4. Restaurants

Koto Sushi Bar

421 Union St, Nashville, TN, 37219
  • (615) 255-8122
  • Store is closed

Koto Sushi Bar Menu

  • Appetizers
  • Soup Salad Sunomono & Rice
  • Noodle Dish
  • Sushi Special & Domburi
  • Nigiri Sushi

Healthy Meal suggestions for Koto Sushi Bar

  • Appetizers
  • Soup Salad Sunomono & Rice
  • Noodle Dish
  • Sushi Special & Domburi
  • Nigiri Sushi

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  • Samuel L.

    This place was excellent. I think I have finally found the sushi place in nashville that I will just keep going to. The rolls were not very expensive, but extraordinarily fresh. The sashimi was fantastic, and also reasonably priced. The service was outstanding. The standouts for me were 2 things, the baby octopus salad, and the sashimi. The place is not very big, very intimate, but it wasn't too loud when I was in, it was dinner time, I bet it's a bit louder at lunch given the downtown location. They also seem to have a couple of rely good lunch options, bento boxes, etc.. I would like to thank koto for saving me from the likes of virago, the best part about this place is that none of those really cool Nashville people will be here. No longer will I have to scowl at them, while I wonder how many homeless people they kicked today. Koto, thank you.

    (5)

  • Rod G.

    Koto ah numbah one! Short and sweet, it is very good. This is a small, family run place. Hadji throws a mean roll and is famous for his stuff. Best crunchy shrimp roll in town. Koto has had 3 locations for it's many years and remains the same. Others have come and went with sushi fads. There is only very good sushi and bad sushi. If you are looking for something other than above standard food at a reasonable price then Koto may not be for you. Here you will find most traditional Japanese menu items and a few Korean ones from Hadji's wife. Lunch and dinner specials. They will also do rolls to order at the bar. The Miso and Udon rules. The new location on Union has upgraded decor and an expanded menu but the food, people and tastes are the same for this Nashville tradition. My favorite place in town because it is not trendy. It does not do all you can eat meals. There is no buffet and you will not hear techno music. It is not the coolest place in town or hip. You will not be "seen" here or wait long. You will have a good quality meal that tastes great. For a decent price.

    (5)

  • Steph H.

    We all know that my heart belongs to Samurai when it comes to sushi, but every now and then I feel like trying something new just to make sure there aren't any other tastier fish in the sea. Walking into Koto feels a lot like what I would imagine it feels like to walk into a charming little sushi bar in Japan. The place isn't very big, and the decorations definitely give off a quaint Japanese vibe, though not in a cheesy way. The atmosphere is really nice, and the only thing that detracts from the ambiance is the tv they have up on the wall, which seems unnecessary and is a bit of a mood killer. Also, I definitely noticed a distinct "fish" smell when we walked in, and while it wasn't enough to deter us, I have to say that it was a bit offputting because I've never noticed this issue with any of the other sushi places I've tried in Nashville. Given that so many people have praised how fresh the fish is here, I was a surprised by the pungent odor, but I have to say that despite the scent, we had no issues with the freshness or quality of our meal. Another thing that surprised me was how CHEAP the food was! Most of the rolls were in the $4 range, and even the appetizers were very reasonable. We got an order of gyoza, and for $4 and some change, we got six succulent dumplings. As for the rolls themselves, I did NOT feel like the selection was very interesting or creative: most rolls were just one kind of fish wrapped in nori and rice with some avocado, cucumber, egg, burdock root, or scallions. Nothing wrong with this because the flavors were very clean and the simple ingredients really let the ingredients shine. BUT if you're used to places that put fruit in their sushi or have 5 or 6 ingredients in each roll, you might find the choices here a bit pedestrian and underwhelming. I did feel that while the flavors were really good here, part of why the rolls might be less expensive is because they are definitely on the smaller side and they do include fewer ingredients. Also, visually, they weren't as appealing or impressive as the sushi at Samurai - the rolls didn't seem as cleanly executed, and even our spider roll didn't have the visual impact of the one at Samurai (no little soft-shell crab legs peeking out to look like spider legs!). I have a feeling that the sushi here might be more authentic (not having had sushi in Japan, I can't say), so I think it might be unfair to compare it to a place like Samurai; both places are very good in their own rights, they just do different things. I was definitely excited to see that under their nigiri options that they had lots of unusual options listed that are very traditional but are generally not offered at most Japanese restaurants in town. Unfortunately, when I tried to order the toro (fatty tuna) I was told they were out, and that apparently they might not have that any more. Some other people tried to order various items and were also told they didn't have them... in that case, I think it might make more sense to have a specials board where you list what options are available daily for nigiri to minimize ordering disappointment! We had to swap in unagi (eel) instead, and it was really delicious, but I had my heart set on the tuna! Although Koto sushi didn't change my mind about my favorite spot for sushi in Nashville, it still was a solid dining experience, and I could definitely see coming here on nights when I didn't feel like braving the crowds at Samurai. It's a different style of sushi and a different vibe, so for those looking to compare the two, just know that they could not be more different! (About the only thing the two have in common is bad parking options!) Using that as my baseline I would say that I found Koto's sushi to be less exciting and original, but most rolls were about half the price of the rolls at Samurai (but maybe smaller portions as well). Koto also appears to offer other Japanese fare apart from sushi, so perhaps the next time I'm craving tempura or some udon, I'll check this place out!

    (3)

  • Allan K.

    This little gem is hidden just across the street from the Doubletree hotel. We were a little nervous walking in as people looked as though the service might have been slow. We ordered a boat load of Sushi and a few items off the dinner menu, and I must say it was quite good. This restaurant moves people in and out at a steady pace and overall highly recommended.

    (4)

  • Helena S.

    I was pleased with this Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Nashville. As an L.A. transplant, I can't say it's the best Japanese, but very nice for Nashville. Certainly the actual interior and decor was, not to rhyme or anything but...surprisingly "Japanesey" without being cheesy. We order 2 dinner specials, a bento and a platter of sushi, with a pick your own roll option. I loved the unique citrus salad dressing, clearly made in house with a fresh twist on Japanese salad dressing. Tempura was great. Service was very casual. Staff is Japanese so I am assuming it's probably Japanese owned. Free soda refills. They have green tea ice cream but try the Red Bean ice cream for dessert for something different. About 5 Japanese beer choices and a handful of Saki choices as well.

    (3)

  • Nari P.

    Pro: Have good tempura. Price for lunch set is very reasonable. Like ginger mizo salad dressing, mizo soup is good. Good portion of foods. Con: Server tried to put me and my guest into a corner of bar while there was a table available. Loose rice rolls -- rice was not stick together as it should be.

    (4)

  • Jennifer M.

    Well, I'm still on my quest to find a new sushi gal pal, and Koto just didn't make the cut. The ambiance is fine--better than Samurai, not as good as Sushi Yobi or Virago. The service was really, really good. Unfortunately, the rolls were a little to boring for me. If you're someone who likes a California roll and a bowl of miso soup, Koto will probably be a great pick for you, but if you prefer outside-the-box rolls with bold flavors, Koto isn't going to cut it.

    (2)

  • Rich F.

    This was a great sushi joint. The fish was fantastic and I'll definitely go back. I have trouble getting excited about sushi - except in a negative way! Anyways, the food was great. And the waitress was cute too!

    (4)

  • H K.

    Great sushi. No extra-ordinary combinations, just the usual. But nonetheless it was fresh and delcious! Great prices too! $4-12 a roll...I'm used to Cincinnati $6-16 a roll.

    (4)

  • Susan H.

    Koto was serving sushi long before most people in Nashville ever thought about it. They were the first and best in town then and have maintained their quality regardless of the years and influx of new Asian restaurants. If you haven't tried this one you owe it to yourself to check it out. They may not have the name recognition that some other spots may have but the food will put them all to shame hands down. Locally owned from the beginning you will not meet more hard-working, hospitable and gracious owners. Hurry, check them out!!!

    (5)

  • Q Y.

    Been here couple of times already, but first time write a review. Sushi rice fall apart easy and tasted no better than other places like the one place in Arcade cost much less. Can't understand it's bento box. Waiter told me to pick one out of each category, but I didn't get my gyoza and tempura and it was served in a plate. A little pricy for a lunch in a crowded space and average food.

    (3)

  • Blair S.

    When I want to test a sushi bar, I always go for the chef's choice. For those not familiar, usually the chef's choice comes with several kinds of nigiri and sometimes a roll or sashimi on the side. Koto knocks this test out of the park every time. Oh the rolls are good too, but I have only tried a couple. Expect them to contain fresh fish and be skillfully assembled. I also like the broiled squid - I know not for everyone but you should try it! In each of my visits, I've only had one waitress and she always had the whole restaurant. She was still fast and friendly on a busy evening. I've only visited for dinner, when it's easy to be seated quickly even with a relatively full dining room. Prices are competitive to slightly lower than other sushi restaurants. Like other restaurants in the area, there is no dedicated free parking. However, after six and on weeknights (without major events), free parking is easy to find on the streets within a couple blocks.

    (5)

  • Johnna M.

    I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt and leave two stars, because maybe I just don't understand how sushi works in the South. I came here for a quick lunch and it took me about ten minutes to even be looked at by the host. Service did not get better from there, with my waitress forgetting to give me a sushi menu and a drink. Everyone has a bad day, I'm not one to dock stars for service, as long as they're polite. I started with a seaweed salad, which was pretty good. The sushi list didn't have a menu to explain the rolls, that I saw. This is fine, I consider myself well versed in sushi and am not afraid to ask questions. Except for the blasphemy that occurred. I ordered an Alaskan roll-I thought it was a classic go-to-salmon and avocado. Except...instead of avocado...there was raw tomato. Maybe this is common and I'm being ignorant. Please comment and let me know. I'd never heard of such a thing and I hope to never again. The rainbow roll was pretty awful too. But raw tomato on an an Alaskan roll? Please assure me I'm missing something. Either way, this is why having a clear menu helps things. The decor of the restaurant was very pretty and it was a busy lunch time, so I'm going to go with two stars.

    (2)

  • Jim B.

    Always awesome. Always ask Haj behind the bar what's good and he won't let you down. The crunchy shrimp roll is always good.

    (5)

  • rob d.

    Excellent service, delicious fresh selections. Hamachi to die for. The Ankimo (monkfish liver) was something I'd never tried before. If you like fois gras, you'll love this. Michelle, out host, was very kind and helpful. Another surprising treasure in Nashville.

    (5)

  • Devin P.

    well I have returned, many many times, seems sometimes you just gotta take the chance and let an establishment redeem themselves and they have, full force! In fact they pretty much know me and my daughter and welcome us with open arms. Hodgie, the owner is a Japan native, has been here in the states for nearly 35 years and takes pride in his sushi. One person you should talk to as he always has great stories and his love and passion for sushi shines through. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet and try again, glad we did. The food, well, it's sushi, it's what every place has it seems and no, there's nothing "exceptional" other than the people that own and work there. I know I've said I had cold service, maybe it was a bad night. They treat us well as I do them, like family. Sushi has been very consistent, fresh and tasty, always throwing in a little "extra" of something for us to try. I like that.

    (5)

  • Colleen J.

    I loved that this little sushi joint was not packed with the typical Nashville tourists that you find everywhere else on the strip. We stumbled in on a rainy Thursday night and were surprised that they were not too busy. While this first left us confused, we were cold and wet, so just decided to dive right in. The food, including sushi, was delicious, but service was rather slow for how quiet the place was. We were rarely checked on and had to ask any employee walking by for service, water, check, anything. Other than that, I enjoyed it, but would have been annoyed had I been in a hurry!

    (4)

  • Karyn J.

    Wow! You want a small cool place to eat? It's here! You want quick service with a friendly staff? It's here! You want great, fresh sushi! Then right here is where you need to be. I had lunch with a girlfriend and for under $10 we had miso soup, salad, sushi rolls plus a hibachi grilled selection! Can't wait to take the hubby!

    (5)

  • Natalya S.

    I came here for lunch. They have a nice lunch special where you can pick two items and they come with soup and salad, I had the chicken teriyaki and a tuna roll. I think my meal with tip came to about $12. The sushi was good and the terriyaki was okay. We also ordered the gyoza there, which apparently is made from scratch at this place, it was tastey and I recommend trying it. The service was average and decor standard as well. Good place to go for a well priced Japanese meal right by the Arkade.

