Charlotte L.
Yelp
Oh. My. Stars. Could it be that nearly three years after moving to Nashville I have finally found an extraordinary sushi joint? I so very badly want all sushi lovers to rush to Hai for AMAZING sushi.
First, let's discuss what my gripe has been with Nashville's sushi scene. Yes, I understand that technically sushi is a method of preparation - fresh ingredients combined for a unique taste and presented with rice and seaweed in a roll or atop a nugget of rice. That's where I think my agreement with much of the NashVegas sushi ends. So much of what you get here is crunchy this, fried that, eel sauce nonsense and a real shortage of clean, fresh fish. At that tune, it ends up feeling like a heavy burger night feast, instead of a light, fresh indulgence.
Enter Hai. This spot is in an unassuming location on 8th Ave next to a Las Palmas (?) and Kroger. Don't let the strip mall fool you. This place is legit. I sat at the bar and started with a miso soup - fine, not hard to mess up. Then I advanced to some nigiri - ummm, hello fresh fish! The Maguro and Hamachi were expertly cut, perfect temperature and delectable. The spicy tuna roll was delicious. But the pièce de résistance? Their special Holiday Roll blew my mind. Fresh tuna, salmon and super white,with daikon, greens and a tatrt-spicy ponzu sauce wrapped in soy paper and served atop thin slices of cucumber with extra daikon. I mean...if you want that light and crisp combo of flavors and textures, look no further than this masterpiece.
Now, for the skiddish, there are still crunchy rolls, there is still eel sauce, there are still California rolls. I am told their phô and other options are great. But let this be the place to experiment, because it's THAT good.
Sometimes people review a restaurant and begin with "I hesitate to let everyone know about this..." because they want to keep their secret spot special and unadulterated. Forget that noise - fill this place up, people! Make it the most coveted sushi bar in town. The talent and freshness deserve the business!