Blue Sushi Sake Grill - McEwen Northside

We were genuinely excited to come back to Blue Sushi after a fantastic first visit in December 2025, but this trip left us frustrated and unlikely to return.

The food was still good, no complaints there. The service, however, was another story. Our bartender was also acting as our server, and it was clear he was completely in the weeds. We waited a long time for a fork after asking for one and eventually had to flag down another server who took care of it immediately. Drinks went unrefilled, and we found ourselves repeatedly having to chase someone down for basic things.

To her credit, the manager noticed us waiting and came over, which we appreciated. When we asked for an update on our food, she explained that raw and cooked sushi come out of separate kitchens. We understood that since this wasn’t our first sushi experience. What we didn’t understand was the big gap between dishes, especially considering how quiet the restaurant was. That part felt brushed off rather than acknowledged.

Getting our check was its own ordeal. Our server said it was coming right away, but enough time passed that we genuinely wondered if he had forgotten, just like with the fork. The manager stepped in again and helped us get out the door, which we appreciated.

What really stood out was the disconnect between the staff and the dining room. We watched multiple employees chatting with each other while tables sat with dirty dishes and empty glasses, completely unattended. It gave the impression of a restaurant that might be slipping.

We loved Blue Sushi on our first visit, which makes this all the more disappointing. With so many great options in Nashville, we probably won’t be back.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 1

Always a wonderful experience! My daughter and I just adore Lauren she's a server/ manager with a very positive attitude and highly professional outlook!! Thanks for the very best sushi 🍣 in town and atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is okay, not authentic but quite fresh & tasty.
Service is below average (no water refill), but then they tried to ask 30-50% tips (careful when you choose available options, sometimes it’s in $, not %).

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 3

This has been one of my favorite restaurants for years, which is why this experience was disappointing. We made a Valentine’s Day reservation and requested a booth. When we asked about available booths, the manager responded dismissively and laughed while telling me that the booths were for parties of four. However, during our meal, we observed multiple couples of just 2 (younger and older) being seated at booths right next to us while we were REPEATEDLY told they were unavailable unless it was for a party of 4.

I work in food service too, so I know that even on Valentines Day, consistency and professionalism should matter. Our server Faith was wonderful, just the handling of the seating situation from her manager left a negative impression. Im sad to say this negatively impacted what was supposed to be a special evening and was hard to recover from the managers condescending behavior when I asked about our request. I will go as far as to say that the inconsistency in how booths were assigned was very noticeable and very concerning.
I would appreciate a follow up from management, as I would prefer to continue supporting a restaurant my family and friends have enjoyed for years.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

Party of 4 went on the Sunday after Valentine's Day so they were very busy. Host and server with both kind. The food was excent, we got a few of the more interactive dishes. Definitely has young urban vibe and we definitely felt like we were having dinner somewhere other Cool Springs! Recommended.

La atención y el lugar es increíble, sin duda alguno de los mejores restaurante que he visitado en la ciudad.

This was me and my wife's first time trying this place out and it was excellent. Food was fast and so was service. I was surprised how quick it was since it was valentine's night and they were packed. Definitely will be back again.

Overall experience is great as long as you don't mind tiny tables, wire chairs, and very close proximity to your fellow diners. Felt a bit like we were on a double date with the table next to us. Ask for a booth when you can! Overall - cool spot, great service, great food!

The food was amazing. You can tell the chefs and servers enjoy working there. The fish is fresh and they can accommodate allergies. I overheard that you can customize and substitute certain fish for a roll you are liking. The reservation for the place was easy. It was my first time booking a place through OpenTable and it was simple. When we arrived the Hostess was super nice and asked who had the allergy to make us feel welcome.

What a great restaurant! Great vibe in the place, so much fun but not too loud. Happy Hour prices were awesome! The Tidal Wave Roll literally best roll I have ever had (no likey raw sushi) and I have tried them all. Wonderful location, (try the Wine bar before reservation for a drink) and soak in the ambiance!

Great experience start to finish. Our server Abby went above and beyond. Can’t wait to come back to my new favorite sushi place!

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best sushi in the whole Nashville area in my opinion.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Well I hate to rate this place poorly, but....there was a lot wrong. It was our 1st time and celebrating a birthday, but unfortunately it was a let down. I will say the restaurant itself is beautiful and has a great vibe. The food and service was less desirable. They forgot the seaweed salad and the chicken fried rice. And when the rice finally came, it was cold. The timing of our meals was way off which resulted in eating at different times. No special attention was given for my birthday other than a card. Usually japanese restaurants offer at least a dessert. Major bummer! I could go on about the food, but I think I've said enough.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 2

Bar staff and your hostess were great and took very good care of the two old folks who showed up an hour earlier than their reservation was for, just because there were hungry! Great, great sushi, ate at the bar, loved it!

We love blue! Our family of 4 comes with our young children and our children love the kids meal with salmon! The crunchy blue roll is delicious.