    (3)

  • brandon o.

    I went to Koto Monday night with a major hankering for Sushi. From previous reviews, Ichiban had been my Sushi bar of choice. No longer! This quaint and small little family run business is. my new fav in Nashville. Clean, friendly and welcoming, my Maki was excellent, fresh and complex. I could not believe the prices! Has to be the most economical quality Sushi I've ever had. Highly recommend for a try! A note on the green tea-It is different here, very strong and somewhat bitter. With that said, I liked it! Not your mothers green tea, more like your Japanese grandmothers green tea!

    (4)

  • Eric B.

    i like this place a lot. their new location is worlds nicer than the old spot on seventh! i remember going there many nights before hitting the clubs, always a good way to start the night. this is one of my preferred sushi spots in nashville, the value is second to none! my only beef is the maki seems to be rolled a little carelessly/messy (but that's what i get for ordering maki, right? lol) and both times i've been since they moved in the new spot, they haven't had toro. but aside from that, i can't diss this place at all! eric b

    (4)

  • Emily Y.

    It's jammed packed during the lunch hour, but I don't see why. I ordered a standard dish--tonkatsu. It was prepared dry and tough. Re. the salad w/ ginger dressing that came w/ it, was bland, and a bit odd tasting. I did not order the sushi, but I can't imagine it'd be too great, if they can't do a standard dish right. For Nashville area, Peter's is still the best.

    (2)

  • Liliana G.

    this is the best sushi in nashville. period. i've been going to koto since it was just a little hole in the wall with 4 seats at the bar and only six tables over on 3rd ave. this is where my dad introduced me to tako and unagi when i was 11 and told me if i was going to be eating sushi with him, i'd have to start with these. the chef/owner knows my dad on sight - which i'm sure doesn't hurt the service (or the bill) any.

    (5)

  • Sarah R.

    It's a good price for what you're getting. Standard Japanese menu with a great bento box for lunch.

    (4)

  • Robert K.

    Koto is a really nice sushi bar downtown on Union Street. I am shocked I had never heard of this place before. The sushi was spectacular, It has been a long time since I have had fish that fresh in Nashville, plus the location is great for downtown folks. The wasabi is also definitely very fresh. I went with a sushi hating friend and he had one of the many teriyaki dishes that they serve up. It tried the teriyaki chicken and it was really good, the sauce they use is nice and viscous with sesame seeds, just how I like it! The place was completely packed and the servers were still quick to bring us the food, check, and drinks. This has got to be one of the best lunch time spots for busy business people who work downtown. Good luck finding parking!

    (5)

  • Matt D.

    Thrilled with the whole experience! Lunchtime seating was quick - we arrived at 11:45am on a Thursday with a party of six. Quality food, excellent service, beautifully designed atmosphere. I had Fresh Eel Nigiri and l-o-v-e-d it. A lovely space for fresh, fabulous food.

    (5)

  • Jennie H.

    Love the atmosphere. Clean and simple. The food was delicious. Sushi was very fresh. Didn't care for the house dressing though. All in all, very satisfied with everything.

    (5)

  • Alexis D.

    I'm from out of town and only here for the night so I wanted something warm and reasonably priced. Koto Sushi was less than a 5 minute walk from my hotel so I decided to give it a try. This is not the best food you have ever had but with such great prices it really doesn't have to be. I had the Shoyu Ramen and an order of Kim chee. The ramen was delicious and just what I needed in this cold weather. The kim chee was sweeter than I usually have but not bad. Considering my bill came out to be under $20 including drinks I'm pretty happy. The service was also quick and very nice so all and all I would definitely recommend.

    (4)

  • Stefanie P.

    Sushi downtown! What?! Really? Yes. Within walking distance from TPAC and The Hermitage Hotel this very tiny Sushi place is A-OK I sat at the sushi bar and the guys making sushi were working hard. I ordered the HOOK roll and the Spicy Tuna. The Spicy Tuna for $5.95 was very fresh, flavorful and a generous portion roll. This is a more traditional sushi place meaning you're not going to find mango / strawberry deep fried anything on this menu. There are 1 or 2 tempura rolls but that's about it. Most of the other people around me were single hotel goers and a few groups. There was only 1 waitress working but she was hustling, 2 sushi makers. I like small, quiet locally owned places like this. Parking could be a challenge as you'd have to park in a nearby parking garage around the block. But walking distance from most downtown hotels.

    (4)

  • Karri B.

    Not impressed with the "bento" style lunch box. Presentation was sloppy, half bowl of rice, teriyaki vegetables were mostly cabbage and the crunch shrimp roll was tasteless. The miso was good but the dressing on the salad was not appealing. (I normally love ginger dressing.) Part of me wants to try again but I also want good food that fills me up. Maybe your meal will be better?

    (2)

  • Steve C.

    Good food for your bucks. Service is very slow during the lunch time. You might want to avoid the peak hours or you might have to take one hour + lunch break.

    (3)

  • Lauren W.

    Last week Steve and I were heading to TPAC for a show and wanted to grab some dinner on the way. Koto Sushi Bar is located downtown and just a few blocks away from the theater, so we decided to give it a go. When we arrived we were seated right away, but within 10 minutes the place filled up with people going to see the same show. There appeared to be only one waitress for all the tables and I felt bad for her because that's just way too many customers for one lady. Probably because of this, the service was slow. Later on in the evening a different lady came out from the kitchen to help with the rush of customers. The night was cold so for starters we ordered some hot sake and a pickle plate. The pickles took a very long time to arrive at our table, considering they are cold and just have to be plopped on the plate. Because of the odd timing the sake arrived way before the pickles. Oy. Anyway, the pickles themselves were quite enjoyable. They had a good crunch and strong vinegar flavor. For dinner we ordered four rolls: Dragon roll, Yummie roll, crunchy shrimp, and the salmon skin roll. I also ordered some sea urchin because I love the stuff. When the food came I was slightly disappointed right off the bat. Appearance and presentation is an integral part of the sushi dining experience, but their rolls were just NOT PRETTY. It appeared that they took no time in making their sushi look delightful and perfect. The rolls looked mangled and the pieces were all different sizes. One sea urchin looked pretty and one was horribly ugly and kept falling over. The end pieces on all of the rolls were also ugly and did not contain much filling at all. Besides the presentation, the sushi was just ok. It didn't wow me but it was passable. The salmon skin was over cooked making it very hard in spots. I felt like the crab topping on the Yummie roll needed something else: mayo, spice, avocado? Just something. The only thing that Steve and I agreed on was that the crunchy shrimp was quite good. Overall, I wasn't impressed with Koto. But its downtown location and proximity to the theater, arts district and broadway is pretty hard to beat when looking for a decent (non-touristy, non-chain) place to eat downtown. I feel like I personally should give them another chance on a night when they aren't so swamped.

    (3)

  • Seth R.

    Quaint little place. Server was very nice and made great recommendation on a roll! Sushi was very good but not a fan of the house dressing.

    (5)

  • Ian Z.

    I live right around the corner and have come here a few times in the past week or two. It's a very low key spot with amazing food! It's hard to find good sushi in Nashville. Really hard! This place beats them all. Even the "high end" places like Virago. (Although I do enjoy Virago from time to time) Great sushi and more bang for your buck. Can't argue with that!

    (5)

  • David R.

    Great dinner tonight. The shrimp shumai app was juicy and delicious. I had the unagi donburi and my dining partner had the Caterpillar Roll and a smoked salmon cucumber skin roll. Both meals were very good. We also started off with "quail egg shooters" which was basically a raw quail egg, sesame oil, green onion and soy sauce in a shot glass. It was good and a really different eating experience. The service was very good, and I liked that a restaurant downtown on a Saturday night at 8 pm still had a quiet modest feel to it. Not overly crowded, no one dressed up, just a neighborhood casual feel to it. I will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Cher Y.

    I've dined at Koto at both their previous and new (current) location. The new location is more spacious and modern, and harder to find parking during certain hours. Overall, friendly staff, FRESH FRESH sushi, and a good diverse menu mixed up with creative dishes and authentic japenese dishes. Great presentation of food as well! Service can be slow at times cause it is a one man show at the sushi bar, but well worth the wait when I have the time. Their top notch fresh sushi is and has been consistent over the years, and is decently priced in terms of quality and quantity of food served. I look forward to my dinner trips here! ------------------------------------- PROS: FRESH sushi Good mix of creative versus authentic Japanese dishes Consistent quality Good price for value and quality Ample room for very large groups CONS: parking can be slow during peak hrs since it is a one man show at the sushi bar

    (5)

  • Mai H.

    I give Koto 3/5 stars only because I'm a Sushi snob and I definitely believe Sushi should be taken extremely seriously. Nevertheless, I love Koto for several reasons: 1- Decent menu with a variety of decent rolls and other basic Japanese dishes. 2- Proper lunch and dinner sets menu 3- Located right in downtown. 4- Good service and genuine staff I'd say some of their rolls can be slightly overpriced. The tuna is definitely not as fresh as they should be. The miso soup is just a Westernized version of miso. There is a lack of Sashimi counterparts in the menu. However since they are super close to where I live and work, I just can't think of any better place to get some take out whenever I crave Sushi, which happen pretty often!

    (3)

  • Ryan P.

    Koto is one of the better sushi places in Nashville. The lunch box special allows you to pick and choose from different categories of food, and they have every cut of tuna, including chutoro and otoro. The nagiri and rolls are very well-made and the presentation is quite nice. I haven't been here for dinner so I can't speak to the prices once the sun goes down, but lunch is very reasonable. A downtown favorite.

    (4)

  • Wanqing A.

    My husband and I are frequent customers there: mainly because my husband fell in love with this place's futo maki roll, dragon roll, and crunchy shrimp roll the first time he ate here, and he is craving this place every so often. Their other stuff is very good too, such as the dinner box with tempura and their green tea and green tea ice cream is to die for. Service is excellent. When I was pregnant and came here with my husband, they explained in detail which ones had cooked meat and which ones had raw fish so I wouldn't order the wrong thing. They even offered to take off the caviar and raw fish from some of the more complicated rolls. Anyways, best sushi rolls in town, according to my husband and I!

    (5)

  • Marcia M.

    How many times did I drive by Koto over the last few years and not notice this obscure sushi joint? Hundreds of time... maybe even thousands! A trip to the TPAC for the Nashville Opera that resulted in a growling stomach made me take notice as we started to trek to the parking garage. I was absolutely thrilled to find this charming and very affordable sushi option. We ordered several vegetable rolls (4-5), kimchi, seaweed salad, and some teas for a price tag that hovered around $30 for a couple. Not bad at all, right?! The rolls were tasty and the kimchi didn't let me down either. Is it the best sushi that I have ever had? No but it is a solid option! The menu is comprised of both Japanese and Korean favorites so be prepared for a plethora of options. TIP: Give the One Cup Sake a whirl at $6.50.

    (4)

  • Soukie K.

    Great sushi! Always busy as heck during lunch hours. I work next to the location and usually eat here 2-3 times a week.

    (5)

  • Libby B.

    I happened to be working downtown one day, and was craving sushi like mad. I didn't want to eat Subway yet again that week, nor did I want to gorge myself at Puckett's. Then lo and behold, someone mentioned a sushi locale within walking distance! Perfection! The atmosphere of the place is very nice, and the staff is quite friendly. My appetizer, which was my favorite thing I ate on this visit, was something not on the menu called the "Heart Attack". It's tempura-fried jalapenos stuffed with tuna and served with spicy mustard to dip them in. These are HOT. Seriously. I was able to eat three before my forehead broke out in a cold sweat and I drained my water glass twice. Then I had to get a to-go box; they're much easier to eat cold, I later discovered! The sushi seemed a bit lackluster compared to the appetizer. I think I had a crunchy shrimp roll and a Philly roll, and both were kind of lackluster but alright; neither really blew me away. I've come to really appreciate the presentation that accompanies sushi at many of the places I eat, and this was kind of underwhelming as far as that aspect goes. I think I expected a bit more for the price, as this place is not the cheapest. Even so, it was still sushi and satisfied the craving I had.

