Truly one of the worst chicken teriyaki I’ve ever had. It’s bland and watery. Where’s the teriyaki sauce I have no idea. I could heat up a frozen package and make a better meal.
Larry M.
What is happening with service here? Our last two takeout orders this month were messed up, with items we ordered (and paid for) not included. This has NEVER happened before, and we've been getting takeout from them once or twice a month for at least the last 20 years. Previously, every time we picked up they would open the boxes and review the order for completeness as we watched. Last night, when we picked up, we asked them to take a look to be sure the order was right, and they refused, saying they were "too busy". And when we got home (15 minutes away), sure enough they'd left something out. We've been eating at Sonobana (originally Ben Kay) since the early 1990s, mainly because of its high quality food and its efficient and friendly service. Going to rethink our loyalty given their apparent changes in established service practices.
Emily A.
For take out sushi, this place is very solid. Ginger salad and teriyaki chicken were both eh. I do love their sushi menu though. There are lots to choose from and they separate the raw from the cooked which is really helpful because I don't eat cooked sushi.
Kimberly G.
Long wait but delicious sushi and favorable prices. We will definitely add this to our sushi rotation.
Charlena Thompson
Wonderful food. I've eaten at Sonobana for over a decade and they never disappoint. ALWAYS RECOMMEND GOING THERE.
Sonobana is probably my favorite Japanese restaurant in Nashville. The food is always fresh, and I appreciate the wide variety of traditional Japanese meals. It's not very fancy, which gives it a homey feel, and ensures that what you're getting is good for the quality and not just for the aesthetics. The grocery next door contains all the essentials. I go there regularly to stock up on ingredients as well as to try some of their single serve snacks.
Andrew Ragland
Expensive but worth every penny. Food was fantastic, service was excellent. We went in a party of four for a birthday dinner and wish we could get here more often.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
R Dale Mercer
We'll be back!We visited the grocery store.They had what I needed - and at a fair price!Friendly staff, too!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Angkear K.
I've finally got to experience this restaurant after 2 times of trying to get it. It's usually always an hour wait so heads up! But the sushi rolls were amazing and the eel bowl was to die for. The fish tasted so fresh. We also ordered a hot green tea and it was unlimited refill without asking (usually I have to ask at other restaurants). The inside was similar to your typical japanese style restaurant. The server was so sweet and helpful. Definitely became one of my top favorites. I'll be coming again.
Bin Diaz
Despite the wait time (30min-1hr) to get seated the food here is delicious, despite the long wait time to order, the food is amazing, and despite the crowded entrance and really small place, the food tasted fresh like no other restaurant in the Nashville area.Must say, I've been here only twice in the past 3 years and I'm not sure why is that, I should change that lolRegardless of what you think about the place because of how aged it looks, the food will not disappoint I promise you that.Make a reservation ahead of time and if you're walking in know that there's always going to be wait time ranging from 15 minutes to 1 hour or on busy days even more but the wait is worth it.
Dropped in for dinner. Ordered dinner dishes and sushi. Dinner dishes had large portions; delicious. Sushi came at the end of the meal. Wished it came at the start.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Story Cox
One of my favorite restaurants. Staff are always extremely friendly and good portion sizes. Very accommodating for vegetarian & vegans as well.Vegetarian options: Many clearly labeled veggie optionsDietary restrictions: Easy to find food here as a vegan.Kid-friendliness: Very family friendly
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Kaj D.
great tasting authentic rolls with plenty of unique specialty rolls and quick and easy service
Maryann Lumley
Ordered sprider roll it was foul. It had horrid taste. When I said something to the waitress, she asked if I ever had it before that's normal. I have eaten sushi ? enough to know when it's bad. I was so disappointed with this place cause the reviews seemed great.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Sterling Gibson
Amazing sushi, generously portioned Bento Box, great service, plus an adjoining little Asian Maarket. Only real downside is that it is very popular so there may be a wait at peak hours.
