Ichiban
109 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN, 37201
Ichiban Menu
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Noodle Soup Dinners
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Seafood - Cooked
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Seafood - Uncooked
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Entree
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Desserts
Healthy Meal suggestions for Ichiban
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Noodle Soup Dinners
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Seafood - Cooked
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Seafood - Uncooked
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Entree
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Desserts
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Address :
109 2nd Ave N
Nashville, TN, 37201 - Phone (615) 244-7900
- Website https://ichibanusa.co/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Mark S.
I have no doubts this is as close to real Japanese food as can be found in Nashville in the sense that there is sooooo much more to eat in Japan than just sushi. I seemed to have missed writing a review from my previous visit a year ago. Perhaps that original visit can best be summed up as saying that I ate lunch here on Friday, followed by dinner on both Saturday & Sunday during my visit to Nashville on Halloween weekend. For the Friday lunch I ordered Katsu Curry Rice along with a side of Horenso no Goma-Ae (steamed spinach with semi-sweet sesame sauce) and chicken liver yakitori. Little did I know when adding those side items to a lunch entree that came with a salad and side dish that they would be serving me a "Bubba-sized" portion of tonkatsu pork cutlet with the curry rice. It was huge, like what would be served for a whole family in Japan. It was also very delicious, both for lunch and then also the rest of it that I had wrapped up to go for dinner later that night. All the lunch portions I received were bigger than expected, so definitely a great value, and all were to my liking too. If I worked in this downtown area you would likely find me here eating lunch almost every day! Having eaten here previously I already knew about the "osusume-ryoui" specials menu that is only available in Japanese. I mostly ordered from this menu for both dinner nights, but my recollection of everything I ordered is a bit shaky now. Perhaps from drinking too much sake. Several of the items that stick out are Geso Karaage; whole squid tentacles fried in a very light tempura batter. These are highly recommended as long as you are not squeamish about eating 6" long tentacled squid legs. These are waaaay better than fried calamari IMO.; much better tasting and less batter. Tai Sakamushi - snapper head and collar steamed in sake. Fantastic tender snapper meat that is well worth picking and sucking out from all the head bones and plates. When eaten properly all you have left at the end is a pile of loose, stripped bones. Don't forget to eat the best part, the eyeball! Tororro Natto - slimy tororro (grated mountain yam) and sticky natto (fermented soybeans) together in the same dish. This hardcore Japanese health food that even even many Japanese people may not care for. Only recommended for the most adventurous international cuisine junkies, but I love this dish.
(5)Elisha M.
I love the atmosphere here. It's the perfect place for a date because of the ambient lighting. It's also a good place to load up before a night crawling on 2nd Ave. The food is delicious, the people are friendly, and they have a nice selection of sake, beers, and plum wine in addition to more domestic offerings.
(5)Virginia L.
I don't know why I was eating sushi in Nashville, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Turned out to be a good choice.
(4)Natalya S.
Absolutely love the sushi at this place! I am extremely picky when it comes to my sushi, and I haven't had a bad roll and have ordered most of their specials and probably had almost every type of fish they serve. The service is also really good and the price is great considering the quality and flavor of their rolls. If you are in the mood for sushi, I highly recommend this place! The restaurant is not particularly large and decor is fairly standard, makes it nice to go to with a small group of friends or co-workers.
(4)Travis A.
I find it interesting that Ichiban is listed in most Airline's in-flight magazines as one of the best sushi bars in the country. I definitely think of it as one of Nashville's best. I've been coming here for as long as I've lived in Nashville and I have never had a bad experience. The food has been consistent and the service has been good. They have the best Spider roll that I've ever eaten anywhere, including both coasts. The Sushi pizza is one of my favorite sushi creations, ever. It takes a #2 next to the Kerry Roll at Brothers Sushi in Woodland Hills, CA. Go there if you're in town. yelp.com/biz/brothers-su… I'm glad this place is still going strong... just wish I had better luck parking downtown. Aside from that, the only real criticism I have is that they need to redo their menus. They can be confusing for those not used to them... in fact I don't think they've changed in 20 years.
(5)Jerome O.
Been there twice, loved it twice! Nice service & very good food - authentic Japanese, you can even find Natto there... :-) I really liked the the broiled squid & scallop sashimi... Among many other things!
(4)Zeb M.
We had Ichiban for an early dinner yesterday and it was great! Our server was nice and very attentive (I don't like my glass to be empty), and you can taste how fresh the rolls are! Parking can be a hassle downtown, but I would definitely come back again!
(4)Erin J.
Any time we go downtown for a concert, or to entertain out-of-towners on 2nd/Lower Broad, we stop by Ichiban. We joke that it feels like a bento-box inside - lots of little compartments on the ceiling, and the booths are sort of like little compartments or cubbies. The sushi is always good; nothing too creative but it's all solid. BEST veggie tempura in town. We hit up the early bird special sometimes, can't remember the times but I believe I remember a shrimp tempura dish. We always get great service here too!
(4)Robin W.
This was my second time here, and I liked it just as much as the first. I haven't tried anything but the sushi, but I'll venture to say theirs is the best in town. It's a small but comfortable place, with a casual atmosphere. Our service was good, and the sushi was fresh. We ordered the spider roll, tuna roll, and the sashimi combo. If you're going to eat a half of pound of raw fish, this is the place to do it!
(4)Colette R.
Great food. I had heard mixed reviews about Ichiban, but ventured out to try it a few weeks ago and loved it. Had sushi and a pork dish. Small portions but very delicatable. Went there last night for a second time. Amazing because I have lived on 2nd Avenue for two years how and haven't eaten out until the past couple of months down here. Oh, and on their salad with the ginger dressing they add kernels of corn. Funny and different. Intimate atmosphere.
(4)Melissa L.
Maybe it's because they were my first sushi place even though that was a DISASTER, but this is still my favorite place and still one of the best in town and consistent in quality. That first attempt, well I was about as ignorant about sushi as they come yet our boss wanted us to take him to Ichiban for Boss' Day so we did, even the two of us that had never had sushi. We made the mistake of saying we had never had sushi so they suggested an assortment BIG MISTAKE. Thank goodness the other girl and I had agreed that one of us would order sushi and the other would order something more normal. The assortment was nigiri with mackerel, tuna, salmon and who knows what else. All I know is the mackerel nearly did me in and it was a good thing we had the bento box which was wonderful recognizable food. I kept going back with coworkers ordering the bento box trying all the different offerings they had for it. Eventually I tried a California roll and started eating them. Then crunchy shrimp and spider rolls. Finally someone made me try his roll with eel and I liked it though the roll was about twice as big around as the typical maki rolls so it was hard to eat. While I have grown in my taste and acceptance of all kinds of sushi, mackerel nigiri is still NOT in my diet. The ladies here are nice and efficient. The food isn't cheap but it's seafood, we are in Nashville, and their seafood is always fresh and good. Everything I have had is good. The only dish I am not crazy about is the kushikatsu. I still love the Bento boxes because I can get a taste of everything and they will substitute a roll for one of the two entrees. Yakiniku is a stir fry of beef and onions in a ginger sauce - wonderful and full of flavor. And I am a sucker for good tempura and their tempura is some of the best I have had anywhere. On the bento box you get two tempura shrimp and I would say about six pieces of vegetable tempura. The bento box comes with two entrees, rice, their version of potato salad, a few pieces of steamed broccoli with mayo, half an orange, miso soup and salad with ginger dressing. As you probably figure, I like it with the yakiniku and tempura but the negamaki which is a piece of thinly sliced beef rolled around scallions and then grilled and sliced thinly is also very good. The goyza dumplings are good. and the shougayaki is sort of the pork version of yakiniku. The calamari and fried soft shell crab are also very good as are any of the noodle bowls. I haven't tried it but they have a curry dish on their lunch menu that I have heard rave reviews about from a coworker. All in all, this is still one of the most consistenly reliable places to get good sushi and Japanese food in the Nashville area.