    (3)

  • Andreas H.

    Underwhelming experience. The Average: o Not the freshest fish, not the worst. Average. o Typical Americanized sushi menu, but decent selection of noodle soup dishes. The Poor: - Friendly staff, but slow service. - Horrible pacing - the first entree was brought out nearly 25 minutes before the last, so one person was getting hungry while another was finished and ready to go back to work. - We had to wait 10 minutes to be seated. There were open tables. Overall, I was pretty disappointed and won't be coming back.

    (2)

  • Maria C.

    Summary: quick service, affordable food, good quality I've been to this restaurant at least once a week for dinner for 3 months due to work, and the service was always quick and we were treated nicely. I've had sushi, edamame, noodles, oyako don, agedashi tofu, and an assortment of other dishes and they were always good. If you're in the area this place is a must!

    (4)

  • Bing F.

    Maybe it's the circles in which I travel, but only occasionally do I encounter really imaginative sushi. Koto, in downtown Nashville, practically explodes with creative options, many of which I eagerly ordered. But first, you've gotta love the inherent sense of humor on the Heart Attack appetizer, which is jalapeño, spicy tuna and cream cheese. Other starters include Scallop Bakudon (sauteed mushroom & scallops with creamy sauce) Wasabi Shumai and Oshitashi (keep your uncultured snickering to a minimum while eating boiled spinach with dried bonito.) Though I did order some of my favorites ( a great way to compare how different eateries prepare and present ) including saba, squid and a Rainbow Roll, I also leaped fearlessly into the adventure with two rolls that caught my eye. The Wayne Roll contains crab, eel, egg omelet, avocado and burdock roots, which are a variety of thistle and have a sweet, strong pungent flavor and crunchy consistency. The Norro Roll features clam, smelt egg, cucumber and burdock root. Both rolls were crunchy and combined a delightful mixture of flavors that were, at first challenging, and finally extremely satisfying. The owners of the establishment have operated Koto in various locations over the course of 27 years and were wonderful to talk to (he is from Okinawa, Japan - she is from Korea.) They were attentive and pleasant and our server was quick with the sake and other items that we desired. Be sure to have a good look at the Chinese Koto hanging on the wall opposite the sushi bar. It's an amazing piece of musical architecture and, as a musician, it was all I could do to keep from reaching out to pluck its long strings. The only thing Koto is missing would be someone jamming out on THAT thing instead of the television hanging in the corner broadcasting whatever it was that it was broadcasting. That's the reason for the four stars - the food was exquisite, as was the service and company. The atmosphere would've been a bit more magical without the intrusion of that omnipresent television set. Still, worth a visit, we'll be back again next time we're in Nashville.

    (4)

  • Dee a.

    The dressing on the salad had a citrus taste, which I was not expecting and wasn't really a fan of. The dragon roll was very good.

    (3)

  • Caitlin C.

    Im a fan, that's right! Me and 12 of my coworkers spent a couple hours dining on sushi on a Friday night at Koto. Now let me preface by saying I'm no sushi expert, I've got my favorites and I do also try to order at least one new or slightly adventurous things every time I go to a sushi joint. I've had some really great sushi and some really terrible sushi, and koto was neither - it was good, enjoyable but not the best and definitely not the worst. I really enjoyed their seaweed salad, super super yummy. Their spicy tuna rolls were tasty and I would definitely come back for just those two items. I was able to sample some of my of the things off other peoples plates, including homemade kimchi and sea urchin. I shall surely be recommending koto for sushi, and when I get the hankering this is probably where I'll end up. It's a good idea to call ahead and let them know if you are going to have a big party. We did and it worked out great! They had the whole center isle ready for us, and our server was very attentive and patient with our dumbbutt questions. Make it easy and ask for separate checks and the erasable white laminated menus. I later found out that the owners are a husband and wife team hailing from Japan and Korea and this place was the first real sushi joint in Nashville! Cool Stuff!

    (4)

  • Ian R.

    Here's the thing, I am a Japanese food snob. I can't help it. I lived in Japan and cook it at home several times a week. This can make eating at a Japanese restaurant in Nashville a very frustrating experience. It is not that the Nashville Japanese restaurants are terrible, I just have my expectations set to a different level. Ignorance would most definitely be bliss in most cases. I wish that I enjoyed Koto more than I did. The fault was not with the restaurant. The staff and the family that run it are very friendly and it is easy to see why they have stayed in business for so long. The atmosphere is very clean and nice, the presentation is good, the prices are comparable to other places in town. The food is pretty good, I am sure that they get very few complaints about taste or quality. If you are anything other than an intolerable food snob then I imagine you will enjoy your trip to Koto a great deal. If you are an intolerable snob then you have my sympathies. The support group meets on Tuesdays, see you there. I'll bring the curry.

    (3)

  • Brent O.

    Great sushi place and a total surprise. We found it after visiting the symphony. The salmon skin rolls were dark, almost beefy, in a good way. The avocado nigirizushi was awesome, perfectly ripe. The potstickers were perfectly done, not overcooked. The unagi was amazing with crispy edges. We ordered seconds and thirds. The only letdowns were the red dragon - rather tasteless, and the bananas tempura was just okay. The ambiance was a little odd - they had football glasses sponsored by a beer company, and there were only 3-4 tables on Sat at 6pm. Overall, would highly, highly recommend it, especially for the unagi.

    (4)

  • Erik A.

    I had a strong craving for sushi while in Nashville so found this place. The interior and atmosphere was "cute" and the service was very attentive. The food was average and many had said that if you are used to good sushi in other areas of the country you will be a bit disappointed. I will have to say that is true... unless you really need a fix, wait until you are out of town...

    (2)

  • Lucy M.

    I always have had a good experience here. It's the closest to authentic Japanese cuisine in Nashville with items not normally seen on American sushi house menus. There's quite a decent number of good sushi joints in Nashville, but Koto is the finest choice if you have the money for a new addiction. Go wild! Unagi - A++ cooked to perfection Nattho - A++++ Only place I can find it in the city! (thank god) Onigiri - A+++ Addictive Salmon Roe - A+++ Delicious. Not too strong of a fishy taste. Teas - Hot, fresh and strong

    (4)

  • Glenn F.

    This is one of my regular circuit lunch places in downtown Nashville. Today, I ate the lunch special- Tempura Shrimp and Teryaki shrimp and chicken served with soup and salad and a drink for $10.95 out the door. The food is always good and the sushi is hard to beat anywhere else. Good food, good service, good ambiance and price. I go back time and again.

    (4)

  • George N.

    I ordered the "box lunch" which is an incredibly great deal! Salad, Miso Soup, then your choice of sushi roll, with rice and a small stir fry choice. I chose the spicy tuna roll with chicken teriyaki. Very delicious, with great service, drinks refilled regularly, great overall. I recommend!

    (4)

  • Taylor Ann D.

    I like this place simply because it is easy for me to get to and is vegetarian friendly. However, Koto is just average and could use some more fresh veggies atop the noodles. The salad dressing is really good and the salad would have been too if it hadn't been premade and a bit frozen from sitting in the cooler. There is an older guy that makes sushi and I can appreciate his hard work. My BF said the sushi is pretty good. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by, it's a cute hole in the wall. Otherwise, eh, look somewhere else. Happy eats, TA

    (3)

  • Kate B.

    This humble establishment was more than acceptable for a sushi joint. The room is small and decor is simple, but I loved the samurai warrior in the front window. To start, the saki was perfect and we sat with friends taking saki shots. The miso soup was delicious! However, they had regular spoons instead of the normal japanese soup spoons, which disappointed me. The house salad dressing was a bit different. Not your normal ginger dressing but an odd onion dressing that left little to be desired. Next came a huge sushi platter that we all ordered. It came out on a big plate in the shape of a fish (cute). The fish tasted fresh and the sushi tasted really good (kudos to the chef). All in all I must say that this place was enjoyable and acceptable. I've been to better sushi places in other cities but im not sure if you can expect much more in Nashville.

    (3)

  • Jamie D.

    Miso - Just like you would expect Eel roll - Perfect Hook roll - Very fresh Hot tea - Hot This is a good place to go for lunch while working downtown. I paid just over $14. Not bad. Service was very friendly and fast. I really like this place and will be back very very soon. Seating is rally limited to about 4 people to a table. Not a large place. But, the food is really good for Nashville sushi.

    (4)

  • Janet S.

    Always liked Mr and Mrs Koto, extensive menu of Japanese with a few Korean thrown in from Mrs Koto. Tuna Sashimi appetizer - 5 big pieces for 8.50, very good value, Hiyakko with ikura on top 6.50, YUM, a pot of one cup sake ( I used to collect these One cups) for another $6.50 and ta da, dinner. Lovely soothing atmosphere with gentle music, must go more often, though still get a bit nostalgic for the old place every time I drive past and Mrs Koto's octopus bimibap.

    (4)

  • Anna A.

    Being that in my past life, I used to work downtown, I have spent many wonderful lunches at Koto. They used to be on 7th near Commerce and they moved in the last couple of years. Now that I have found them again, I will be heading back their way very soon. For the most part, I have eaten lunch there and stuck with the lunch boxes which come with a roll. The teriyaki chicken is good. The tempura is really good. Very light. However, I will spend the bulk of my review discussing the typical Japanese restaurant fare. For starters, I love their salad dressing. I love the ginger dressing but I really like it to have a little bit of creaminess to it. I feel Koto may be my favorite dressing. The rolls are all good. They have most of the standard stuff and some of the more exotic options. I really, really love their crunchy shrimp and California rolls. They do those particularly well. My husband is partial to the udon noodle soup. I think it's a little fishy but he just raves about it so what do i know. Green tea is also really warm and consistently good.

    (4)

  • Heather R.

    After all the nice review this place has, I want to know what went wrong when we went there. The green tea came in a beautiful pot, and tasted like grass. Pretty sure they were trying to stay as true to the tea ceremony as possible here, because this stuff was nasty. I ordered an assortment of sushi. Every freaking piece was slathered in wasabi. Seriously?! I can't stand wasabi, I have a very sensitive stomach, and trust me, my sinuses were cleaned out by the time we left. There was no way I was paying twenty bucks for a dinner and not eating it. I left with heartburn and very peeved off.

    (2)

  • Elizabeth M.

    Eh, it was okay. The tuna nigiri and spicy tuna roll were fresh enough, though not as fresh as they could have been; both were sort of tasteless (except for the green onion in the roll, which was just weird). The spider roll was better, though, again, not as flavorful as I'd have liked -- I missed the sauce most places put on them -- but it was fine once I doctored it with wasabi and ginger. But the service was good, and while it was easy to get a table on a weeknight, there were plenty of other diners there.

    (3)

  • John K.

    Koto Sushi Bar is the worst restaurant I have ever been to in my entire life. The service was horrible and slow. The sushi chef kept making orders of maki sushi and did not even start our order of sashimi after 2 hours. The Sake was not hot at all. I would not recommend this restaurant to anybody I know.

    (1)

  • Lashona M.

    This place stays packed so some people do like it! It has a great atmosphere though but its small like most sushi bars. Don't expect a fast checkout especially during lunch hour. Their sushi presentation wasn't that attractive nor was the taste fresh but not stale. It was just ok. All I can say is I've had better.

    (2)

  • Jeff S.

    A nice place to cure your sushi craving in downtown Nashville. I don't think the food will blow you out of the water... but I don't think it will get any complaints either.

    (3)

  • Stella S.

    I think I was still buzzing from the sake bombs when i wrote this review...I misspelled "potatoe"....lol...it's been corrected now!

    (3)

  • Joe C.

    I used to walk to this place for lunch with co-workers when my company was still in 2nd Ave. This is a very small place with only a few tables, but we always sat at the sushi bar. This place made awesome sashimi at a very reasonable price. It beat many of so called high-end Japanese places. Can't wait to visit Nashville and try this place again.

    (4)

  • Jasmine S.

    Very fresh, most authentic I've had in Nash. Keeping it simple.

    (5)

  • R R.