Truly one of the worst chicken teriyaki I’ve ever had. It’s bland and watery. Where’s the teriyaki sauce I have no idea. I could heat up a frozen package and make a better meal.
What is happening with service here? Our last two takeout orders this month were messed up, with items we ordered (and paid for) not included. This has NEVER happened before, and we've been getting takeout from them once or twice a month for at least the last 20 years. Previously, every time we picked up they would open the boxes and review the order for completeness as we watched. Last night, when we picked up, we asked them to take a look to be sure the order was right, and they refused, saying they were "too busy". And when we got home (15 minutes away), sure enough they'd left something out. We've been eating at Sonobana (originally Ben Kay) since the early 1990s, mainly because of its high quality food and its efficient and friendly service. Going to rethink our loyalty given their apparent changes in established service practices.
For take out sushi, this place is very solid. Ginger salad and teriyaki chicken were both eh. I do love their sushi menu though. There are lots to choose from and they separate the raw from the cooked which is really helpful because I don't eat cooked sushi.
Long wait but delicious sushi and favorable prices. We will definitely add this to our sushi rotation.
Wonderful food. I've eaten at Sonobana for over a decade and they never disappoint. ALWAYS RECOMMEND GOING THERE.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken & Sushi Bento Box, Sushi Rolls
Sonobana is probably my favorite Japanese restaurant in Nashville. The food is always fresh, and I appreciate the wide variety of traditional Japanese meals. It's not very fancy, which gives it a homey feel, and ensures that what you're getting is good for the quality and not just for the aesthetics. The grocery next door contains all the essentials. I go there regularly to stock up on ingredients as well as to try some of their single serve snacks.
Expensive but worth every penny. Food was fantastic, service was excellent. We went in a party of four for a birthday dinner and wish we could get here more often.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We'll be back!We visited the grocery store.They had what I needed - and at a fair price!Friendly staff, too!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I've finally got to experience this restaurant after 2 times of trying to get it. It's usually always an hour wait so heads up! But the sushi rolls were amazing and the eel bowl was to die for. The fish tasted so fresh. We also ordered a hot green tea and it was unlimited refill without asking (usually I have to ask at other restaurants). The inside was similar to your typical japanese style restaurant. The server was so sweet and helpful. Definitely became one of my top favorites. I'll be coming again.
Despite the wait time (30min-1hr) to get seated the food here is delicious, despite the long wait time to order, the food is amazing, and despite the crowded entrance and really small place, the food tasted fresh like no other restaurant in the Nashville area.Must say, I've been here only twice in the past 3 years and I'm not sure why is that, I should change that lolRegardless of what you think about the place because of how aged it looks, the food will not disappoint I promise you that.Make a reservation ahead of time and if you're walking in know that there's always going to be wait time ranging from 15 minutes to 1 hour or on busy days even more but the wait is worth it.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Sonoban Sushi Roll
Restaurantji Recommends
Dropped in for dinner. Ordered dinner dishes and sushi. Dinner dishes had large portions; delicious. Sushi came at the end of the meal. Wished it came at the start.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
One of my favorite restaurants. Staff are always extremely friendly and good portion sizes. Very accommodating for vegetarian & vegans as well.Vegetarian options: Many clearly labeled veggie optionsDietary restrictions: Easy to find food here as a vegan.Kid-friendliness: Very family friendly
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
great tasting authentic rolls with plenty of unique specialty rolls and quick and easy service
Ordered sprider roll it was foul. It had horrid taste. When I said something to the waitress, she asked if I ever had it before that's normal. I have eaten sushi ? enough to know when it's bad. I was so disappointed with this place cause the reviews seemed great.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Amazing sushi, generously portioned Bento Box, great service, plus an adjoining little Asian Maarket. Only real downside is that it is very popular so there may be a wait at peak hours.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken & Sushi Bento Box, Sushi Rolls