From classic counters to inventive izakayas, these locally rooted spots serve Nashville’s most compelling sushi right now. Plan a neighborhood crawl, sit at the bar when you can, and let the chefs guide you.
Best Sushi in Nashville (2025)
8 Places
From classic counters to inventive izakayas, these locally rooted spots serve Nashville’s most compelling sushi right now. Plan a neighborhood crawl, sit at the bar when you can, and let the chefs guide you.
Virago
Sushi restaurant
A longtime Gulch standard-bearer for sushi and sake, Virago blends a lively lounge vibe with a deep nigiri list and omakase options. Consistently cited by Eater Nashville and praised by local critics for keeping standards high.
Sonobana Japanese Restaurant
Japanese restaurant
Family-run since 1987, Sonobana pairs a classic sushi bar with a next-door Japanese market. Reviewed in 2025 by The Infatuation, it’s prized for precise nigiri, generous bento, and a loyal local following.
Samurai Sushi
Sushi restaurant
A Vanderbilt-area favorite known for creative rolls alongside solid nigiri and chirashi. Recognized by national roundups as Tennessee’s top sushi pick and celebrated by locals for value and variety.
Two Ten Jack
Izakaya restaurant
East Nashville’s izakaya balances ramen, yakitori, and a focused sushi program—think scallop sashimi, butterfish nigiri, and hand-roll sets. Featured by Southern Living and Eater Nashville for combining craft with neighborhood spirit.
Midori
Sushi restaurant
A South Nashville mainstay since 2001, Midori turns out honest, well-priced sushi alongside Korean staples. Included on Eater Nashville’s sushi guide and consistently praised in recent reviews for freshness.
Dear Sushi
Sushi restaurant
A no-frills counter in Donelson where the focus is freshness and careful prep. Frequently recommended by Eater Nashville and loved by regulars for classic rolls, nigiri, and quick, friendly service.
Punk Wok
Sushi restaurant
Opening Tuesday, December 14 at Sylvan Supply in Sylvan Park (4101 Charlotte Ave suite G-20), Punk Wok is Clay Greenberg’s exciting next project and a much-needed silver lining after his last restaurant, Silo, was destroyed in the March 2020 tornado that barreled through Germantown. Izakaya-influenced and offering plenty of meat-filled skewers and Japanese whisky, the casual menu blends Japanese and Chinese dishes: cold starters include Japanese potato salad, a poke bowl, and cucumber and seaweed salads; hot items feature a katsu sando, a spicy Thai lobster shot, karaage, and crab rangoon filled with pimento cheese; wok-fired, carnivore-pleasing dishes include Bangkok chicken, beef chow mein, and char siu pork fried rice; vegetarians are served with ginger and scallion tofu and kimchi fried rice, and the owner says they’ll offer sushi.
Ginza
Japanese restaurant
Green Hills’ longtime sushi bar recently refreshed its space but kept the draw: cleanly sliced sashimi, dependable rolls, and a low-key crowd. Endorsed by Edible Nashville’s 2025 picks as a go-to classic.
