⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Best Dining Experience in Nashville – Every Time
O-Ku Nashville has been one of Lauren’s and my favorite restaurants in the city for years, and every visit reminds us why. From the moment you walk through the door, the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance of modern elegance and warmth — the kind of place that feels equally right for a special occasion or a casual night out.
This visit was exceptional. I ordered the ribeye, cooked to absolute perfection by the chef himself (who I had the chance to meet — a highlight of the night). The steak came with a crisp, refreshing salad and a side of fluffy rice, each bite balanced and flavorful. We started with the rock shrimp for the table, a crowd-pleaser every single time, and Lauren had the Nash Vegas roll — a roll that shows exactly why O-Ku is in a league of its own when it comes to sushi in Nashville.
The drinks list is world-class. Between the wine, cocktails, and a pour of sake, we felt spoiled with options — everything carefully crafted and paired beautifully with the food.
The service is consistently top-notch, but what makes O-Ku stand apart is how every detail is thought through: the sushi bar where you can watch the chefs in action, the stylish yet cozy dining booths, the stunning bar selection, and even the dog-friendly patio lit with string lights — a gem in Nashville’s restaurant scene.
To finish, dessert was a showstopper. A beautifully plated creation that looked like art and tasted even better — the perfect end to the night.
O-Ku doesn’t just serve food, it creates an experience. Year after year, menu updates or not, it remains one of the most consistent, high-quality, and welcoming restaurants in town. Massive thanks to the entire team, and especially the chef, for delivering yet another unforgettable evening. This is hands down one of the best restaurants in Nashville, and we’ll keep coming back for years to come.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wagyu Beef, Nashvegas
Bella Brabazon
We usually come to O-ku a few times a year and usually have a good experience. That was not the case this time. Our lives have become very busy so being able to have a date night is a big deal to us. We went on a Monday and got seated around 7:15 (with a reservation) it wasn’t super busy. We gave our drink order at 7:19 and didn’t see our server again until 7:36!!! He finally took our food order. We didn’t receive our glass of wine and 1 cocktail until 7:40!! A whole 21 minutes after we ordered them. Our food came out at 7:50 which wasn’t too long but we had to wait to flag someone down to get our soy sauce and ginger. We were VERY disappointed with our experience and there was no acknowledgment of our long wait times on a Monday night.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Oku Rock Shrimp, Fish, Shogun
Darius Morrison
Not sure where to start how about saying this establishment was phenomenal! Top tier service, food, and not to mention the elegant experience in inner Nashville. Great job o-ku will definitely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica Johnson
My boyfriend and I dined at this location yesterday for our anniversary. Our experience started off very strong when they provided special anniversary menus for us :). Our server Sam was very attentive and kind. He went through the entire menu and gave us helpful recommendations. He also brought out a free order of the Rock Shrimp and when I tell you it was the most delicious dish we had ever had! Overall 10/10 experience and we will definitely be back! Biggest thank you to Sam and the entire O-ku team!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oku Rock Shrimp, Miso Soup, Roll
Callen Sapien
This was one of the best sushi experiences I have ever had. The drinks might have been the best I have ever had. I want to go back to Nashville just for this experience again. Only complaint was we went late and they ran out of Matcha.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Playboy Roll, Shogun
Tommy Le
customer service great, decor great but get so loud you can’t even hear each other talking. We reserve 5 omakase which was an unforgettable experience but it turn out something we quickly forget because the price we paid for and the food we got was nothing to brag about. For $150 a person we got a six course meal, for starters we got tuna tartar, the rest tuna, salmon, white fish, scallops, and beef fried rice😂. If I want beef fried rice I can stay local and order Chinese food and they give me better fried rice. I’ve been to many place in different state for omakase and I will never go back to this place because they know nothing about omakase. Omakase is all about the chef creativity and passion and clearly this place have none. This place is for anyone with zero knowledge about real sushi but walking distance and love the noise.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Layla Young