    Unfortunately I wasnt even able to eat at Koto... I must say we walked in 15 minutes before they closed since we got into Nashville late, most places will still serve you with a smile but NOT THIS TIME... when we walked in the server let out a huge sigh of displeasure that we had enough nerve to come in shy of them closing for the night. He promptly informed us that they were closing in 15 minutes.. we inquired about the sushi bar and he told us that the sushi bar was closed, even though there were 2 sushi chefs still standing behind the bar... that was enough for me, if they dont want my business I can clearly understand that server acting like that, I made it a point to let them know that with his attitude (I even mentioned his huge sigh) that we would find another place that wants our business.. we headed for SAMURAI on Elliston... Samurai was wonderful and by this time they were ready to close in 15 minutes as well but greeted us nicely when we came in and didnt mention it even though we knew they closed at 10pm... the service and food at SAMURAI was amazing and that is where we will spend our money on sushi at SAMURAI when we come to Nashville. As for the server working at KOTO last night.. your attitude sucks and I hope your boss reads this...

    (1)

  • Donna K.

    I am a foodie from California who is accustomed to getting fresh Hamachi Sashimi catch that day. For a sushi place that must fly in their catch due to the location in the country as well as being part Korean it is surprisingly high quality sushi cuts. I had the Gyozo and Hamachi Sashimi and thought it was good for the location. It is not the sushi calibar of a Nobu in Vegas or Morimoto's in Philly (iron chef) that I frequent, but it is good for a quick lunch or sushi craving in Nashville.

    (4)

  • Jamie D.

    Miso - Just like you would expect Eel roll - Perfect Hook roll - Very fresh Hot tea - Hot This is a good place to go for lunch while working downtown. I paid just over $14. Not bad. Service was very friendly and fast. I really like this place and will be back very very soon. Seating is rally limited to about 4 people to a table. Not a large place. But, the food is really good for Nashville sushi.

    (4)

  • Janet S.

    Always liked Mr and Mrs Koto, extensive menu of Japanese with a few Korean thrown in from Mrs Koto. Tuna Sashimi appetizer - 5 big pieces for 8.50, very good value, Hiyakko with ikura on top 6.50, YUM, a pot of one cup sake ( I used to collect these One cups) for another $6.50 and ta da, dinner. Lovely soothing atmosphere with gentle music, must go more often, though still get a bit nostalgic for the old place every time I drive past and Mrs Koto's octopus bimibap.

    (4)

  • Allan K.

    This little gem is hidden just across the street from the Doubletree hotel. We were a little nervous walking in as people looked as though the service might have been slow. We ordered a boat load of Sushi and a few items off the dinner menu, and I must say it was quite good. This restaurant moves people in and out at a steady pace and overall highly recommended.

    (4)

  • Helena S.

    I was pleased with this Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Nashville. As an L.A. transplant, I can't say it's the best Japanese, but very nice for Nashville. Certainly the actual interior and decor was, not to rhyme or anything but...surprisingly "Japanesey" without being cheesy. We order 2 dinner specials, a bento and a platter of sushi, with a pick your own roll option. I loved the unique citrus salad dressing, clearly made in house with a fresh twist on Japanese salad dressing. Tempura was great. Service was very casual. Staff is Japanese so I am assuming it's probably Japanese owned. Free soda refills. They have green tea ice cream but try the Red Bean ice cream for dessert for something different. About 5 Japanese beer choices and a handful of Saki choices as well.

    (3)

  • Nari P.

    Pro: Have good tempura. Price for lunch set is very reasonable. Like ginger mizo salad dressing, mizo soup is good. Good portion of foods. Con: Server tried to put me and my guest into a corner of bar while there was a table available. Loose rice rolls -- rice was not stick together as it should be.

    (4)

  • Jennifer M.

    Well, I'm still on my quest to find a new sushi gal pal, and Koto just didn't make the cut. The ambiance is fine--better than Samurai, not as good as Sushi Yobi or Virago. The service was really, really good. Unfortunately, the rolls were a little to boring for me. If you're someone who likes a California roll and a bowl of miso soup, Koto will probably be a great pick for you, but if you prefer outside-the-box rolls with bold flavors, Koto isn't going to cut it.

    (2)

  • John K.

    Koto Sushi Bar is the worst restaurant I have ever been to in my entire life. The service was horrible and slow. The sushi chef kept making orders of maki sushi and did not even start our order of sashimi after 2 hours. The Sake was not hot at all. I would not recommend this restaurant to anybody I know.

    (1)

  • Alexis D.

    I'm from out of town and only here for the night so I wanted something warm and reasonably priced. Koto Sushi was less than a 5 minute walk from my hotel so I decided to give it a try. This is not the best food you have ever had but with such great prices it really doesn't have to be. I had the Shoyu Ramen and an order of Kim chee. The ramen was delicious and just what I needed in this cold weather. The kim chee was sweeter than I usually have but not bad. Considering my bill came out to be under $20 including drinks I'm pretty happy. The service was also quick and very nice so all and all I would definitely recommend.

    (4)

  • Susan H.

    Koto was serving sushi long before most people in Nashville ever thought about it. They were the first and best in town then and have maintained their quality regardless of the years and influx of new Asian restaurants. If you haven't tried this one you owe it to yourself to check it out. They may not have the name recognition that some other spots may have but the food will put them all to shame hands down. Locally owned from the beginning you will not meet more hard-working, hospitable and gracious owners. Hurry, check them out!!!

    (5)

  • Q Y.

    Been here couple of times already, but first time write a review. Sushi rice fall apart easy and tasted no better than other places like the one place in Arcade cost much less. Can't understand it's bento box. Waiter told me to pick one out of each category, but I didn't get my gyoza and tempura and it was served in a plate. A little pricy for a lunch in a crowded space and average food.

    (3)

  • Jim B.

    Always awesome. Always ask Haj behind the bar what's good and he won't let you down. The crunchy shrimp roll is always good.

    (5)

  • rob d.

    Excellent service, delicious fresh selections. Hamachi to die for. The Ankimo (monkfish liver) was something I'd never tried before. If you like fois gras, you'll love this. Michelle, out host, was very kind and helpful. Another surprising treasure in Nashville.

    (5)

  • Lucy M.

    I always have had a good experience here. It's the closest to authentic Japanese cuisine in Nashville with items not normally seen on American sushi house menus. There's quite a decent number of good sushi joints in Nashville, but Koto is the finest choice if you have the money for a new addiction. Go wild! Unagi - A++ cooked to perfection Nattho - A++++ Only place I can find it in the city! (thank god) Onigiri - A+++ Addictive Salmon Roe - A+++ Delicious. Not too strong of a fishy taste. Teas - Hot, fresh and strong

    (4)

  • Taylor Ann D.

    I like this place simply because it is easy for me to get to and is vegetarian friendly. However, Koto is just average and could use some more fresh veggies atop the noodles. The salad dressing is really good and the salad would have been too if it hadn't been premade and a bit frozen from sitting in the cooler. There is an older guy that makes sushi and I can appreciate his hard work. My BF said the sushi is pretty good. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by, it's a cute hole in the wall. Otherwise, eh, look somewhere else. Happy eats, TA

    (3)

  • Lashona M.

    This place stays packed so some people do like it! It has a great atmosphere though but its small like most sushi bars. Don't expect a fast checkout especially during lunch hour. Their sushi presentation wasn't that attractive nor was the taste fresh but not stale. It was just ok. All I can say is I've had better.

    (2)

  • Kate B.

    This humble establishment was more than acceptable for a sushi joint. The room is small and decor is simple, but I loved the samurai warrior in the front window. To start, the saki was perfect and we sat with friends taking saki shots. The miso soup was delicious! However, they had regular spoons instead of the normal japanese soup spoons, which disappointed me. The house salad dressing was a bit different. Not your normal ginger dressing but an odd onion dressing that left little to be desired. Next came a huge sushi platter that we all ordered. It came out on a big plate in the shape of a fish (cute). The fish tasted fresh and the sushi tasted really good (kudos to the chef). All in all I must say that this place was enjoyable and acceptable. I've been to better sushi places in other cities but im not sure if you can expect much more in Nashville.

    (3)

  • Devin P.

    well I have returned, many many times, seems sometimes you just gotta take the chance and let an establishment redeem themselves and they have, full force! In fact they pretty much know me and my daughter and welcome us with open arms. Hodgie, the owner is a Japan native, has been here in the states for nearly 35 years and takes pride in his sushi. One person you should talk to as he always has great stories and his love and passion for sushi shines through. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet and try again, glad we did. The food, well, it's sushi, it's what every place has it seems and no, there's nothing "exceptional" other than the people that own and work there. I know I've said I had cold service, maybe it was a bad night. They treat us well as I do them, like family. Sushi has been very consistent, fresh and tasty, always throwing in a little "extra" of something for us to try. I like that.

    (5)

  • Colleen J.

    I loved that this little sushi joint was not packed with the typical Nashville tourists that you find everywhere else on the strip. We stumbled in on a rainy Thursday night and were surprised that they were not too busy. While this first left us confused, we were cold and wet, so just decided to dive right in. The food, including sushi, was delicious, but service was rather slow for how quiet the place was. We were rarely checked on and had to ask any employee walking by for service, water, check, anything. Other than that, I enjoyed it, but would have been annoyed had I been in a hurry!

    (4)

  • Karyn J.

    Wow! You want a small cool place to eat? It's here! You want quick service with a friendly staff? It's here! You want great, fresh sushi! Then right here is where you need to be. I had lunch with a girlfriend and for under $10 we had miso soup, salad, sushi rolls plus a hibachi grilled selection! Can't wait to take the hubby!

    (5)

  • Natalya S.

    I came here for lunch. They have a nice lunch special where you can pick two items and they come with soup and salad, I had the chicken teriyaki and a tuna roll. I think my meal with tip came to about $12. The sushi was good and the terriyaki was okay. We also ordered the gyoza there, which apparently is made from scratch at this place, it was tastey and I recommend trying it. The service was average and decor standard as well. Good place to go for a well priced Japanese meal right by the Arkade.

    (3)

  • Ian R.

    Here's the thing, I am a Japanese food snob. I can't help it. I lived in Japan and cook it at home several times a week. This can make eating at a Japanese restaurant in Nashville a very frustrating experience. It is not that the Nashville Japanese restaurants are terrible, I just have my expectations set to a different level. Ignorance would most definitely be bliss in most cases. I wish that I enjoyed Koto more than I did. The fault was not with the restaurant. The staff and the family that run it are very friendly and it is easy to see why they have stayed in business for so long. The atmosphere is very clean and nice, the presentation is good, the prices are comparable to other places in town. The food is pretty good, I am sure that they get very few complaints about taste or quality. If you are anything other than an intolerable food snob then I imagine you will enjoy your trip to Koto a great deal. If you are an intolerable snob then you have my sympathies. The support group meets on Tuesdays, see you there. I'll bring the curry.

    (3)

  • Glenn F.

    This is one of my regular circuit lunch places in downtown Nashville. Today, I ate the lunch special- Tempura Shrimp and Teryaki shrimp and chicken served with soup and salad and a drink for $10.95 out the door. The food is always good and the sushi is hard to beat anywhere else. Good food, good service, good ambiance and price. I go back time and again.

    (4)

  • Stefanie P.

    Sushi downtown! What?! Really? Yes. Within walking distance from TPAC and The Hermitage Hotel this very tiny Sushi place is A-OK I sat at the sushi bar and the guys making sushi were working hard. I ordered the HOOK roll and the Spicy Tuna. The Spicy Tuna for $5.95 was very fresh, flavorful and a generous portion roll. This is a more traditional sushi place meaning you're not going to find mango / strawberry deep fried anything on this menu. There are 1 or 2 tempura rolls but that's about it. Most of the other people around me were single hotel goers and a few groups. There was only 1 waitress working but she was hustling, 2 sushi makers. I like small, quiet locally owned places like this. Parking could be a challenge as you'd have to park in a nearby parking garage around the block. But walking distance from most downtown hotels.

    (4)

  • Karri B.

    Not impressed with the "bento" style lunch box. Presentation was sloppy, half bowl of rice, teriyaki vegetables were mostly cabbage and the crunch shrimp roll was tasteless. The miso was good but the dressing on the salad was not appealing. (I normally love ginger dressing.) Part of me wants to try again but I also want good food that fills me up. Maybe your meal will be better?

    (2)

  • Steve C.