(5)Mike M.
very good service. Excellent sushi. Also had the tempura fried ice cream which was also good. Authentic as it gets. More Japanese people here than any other nationality, so proof enough for me. If you like sushi and authentic Japanese it is a must visit in Nashville.
(5)Will M.
This review is for the sushi. You are in Tennessee, a landlocked state, so your fish is going to be frozen. Best in Nashville, but I haven't tried Virago. The salmon was real high quality fish with nice veins of fat. A lot of reviews for non-sushi items were subpar, so I won't even waste my money. So, for non sushi items, I'd probably check out the Cool Springs area for Japanese restaurants like Shoguns, because Nissan HQ is there. There's also AYA sushi in M'boro. Sonobana is also decent off white bridge rd.
(4)Ryan D.
Geeeeewwwwrose! This place was not so great and I'm not sure how they ended up with such good reviews. The interior is dark and dingy and resembles the inside of a trailer Buffalo Bill would live in. I'm pretty sure my waitress was addicted to cough syrup. Her ability to function in public was questionable. The menu is rather extensive and offers some very cool selecitons, but we went with a large platter of sushi and a bowl of the ramen noodles. The noodles were so-so. I ended up chewing on some nasty squid like thing in the bowl that even the waitress couldnt tell me what it was (probably because she couldn't drink or smoke it) and made a sour face when I shower her what I was talking about. The portions of sushi are large, but my ginger was old, and white. I've had much better sushi and I knew better than to try sushi in Tennessee, but the reviews convinced me otherwise. I will not make that mistake again. $97.00 for dinner and all I got was a ton of mediocre sushi ans a chewy squid in a bowl of noodles. If the beers weren't cold this place would receive a 1star, so thank god for modern refrigeration technology.
(2)Peter K.
The setting is intimate and the Japanese cuisine is pretty authentic. While the sushi here is really good (some of the best in the city) I can't say that this place is as good as it gets as of late. It seems like the last couple times the quality of the rolls has been lacking. The quality of the fish is still there, but the execution just isn't there anymore. The only other downside is that it's downtown. Over all its worth trying, very pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff, and I probably would have rated it 5 stars, except I just feel that the quality has slipped slightly.
(4)Devin P.
I usually go here when I'm not walking up the hill to Koto for my quick fix of bait. Had some friends take me out for my birthday and this is where we ended up. Kinda bummed that ALL the bones weren't in the yellowtail roll, just a couple. Maybe next time they'll get it right! ;)
(3)Stuart W.
A friend took me to a Predators game the other day (we won!) and he suggested we go here for dinner. A lover of good sushi, I had never gone to this place as I assumed a Sushi bar in the heart of Nashville' tourist Mecca would be uninspiring, unauthentic and unappealing. I was un-right. The decor of the place is fairly standard, but the food was truly delicious. We didnt have a ton of time before the game, so we limited our orders to just sushi. Beyond the typical rolls, I was happily impressed to see they had some of the more 'Japanese' items I really enjoy (like Natto - a fermeted soybean which I promise is better than it sounds). Even the typical fare, like the spicy tuna roll was both exceptionally tasty and very well made (a good chef does not need to squeeze the heck out of the roll to get it to stick, which results in a less starchy feel and taste.) Having mistakenly avoided this place for the past 6 years, I plan to be back soon.
(4)Anne P.
In my opinion, the perfect chirashi would contain the following ingredients: *multiple slices of sake, hamachi, saba, hotate, maguro, unagi, amaebi, tamago, white tuna *ikura (salmon roe) *slices of sweeten braised shiitake mushroom *pickled radish or daikon *seaweed salad (optional) This restaurant's chirashi had the following pros and cons, relative to my notion of the perfect chirashi: Pros: Terrific variety. Surprisingly fresh. Has most of the desired elements. Cons: Missing unagi, hotate, marinated shiitakes, seaweed salad
(4)Muna M.
The place gets 3 stars only for the Sushi... I thought the Sushi was pretty good... But the Teriyaki Beef & Chicken were HORRIBLE!!! I've had better Teriyaki chicken at the Food Court in the Malls! We ordered the combination platter and din't like the soup (tasted like soapy water) or anything else but the Sushi... Also wasn't too pleased with the service... The waitress wasn't very helpful and din't seem to care much about our requests! I think the place is way too expensive for the kind of food they serve!! Don't think i will be back here again..
(3)Bradley S.
The times that I've been I've been not disappointed but not impressed either. Their sushi is nothing to write home about or anything out of the ordinary. It is relatively high priced though, but I attribute that to its location on second ave. If you need a sushi fix and you're in the area the sure take a visit, but their are much better spots in the city.
(3)Zlatko U.
I stopped by Ichiban while on a road trip. I wish I went elsewhere. While the food, service, and atmosphere were ok, I was not too impressed. The waitresses talked loudly in the background, the TVs were pointed to FOX news, the food was not too terribly exciting. I had a vegetable roll as the appetizer and a noodle soup for my main course. The sushi was ok, while the soup was nothing but a microwaved water with some veggies in it. I am not too familiar with the downtown scene in Nashville, but I am sure that there is better food to be found.
(3)Ian R.
Another downgrade after another lackluster dinner. The food is fine, but very inconsistent. The service is just not up to par. It was 15 minutes before anyone took my drink order, the waitstaff disappeared for extended periods of time, people who ordered at the same time got their food 30 minutes apart, it took 25 minutes to get our checks when we were ready to leave, and there were visible scowls of disapproval when we tried to get attention. There was also apparently no manager or hostess because I saw several people walk in and wait a long time before being acknowledged, much less seated. Just a failure on all fronts. I also hate it when a business is dishonest.. We had a large group of 12 people and requested to sit in the back tatami room because we expected to be loud and pretty boisterous. We were first told that they didn't take reservations on weekends and then that someone else had reserved the room which is completely contradictory. We were placed in the dead center of the restaurant very close to all the other tables. Guess what, we were loud, boisterous and slightly vulgar (my fault). If you were there on a romantic dinner then I would like to apologize for our antics, but we were not given a choice. The supposedly reserved tatami room was completely empty for the entire time we were there. Completely fabricated excuse for reasons that make no sense. I would have complained to the manager or hostess, but there was no one to be found when we were leaving and we had already gone 45 minutes past the time we had planned to leave so I was not in the mood to hang around. Ichiban is one of those places that is probably always guaranteed to have business just because of their location. They will not however be getting any more of my business.