The group I went with, including myself, all got omakase and the food was way below par. With 6 courses, two were favorable. This being the second, with 3 pieces of nigiri, and the last, the dessert. Our 4th course was a wagyu fried rice and the wagyu smelled as if it was no longer good. Also, to include fried rice in a meal with courses is a bit strange. The other courses were not paired well with their accents, and two of the courses were torched but excessively smoky. The manager comped one of our meals to make up for this. However, I still don’t think that the food is worth it for the price point.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Will Fry
Food is great. But my server asked if I wanted another drink and when I said no, he took away the one I had. It wasn't empty. I still had at least 1/4 of my drink left and he took it so fast I couldn't even stop him.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Gavin Thomson
Absolutely amazing place with delicious Japanese food. It is pricy but it was totally worth it. I loved everything I put into my mouth, and the atmosphere just made it 10 times better. The ambience was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Miso Soup, Usuzukuri
Peter Bedrosian
This place has it all, each bite is special and tasty, great ambiance that feels special and great service. Place for special occasions for sure. Loved sharing the small plates from the appetizer menu, but the real surprise is the dessert menu...save room.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Playboy Roll, Oku Rock Shrimp
Went to Oku Sushi for dinner with friends while on a work trip. We chose to sit outside to avoid a long wait, but unfortunately the fans were broken, which made it pretty uncomfortable not only temp wise but also with the flies during dinner. We were brought table fans which helped with the flies. The food was decent and our waiter, Cory, was awesome, super friendly and attentive. What really brought the experience down was the bartender, Talon, who was shockingly rude. It was so bad that even other staff mentioned how uncomfortable they were with the way I was treated. Great service from Cory, but Talon’s attitude really tainted the night.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jordan Lee
Absolutely delicious and the service was amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elite service \u0026 Gas
This was a Phenomenal experience! The food was top notch from the appetizers, entrees, and dessert! Our waiter made the best recommendations, our favorite was the Playboy sushi roll. The vibe inside was perfect! We will definitely be back! All the way from Cullman, Al!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Playboy Roll, Wings
Mike Walters
Great food, amazing server Emily... The food was a flavor ride you want to go on!!!
Munisa Umarova
The food was absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. However, the service could’ve been better. We ordered tempura as an appetizer, but it came out cold and had to be sent back. By the time we got it again, we were already halfway through our entrées. Still a great spot, but I hope the kitchen timing improves.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Best Dining Experience in Nashville – Every Time
O-Ku Nashville has been one of Lauren’s and my favorite restaurants in the city for years, and every visit reminds us why. From the moment you walk through the door, the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance of modern elegance and warmth — the kind of place that feels equally right for a special occasion or a casual night out.
This visit was exceptional. I ordered the ribeye, cooked to absolute perfection by the chef himself (who I had the chance to meet — a highlight of the night). The steak came with a crisp, refreshing salad and a side of fluffy rice, each bite balanced and flavorful. We started with the rock shrimp for the table, a crowd-pleaser every single time, and Lauren had the Nash Vegas roll — a roll that shows exactly why O-Ku is in a league of its own when it comes to sushi in Nashville.
The drinks list is world-class. Between the wine, cocktails, and a pour of sake, we felt spoiled with options — everything carefully crafted and paired beautifully with the food.
The service is consistently top-notch, but what makes O-Ku stand apart is how every detail is thought through: the sushi bar where you can watch the chefs in action, the stylish yet cozy dining booths, the stunning bar selection, and even the dog-friendly patio lit with string lights — a gem in Nashville’s restaurant scene.
To finish, dessert was a showstopper. A beautifully plated creation that looked like art and tasted even better — the perfect end to the night.