    Good food for your bucks. Service is very slow during the lunch time. You might want to avoid the peak hours or you might have to take one hour + lunch break.

    (3)

  • Jennie H.

    Love the atmosphere. Clean and simple. The food was delicious. Sushi was very fresh. Didn't care for the house dressing though. All in all, very satisfied with everything.

    (5)

  • Lauren W.

    Last week Steve and I were heading to TPAC for a show and wanted to grab some dinner on the way. Koto Sushi Bar is located downtown and just a few blocks away from the theater, so we decided to give it a go. When we arrived we were seated right away, but within 10 minutes the place filled up with people going to see the same show. There appeared to be only one waitress for all the tables and I felt bad for her because that's just way too many customers for one lady. Probably because of this, the service was slow. Later on in the evening a different lady came out from the kitchen to help with the rush of customers. The night was cold so for starters we ordered some hot sake and a pickle plate. The pickles took a very long time to arrive at our table, considering they are cold and just have to be plopped on the plate. Because of the odd timing the sake arrived way before the pickles. Oy. Anyway, the pickles themselves were quite enjoyable. They had a good crunch and strong vinegar flavor. For dinner we ordered four rolls: Dragon roll, Yummie roll, crunchy shrimp, and the salmon skin roll. I also ordered some sea urchin because I love the stuff. When the food came I was slightly disappointed right off the bat. Appearance and presentation is an integral part of the sushi dining experience, but their rolls were just NOT PRETTY. It appeared that they took no time in making their sushi look delightful and perfect. The rolls looked mangled and the pieces were all different sizes. One sea urchin looked pretty and one was horribly ugly and kept falling over. The end pieces on all of the rolls were also ugly and did not contain much filling at all. Besides the presentation, the sushi was just ok. It didn't wow me but it was passable. The salmon skin was over cooked making it very hard in spots. I felt like the crab topping on the Yummie roll needed something else: mayo, spice, avocado? Just something. The only thing that Steve and I agreed on was that the crunchy shrimp was quite good. Overall, I wasn't impressed with Koto. But its downtown location and proximity to the theater, arts district and broadway is pretty hard to beat when looking for a decent (non-touristy, non-chain) place to eat downtown. I feel like I personally should give them another chance on a night when they aren't so swamped.

    (3)

  • Seth R.

    Quaint little place. Server was very nice and made great recommendation on a roll! Sushi was very good but not a fan of the house dressing.

    (5)

  • Ian Z.

    I live right around the corner and have come here a few times in the past week or two. It's a very low key spot with amazing food! It's hard to find good sushi in Nashville. Really hard! This place beats them all. Even the "high end" places like Virago. (Although I do enjoy Virago from time to time) Great sushi and more bang for your buck. Can't argue with that!

    (5)

  • David R.

    Great dinner tonight. The shrimp shumai app was juicy and delicious. I had the unagi donburi and my dining partner had the Caterpillar Roll and a smoked salmon cucumber skin roll. Both meals were very good. We also started off with "quail egg shooters" which was basically a raw quail egg, sesame oil, green onion and soy sauce in a shot glass. It was good and a really different eating experience. The service was very good, and I liked that a restaurant downtown on a Saturday night at 8 pm still had a quiet modest feel to it. Not overly crowded, no one dressed up, just a neighborhood casual feel to it. I will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Blair S.

    When I want to test a sushi bar, I always go for the chef's choice. For those not familiar, usually the chef's choice comes with several kinds of nigiri and sometimes a roll or sashimi on the side. Koto knocks this test out of the park every time. Oh the rolls are good too, but I have only tried a couple. Expect them to contain fresh fish and be skillfully assembled. I also like the broiled squid - I know not for everyone but you should try it! In each of my visits, I've only had one waitress and she always had the whole restaurant. She was still fast and friendly on a busy evening. I've only visited for dinner, when it's easy to be seated quickly even with a relatively full dining room. Prices are competitive to slightly lower than other sushi restaurants. Like other restaurants in the area, there is no dedicated free parking. However, after six and on weeknights (without major events), free parking is easy to find on the streets within a couple blocks.

    (5)

  • Johnna M.

    I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt and leave two stars, because maybe I just don't understand how sushi works in the South. I came here for a quick lunch and it took me about ten minutes to even be looked at by the host. Service did not get better from there, with my waitress forgetting to give me a sushi menu and a drink. Everyone has a bad day, I'm not one to dock stars for service, as long as they're polite. I started with a seaweed salad, which was pretty good. The sushi list didn't have a menu to explain the rolls, that I saw. This is fine, I consider myself well versed in sushi and am not afraid to ask questions. Except for the blasphemy that occurred. I ordered an Alaskan roll-I thought it was a classic go-to-salmon and avocado. Except...instead of avocado...there was raw tomato. Maybe this is common and I'm being ignorant. Please comment and let me know. I'd never heard of such a thing and I hope to never again. The rainbow roll was pretty awful too. But raw tomato on an an Alaskan roll? Please assure me I'm missing something. Either way, this is why having a clear menu helps things. The decor of the restaurant was very pretty and it was a busy lunch time, so I'm going to go with two stars.

    (2)

  • Cher Y.

    I've dined at Koto at both their previous and new (current) location. The new location is more spacious and modern, and harder to find parking during certain hours. Overall, friendly staff, FRESH FRESH sushi, and a good diverse menu mixed up with creative dishes and authentic japenese dishes. Great presentation of food as well! Service can be slow at times cause it is a one man show at the sushi bar, but well worth the wait when I have the time. Their top notch fresh sushi is and has been consistent over the years, and is decently priced in terms of quality and quantity of food served. I look forward to my dinner trips here! ------------------------------------- PROS: FRESH sushi Good mix of creative versus authentic Japanese dishes Consistent quality Good price for value and quality Ample room for very large groups CONS: parking can be slow during peak hrs since it is a one man show at the sushi bar

    (5)

  • Mai H.

    I give Koto 3/5 stars only because I'm a Sushi snob and I definitely believe Sushi should be taken extremely seriously. Nevertheless, I love Koto for several reasons: 1- Decent menu with a variety of decent rolls and other basic Japanese dishes. 2- Proper lunch and dinner sets menu 3- Located right in downtown. 4- Good service and genuine staff I'd say some of their rolls can be slightly overpriced. The tuna is definitely not as fresh as they should be. The miso soup is just a Westernized version of miso. There is a lack of Sashimi counterparts in the menu. However since they are super close to where I live and work, I just can't think of any better place to get some take out whenever I crave Sushi, which happen pretty often!

    (3)

  • Ryan P.

    Koto is one of the better sushi places in Nashville. The lunch box special allows you to pick and choose from different categories of food, and they have every cut of tuna, including chutoro and otoro. The nagiri and rolls are very well-made and the presentation is quite nice. I haven't been here for dinner so I can't speak to the prices once the sun goes down, but lunch is very reasonable. A downtown favorite.

    (4)

  • Wanqing A.

    My husband and I are frequent customers there: mainly because my husband fell in love with this place's futo maki roll, dragon roll, and crunchy shrimp roll the first time he ate here, and he is craving this place every so often. Their other stuff is very good too, such as the dinner box with tempura and their green tea and green tea ice cream is to die for. Service is excellent. When I was pregnant and came here with my husband, they explained in detail which ones had cooked meat and which ones had raw fish so I wouldn't order the wrong thing. They even offered to take off the caviar and raw fish from some of the more complicated rolls. Anyways, best sushi rolls in town, according to my husband and I!

    (5)

  • Marcia M.

    How many times did I drive by Koto over the last few years and not notice this obscure sushi joint? Hundreds of time... maybe even thousands! A trip to the TPAC for the Nashville Opera that resulted in a growling stomach made me take notice as we started to trek to the parking garage. I was absolutely thrilled to find this charming and very affordable sushi option. We ordered several vegetable rolls (4-5), kimchi, seaweed salad, and some teas for a price tag that hovered around $30 for a couple. Not bad at all, right?! The rolls were tasty and the kimchi didn't let me down either. Is it the best sushi that I have ever had? No but it is a solid option! The menu is comprised of both Japanese and Korean favorites so be prepared for a plethora of options. TIP: Give the One Cup Sake a whirl at $6.50.

    (4)

  • Soukie K.

    Great sushi! Always busy as heck during lunch hours. I work next to the location and usually eat here 2-3 times a week.

    (5)

  • Libby B.

    I happened to be working downtown one day, and was craving sushi like mad. I didn't want to eat Subway yet again that week, nor did I want to gorge myself at Puckett's. Then lo and behold, someone mentioned a sushi locale within walking distance! Perfection! The atmosphere of the place is very nice, and the staff is quite friendly. My appetizer, which was my favorite thing I ate on this visit, was something not on the menu called the "Heart Attack". It's tempura-fried jalapenos stuffed with tuna and served with spicy mustard to dip them in. These are HOT. Seriously. I was able to eat three before my forehead broke out in a cold sweat and I drained my water glass twice. Then I had to get a to-go box; they're much easier to eat cold, I later discovered! The sushi seemed a bit lackluster compared to the appetizer. I think I had a crunchy shrimp roll and a Philly roll, and both were kind of lackluster but alright; neither really blew me away. I've come to really appreciate the presentation that accompanies sushi at many of the places I eat, and this was kind of underwhelming as far as that aspect goes. I think I expected a bit more for the price, as this place is not the cheapest. Even so, it was still sushi and satisfied the craving I had.

    (3)

  • Andreas H.

    Underwhelming experience. The Average: o Not the freshest fish, not the worst. Average. o Typical Americanized sushi menu, but decent selection of noodle soup dishes. The Poor: - Friendly staff, but slow service. - Horrible pacing - the first entree was brought out nearly 25 minutes before the last, so one person was getting hungry while another was finished and ready to go back to work. - We had to wait 10 minutes to be seated. There were open tables. Overall, I was pretty disappointed and won't be coming back.

    (2)

  • Maria C.

    Summary: quick service, affordable food, good quality I've been to this restaurant at least once a week for dinner for 3 months due to work, and the service was always quick and we were treated nicely. I've had sushi, edamame, noodles, oyako don, agedashi tofu, and an assortment of other dishes and they were always good. If you're in the area this place is a must!

    (4)

  • Brent O.

    Great sushi place and a total surprise. We found it after visiting the symphony. The salmon skin rolls were dark, almost beefy, in a good way. The avocado nigirizushi was awesome, perfectly ripe. The potstickers were perfectly done, not overcooked. The unagi was amazing with crispy edges. We ordered seconds and thirds. The only letdowns were the red dragon - rather tasteless, and the bananas tempura was just okay. The ambiance was a little odd - they had football glasses sponsored by a beer company, and there were only 3-4 tables on Sat at 6pm. Overall, would highly, highly recommend it, especially for the unagi.

    (4)

  • Erik A.

    I had a strong craving for sushi while in Nashville so found this place. The interior and atmosphere was "cute" and the service was very attentive. The food was average and many had said that if you are used to good sushi in other areas of the country you will be a bit disappointed. I will have to say that is true... unless you really need a fix, wait until you are out of town...

    (2)

  • Bing F.

    Maybe it's the circles in which I travel, but only occasionally do I encounter really imaginative sushi. Koto, in downtown Nashville, practically explodes with creative options, many of which I eagerly ordered. But first, you've gotta love the inherent sense of humor on the Heart Attack appetizer, which is jalapeño, spicy tuna and cream cheese. Other starters include Scallop Bakudon (sauteed mushroom & scallops with creamy sauce) Wasabi Shumai and Oshitashi (keep your uncultured snickering to a minimum while eating boiled spinach with dried bonito.) Though I did order some of my favorites ( a great way to compare how different eateries prepare and present ) including saba, squid and a Rainbow Roll, I also leaped fearlessly into the adventure with two rolls that caught my eye. The Wayne Roll contains crab, eel, egg omelet, avocado and burdock roots, which are a variety of thistle and have a sweet, strong pungent flavor and crunchy consistency. The Norro Roll features clam, smelt egg, cucumber and burdock root. Both rolls were crunchy and combined a delightful mixture of flavors that were, at first challenging, and finally extremely satisfying. The owners of the establishment have operated Koto in various locations over the course of 27 years and were wonderful to talk to (he is from Okinawa, Japan - she is from Korea.) They were attentive and pleasant and our server was quick with the sake and other items that we desired. Be sure to have a good look at the Chinese Koto hanging on the wall opposite the sushi bar. It's an amazing piece of musical architecture and, as a musician, it was all I could do to keep from reaching out to pluck its long strings. The only thing Koto is missing would be someone jamming out on THAT thing instead of the television hanging in the corner broadcasting whatever it was that it was broadcasting. That's the reason for the four stars - the food was exquisite, as was the service and company. The atmosphere would've been a bit more magical without the intrusion of that omnipresent television set. Still, worth a visit, we'll be back again next time we're in Nashville.

