese restaurants showcasing a wide variety of regional specialties.

Ramen, Sushi, Yakitori - Oh My!

While sushi and ramen shops may come to mind first when one thinks of Japanese fare, Nashville's openings extend far beyond these classics. The city offers everything from $5 standing-only udon bars to omakase tasting menus that rival coastal fine dining.

In particular, Nashville excels with more casual, crave-inducing concepts like:

• Ramen - from thick, rich Tonkotsu to lighter Shoyu or Miso broths
• Donburi - savory meat, seafood or veggies over rice
• Yakitori - skewered, grilled chicken and veggies
• Katsu - crispy, breaded cutlets (tonkatsu pork is a popular option)
• Tempura - lightly battered, fried seafood and veggies

Omakase Dining

While the more casual eateries make Japanese cuisine accessible for everyday dining, Nashville also impresses foodies with upscale omakase concepts that offer intricate tasting menus centered around the season's finest ingredients.

In Japanese, "omakase" translates to "I'll leave it up to you." Diners place their trust in the chef to create a special dining experience, as the kitchen prepares a parade of small plates showcasing their skills and the restaurant's philosophy.

Nashville's omakase restaurants lean into luxury ingredients like A5 Wagyu beef, foie gras, truffles and the finest cuts of sushi. A few local spots where you can splurge on omakase include:

• Moto - one of Nashville's only restaurants to earn a Michelin star nomination
• Kayne Prime - upscale steakhouse with luxe Japanese wagyu options
• Sunda New Asian - contemporary Nikkei cuisine and sushi in a trendy downtown locale

Best Japanese Restaurants in Key Nashville Neighborhoods

From strip mall mainstays to chef-driven hot spots, Nashville's Japanese dining landscape provides plenty of variety across several vibrant neighborhoods. Here is a closer look at some top restaurants representing different areas of town.

Downtown

As the beating heart of the city, downtown Nashville offers a slew of Japanese eateries for a quick lunch or pre-Bridgestone arena meal. Top downtown choices include:

• Two Ten Jack - Contemporary Japanese pub known for ramen, yakitori and whiskey list
• Sunda New Asian - Upscale Nikkei fusion and sushi from famed Chicago restaurateurs
• Samurai Japanese Steakhouse - Hibachi grill for entertainment plus sushi and appetizers

The Gulch

The trendy Gulch neighborhood sits adjacent to downtown, housing a mix of luxury condos, hip commercial space and tourist attractions like the Ryman Auditorium. The Gulch is a fitting spot for some of Nashville's highest-end Japanese fare, like:

• Chauhan Ale & Masala House - Indian-Asian fusion with popular Japanese crowd-pleasers like miso black cod
• Sushi Train - Creative sushi conveyed via mini train carts in a lively setting

12 South

Known for colorful Victorian homes and boutique shopping, the 12 South district presents a vibrant, walkable neighborhood vibe. Japanese restaurants here range from quick bites to special occasion spots like:

• Two Sons Noodle House - Casual spot for classic ramen bowls and gyoza
• Virago - Critically acclaimed venue for polished sushi and Japanese fusion plates

Belmont University Area

College students and locals alike flock to the international array of restaurants bordering Belmont University's campus. This area offers lots of quick, affordable Japanese grabs including:

• Samurai Hibachi Express - No frills hibachi joint slinging yakisoba noodles and tempura veggie bowls
• Seoul Garden - Korean restaurant with excellent bibimbap and Japanese menu specials

Essential Dishes You Have to Try in Nashville

While Nashville has rightfully earned recognition for hot chicken, biscuits and barbecue, the city also serves up Japanese staples that rival coastal states. Here is a look at 5 dishes you absolutely must seek out during your Nashville dining adventures.

Ramen

With at least a dozen ramen-ya's in town, Nashville takes its noodle soup very seriously. Local spots offer everything from traditional Shoyu broths to Southern twists with smoked meats and Nashville hot oil.

For the city's absolute best bowls, check out Otaku Ramen, where the Tonkotsu Ramen is rich, complex and makes use of本地ingredients like Benton's bacon.

Sushi Burrito

As a cosmopolitan cross between west coast and southern fare, the upstart "sushi burrito" has become a hit locally. These oversized rolls contain all the fillings of your favorite sushi pieces, bundled into a giant seaweed wrap.

The creations at Sushi Burrito allow customization across different bases, proteins and sauces - all at wallet-friendly prices.

Miso Black Cod

This buttery, braised black cod dish gains its signature sweet/savory glaze from Saikyo miso - a type of Japanese Miso from Kyoto. Having tried many versions around town, the best in Nashville comes from Chauhan Ale & Masala House, where the expertly cooked fish nearly melts in your mouth.

Wagyu

As the first restaurant in Tennessee authorized to import true Japanese Wagyu beef, Kayne Prime serves some of the country's finest cuts available. Their extensive Wagyu menu highlights stunning marbling and intricate flavors that steak connoisseurs travel far and wide to experience.

Omakase

For Japanese cuisine at its most refined and curated, omakase-style dining allows Nashville's top chefs to flex their skills with seasonal ingredients. To taste the ever-changing pinnacle of Nashville cuisine, visitors should book the 10-seater omakase bar at modern marvel Moto.

The Future of Japanese Cuisine in Nashville

Over the past decade, Nashville has cultivated an impressive array of Japanese establishments to suit all dining occasions. From quick-service shops perfect for takeout to high-end sanctuaries of Japanese craft, the city offers far more than the standard sushi/teriyaki joint.

As Nashville continues to expand, we expect the Japanese food landscape to grow along with it. Watch for emerging regional styles to become more prominent (think Okonomiyaki, Yakisoba, Oden), along with modern outposts from lauded chefs.

Combined with the city's famous Southern hospitality and vibrant energy, Nashville looks to be a continued haven for exceptional Japanese cuisine in years to come!

FAQs

Where can I find the best ramen in Nashville?

Many locals agree that Otaku Ramen serves Nashville's top ramen. Their Tonkotsu broth is rich and complex, made with pork bones and local ingredients like Benton's bacon.

What is the Nashville sushi burrito?

The sushi burrito is an oversized sushi roll filled with proteins, vegetables, and sauces wrapped in a giant seaweed wrap. Sushi Burrito is a local spot popularizing these fusion-style creations.

What should I order for high-end Japanese food?

For fine dining, make reservations at Moto's 10-seat omakase bar to experience a chef-curated tasting menu that changes daily with seasonal ingredients.

Where can I get A5 Japanese Wagyu beef in Nashville?

Kayne Prime is authorized to import true Japanese A5 Wagyu. Their extensive Wagyu menu serves some of the most marbled, flavorful cuts available outside of Japan.