The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the writer and do not reflect the views of University School of Nashville or the Peabody Press.
If you are looking for good sushi in Nashville, you don’t have to look very far. However, figuring out which spot to pick from all the options can be a challenge. As a lifelong Nashvillian and self-proclaimed sushi connoisseur, listed below are a selection of some of my favorite sushi spots ranked from worst to best.
5. Ginza
Conveniently located right in the center of Green Hills, Ginza is a fan favorite amongst locals.
Growing up, Ginza was the only sushi restaurant I would go to on a somewhat regular basis.
While Ginza will always hold a special place in my heart, I feel that since its remodel and the addition of a Hibachi section in 2021, it has lost much of its character and shifted its focus away from the sushi.
When they remodeled the restaurant, it felt as though they also remodeled their values. Ginza went from a dimly lit room with eggshell walls, oak wood accents, and Japanese lanterns to a gilded, bougie dungeon with enough marble to fill a quarry. I noticed a significant price increase that was not accompanied by a change in quality.
While this review might come off as overly harsh, I’m done letting Ginza get away with what they’ve become. I give Ginza a 4/10.
4. Publix
Anyone who loves sushi knows the feeling of desperation…and desperate times call for desperate measures. Publix is perfect for times like this.
The ability to run in, grab a roll, pay, and leave is why I find myself going to Publix on days when I am too busy for a sit-down meal.
While the quality at Publix isn’t great, it’s way better than you would expect for grocery store sushi, which is almost enough to make it feel great… if that makes sense. I give Publix a 6/10.
3. Sushi by Bou
Sushi by Bou opened in the spring of 2025 and is by far the most unique sushi spot on this list. The speakeasy-style omakase spot is on the bottom floor of Dream Nashville in downtown.
For those of you unfamiliar, omakase (which translates to “I leave it up to you”) is a dining experience whose name sums it up pretty well. Customers at Sushi by Bou pay a flat fee of $55 dollars for a meal made by three sushi chefs.
As you walk into the dining room, you notice there is only one table with 14-seats. Customers take their seats and get to watch the magic unfold right in front of their eyes. The meal consists of 12 unique pieces of nigiri that you would likely not be able to find at other restaurants in Nashville.
I’d say Sushi by Bou has the highest-quality fish anywhere I’ve tried in Nashville, but the high price tag for the amount of food holds it back from being higher on the list. I give Sushi by Bou an 8.3/10.
2. Sushi San
Sushi-San opened in late 2025 and is located in 12th South in the newly constructed Ashwood Center. It shares the space with other popular restaurants and retail stores such as La La Land Café, SunLife Organics, and Birkenstock.
Before visiting Sushi-San, I had heard people rave about two specific menu items: the tomato nigiri and the matcha-dip ice cream. Each of these menu items, along with many others, surpassed my expectations.
I went with a couple of my family members, and we ordered to share, so I got to sample a decent portion of the menu. Some of my favorites include the Chili Crunch Cucumber ($11), the Beef ‘N Bop ($21), and the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice ($20/5 pc).
If you are going with a larger group, I strongly recommend their curated “San-Sets”, which feature a wide variety of fish and sushi types. For my group of six, we ordered the Megatron ($108), which includes 12 nigiri, 12 sashimi, and 2 rolls, all chef’s choice. This, along with the other items I listed earlier, was around the right amount of food.
Overall, what makes Sushi-San stand out from some other Nashville sushi restaurants is the quality of its fish. Sushi-San sources most of its fish through the Yamasaki family at the Toyosu Fish Market. They receive a daily shipment, giving the fish a fresh, firm, and buttery texture.
If you are still feeling peckish after your meal, the restaurant offers a walk-up ice cream shop. The standout at the ice cream shop for me was the Strawberry Matcha sundae.
While Sushi-San might be in the running for the best-tasting sushi I’ve had in Nashville, it is quite expensive and lacks the Nashville charm of some of the other restaurants on this list, which keeps it from reaching the top spot. I give Sushi-San an 8.7/10.
1. Sonobana
Unlike Sushi-San, Sonobana has been a Nashville staple since it opened in 1987.
Sonobana is known for its friendly staff, relatively low prices, and long waits on Friday and Saturday nights.
While many other Nashville locals and I were fans of Sonobana’s old interior, the new one still does well, especially given the limited space.
The wait time is typically around 45 minutes on weekends. However, if you have the determination and creativity, it is easy to pass the time walking around Lion’s Head Village.
Some of my favorite ways to pass the time include checking out the LEGO section at Target and admiring the Trader Joe’s snack section.
As someone who eats at Sonobana on a somewhat regular basis, I’ve been able to work my way towards what I consider a perfect order.
I strongly recommend the Johnson Roll ($10.45), the Crunchy Tuna Roll ($7.95), and the Rainbow Roll ($15.50), just to name a few.
I think what makes Sonobana so special is its union of high quality, low pricing, and old Nashville feel, a combination that is extremely rare amongst local sushi spots. I give Sonobana a 9.5/10