    (4)

  • Dee a.

    The dressing on the salad had a citrus taste, which I was not expecting and wasn't really a fan of. The dragon roll was very good.

    (3)

  • Caitlin C.

    Im a fan, that's right! Me and 12 of my coworkers spent a couple hours dining on sushi on a Friday night at Koto. Now let me preface by saying I'm no sushi expert, I've got my favorites and I do also try to order at least one new or slightly adventurous things every time I go to a sushi joint. I've had some really great sushi and some really terrible sushi, and koto was neither - it was good, enjoyable but not the best and definitely not the worst. I really enjoyed their seaweed salad, super super yummy. Their spicy tuna rolls were tasty and I would definitely come back for just those two items. I was able to sample some of my of the things off other peoples plates, including homemade kimchi and sea urchin. I shall surely be recommending koto for sushi, and when I get the hankering this is probably where I'll end up. It's a good idea to call ahead and let them know if you are going to have a big party. We did and it worked out great! They had the whole center isle ready for us, and our server was very attentive and patient with our dumbbutt questions. Make it easy and ask for separate checks and the erasable white laminated menus. I later found out that the owners are a husband and wife team hailing from Japan and Korea and this place was the first real sushi joint in Nashville! Cool Stuff!

    (4)

  • George N.

    I ordered the "box lunch" which is an incredibly great deal! Salad, Miso Soup, then your choice of sushi roll, with rice and a small stir fry choice. I chose the spicy tuna roll with chicken teriyaki. Very delicious, with great service, drinks refilled regularly, great overall. I recommend!

    (4)

  • Samuel L.

    This place was excellent. I think I have finally found the sushi place in nashville that I will just keep going to. The rolls were not very expensive, but extraordinarily fresh. The sashimi was fantastic, and also reasonably priced. The service was outstanding. The standouts for me were 2 things, the baby octopus salad, and the sashimi. The place is not very big, very intimate, but it wasn't too loud when I was in, it was dinner time, I bet it's a bit louder at lunch given the downtown location. They also seem to have a couple of rely good lunch options, bento boxes, etc.. I would like to thank koto for saving me from the likes of virago, the best part about this place is that none of those really cool Nashville people will be here. No longer will I have to scowl at them, while I wonder how many homeless people they kicked today. Koto, thank you.

    (5)

  • Rod G.

    Koto ah numbah one! Short and sweet, it is very good. This is a small, family run place. Hadji throws a mean roll and is famous for his stuff. Best crunchy shrimp roll in town. Koto has had 3 locations for it's many years and remains the same. Others have come and went with sushi fads. There is only very good sushi and bad sushi. If you are looking for something other than above standard food at a reasonable price then Koto may not be for you. Here you will find most traditional Japanese menu items and a few Korean ones from Hadji's wife. Lunch and dinner specials. They will also do rolls to order at the bar. The Miso and Udon rules. The new location on Union has upgraded decor and an expanded menu but the food, people and tastes are the same for this Nashville tradition. My favorite place in town because it is not trendy. It does not do all you can eat meals. There is no buffet and you will not hear techno music. It is not the coolest place in town or hip. You will not be "seen" here or wait long. You will have a good quality meal that tastes great. For a decent price.

    (5)

  • Steph H.

    We all know that my heart belongs to Samurai when it comes to sushi, but every now and then I feel like trying something new just to make sure there aren't any other tastier fish in the sea. Walking into Koto feels a lot like what I would imagine it feels like to walk into a charming little sushi bar in Japan. The place isn't very big, and the decorations definitely give off a quaint Japanese vibe, though not in a cheesy way. The atmosphere is really nice, and the only thing that detracts from the ambiance is the tv they have up on the wall, which seems unnecessary and is a bit of a mood killer. Also, I definitely noticed a distinct "fish" smell when we walked in, and while it wasn't enough to deter us, I have to say that it was a bit offputting because I've never noticed this issue with any of the other sushi places I've tried in Nashville. Given that so many people have praised how fresh the fish is here, I was a surprised by the pungent odor, but I have to say that despite the scent, we had no issues with the freshness or quality of our meal. Another thing that surprised me was how CHEAP the food was! Most of the rolls were in the $4 range, and even the appetizers were very reasonable. We got an order of gyoza, and for $4 and some change, we got six succulent dumplings. As for the rolls themselves, I did NOT feel like the selection was very interesting or creative: most rolls were just one kind of fish wrapped in nori and rice with some avocado, cucumber, egg, burdock root, or scallions. Nothing wrong with this because the flavors were very clean and the simple ingredients really let the ingredients shine. BUT if you're used to places that put fruit in their sushi or have 5 or 6 ingredients in each roll, you might find the choices here a bit pedestrian and underwhelming. I did feel that while the flavors were really good here, part of why the rolls might be less expensive is because they are definitely on the smaller side and they do include fewer ingredients. Also, visually, they weren't as appealing or impressive as the sushi at Samurai - the rolls didn't seem as cleanly executed, and even our spider roll didn't have the visual impact of the one at Samurai (no little soft-shell crab legs peeking out to look like spider legs!). I have a feeling that the sushi here might be more authentic (not having had sushi in Japan, I can't say), so I think it might be unfair to compare it to a place like Samurai; both places are very good in their own rights, they just do different things. I was definitely excited to see that under their nigiri options that they had lots of unusual options listed that are very traditional but are generally not offered at most Japanese restaurants in town. Unfortunately, when I tried to order the toro (fatty tuna) I was told they were out, and that apparently they might not have that any more. Some other people tried to order various items and were also told they didn't have them... in that case, I think it might make more sense to have a specials board where you list what options are available daily for nigiri to minimize ordering disappointment! We had to swap in unagi (eel) instead, and it was really delicious, but I had my heart set on the tuna! Although Koto sushi didn't change my mind about my favorite spot for sushi in Nashville, it still was a solid dining experience, and I could definitely see coming here on nights when I didn't feel like braving the crowds at Samurai. It's a different style of sushi and a different vibe, so for those looking to compare the two, just know that they could not be more different! (About the only thing the two have in common is bad parking options!) Using that as my baseline I would say that I found Koto's sushi to be less exciting and original, but most rolls were about half the price of the rolls at Samurai (but maybe smaller portions as well). Koto also appears to offer other Japanese fare apart from sushi, so perhaps the next time I'm craving tempura or some udon, I'll check this place out!

    (3)

  • Rich F.

    This was a great sushi joint. The fish was fantastic and I'll definitely go back. I have trouble getting excited about sushi - except in a negative way! Anyways, the food was great. And the waitress was cute too!

    (4)

  • H K.

    Great sushi. No extra-ordinary combinations, just the usual. But nonetheless it was fresh and delcious! Great prices too! $4-12 a roll...I'm used to Cincinnati $6-16 a roll.

    (4)

  • Anna A.

    Being that in my past life, I used to work downtown, I have spent many wonderful lunches at Koto. They used to be on 7th near Commerce and they moved in the last couple of years. Now that I have found them again, I will be heading back their way very soon. For the most part, I have eaten lunch there and stuck with the lunch boxes which come with a roll. The teriyaki chicken is good. The tempura is really good. Very light. However, I will spend the bulk of my review discussing the typical Japanese restaurant fare. For starters, I love their salad dressing. I love the ginger dressing but I really like it to have a little bit of creaminess to it. I feel Koto may be my favorite dressing. The rolls are all good. They have most of the standard stuff and some of the more exotic options. I really, really love their crunchy shrimp and California rolls. They do those particularly well. My husband is partial to the udon noodle soup. I think it's a little fishy but he just raves about it so what do i know. Green tea is also really warm and consistently good.

    (4)

  • Heather R.

    After all the nice review this place has, I want to know what went wrong when we went there. The green tea came in a beautiful pot, and tasted like grass. Pretty sure they were trying to stay as true to the tea ceremony as possible here, because this stuff was nasty. I ordered an assortment of sushi. Every freaking piece was slathered in wasabi. Seriously?! I can't stand wasabi, I have a very sensitive stomach, and trust me, my sinuses were cleaned out by the time we left. There was no way I was paying twenty bucks for a dinner and not eating it. I left with heartburn and very peeved off.

    (2)

  • Elizabeth M.

    Eh, it was okay. The tuna nigiri and spicy tuna roll were fresh enough, though not as fresh as they could have been; both were sort of tasteless (except for the green onion in the roll, which was just weird). The spider roll was better, though, again, not as flavorful as I'd have liked -- I missed the sauce most places put on them -- but it was fine once I doctored it with wasabi and ginger. But the service was good, and while it was easy to get a table on a weeknight, there were plenty of other diners there.

    (3)

  • brandon o.

    I went to Koto Monday night with a major hankering for Sushi. From previous reviews, Ichiban had been my Sushi bar of choice. No longer! This quaint and small little family run business is. my new fav in Nashville. Clean, friendly and welcoming, my Maki was excellent, fresh and complex. I could not believe the prices! Has to be the most economical quality Sushi I've ever had. Highly recommend for a try! A note on the green tea-It is different here, very strong and somewhat bitter. With that said, I liked it! Not your mothers green tea, more like your Japanese grandmothers green tea!

    (4)

  • Eric B.

    i like this place a lot. their new location is worlds nicer than the old spot on seventh! i remember going there many nights before hitting the clubs, always a good way to start the night. this is one of my preferred sushi spots in nashville, the value is second to none! my only beef is the maki seems to be rolled a little carelessly/messy (but that's what i get for ordering maki, right? lol) and both times i've been since they moved in the new spot, they haven't had toro. but aside from that, i can't diss this place at all! eric b

    (4)

  • Emily Y.

    It's jammed packed during the lunch hour, but I don't see why. I ordered a standard dish--tonkatsu. It was prepared dry and tough. Re. the salad w/ ginger dressing that came w/ it, was bland, and a bit odd tasting. I did not order the sushi, but I can't imagine it'd be too great, if they can't do a standard dish right. For Nashville area, Peter's is still the best.

    (2)

  • Joe C.

    I used to walk to this place for lunch with co-workers when my company was still in 2nd Ave. This is a very small place with only a few tables, but we always sat at the sushi bar. This place made awesome sashimi at a very reasonable price. It beat many of so called high-end Japanese places. Can't wait to visit Nashville and try this place again.

    (4)

  • Jasmine S.

    Very fresh, most authentic I've had in Nash. Keeping it simple.

    (5)

  • R R.

    Unfortunately I wasnt even able to eat at Koto... I must say we walked in 15 minutes before they closed since we got into Nashville late, most places will still serve you with a smile but NOT THIS TIME... when we walked in the server let out a huge sigh of displeasure that we had enough nerve to come in shy of them closing for the night. He promptly informed us that they were closing in 15 minutes.. we inquired about the sushi bar and he told us that the sushi bar was closed, even though there were 2 sushi chefs still standing behind the bar... that was enough for me, if they dont want my business I can clearly understand that server acting like that, I made it a point to let them know that with his attitude (I even mentioned his huge sigh) that we would find another place that wants our business.. we headed for SAMURAI on Elliston... Samurai was wonderful and by this time they were ready to close in 15 minutes as well but greeted us nicely when we came in and didnt mention it even though we knew they closed at 10pm... the service and food at SAMURAI was amazing and that is where we will spend our money on sushi at SAMURAI when we come to Nashville. As for the server working at KOTO last night.. your attitude sucks and I hope your boss reads this...

    (1)

  • Donna K.

    I am a foodie from California who is accustomed to getting fresh Hamachi Sashimi catch that day. For a sushi place that must fly in their catch due to the location in the country as well as being part Korean it is surprisingly high quality sushi cuts. I had the Gyozo and Hamachi Sashimi and thought it was good for the location. It is not the sushi calibar of a Nobu in Vegas or Morimoto's in Philly (iron chef) that I frequent, but it is good for a quick lunch or sushi craving in Nashville.