(2)Adam G.
Pretty good sushi. Got some maguro and the pizza roll. Roll was very different but quite tasty, I like the seared top it gave it great texture. Surprised that you could get fresh sushi in Nashville on a Monday afternoon.
(4)Blair S.
Excellent Japanese food. Sure lots of reviewers mention sushi and they have that too. But you owe it to yourself to try the authentic Japanese dishes. Come for dinner and bring an appetite. I recommend getting a combination so you can try several items without accidentally putting together a bunch of incompatible tastes (however unlikely that may be). I also highly recommend the roast eggplant as an appetizer. Make the experience more authentic and skip the coke or ice water, and have some green tea. The service is efficient and friendly without being annoying, and the prices, though a little high, are very reasonable for the area and quality.
(5)Elizabeth M.
I was here on New Years and the food was DELICIOUS. It felt like we tried some of everything. Service was fantastic too! I would go back next time I have the cash.
(5)Lindy B.
Went to Ichiban tonight around 7. First off, the place smelled inside. It smelled like mildew or something. Wondered if maybe it has always smelled like that since the flood last year....? Anywho, we were seated immediately but sat for at least 10 min before anyone came to take our drink order. I will say, our food came out quickly, though. I ordered a Nashville Roll and a Cucumber Roll. The cucumber roll was good and reasonably sized. The Nashville roll was so huge each piece had to be eaten in 2 bites. I hate that! Anyone who eats sushi rolls knows it's useless to bite a roll in half because then the whole thing just falls apart. I also didn't like the mayonnaise in it. I knew mayo came in it, but I assumed it would be spicy or something. This just tasted like straight up from a jar of Hellman's and it kind of ruined the rest of the yummy stuff in the roll. The Miso soup was good. Overall, this is a place I would never suggest, but if someone else was dying to go, I guess I would. Maybe.
(2)Greg T.
one of the best Japanese restaurants in Nashville. Solid sushi, great atmosphere, 2 for 1 sake happy hr 5-7. I was really surprised to see Tonkatsu ramen on the menu...so nice to have in Nashville! beware of the chicken teriyaki...it isn't traditional japanese style...more americanized execution. definitely worth a visit.
(4)Bridget B.
Stopped here for dinner before a concert at the Ryman and wow! The nasu miso (fried eggplant with miso) and the agedashi tofu were both well prepared appetizers with the nasu being very close to what I've had in Asia. The sushi was fresh and the service in the dining room was attentive without being overbearing.
(4)Evan G.
I was told that this was one of the best sushi places in Nashville, to me it was just average. The sushi is good and the warm sake is welcome on a cold winter night. It is a bit dark inside to a fault, but overall our dining experience was good.
(3)Eric B.
oh, ichiban, how i love you. if you like sushi, you absolutely MUST spoil yourself with a visit here. the fish used for the sushi here is absolutely next level. i'm not really the type for "atmosphere" at a restaurant, as i go to eat, but i love the vibe of this place. it does a great job of isolating you from not only the other patrons, but the fact that you're in downtown. this place is great, easily one of my favorite restaurants in nashville. you must try it! eric b
(5)Teresa H.
Best Japanese Restaurant in Nashville HANDS DOWN!!! I have tried a fairly wide range of japanese restaurants - all over the world really, and Ichiban is the most legit one that I am lucky enough to discover in the Ville of Nash! Some may say, "oh this and that is alright, nothing special." I would say, unlike all the mediocre "pure sushi bars" that you often found in Nashville, OVER ALL, Ichiban offers the most variety of Japanese food in great quality. Like I said, they have a wide variety of Japs food. Don't just stick to those sushi and rolls....try those uncooked seafood, the sashimi, the house special, the nabemono...! Well if you find yourself still feeling some sushi, their nigiri is fresh and well-made, and their rolls have some novelty but never try too hard. You won't be disappointed! Some warm sake accompanies well with whatever you pick, although be wary that the sake is light but tends to catch you off guard and hit you hard after a while. The environment is warm and cozy. You can tell that's it's a Japanese restaurant the moment you walk in. It is not trendy. The decor shows its age, but I just love how traditional it feels. As cheesy as it sounds, the place is authentic! Food is served by Japanese people (not Koreans or Chinese!). And you will find Japanese people here eating pretty often. On a side note though...because it's downtown and on SECOND AVENUE, parking is a pain in the arse. Lots near by are ridiculously expensive, and street parking is almost impossible. I often park in a garage a block or two away and walk over. Still expect some extra parking expense though!
(5)H. P.
I was a little dubious of ordering sushi in a landlocked state -- particularly in a state known better for it's fried foods and barbeque -- but fortunately my fears were for naught. The food and service is great.
(4)Julie H.
Great food and service!
(3)Liz B.
As mentioned in other reviews, I am a self-identified sushi snob, and have been lucky enough to go to Japan several times, and eat the most toe-curlingly fantastic sushi there. So my sushi bar is set high. Ichiban is the only sushi place in Nashville which I'd describe as excellent, and equivalent the better restaurants in Tokyo and New York City. Its sushi is authentic, fresh, and expertly prepared. Ichiban also offers a wide array of traditional Japanese dishes beyond sushi. If you want a true Japanese cuisine experience, as opposed to Americanized rolls with tons of cream cheese and deep fried crunchy things and random cooked things stuffed in the rolls, then check this place out.
(5)Matt L.
The food was good, not amazing but pretty good when looking for sushi when traveling. Went back the following day with a group and everyone said their food was great. The place is fairly small so it won't fit a large group but it's intimate setting is nice.
(4)Ryan B.
As for sushi and Japanese dishes, this place does it right. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The food is fresh and yummy. I had shrimp tempura udon which was served too hot to eat at first. Once it cooled, it was great. Other cities have better downtown Japanese restaurants, but for Nashville, this place won my approval.
(3)Patrick R.
I love Ichiban. Apparently, Ichiban means "number one," and I think the owners named their little restaurant appropriately. It is, without a doubt, one of (if not the) most authentic sushi spots in Nashville. The restaurant itself is quaint and beautifully decorated, and I personally like dining upstairs. Unlike Ru San's, Ichiban does not strive to be a hip, modern sushi bar. They merely make high-quality Japanese cuisine and serve it in a traditional manner (without blasting techno or screaming at their customers). Though my personal favorite sushi restaurant is Sam's (because of the sheer enormity of portions and cheapness of his sushi), Ichiban is "number one" as far as experience goes. They may be a bit pricier than Sam's, but the staff is very sweet and attentive, and it's a pleasant spot to have dinner with a few friends. Ichiban also offers several very tasty Japanese beers. The restaurant is on Second, meaning it might be crowded and you might have to fight your way through loads of tourists, but I say it's worth it. Best sushi experience Nashville has to offer.