O-Ku doesn’t just serve food, it creates an experience. Year after year, menu updates or not, it remains one of the most consistent, high-quality, and welcoming restaurants in town. Massive thanks to the entire team, and especially the chef, for delivering yet another unforgettable evening. This is hands down one of the best restaurants in Nashville, and we’ll keep coming back for years to come.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wagyu Beef, Nashvegas
We usually come to O-ku a few times a year and usually have a good experience. That was not the case this time. Our lives have become very busy so being able to have a date night is a big deal to us. We went on a Monday and got seated around 7:15 (with a reservation) it wasn’t super busy. We gave our drink order at 7:19 and didn’t see our server again until 7:36!!! He finally took our food order. We didn’t receive our glass of wine and 1 cocktail until 7:40!! A whole 21 minutes after we ordered them. Our food came out at 7:50 which wasn’t too long but we had to wait to flag someone down to get our soy sauce and ginger. We were VERY disappointed with our experience and there was no acknowledgment of our long wait times on a Monday night.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Oku Rock Shrimp, Fish, Shogun
Not sure where to start how about saying this establishment was phenomenal! Top tier service, food, and not to mention the elegant experience in inner Nashville. Great job o-ku will definitely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My boyfriend and I dined at this location yesterday for our anniversary. Our experience started off very strong when they provided special anniversary menus for us :). Our server Sam was very attentive and kind. He went through the entire menu and gave us helpful recommendations. He also brought out a free order of the Rock Shrimp and when I tell you it was the most delicious dish we had ever had! Overall 10/10 experience and we will definitely be back! Biggest thank you to Sam and the entire O-ku team!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oku Rock Shrimp, Miso Soup, Roll
This was one of the best sushi experiences I have ever had. The drinks might have been the best I have ever had. I want to go back to Nashville just for this experience again. Only complaint was we went late and they ran out of Matcha.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Playboy Roll, Shogun
customer service great, decor great but get so loud you can’t even hear each other talking. We reserve 5 omakase which was an unforgettable experience but it turn out something we quickly forget because the price we paid for and the food we got was nothing to brag about. For $150 a person we got a six course meal, for starters we got tuna tartar, the rest tuna, salmon, white fish, scallops, and beef fried rice😂. If I want beef fried rice I can stay local and order Chinese food and they give me better fried rice. I’ve been to many place in different state for omakase and I will never go back to this place because they know nothing about omakase. Omakase is all about the chef creativity and passion and clearly this place have none. This place is for anyone with zero knowledge about real sushi but walking distance and love the noise.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
The group I went with, including myself, all got omakase and the food was way below par. With 6 courses, two were favorable. This being the second, with 3 pieces of nigiri, and the last, the dessert. Our 4th course was a wagyu fried rice and the wagyu smelled as if it was no longer good. Also, to include fried rice in a meal with courses is a bit strange. The other courses were not paired well with their accents, and two of the courses were torched but excessively smoky. The manager comped one of our meals to make up for this. However, I still don’t think that the food is worth it for the price point.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Food is great.
But my server asked if I wanted another drink and when I said no, he took away the one I had. It wasn't empty. I still had at least 1/4 of my drink left and he took it so fast I couldn't even stop him.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Absolutely amazing place with delicious Japanese food. It is pricy but it was totally worth it. I loved everything I put into my mouth, and the atmosphere just made it 10 times better. The ambience was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Miso Soup, Usuzukuri
This place has it all, each bite is special and tasty, great ambiance that feels special and great service. Place for special occasions for sure. Loved sharing the small plates from the appetizer menu, but the real surprise is the dessert menu...save room.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Playboy Roll, Oku Rock Shrimp
Restaurantji Recommends
Went to Oku Sushi for dinner with friends while on a work trip. We chose to sit outside to avoid a long wait, but unfortunately the fans were broken, which made it pretty uncomfortable not only temp wise but also with the flies during dinner. We were brought table fans which helped with the flies. The food was decent and our waiter, Cory, was awesome, super friendly and attentive. What really brought the experience down was the bartender, Talon, who was shockingly rude. It was so bad that even other staff mentioned how uncomfortable they were with the way I was treated. Great service from Cory, but Talon’s attitude really tainted the night.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Absolutely delicious and the service was amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was a Phenomenal experience! The food was top notch from the appetizers, entrees, and dessert! Our waiter made the best recommendations, our favorite was the Playboy sushi roll. The vibe inside was perfect! We will definitely be back! All the way from Cullman, Al!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Playboy Roll, Wings
Great food, amazing server Emily... The food was a flavor ride you want to go on!!!
The food was absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. However, the service could’ve been better. We ordered tempura as an appetizer, but it came out cold and had to be sent back. By the time we got it again, we were already halfway through our entrées. Still a great spot, but I hope the kitchen timing improves.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
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