    (4)

  • Liliana G.

    this is the best sushi in nashville. period. i've been going to koto since it was just a little hole in the wall with 4 seats at the bar and only six tables over on 3rd ave. this is where my dad introduced me to tako and unagi when i was 11 and told me if i was going to be eating sushi with him, i'd have to start with these. the chef/owner knows my dad on sight - which i'm sure doesn't hurt the service (or the bill) any.

    (5)

  • Sarah R.

    It's a good price for what you're getting. Standard Japanese menu with a great bento box for lunch.

    (4)

  • Robert K.

    Koto is a really nice sushi bar downtown on Union Street. I am shocked I had never heard of this place before. The sushi was spectacular, It has been a long time since I have had fish that fresh in Nashville, plus the location is great for downtown folks. The wasabi is also definitely very fresh. I went with a sushi hating friend and he had one of the many teriyaki dishes that they serve up. It tried the teriyaki chicken and it was really good, the sauce they use is nice and viscous with sesame seeds, just how I like it! The place was completely packed and the servers were still quick to bring us the food, check, and drinks. This has got to be one of the best lunch time spots for busy business people who work downtown. Good luck finding parking!

    (5)

  • Matt D.

    Thrilled with the whole experience! Lunchtime seating was quick - we arrived at 11:45am on a Thursday with a party of six. Quality food, excellent service, beautifully designed atmosphere. I had Fresh Eel Nigiri and l-o-v-e-d it. A lovely space for fresh, fabulous food.

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    A nice place to cure your sushi craving in downtown Nashville. I don't think the food will blow you out of the water... but I don't think it will get any complaints either.

    (3)

  • Stella S.

    I think I was still buzzing from the sake bombs when i wrote this review...I misspelled "potatoe"....lol...it's been corrected now!

    (3)

  • Alexis D.

    I'm from out of town and only here for the night so I wanted something warm and reasonably priced. Koto Sushi was less than a 5 minute walk from my hotel so I decided to give it a try. This is not the best food you have ever had but with such great prices it really doesn't have to be. I had the Shoyu Ramen and an order of Kim chee. The ramen was delicious and just what I needed in this cold weather. The kim chee was sweeter than I usually have but not bad. Considering my bill came out to be under $20 including drinks I'm pretty happy. The service was also quick and very nice so all and all I would definitely recommend.

    (4)

  • Stefanie P.

    Sushi downtown! What?! Really? Yes. Within walking distance from TPAC and The Hermitage Hotel this very tiny Sushi place is A-OK I sat at the sushi bar and the guys making sushi were working hard. I ordered the HOOK roll and the Spicy Tuna. The Spicy Tuna for $5.95 was very fresh, flavorful and a generous portion roll. This is a more traditional sushi place meaning you're not going to find mango / strawberry deep fried anything on this menu. There are 1 or 2 tempura rolls but that's about it. Most of the other people around me were single hotel goers and a few groups. There was only 1 waitress working but she was hustling, 2 sushi makers. I like small, quiet locally owned places like this. Parking could be a challenge as you'd have to park in a nearby parking garage around the block. But walking distance from most downtown hotels.

    (4)

  • Karri B.

    Not impressed with the "bento" style lunch box. Presentation was sloppy, half bowl of rice, teriyaki vegetables were mostly cabbage and the crunch shrimp roll was tasteless. The miso was good but the dressing on the salad was not appealing. (I normally love ginger dressing.) Part of me wants to try again but I also want good food that fills me up. Maybe your meal will be better?

    (2)

  • Steve C.

    Good food for your bucks. Service is very slow during the lunch time. You might want to avoid the peak hours or you might have to take one hour + lunch break.

    (3)

  • Jennie H.

    Love the atmosphere. Clean and simple. The food was delicious. Sushi was very fresh. Didn't care for the house dressing though. All in all, very satisfied with everything.

    (5)

  • Susan H.

    Koto was serving sushi long before most people in Nashville ever thought about it. They were the first and best in town then and have maintained their quality regardless of the years and influx of new Asian restaurants. If you haven't tried this one you owe it to yourself to check it out. They may not have the name recognition that some other spots may have but the food will put them all to shame hands down. Locally owned from the beginning you will not meet more hard-working, hospitable and gracious owners. Hurry, check them out!!!

    (5)

  • Q Y.

    Been here couple of times already, but first time write a review. Sushi rice fall apart easy and tasted no better than other places like the one place in Arcade cost much less. Can't understand it's bento box. Waiter told me to pick one out of each category, but I didn't get my gyoza and tempura and it was served in a plate. A little pricy for a lunch in a crowded space and average food.

    (3)

  • Jim B.

    Always awesome. Always ask Haj behind the bar what's good and he won't let you down. The crunchy shrimp roll is always good.

    (5)

  • rob d.

    Excellent service, delicious fresh selections. Hamachi to die for. The Ankimo (monkfish liver) was something I'd never tried before. If you like fois gras, you'll love this. Michelle, out host, was very kind and helpful. Another surprising treasure in Nashville.

    (5)

  • Lauren W.

    Last week Steve and I were heading to TPAC for a show and wanted to grab some dinner on the way. Koto Sushi Bar is located downtown and just a few blocks away from the theater, so we decided to give it a go. When we arrived we were seated right away, but within 10 minutes the place filled up with people going to see the same show. There appeared to be only one waitress for all the tables and I felt bad for her because that's just way too many customers for one lady. Probably because of this, the service was slow. Later on in the evening a different lady came out from the kitchen to help with the rush of customers. The night was cold so for starters we ordered some hot sake and a pickle plate. The pickles took a very long time to arrive at our table, considering they are cold and just have to be plopped on the plate. Because of the odd timing the sake arrived way before the pickles. Oy. Anyway, the pickles themselves were quite enjoyable. They had a good crunch and strong vinegar flavor. For dinner we ordered four rolls: Dragon roll, Yummie roll, crunchy shrimp, and the salmon skin roll. I also ordered some sea urchin because I love the stuff. When the food came I was slightly disappointed right off the bat. Appearance and presentation is an integral part of the sushi dining experience, but their rolls were just NOT PRETTY. It appeared that they took no time in making their sushi look delightful and perfect. The rolls looked mangled and the pieces were all different sizes. One sea urchin looked pretty and one was horribly ugly and kept falling over. The end pieces on all of the rolls were also ugly and did not contain much filling at all. Besides the presentation, the sushi was just ok. It didn't wow me but it was passable. The salmon skin was over cooked making it very hard in spots. I felt like the crab topping on the Yummie roll needed something else: mayo, spice, avocado? Just something. The only thing that Steve and I agreed on was that the crunchy shrimp was quite good. Overall, I wasn't impressed with Koto. But its downtown location and proximity to the theater, arts district and broadway is pretty hard to beat when looking for a decent (non-touristy, non-chain) place to eat downtown. I feel like I personally should give them another chance on a night when they aren't so swamped.

    (3)

  • Seth R.

    Quaint little place. Server was very nice and made great recommendation on a roll! Sushi was very good but not a fan of the house dressing.

    (5)

  • Ian Z.

    I live right around the corner and have come here a few times in the past week or two. It's a very low key spot with amazing food! It's hard to find good sushi in Nashville. Really hard! This place beats them all. Even the "high end" places like Virago. (Although I do enjoy Virago from time to time) Great sushi and more bang for your buck. Can't argue with that!

    (5)

  • David R.

    Great dinner tonight. The shrimp shumai app was juicy and delicious. I had the unagi donburi and my dining partner had the Caterpillar Roll and a smoked salmon cucumber skin roll. Both meals were very good. We also started off with "quail egg shooters" which was basically a raw quail egg, sesame oil, green onion and soy sauce in a shot glass. It was good and a really different eating experience. The service was very good, and I liked that a restaurant downtown on a Saturday night at 8 pm still had a quiet modest feel to it. Not overly crowded, no one dressed up, just a neighborhood casual feel to it. I will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Blair S.

    When I want to test a sushi bar, I always go for the chef's choice. For those not familiar, usually the chef's choice comes with several kinds of nigiri and sometimes a roll or sashimi on the side. Koto knocks this test out of the park every time. Oh the rolls are good too, but I have only tried a couple. Expect them to contain fresh fish and be skillfully assembled. I also like the broiled squid - I know not for everyone but you should try it! In each of my visits, I've only had one waitress and she always had the whole restaurant. She was still fast and friendly on a busy evening. I've only visited for dinner, when it's easy to be seated quickly even with a relatively full dining room. Prices are competitive to slightly lower than other sushi restaurants. Like other restaurants in the area, there is no dedicated free parking. However, after six and on weeknights (without major events), free parking is easy to find on the streets within a couple blocks.

    (5)

  • Johnna M.

    I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt and leave two stars, because maybe I just don't understand how sushi works in the South. I came here for a quick lunch and it took me about ten minutes to even be looked at by the host. Service did not get better from there, with my waitress forgetting to give me a sushi menu and a drink. Everyone has a bad day, I'm not one to dock stars for service, as long as they're polite. I started with a seaweed salad, which was pretty good. The sushi list didn't have a menu to explain the rolls, that I saw. This is fine, I consider myself well versed in sushi and am not afraid to ask questions. Except for the blasphemy that occurred. I ordered an Alaskan roll-I thought it was a classic go-to-salmon and avocado. Except...instead of avocado...there was raw tomato. Maybe this is common and I'm being ignorant. Please comment and let me know. I'd never heard of such a thing and I hope to never again. The rainbow roll was pretty awful too. But raw tomato on an an Alaskan roll? Please assure me I'm missing something. Either way, this is why having a clear menu helps things. The decor of the restaurant was very pretty and it was a busy lunch time, so I'm going to go with two stars.

    (2)

  • Cher Y.

    I've dined at Koto at both their previous and new (current) location. The new location is more spacious and modern, and harder to find parking during certain hours. Overall, friendly staff, FRESH FRESH sushi, and a good diverse menu mixed up with creative dishes and authentic japenese dishes. Great presentation of food as well! Service can be slow at times cause it is a one man show at the sushi bar, but well worth the wait when I have the time. Their top notch fresh sushi is and has been consistent over the years, and is decently priced in terms of quality and quantity of food served. I look forward to my dinner trips here! ------------------------------------- PROS: FRESH sushi Good mix of creative versus authentic Japanese dishes Consistent quality Good price for value and quality Ample room for very large groups CONS: parking can be slow during peak hrs since it is a one man show at the sushi bar

    (5)

  • Mai H.

    I give Koto 3/5 stars only because I'm a Sushi snob and I definitely believe Sushi should be taken extremely seriously. Nevertheless, I love Koto for several reasons: 1- Decent menu with a variety of decent rolls and other basic Japanese dishes. 2- Proper lunch and dinner sets menu 3- Located right in downtown. 4- Good service and genuine staff I'd say some of their rolls can be slightly overpriced. The tuna is definitely not as fresh as they should be. The miso soup is just a Westernized version of miso. There is a lack of Sashimi counterparts in the menu. However since they are super close to where I live and work, I just can't think of any better place to get some take out whenever I crave Sushi, which happen pretty often!

    (3)

  • Ryan P.

    Koto is one of the better sushi places in Nashville. The lunch box special allows you to pick and choose from different categories of food, and they have every cut of tuna, including chutoro and otoro. The nagiri and rolls are very well-made and the presentation is quite nice. I haven't been here for dinner so I can't speak to the prices once the sun goes down, but lunch is very reasonable. A downtown favorite.

    (4)

  • Wanqing A.

    My husband and I are frequent customers there: mainly because my husband fell in love with this place's futo maki roll, dragon roll, and crunchy shrimp roll the first time he ate here, and he is craving this place every so often. Their other stuff is very good too, such as the dinner box with tempura and their green tea and green tea ice cream is to die for. Service is excellent. When I was pregnant and came here with my husband, they explained in detail which ones had cooked meat and which ones had raw fish so I wouldn't order the wrong thing. They even offered to take off the caviar and raw fish from some of the more complicated rolls. Anyways, best sushi rolls in town, according to my husband and I!