(5)Darnell D.
Our waitress was wonderful and friendly. Past reviewers mentioned some junky waitress - not an issue. The dim lighting inside sets a relaxed mood and makes the meal with your partner more intimate. Theres a private shoeless room that you sit and dine from the floor if you have a group - neat! My wife and I are picky sushi eaters due to being from the west coast of CA. Was good enough to get us to come back again for more. Good experience - especially for a landlocked southern state.
(4)Sharon K.
Ichiban is the place I go to sit down for sushi downtown, if you want something fast to go, you can go to Sam's but the dining experience at Ichiban is much better. They have cozy booths, seating at the sushi bar or tables further in the back. They are always accommodating and the staff is very kind. It is a quiet local place. Every time I have visited, even if the restaurant is full it is still not too noisy. They fortunately do not play any muzak or anything like that. The place is also pretty casual not really fine dining or anything but a relaxed atmosphere with good food. The sushi rolls are made with care so the presentation is always very appetizing and the tastes meets expectations. The fish is fresh and delicious. They have a great beer and sake selection here. So you can imbibe the traditional drink along with your sushi rolls.
(5)Seth R.
Great place to get Sushi in Nashville, and the "Nashville Roll" is definitely worth trying. It's right by the riverfront at the Intersection of Broadway and 2nd, making it a good place for any visitors (like myself) who are touring the bar/club scene. Service was fine, nothing exceptional, but no complaints at all.
(4)Chris W.
On a cold winter afternoon, it's hard to beat a hot bowl of soba at Ichiban. It's one of the cozier little restaurants in downtown. Dishes are reasonably priced and competently prepared. Often crowded, but never full, the atmosphere lends itself to a jovial, comfortable experience. The staff is friendly and attentive -- most of the same people have been working there for years. The building is not big, so this is not a place you want to bring a large party. Bring a date or some good friends, grab a booth and a bottle of sake, and relax.
(5)Rachel W.
Food was pretty good but it wasn't the absolute best I've had. I had the ramen soup while hubby ordered various sushi. The tables in the restaurant are little too close together. We overheard two tables with absolutely bizarro conversations that were hard to tune out.
(3)Kathryn S.
last night i had the pleasure of dining at ichiban... it was freezing outside in downtown nashville and the warm cozy authentic atmosphere of ichiban was a nice escape from the cold weather... they have cozy tables downstairs and booths... we were seated pretty promptly and out drink order taken, they have an extensive sake list... foodwise we started out with some vegetable tempura which was quite yummy and hit the spot, then it was on to sushi.. they have signature sushi rolls... i was in the mood for some rolls so i tried *the nashville roll* which was yummy with shrimpy and crunchy panko wrapped in cucumber and then i got the crunchy shrimp roll... my friend got two rolls which she loved as well ... i had been hearing about ichiban for years and am so glad i finally checked it out.. i will definitely go back... my whole meal was under $20, can't go wrong there!
(4)Emily Y.
This place gets 3 1/2. It's great for if you're craving Japanese and you happen to work downtown. I also like it better than Koto, which seems to be the other downtown Japanese restaurant staple. The food at Ichiban is a bit more authentic than Koto, and the portions are huge!
(3)Esther S.
Very good quality japanese food in a most unlikely locale. The menu is quite extensive, and I was especially impressed by the dinner combo platter which includes a bento box with your choice 2 entrees and 2 choices of rolls or sushi on the side. They also have a very good selection of sake. A must try is the banana fried green tea ice cream, which also comes in large portion, perfect for sharing and an appetizer whether it be the gyoza or the beef negimaki (thinly sliced broiled beef rolled over green scallion in teriaki sauce). Its one of the rare restaurants that offer a lot for your dollar.
(4)Peter M.
Excellent sushi, and in Nashville! Relaxing, dark atmosphere a big contrast to the awfulness outside on 2nd Ave (tourists). Very friendly staff... one of them stopped short while rushing past our table when she heard us talking about beer, and told us to try the Orion, which ended up being a really smooth and tasty surprise; maybe one of the best "light" beers I've had. Spicy crawfish roll was memorable, rainbow roll was excellent --with so many sushi flavors in the rainbow, the high caliber of fish really makes a difference. Sashimi also surprisingly top-notch. Open late on the weekends (11 pm).
(5)Johnny T.
Who would have thought there would be such a legit Japanese restaurant smack dab in the heart of Downtown Nashville? Well, don't think too hard about it because Ichiban is here and fantastically real. The warm wood, full bar and expansive menu offers many experiences far past maki, I have found this restaurant to be one of the Music City's finest offerings when it comes to rolls. The only real issue is getting here. Ichiban doesn't have a parking lot and its location on 2nd Ave means that parking is an adventure in frustration. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been able to score street parking anywhere near the joint. So, when planning an evening here, think about transportation well in advance. Otherwise, you're setting yourself up for a bad time. Once you've figured out parking, however, everything else is aces. Whether dining in or eating out, make sure you take advantage of the marvelous maki that awaits at Ichiban. Being that I don't enjoy cream cheese or mayo or any sort on my rolls (come on, Americans; we can do better than that), my taste in rolls falls pretty squarely in the sushi chef's wheelhouse. I've been impressed by the Ichiban roll, spider roll, holly roll, rainbow roll, and caterpillar roll. All five have fantastic flavor, good balance, a nice amount of pieces for the prices, and none of the devil's condiments on raw fish. When feeling particularly hungry, you might even find me ordering a crab salad. While not the trendiest or most fab (location-wise) of sushi establishments in Nashville, Ichiban offers up really good product again and over again. Those 2nd Ave rents aren't cheap, y'all. Ichiban has to be doing something right to be staying in business for so long. If you haven't discovered what that is as of yet... change that. Soon.
(4)Steve C.
I like this place. The Japanese waitresses and the chef are very friendly. Decent place to have a lunch or dinner. Food is great, I'd suggest only order their sushi and rolls from the restaurant, their other Japanese dishes are just ok
(4)Jena S.
Great sushi spot here in downtown Nashville! There are some other good sushi restaurants here, but this one is legit. Even though it is located on 2nd Ave, it is kind of tucked away and not many tourists seem to patronize Ichiban. (Presumably they are there to get the "Nashville experience", so BBQ is probably more their thing) So I've not seen the place get too crowded. Definitely THE place to go for sushi here in Nashville.
(5)Jennifer P.
My boyfriend and I are sushi snobs and have tried a large number of the sushi selections Nashville has to offer. When planning his birthday, I decided to go somewhere I kept hearing was "very authentic". Ichiban did not disappoint! I must admit, I was concerned by its location... aka tourists. However, this place is one of those great hidden gems and surprisingly did not mimic the hustle and bustle of 2nd Avenue. The sushi was some of the freshest I've had in Nashville and the service was prompt and delightful. Our waitress even surprised him with a huge plate of green tea ice cream and lit candles once they overheard it was his birthday. I couldn't have been more pleased with my experience and food. I will definitely be returning!
(4)Michelle P.
