They were not very child friendly, going so far as accusing my children of playing in the restaurant while they sat and read a book together. They were also upset about us waiting in the restaurant for a table with children. My children waited very patiently and were courteous, so we don't understand why these accusations were made against them other than they were simply children in an establishment that is not family friendly. We went to our favorite Japanese restaurant Sakura with excellent customer service, great food, and a loving family friendly atmosphere. We will never be back and am very disappointed at such poor treatment to the point of ageism.
P M
The brief wait, due to popularity, was mitigated by nearby attractions like the Sonobana store next door and Trader Joe's. Once seated, every culinary delight surprised, especially the exceptional sushi, which was pristine, bursting with flavor, and top-grade. Highly endorsed for sushi connoisseurs, and I am eager to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Daniel Burstiner
Udon soup with beef was delicious! Two special rolls and the sushi sashimi combo. Also delicious. All were shared between my wife and me. Perfect amount of food for two hungry adults who hadn't eaten all day. A highlight of the visit was Aya, our server. She is so sweet and helpful. She easily made good recommendations and provided service with a warm smile. Thank you Aya.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi Rolls
Aixia Burstiner
Excellent sushi and udon! Aya was superb! Great customer service! Thank you for a delicious meal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Olivia Vasile
This was a disappointment. I had been reading how this place was the best spot for Japanese food in Nashville, and yet it was a let down. The food was lackluster from all the other Japanese food I’ve gotten, from the states or Japan itself. I was expecting much more from the reviews, however there were many things lacking. My husband and I ordered two different bento boxes, and the tempura seemed to be undercooked in both. It simply wasn’t crunchy. The ‘California roll’ we received had maybe a sliver of krab? It was mostly runny avocado, which was a huge disappointment. The best aspects of the meal were the miso soup and fermented bean sprouts. Although the salmon and eel were delicious, the portions were so small and didn’t make up for the rest of the meal. The service was friendly, and I’m sure there are things that will shine on the menu, however, for what they are charging, it just simply isn’t worth getting dud after dud to receive something that is slightly satisfactory. Despite this, the market has some interesting finds and is worth visiting if you need some Japanese ingredients.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Eel Bento Box Combo, Sushi Rolls
Evan H
I drove to Nashville from Oak Ridge to catch a flight out of town and needed some food before my flight. Fortunately, I found this japanese restaurant in a strip mall not too far from the airport.
I arrived at the restaurant around 11:30am and found decent parking out front. However, by the time I left around 12:45pm the parking lot was packed with ppl driving around looking for spots. Not sure if this normal for a Friday, but it was a zoo leaving the shopping center. Just keep that mind if you are coming during peak hrs.
The service here was quick, and my server was very attentive. I didn't have a reservation but I was immediately seated when I arrived. Sonobana has an extensive menu of Japanese food. I decided to order the chicken bento and order some sashimi on the side. A good staple to compare with other places.
The sashimi and bento were both very good. The serving size was excellent and the flavors were what I'd expect from a traditional izakaya.
Overall I really enjoyed my meal. It was fast but not fast food. The flavors were good, and the portions were generous. I'm always a little hesitant when ordering sashimi in the south, especially TN. Being a land locked state and in an area known more for their bbq than raw fish, I moderate my expectations. However, if you are craving some good sushi/sashimi, I'd definitely recommend going here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eel Bento Box Combo
ky2tnmills
Very good experience here. Sushi was excellent, and the service was great. We got a lot of different rolls, and the quality was great for everything.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi Rolls
NailsxpressChelsea, Al
It is good sushi
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi Rolls
Adriana
This restaurant is the closest thing to a real Japanese restaurant (says someone who lived there for 2 years). Small restaurant, so if you arrive after 5 pm on a Sunday, you will have to wait approximately 40 minutes. During that time, I took the opportunity to go to their Japanese products store next door and found sweets that I had not found either on Amazon or in larger stores selling oriental products. If you are a chocolate lover, I recommend them. The food is delicious and has a flavor very similar to that of Japan. One of the best Japanese food restaurants in Nashville.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Patrick Zimmerman
Great food, great service. Unique options. And next door to an Asian grocery.
Went to the market to get some snacks. Great items and very very nice people. Anytime I come to nashville, I will make sure to stop here to get my snack fix.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dan Drago
Good choice for sushi. Place is a bit dated but staff was nice and good was good. Not the best but good. I liked the grilled squid 🦑.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Sarah Ainslee
I've heard such great reviews about this restaurant, so I was disappointed when my first visit was less than stellar. The food was okay—reasonably priced and decent sushi. Unfortunately, it might be some of the worst service I've ever had.
As someone who has worked in food service before, I totally get it. Not every day is good and there's grace for that. But the young woman who served my table was bordering on intentionally rude when she took orders. After going the entire dining experience without refilling drinks or checking on us, she slapped the bill on the table without so much as a word. It would be one thing if my party was disrespectful or didn't use manners, but we definitely did. Her behavior was just unwarranted.
I would love to come back and give this restaurant another try, simply for the rave reviews, I don't see myself doing it in any rush.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Mika
Best Japanese place in Nashville. Tastes like the real stuff in Japan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Eel Bento Box Combo, Edamame, Sushi Rolls
Nick Dirks
Very good sushi restaurant.