Surprisingly good and fresh sushi for middle Tennessee. Service was speedy and kind, definitely felt like a little world of its own, situated next to Goorin's hat shop on 2nd Ave as a subtle option for those wanting something different than the typical "honky tonk" experience for a meal. I really like their spicy tuna, which I know sounds really basic until I elaborate that I've worked almost 5 years in the sushi industry in the past and have yet to find a quality spicy tuna roll that wasn't caked in "spicy mayo". Ick. But they did it :) so for sushi purists, go all out here. From their caterpillar to fisherman roll to even the simple spicy tuna they do it right and well :)
(4)Simon T.
Even people from Tokyo think this is the best sushi in Nashville. Meet a man from Tokyo last time we were here that said that the sushi here is comparable to sushi you would find in Japan.
(5)Keith G.
In a sea of touristy country bars and lackluster restaurants on 2nd Ave, Ichiban is a welcome reprieve. I go here pretty frequently. The "piece de resistance" is the pizza roll - pretty adventurous and very good! The service is super fast and attentive as well. Also, they have great lunch combos - soup, salad, and 2 rolls for only $9!
(4)Rena H.
Had been in Tennessee for three days with American food, I really wanted something asian. Found this place on yelp, went in there around 9 PM and I loved it. I got the spicy crawfish roll and the ramen. Ramen was full of flavor and huge portion for a decent price. This is a must go place when I'm in Nashville next time.
(5)Michael W.
You can cheat westerners, but by no means it is good japanese food! Really lack 'skill-man-ship'(åŒ äººå¿ƒ).
(1)Sanjay R.
Great sushi rolls and very reasonable prices. I tried the Holly Roll, Salmon Skin Roll, and Karate Roll. All were well done! A quiet spot in the middle of a busy an crowded tourist area.
(4)Josh R.
Small restaurant but has a great feel and atmosphere. Sat at the sushi bar and ordered the chirashi. It was $18 and came with soup and salad. They filled the bowl full. I was very pleased with the quality of fish and the options. There was at least 18 pieces and I ate it all! Some of it was fish I don't care for generally, but I took it as a challenge! I highly recommend and wish I had more time in Nashville to go back!
(5)JR C.
We were told by multiple people that Ichiban was THE place to go for Japanese, in Nashville, and we weren't disappointed. The service was great, the fish was fresh and tasty, and everything was spot on. This was a little more pricey than your standard strip mall sushi place, but the quality was there. We'll definitely be back, the next time we're in Nashville!
(5)Rick D.
Had a hankering for fish tonight. Solid sushi experience that I didn't expect in the Midwest.
(4)Marion S.
Found this on yelp and was excited to try something different besides BBQ! Place was as described - hidden away down 2nd ave, with a cozy feel. We were ushered in immediately and sat in a booth in the back. My husband and I split a Yaki soba which was not specifically on the menu but they assured us they had it and it was delicious! The entree came out quickly and then shortly after we received our sushi -again fresh, well made and plenty for us to share. I would go there again and again if I lived here. Trust the reviews and give Ichiban a try!
(5)Jim D.
Ichiban has been my favorite Japanese restaurant in Nashville for 22 years. My reason starts at the door. The room is nice, moderately lit and inviting. There is a full bar with a good but rather small sake list. Way in the back is the sushi bar which looks nice but I've never eaten there. The service is really good. We have been there enough that not only do they know our names but which sake we drink and what we typically eat. We always have service with a smile. The food is wonderful. My wife loves the sukiyaki and pork dumplings. I usually order two crunchy shrimp rolls (which they do better than anyone else in town) and an order of kushikatsu because I obviously need more fried food in my diet. Give them a try!
(5)Julina K.
Ichiban is my FAVORITE Japanese Restaurant here in Nashville. They have the Best Sushi, my favorite is the Dixieland roll, even their crunchy shrimp room is good. I ordered it for a friend that doesn't like to be too adventurous with sushi. I so always order the yellow tail fish neck & the soup, I forgot what's it's called but they know exactly what it is because I order it every time I go. Normally it's ramen noodles, but I like the udon noodles instead with pork and veggies. But I guarantee everything there is delicious and fresh. Oh and I love the grateful dead drink, it's a Long Island with chambord liqueur. It's strong, but good.
(5)Shana B.
To my surprise I came back after 15 years from living NYC and this restaurant was still here! Was my favorite back then and still is now. NY has some of the best sushi bars in the US and this place holds up to the bar. Fresh and surprisingly new things I've never tried. The only thing it lacks on is atmosphere otherwise staff and food is wonderful. Will never stop going. #1 in my book!
(5)Don W.
Ate lunch here the other day, while in town for a conference. Favorable reviews and walking distance to hotel led me to choose this restaurant from among three or four seemingly comparable choices. In a nutshell, I thought it was great. Giant clam and Uni were not only on the menu, but available. The albacore was phenomenal, and they had sea eel, which isn't always available at many sushi bars. I had these, as well as their Yellowtail, also excellent. They had a number of rolls and specialty rolls that several fellow patrons ordered, but they're not my thing. Highly recommend.
(4)Tom K.
The Sign is a little difficult to find on this restaurant heavy avenue. Went here for a nice sushi double date where we found decent prices and sushi. The service was great and very attentive. Being from the New York area, I found the ramen sub-par. At first glance, it appeared to have it all. But to be critical, Broth wasn't full of the pork-based masterpiece flavor found in the east parts of world and United States (NYC). The noodles also did not have the same flare. I didn't finish the meal yelling "Kaedama"!
(3)Lexie D.
My boyfriend and I were here visiting and we had a craving for sushi, as we usually do. We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel (which I do recommend) and the clerk at the front desk suggested we go there. Overall, we weren't impressed. My biggest complaint was the service. I HATE being rushed to read a menu and make a decision and within 8 minutes of sitting down the waitress stood over me to make a decision. I hadn't even looked at the sushi menu. My boyfriend ordered his usual and was not impressed with the Spider roll. I ordered the chicken teriyaki and again, not impressed. It was very small portion and the chicken was dry despite being soaked in sauce. We did order the Miso soup though and that was very good. Next time we are in town, we will definitely try something else. Overall, it was expensive for what we ordered.
(2)Rachel S.
I was so excited to see a highly rated sushi bar a block from my new apartment. However after dining here... I was extremely underwhelmed. As a sushi snob who just moved to Nashville last month, I have been searching for something comparable to what I'm used to in Los Angeles. I'm still searching. Ichiban didn't have real crab- but instead told us the white fish imitation krab was "real".
(2)Mai H.
Within downtown area, definitely no other sushi place can beat Ichiban. They put serious effort into making Ichiban as authentic as possible. Love their rolls, and the ramen was very decent. I will definitely come back for their sashimi and hotpot!
(4)Steve W.
I've spent the last 3 weeks trying to convince my wife to get sushi with me. I don't like it that much, but I've been craving it like pregnant women crave ice cream and pickles. Finally, at the end of our long weekend road trip, she caved. Unfortunately she waited until we were in Nashville vs a coastal city, but I wasn't complaining. I opened yelp and as it was freezing cold and we were walking from the country music hall of fame, I picked the highest rated place that was less than 1/2 mile away. They offered a decent lunch special which allowed you to get 2 or 3 rolls, but the selection was limited. It came with soup and salad. My wife got the veggie roll and spicy tuna. I went with the salmon and yellowtail. All the rolls were made fresh and quickly as you would hope for at lunch. The downside of this place was the service. It wasn't bad, but it was borderline abrasive. I know they were probably trying to help the work lunch crowd that was in a hurry on a Tuesday, but we had been seated less than 5 minutes and the waitress asked 3x if we had decided. Overall left happy with my warm soup (did I mention it was cold?) and tasty sushi. Hopefully those cravings don't come back around for a while.
(4)Erin D.
I and another person were the only ones eating in the restaurant on a weeknight. As I reviewed the menu, two waitresses hovered a couple of feet from me. I found this to be a bit annoying. I ordered the miso soup (tasted as it should), unagi sushi, crunchy sushi, and spicy tuna. The size of the sushi pieces has been one of the biggest I've eaten. The spicy tuna was the spiciest I've eaten, and it was so spicy I had a hard time finishing the sushi. My meal cost about $20. For the price, the restaurant was ok, but ambience could be improved. There's nothing that screams, "You have to come back again!" and so I give an average rating. If you're downtown in Nashville and want sushi within a walkable distance off of the Broadway strip, this will suffice. But don't expect anything glamorous!
(3)Christina S.
Small restaurant two doors off Broadway. In an area where no food other than BBQ is present, I could live in Ichiban. A great place for sushi and Japanese dishes. I especially liked the Udon noodles, and all the sushi we had was great. I believe they close after lunch before dinner, so call if you are midday to see if open. Across from Wildhorse Saloon.
(4)Jamie M.
In from out of town and came to eat at Ichibon based on the great reviews. Too bad they were closed an hour before listed closing time and I won't get to try it. What a waste of time driving downtown and paying for parking!
(1)Robert S.
I had high expectations when I arrived downtown to eat here. After all, you Yelpers have made this the highest-rated sushi bar in Nashville! The interior was dim, the mood peaceful, and polite chit chat could be heard over the background muzak. What about the food, you ask? The food was good in a way that reminded me of places other than Nashville. For sushi, that is a good thing. The service was polite and non-intrusive. I did not eat at the sushi bar but I will make it a point to eat at the bar the next time I am here.
(4)Jenny A.
Fantastic-excellent service. Try the Nashville Roll. Staff very kind, clean establishment and quick service. Not too pricey.
(5)Lake M.
If you're looking for authentic Japanese in Nashville, this is your place: stellar katsu dishes, quality noodle soups, and a pretty good sushi selection of nigiri and rolls (I'm not much of a roll guy, but the Dixieland roll made an impression on me). Atmospherically, Ichiban is ideal for a handful of dinner settings, and the service is great: the servers tend to you when needed, but don't hang around when not. The gentlemen behind the sushi bar are friendly as well, and if you're well-versed on Asian culture or the ins-and-outs of the Nashville bar scene, you can have a pleasant conversation with them on slow nights. All in all, it's the best Japanese you will find for now in Nashville. It's Downtown, so you will have to pay for parking. It's on Second Avenue, so it is a little expensive. And it's geared toward a Western palate, so some of the soups hold back on the dashi broth and miso. But that said, I give it four stars; it's the best I've had in Tennessee since I moved back from Japan.
(4)Lauren S.
Best sushi in Nashville by far. They have a huge menu for everyone that loves sushi and for those that want something from the kitchen. If you like less common sushi like uni, they almost always have it in stock. I highly recommend their crunchy shrimp roll, salmon skin handroll, shimeiji butter mushrooms, chirashi, and anything that involves salmon or toro. Their tempura udon is worth a try in the colder months or if you want something not sushi. The Dixieland roll is great if you don't care about your heart and want to really splurge on fried roll goodness. Be sure to try their fried ice cream, mochi, or green tea cheesecake if they have it in! If you're on a budget, be careful with what you order. It's not hard for the bill to get up to 30 or 40 bucks a person.
(5)Mink M.
Japanese owned sushi joint. It's actually pretty good considering it's Nashville. I admit that I am a bit if a sushi snob but with the limited choices here in TN, this is a true gem to find. Parking sucks, it's either street or lots that charge about $10-15. Atmosphere is super casual, nothing fancy. The back where the ladies restroom is, that hallway is disgusting though cause there's a bunch of shoes lying around like it's someones house instead of business. Service is not exactly the best but it's not horribly bad either but definitely could be better. As long as you keep your expectations low than its fine. If you know sushi and love it you will not be blown away but you won't be disappointed either.
(3)Ed W.
Came here on a recommendation. It was late and about 49 minutes before closing. I was treated as I was the first person of the day. The sushi and sashimi was very well made and very fresh. I highly recommend this place for lunch or dinner.
(4)Kevin R.
I had lunch here with a Co-Worker today. It wasn't very good. Walking in the place was mostly empty at lunch time so that should have been my first clue. I ordered some sushi and it was average at best. The interesting thing was the Soy sauce was terrible. I tried the low sodium one first and it was so salty it was hard to swallow. Then I tried the regular and realized it was the same stuff in 2 different bottles. It wasn't even the good stuff... it was some generic crap that was down right awful. I am shocked that the yelp reviews are not worse.
(1)Terri H.
Great sushi! The Japanese atmosphere is wonderful. Our waitress brought us a warm towel before we got started. I know very little about Japanese culture so I assumed it was something they did and washed my hands with the towel. We started with tempura vegetables and they were delicious. I then ordered a California roll and a spicy crawfish roll. I try to order one that I know I like and one I've never eaten when I eat sushi. Adventurous with a backup plan is how I play. Both were delicious and I can't wait to return to try more house special rolls.
(5)Jay H.
Nashville roll. House salad. Miso soup. Bam! And the staff is amazing (Sachiko and Aura are wonderful). I have never been disappointed there and I visit often.
(5)Jessica S.
I recently moved to the Nashville area and wanted to find some decent sushi place - and I found it! Ichiban has a fine selection of sushi and the service was awesome! Great atmosphere as well.
(4)Michael C.
In Japanese, "Ichiban" means "Number 1" or "The Best," and this place is. My wife and I overnight in Nashville regularly on our way to points north. We have dinner here on nearly every visit and have never had a single problem. The food is fabulous and the service is as good as you're going to get from Japanese sushi chefs and wait staff. We have eaten in (literally) a couple hundred sushi joints over the years and would rank Ichiban in the top three. If you really want to know that you're in a top-flight sushi restaurant, it's not the stars on Yelp that make it so -- it is when you look around the restaurant and see that at least a couple tables are occupied by Japanese people -- not Japanese Americans speaking English, but Japanese expats who come for a taste of home and a place where they aren't required to speak English. Ichiban is one of those places.
(5)Courtney E.