Parking: There is plenty of parking available, but this is a busy shopping area and you might have to park farther away during lunch.
They were not very child friendly, going so far as accusing my children of playing in the restaurant while they sat and read a book together. They were also upset about us waiting in the restaurant for a table with children. My children waited very patiently and were courteous, so we don't understand why these accusations were made against them other than they were simply children in an establishment that is not family friendly. We went to our favorite Japanese restaurant Sakura with excellent customer service, great food, and a loving family friendly atmosphere. We will never be back and am very disappointed at such poor treatment to the point of ageism.
The brief wait, due to popularity, was mitigated by nearby attractions like the Sonobana store next door and Trader Joe's. Once seated, every culinary delight surprised, especially the exceptional sushi, which was pristine, bursting with flavor, and top-grade. Highly endorsed for sushi connoisseurs, and I am eager to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Udon soup with beef was delicious! Two special rolls and the sushi sashimi combo. Also delicious. All were shared between my wife and me. Perfect amount of food for two hungry adults who hadn't eaten all day. A highlight of the visit was Aya, our server. She is so sweet and helpful. She easily made good recommendations and provided service with a warm smile. Thank you Aya.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi Rolls
Excellent sushi and udon! Aya was superb! Great customer service! Thank you for a delicious meal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was a disappointment. I had been reading how this place was the best spot for Japanese
food in Nashville, and yet it was a let down. The food was lackluster from all the other Japanese food I’ve gotten, from the states or Japan itself. I was expecting much more from the reviews, however there were many things lacking. My husband and I ordered two different bento boxes, and the tempura seemed to be undercooked in both. It simply wasn’t crunchy. The ‘California roll’ we received had maybe a sliver of krab? It was mostly runny avocado, which was a huge disappointment. The best aspects of the meal were the miso soup and fermented bean sprouts. Although the salmon and eel were delicious, the portions were so small and didn’t make up for the rest of the meal. The service was friendly, and I’m sure there are things that will shine on the menu, however, for what they are charging, it just simply isn’t worth getting dud after dud to receive something that is slightly satisfactory. Despite this, the market has some interesting finds and is worth visiting if you need some Japanese ingredients.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Eel Bento Box Combo, Sushi Rolls
I drove to Nashville from Oak Ridge to catch a flight out of town and needed some food before my flight. Fortunately, I found this japanese restaurant in a strip mall not too far from the airport.
I arrived at the restaurant around 11:30am and found decent parking out front. However, by the time I left around 12:45pm the parking lot was packed with ppl driving around looking for spots. Not sure if this normal for a Friday, but it was a zoo leaving the shopping center. Just keep that mind if you are coming during peak hrs.
The service here was quick, and my server was very attentive. I didn't have a reservation but I was immediately seated when I arrived. Sonobana has an extensive menu of Japanese food. I decided to order the chicken bento and order some sashimi on the side. A good staple to compare with other places.
The sashimi and bento were both very good. The serving size was excellent and the flavors were what I'd expect from a traditional izakaya.
Overall I really enjoyed my meal. It was fast but not fast food. The flavors were good, and the portions were generous. I'm always a little hesitant when ordering sashimi in the south, especially TN. Being a land locked state and in an area known more for their bbq than raw fish, I moderate my expectations. However, if you are craving some good sushi/sashimi, I'd definitely recommend going here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eel Bento Box Combo
Very good experience here. Sushi was excellent, and the service was great. We got a lot of different rolls, and the quality was great for everything.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi Rolls
It is good sushi
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi Rolls
This restaurant is the closest thing to a real Japanese restaurant (says someone who lived there for 2 years).
Small restaurant, so if you arrive after 5 pm on a Sunday, you will have to wait approximately 40 minutes.
During that time, I took the opportunity to go to their Japanese products store next door and found sweets that I had not found either on Amazon or in larger stores selling oriental products.
If you are a chocolate lover, I recommend them.
The food is delicious and has a flavor very similar to that of Japan.
One of the best Japanese food restaurants in Nashville.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, great service. Unique options. And next door to an Asian grocery.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eel Bento Box Combo, Sushi Rolls, Grilled Squid, Squid Salad
Restaurantji Recommends
Went to the market to get some snacks. Great items and very very nice people. Anytime I come to nashville, I will make sure to stop here to get my snack fix.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good choice for sushi. Place is a bit dated but staff was nice and good was good. Not the best but good. I liked the grilled squid 🦑.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I've heard such great reviews about this restaurant, so I was disappointed when my first visit was less than stellar. The food was okay—reasonably priced and decent sushi. Unfortunately, it might be some of the worst service I've ever had.
As someone who has worked in food service before, I totally get it. Not every day is good and there's grace for that. But the young woman who served my table was bordering on intentionally rude when she took orders. After going the entire dining experience without refilling drinks or checking on us, she slapped the bill on the table without so much as a word. It would be one thing if my party was disrespectful or didn't use manners, but we definitely did. Her behavior was just unwarranted.
I would love to come back and give this restaurant another try, simply for the rave reviews, I don't see myself doing it in any rush.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Best Japanese place in Nashville. Tastes like the real stuff in Japan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Eel Bento Box Combo, Edamame, Sushi Rolls
Very good sushi restaurant.
Parking: There is plenty of parking available, but this is a busy shopping area and you might have to park farther away during lunch.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sonoban Sushi Roll
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