Coming to Nashville, I didn't expect to find good sushi. Thankfully, I was wrong, and some coworkers pointed me here. I'd say this place is the best in the area after trying a few others. I've been back so many times they know my order already (is that sad?). So far my favorites are the Ichiban, rainbow, and caterpillar rolls, and the ramen soup. They have a sushi bar in the back if you're eating alone or as a couple, where they make the sushi in front of you. The staff is all really nice and the waitresses are quick at taking your order, keeping drinks refilled, and getting the bill--making it a great place for a quick meal.
(4)Sharmeela S.
Another great place to eat before going out downtown. The food is fantastic. I love the tempura udon and the agedashi tofu. The shrimp tempura meal is excellent too.
(5)Kaleena 'Kala' H.
During MTAC, my fiance and I had a small get-together with some friends and decided to try out Ichiban. It was an amazing experience and the food was tasty! I ordered shrimp tempura soba and an order of gyoza. All of it was tasty, although I couldn't finish the soba because I got so full. Hopefully I will be able to try some of their sushi in the future, as one of our friends ordered sushi and he said it was delicious. I gave a 4 star rating for the service...we had planned to have a larger group of people at the dinner, but some had to bail at the last second due to lack of money and we did not have time to call the restaurant to let them know. They were not happy, albeit pretty rude about the situation.
(4)Paul K.
Wasn't expecting too much from sushi in Nashville, but the place was surprinsingly good. I started with edamame (good) and Beef Negi Maki (subpar), and then switched to sushi which was all good- Alaska roll (excellent) sashimi sampler (decent) and unagi nigiri (good). Service was friendly and the bill was reasonable.
(4)Cher Y.
Excellent variety of authentic Japanese food, and the fish is FRESH which is key to good sushi. In terms of variety of Japanese dishes, Ichiban is unmatched in the greater Nashville area. Friendly service, in a warm casual dining atmosphere that seeks to recreate a cozy Japanese dining atmosphere. Parking can be difficult given its downtown location so plan ahead of time. Though not exactly cheap, it is well worth the price in terms of consistent quality served. I look forward to my special date nights here! --------------------------------------- PROS: FRESH sushi Largest authentic Japanese menu in the greater Nashville area Consistent quality CONS: parking a bit on the pricey side
(5)James R.
Good sushi - had Dixieland and spicy tuna . Both we're good and I would order again. I have had a little better but would definitely come back. Service a little slow but they were busy.
(4)Ryan H.
Food looked great and was delicious. I had some sushi and a bento box lunch. Can't wait to go again.
(5)Max R.
Was in Nashville for a conference, and I was not expecting to find great sushi. I was happily proven wrong by this place!
(5)Cathy S.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Nashville, hidden amongst honky tonks and Country Charm is a little taste of Japan called Ichiban. Offering a warm and cozy atmosphere, friendly and helpful server's and a sushi bar for many, an evening at Ichiban is an evening we love. For the 21 and over set, start with an ice cold Ichiban (yes, Ichiban has Ichiban on draft) or sip on a Sake. Personally, I enjoy indulging on a half bottle of wine. Try a starter. The edamame is fresh, nicely salted and the small plates and choices are many. For the noodle lover, I recommend trying bowl of Ramen or sharing a pot of Sukiyaki. The Teriyaki is perfect, the Katsu is yummy and the sushi is fresh and inventive. One note, because Ichiban is downtown Nashville parking can be a challenge and expensive. For us, there is no better way to spend Valentine's Eve then spending it at Ichiban. Don't leave without trying the Banana's Tempura. A Japanese dessert dream.
(5)Samantha S.
YES. I've been obsessed with Ichiban for 7+ years and can't remember ever having a bad experience here. Great staff, the freshest sushi in Nashville (in my humble opinion) and priced just right. I usually do take out from here but when I do dine in, I feel a sense of ease being the only American in the restaurant at times. If the traveling and local Japanese love Ichiban, I'm obviously doing something right! Having a birthday dinner or any other selection? Book the private room in the back for a more private and authentic experience. I use to love that it was downtown as I worked right across the street and it was easy for me to pop in for a to-go order. Now I wish it was elsewhere.
(5)Rudy L.
Amazing restaurant and some amazing people that make up the staff and owners. We have brought many people from Japan to this place and they seem to enjoy the food and ambiance.
(4)John S.
Food is good, service can be hit or miss. First time I went the service was fantastic, but this last time it was so-so. Atmosphere is very good, but it's on the pricey side (although it is located in downtown, so that's to be expected). I actually like Osaka better (for noodle dishes) and Samurai better (for sushi) because they are just as good and much cheaper, but if you're in downtown Nashville and want some good Japanese food in a pretty classy ambiance, Ichiban's a good choice.
(3)Audra S.
The many Japanese business men I saw dining at Ichiban made it apparent that it is an authentic sushi bar. The fish was super fresh and they had a nice selection of specialty rolls, like the Dixieland and the Nashville. My favorite was the spicy tuna because it was simple and unlike most of it's more American counterparts whose spicy tuna is never spicy, Ichiban's had a nice kick and cucumber gave it a little crunch. They have good green tea, seaweed salad and ginger dressing. The service was good and the wait not long. They did not however, as another Yelper had mentioned in a review, have hot towels and for the price, they were chinsey with the edamame. These two little complaints are the only reason I gave Ichiban four stars instead of five.
(4)Eliza R.
I am hesitant to give Ichiban 5 stars because it's not the BEST sushi I've ever had; however, it's likely one of the best sushi places in Nashville that I've been to so far. The restaurant is tucked downtown in an unassuming location between honky tonk bars and tacky souvenir shops. The inside is cozy, quiet and dimly lit, and our server was pleasant enough. I ordered salmon and shrimp nigiri (my standbys), as well as a spicy tuna roll and seaweed salad. The seaweed salad was bright green, fresh and tasty, and the tuna roll had the perfect amount of kick to it. My test for how a sushi restaurant really is, is the quality of the salmon nigiri - if that's good, the rest seems to follow. It didn't disappoint here! The salmon was buttery, fatty, melt-in-your-mouth smooth! I could have ordered an entire plate of it. I definitely want to go back to Ichiban and try more of their rolls!
(4)Mike J.
Ichiban is a solid 4-star sushi joint, that has fallen behind the times by not offering a wide array of "mango-cheese-strawberry-and-mayonaise" sushi that has become all the rage with the "do you have any sushi that doesn't have any raw fish in it?" set. What Ichiban does offer is properly prepared rice, fresh fish, and reasonable prices. This is the go-to spot when entertaining Japanese guests.
(4)Tifanny E.
This place is authentic and has a cozy atmosphere. Considering it's location in the downtown area, you can assume a top notch place. I can't say this place blew my breathe away though. The food came out in a fairly quick time and we ordered plenty of appetizers and a few entrees to try a variety. Most of the meals lacked a certain speciality. Nothing was bad and I'd go here again. Not my first choice for Japanese food in Nashville.
(3)Helen H.
Ambiance is okay, but bathroom is pretty nasty. Service is fine. Price value is ridiculous. Maybe because it's Nashville and there aren't a plethora of Japanese restaurants but this place would hands down lose in Chicago. Udon is $11! For a normal very bland portion. Also only had fishcakes and seaweed- very minimal additions. Tempura shrimp average. Saving grace is def the sushi rice- very very nice. We also got the 11 course meal- more like just a bunch of appetizers. Beef rolls in scallion- good but pretty salty. Salad rolls-good. Beef tenders- not flavorful. Sauté mushrooms good. Sushi and sashimi good.
(2)George F.
I am always cautious about sushi unless I know people who have gone, but the reviews gave me confidence. I had the chicken and beef teriyaki meal which comes with both + miso soup (fantastic), salad (good), 5 pieces of sushi (great) and a california roll (what you would expect). All was fresh, hot, quick and a friendly face and sushi maker at the bar. Also, it's a great quiet respite from the flashing neon and blaring music of Broadway.
(4)Heather H.
This was a nice change from the heavy food generally available in the downtown area. We had several different vegetarian rolls, which were all good, and also got the agedashi tofu. The tofu was good, but the portion was really small for the price. We got three squares of fried tofu, which really wasn't much. The waitress was very helpful in letting us know what items had bonito or fish sauce in them.
(3)Sean T.
Quality and service have both declined significantly in the past six months. We have take this one off our list.
(2)Yoie L.
I went with my boyfriend while we were vacationing in Nashville. I am pretty picky when it comes to sushi. We got different types of sushi. They were ok, not super fresh, but I didn't get a stomach ache afterward. Like other yelpers said, the waitress seriously looks like she was a drug addict back in the days. I wouldn't want to go back if we were to visit Nashville again...but we might have to if the bf decides to go to school there in a couple of years. yikes.
(3)Ally A.
*side note* out of town friends are AWESOME! they come to town and force you to get of your couch and go on an adventure! i wish people came to see me every few weeks so that i had an excuse to drive to nashville and explore. now, onto the restaurant: have you ever heard of hot yoga, where you go and stretch and strain and hold downward dog FOREVER in like 130 degree heat? yeah, i experienced hot sushi dining at this place. there was no air conditioner on with the door to the street open. i felt like i was sweating off all the calories i was consuming. AND YET, this place still got 5 stars. what does that tell you? the tempura udon was srsly the BEST udon i've ever had in my life. slurping up noodles, crunching on massive prawns and adding *just the right amount* of spice was a magical experience...delicioso! we split a few surprise rolls we selected without even knowing what they were: the norway (cream cheese and salmon goodness), the dixieland (mmmmmmmmmm yummy...i don't even know what was in it, i just know it was good!). and of course, we had to try the sushi pizza. yummy yummy in my tummy...crispy rice, hints of spicy mayo, slightly scorched avocado with some crab. oh yeah, it was rockstar! there was an entire table of japanese businessmen seated next to us, laughing, downing sake and beer and talking loudly in japanese...it totally added to my experience. i suggest you get your butt down to this place. just make sure you're hydrated!
(5)Terri W.
The service is terrible. This was not a one time occurrence. They are impatient and try to hustle you out. The food is wonderful and the only reason I go back. The tempura chicken and box lunch is incredible.
(4)Jim L.
It's good to see Ichiban has overall good reviews, as it is one of my favorite places to eat in Nashville. It has become a tradition for us to go here before almost all Nashville Predators games and other downtown events, so needless to say, we have been here a lot over the years, probably more that just about anyone. So it's a little disturbing to see reviews that complain of inconsistency in the food and poor service. I have never experienced either at Ichiban. It is consistently excellent on all fronts, in our experience. Both the sushi and cooked items have never been a disappointment. Admittedly, there have been maybe two times over the years, when the restaurant was significantly busier than normal, so it took a few minutes longer to get drinks, etc., but this is far from their normal level of excellent service, so we understood. I will go here to eat at every opportunity when I'm downtown for the evening. I love this place.
(5)Elijah A.
Unfortunately, my business partner and I went there tonight to interview a candidate. It seems that the restaurant is permanently closed.
(1)Ryan P.
This is the best straight-up sushi downtown. They have a great selection of rolls, but there's something about their hotate nigiri (scallop sushi) that stands out. It melts in your mouth and is almost sweet enough to be classified as a dessert. The prices are reasonable considering the quality of the food, and they often have cuts of tuna that lesser places sushi restaurants in Nashville can't get. The staff is knowledgable and helpful.
(5)Benjamin S.
My fiance and I had been wanting to try this place out for some time now. We had intended the trip to be a gathering of many of our MTAC friends for dinner before the evening's activities. However, approximately half our party bailed on us at the last minute (literally) and there was no time to call the restaurant before we got there. They were not happy we did not give them a heads up, but eh... what could you do. Anyway the menu here is vast and in both Japanese and English. I had the miso soup and shrimp tempura soba. It was really good and tasted very fresh. Our server was very patient with us, as none of the people in my group, myself included, had ever been to Ichiban. I hope to return soon and truly put them to the test by trying their sushi, which I have heard good things about. Overall it was a great experience and walking into the restaurant you felt like you were actually stepping into an establishment in Japan, thus adding to the authenticity. My only complaint is that the menu made no mention of spinach being in the soba... which I had to fish out. While I won't dock them for this, it is still a bit upsetting as spinach is not a common ingredient in Japanese cooking.
(5)B L.
Sushi in a land locked city such as Nashville can be a tricky proposition, but Ichiban does a nice job of offering a variety of tasty options. They have a variety of different rolls from which to choose, and you can order any Nigiri as Sashimi, but they don't really have a sashimi menu. The rolls were well done and the fish was probably about as good as you are going to get in Nashville. (I think Ken's is just as good). I stuck with the more traditional rolls - if you like the mega-cream cheese filled- deep fried rolls, this probably isn't your place. We asked about an omakase, but they were a little unhelpful on this. Our waitress told us to just pick a price. Despite us asking several times what price range she would recommend, she could not tell us. I would go back if I were downtown, but I think Ken's is just as good. Cork fee was only $10!
(4)April K.
Expensive but great foods. I would not recommand sushi here but kitchen food was good. You should try tempura ice ream at the end of the meal.
(4)Janet S.
Huge selection of hot and cold appetizers, e.g string beans in miso, eggplant in terriyaki or miso, duck with lemon and sake broth (yum) and this is what I like best here. The sashimi is A-OK but the rolls barely passable for me but there is something for everyone on the menu here. A range of cocktails including the purple haze, sake and chambord hot. Two for 1 sake happy hour every night. They have a couple of tatami rooms and we have had our annual street neighbor gathering for 5 years running here and they have taken care of us nicely.
(3)Angelina T.
This is one of the few places you can order toro in Nashville, but it was a little... dare I say... rough. We ordered Sashimi and it was not the smooth, marbled texture that you would expect or the melt in your mouth flavor I was craving. Such a disappointment. Everything else was average -- edamame, sushi rolls, service. They forgot one item that we ordered (shrimp tempura), but we cancelled it and left. With the Nashville curve for sushi restaurants (because there are some dogs) this comes out to a 3. But if you're "just visiting", don't bother.
(3)