    (5)

  • Marcia M.

    How many times did I drive by Koto over the last few years and not notice this obscure sushi joint? Hundreds of time... maybe even thousands! A trip to the TPAC for the Nashville Opera that resulted in a growling stomach made me take notice as we started to trek to the parking garage. I was absolutely thrilled to find this charming and very affordable sushi option. We ordered several vegetable rolls (4-5), kimchi, seaweed salad, and some teas for a price tag that hovered around $30 for a couple. Not bad at all, right?! The rolls were tasty and the kimchi didn't let me down either. Is it the best sushi that I have ever had? No but it is a solid option! The menu is comprised of both Japanese and Korean favorites so be prepared for a plethora of options. TIP: Give the One Cup Sake a whirl at $6.50.

    (4)

  • Soukie K.

    Great sushi! Always busy as heck during lunch hours. I work next to the location and usually eat here 2-3 times a week.

    (5)

  • Libby B.

    I happened to be working downtown one day, and was craving sushi like mad. I didn't want to eat Subway yet again that week, nor did I want to gorge myself at Puckett's. Then lo and behold, someone mentioned a sushi locale within walking distance! Perfection! The atmosphere of the place is very nice, and the staff is quite friendly. My appetizer, which was my favorite thing I ate on this visit, was something not on the menu called the "Heart Attack". It's tempura-fried jalapenos stuffed with tuna and served with spicy mustard to dip them in. These are HOT. Seriously. I was able to eat three before my forehead broke out in a cold sweat and I drained my water glass twice. Then I had to get a to-go box; they're much easier to eat cold, I later discovered! The sushi seemed a bit lackluster compared to the appetizer. I think I had a crunchy shrimp roll and a Philly roll, and both were kind of lackluster but alright; neither really blew me away. I've come to really appreciate the presentation that accompanies sushi at many of the places I eat, and this was kind of underwhelming as far as that aspect goes. I think I expected a bit more for the price, as this place is not the cheapest. Even so, it was still sushi and satisfied the craving I had.

    (3)

  • Andreas H.

    Underwhelming experience. The Average: o Not the freshest fish, not the worst. Average. o Typical Americanized sushi menu, but decent selection of noodle soup dishes. The Poor: - Friendly staff, but slow service. - Horrible pacing - the first entree was brought out nearly 25 minutes before the last, so one person was getting hungry while another was finished and ready to go back to work. - We had to wait 10 minutes to be seated. There were open tables. Overall, I was pretty disappointed and won't be coming back.

    (2)

  • Maria C.

    Summary: quick service, affordable food, good quality I've been to this restaurant at least once a week for dinner for 3 months due to work, and the service was always quick and we were treated nicely. I've had sushi, edamame, noodles, oyako don, agedashi tofu, and an assortment of other dishes and they were always good. If you're in the area this place is a must!

    (4)

  • Brent O.

    Great sushi place and a total surprise. We found it after visiting the symphony. The salmon skin rolls were dark, almost beefy, in a good way. The avocado nigirizushi was awesome, perfectly ripe. The potstickers were perfectly done, not overcooked. The unagi was amazing with crispy edges. We ordered seconds and thirds. The only letdowns were the red dragon - rather tasteless, and the bananas tempura was just okay. The ambiance was a little odd - they had football glasses sponsored by a beer company, and there were only 3-4 tables on Sat at 6pm. Overall, would highly, highly recommend it, especially for the unagi.

    (4)

  • Erik A.

    I had a strong craving for sushi while in Nashville so found this place. The interior and atmosphere was "cute" and the service was very attentive. The food was average and many had said that if you are used to good sushi in other areas of the country you will be a bit disappointed. I will have to say that is true... unless you really need a fix, wait until you are out of town...

    (2)

  • Bing F.

    Maybe it's the circles in which I travel, but only occasionally do I encounter really imaginative sushi. Koto, in downtown Nashville, practically explodes with creative options, many of which I eagerly ordered. But first, you've gotta love the inherent sense of humor on the Heart Attack appetizer, which is jalapeño, spicy tuna and cream cheese. Other starters include Scallop Bakudon (sauteed mushroom & scallops with creamy sauce) Wasabi Shumai and Oshitashi (keep your uncultured snickering to a minimum while eating boiled spinach with dried bonito.) Though I did order some of my favorites ( a great way to compare how different eateries prepare and present ) including saba, squid and a Rainbow Roll, I also leaped fearlessly into the adventure with two rolls that caught my eye. The Wayne Roll contains crab, eel, egg omelet, avocado and burdock roots, which are a variety of thistle and have a sweet, strong pungent flavor and crunchy consistency. The Norro Roll features clam, smelt egg, cucumber and burdock root. Both rolls were crunchy and combined a delightful mixture of flavors that were, at first challenging, and finally extremely satisfying. The owners of the establishment have operated Koto in various locations over the course of 27 years and were wonderful to talk to (he is from Okinawa, Japan - she is from Korea.) They were attentive and pleasant and our server was quick with the sake and other items that we desired. Be sure to have a good look at the Chinese Koto hanging on the wall opposite the sushi bar. It's an amazing piece of musical architecture and, as a musician, it was all I could do to keep from reaching out to pluck its long strings. The only thing Koto is missing would be someone jamming out on THAT thing instead of the television hanging in the corner broadcasting whatever it was that it was broadcasting. That's the reason for the four stars - the food was exquisite, as was the service and company. The atmosphere would've been a bit more magical without the intrusion of that omnipresent television set. Still, worth a visit, we'll be back again next time we're in Nashville.

    (4)

  • Dee a.

    The dressing on the salad had a citrus taste, which I was not expecting and wasn't really a fan of. The dragon roll was very good.

    (3)

  • Caitlin C.

    Im a fan, that's right! Me and 12 of my coworkers spent a couple hours dining on sushi on a Friday night at Koto. Now let me preface by saying I'm no sushi expert, I've got my favorites and I do also try to order at least one new or slightly adventurous things every time I go to a sushi joint. I've had some really great sushi and some really terrible sushi, and koto was neither - it was good, enjoyable but not the best and definitely not the worst. I really enjoyed their seaweed salad, super super yummy. Their spicy tuna rolls were tasty and I would definitely come back for just those two items. I was able to sample some of my of the things off other peoples plates, including homemade kimchi and sea urchin. I shall surely be recommending koto for sushi, and when I get the hankering this is probably where I'll end up. It's a good idea to call ahead and let them know if you are going to have a big party. We did and it worked out great! They had the whole center isle ready for us, and our server was very attentive and patient with our dumbbutt questions. Make it easy and ask for separate checks and the erasable white laminated menus. I later found out that the owners are a husband and wife team hailing from Japan and Korea and this place was the first real sushi joint in Nashville! Cool Stuff!

    (4)

  • Devin P.

    well I have returned, many many times, seems sometimes you just gotta take the chance and let an establishment redeem themselves and they have, full force! In fact they pretty much know me and my daughter and welcome us with open arms. Hodgie, the owner is a Japan native, has been here in the states for nearly 35 years and takes pride in his sushi. One person you should talk to as he always has great stories and his love and passion for sushi shines through. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet and try again, glad we did. The food, well, it's sushi, it's what every place has it seems and no, there's nothing "exceptional" other than the people that own and work there. I know I've said I had cold service, maybe it was a bad night. They treat us well as I do them, like family. Sushi has been very consistent, fresh and tasty, always throwing in a little "extra" of something for us to try. I like that.

    (5)

  • Colleen J.

    I loved that this little sushi joint was not packed with the typical Nashville tourists that you find everywhere else on the strip. We stumbled in on a rainy Thursday night and were surprised that they were not too busy. While this first left us confused, we were cold and wet, so just decided to dive right in. The food, including sushi, was delicious, but service was rather slow for how quiet the place was. We were rarely checked on and had to ask any employee walking by for service, water, check, anything. Other than that, I enjoyed it, but would have been annoyed had I been in a hurry!

    (4)

  • Karyn J.

    Wow! You want a small cool place to eat? It's here! You want quick service with a friendly staff? It's here! You want great, fresh sushi! Then right here is where you need to be. I had lunch with a girlfriend and for under $10 we had miso soup, salad, sushi rolls plus a hibachi grilled selection! Can't wait to take the hubby!

    (5)

  • Natalya S.

    I came here for lunch. They have a nice lunch special where you can pick two items and they come with soup and salad, I had the chicken teriyaki and a tuna roll. I think my meal with tip came to about $12. The sushi was good and the terriyaki was okay. We also ordered the gyoza there, which apparently is made from scratch at this place, it was tastey and I recommend trying it. The service was average and decor standard as well. Good place to go for a well priced Japanese meal right by the Arkade.

    (3)

  • Ian R.

    Here's the thing, I am a Japanese food snob. I can't help it. I lived in Japan and cook it at home several times a week. This can make eating at a Japanese restaurant in Nashville a very frustrating experience. It is not that the Nashville Japanese restaurants are terrible, I just have my expectations set to a different level. Ignorance would most definitely be bliss in most cases. I wish that I enjoyed Koto more than I did. The fault was not with the restaurant. The staff and the family that run it are very friendly and it is easy to see why they have stayed in business for so long. The atmosphere is very clean and nice, the presentation is good, the prices are comparable to other places in town. The food is pretty good, I am sure that they get very few complaints about taste or quality. If you are anything other than an intolerable food snob then I imagine you will enjoy your trip to Koto a great deal. If you are an intolerable snob then you have my sympathies. The support group meets on Tuesdays, see you there. I'll bring the curry.

    (3)

  • Lucy M.

    I always have had a good experience here. It's the closest to authentic Japanese cuisine in Nashville with items not normally seen on American sushi house menus. There's quite a decent number of good sushi joints in Nashville, but Koto is the finest choice if you have the money for a new addiction. Go wild! Unagi - A++ cooked to perfection Nattho - A++++ Only place I can find it in the city! (thank god) Onigiri - A+++ Addictive Salmon Roe - A+++ Delicious. Not too strong of a fishy taste. Teas - Hot, fresh and strong

    (4)

  • Glenn F.

    This is one of my regular circuit lunch places in downtown Nashville. Today, I ate the lunch special- Tempura Shrimp and Teryaki shrimp and chicken served with soup and salad and a drink for $10.95 out the door. The food is always good and the sushi is hard to beat anywhere else. Good food, good service, good ambiance and price. I go back time and again.

    (4)

  • George N.

    I ordered the "box lunch" which is an incredibly great deal! Salad, Miso Soup, then your choice of sushi roll, with rice and a small stir fry choice. I chose the spicy tuna roll with chicken teriyaki. Very delicious, with great service, drinks refilled regularly, great overall. I recommend!

    (4)

  • Samuel L.

    This place was excellent. I think I have finally found the sushi place in nashville that I will just keep going to. The rolls were not very expensive, but extraordinarily fresh. The sashimi was fantastic, and also reasonably priced. The service was outstanding. The standouts for me were 2 things, the baby octopus salad, and the sashimi. The place is not very big, very intimate, but it wasn't too loud when I was in, it was dinner time, I bet it's a bit louder at lunch given the downtown location. They also seem to have a couple of rely good lunch options, bento boxes, etc.. I would like to thank koto for saving me from the likes of virago, the best part about this place is that none of those really cool Nashville people will be here. No longer will I have to scowl at them, while I wonder how many homeless people they kicked today. Koto, thank you.

    (5)

  • Rod G.

    Koto ah numbah one! Short and sweet, it is very good. This is a small, family run place. Hadji throws a mean roll and is famous for his stuff. Best crunchy shrimp roll in town. Koto has had 3 locations for it's many years and remains the same. Others have come and went with sushi fads. There is only very good sushi and bad sushi. If you are looking for something other than above standard food at a reasonable price then Koto may not be for you. Here you will find most traditional Japanese menu items and a few Korean ones from Hadji's wife. Lunch and dinner specials. They will also do rolls to order at the bar. The Miso and Udon rules. The new location on Union has upgraded decor and an expanded menu but the food, people and tastes are the same for this Nashville tradition. My favorite place in town because it is not trendy. It does not do all you can eat meals. There is no buffet and you will not hear techno music. It is not the coolest place in town or hip. You will not be "seen" here or wait long. You will have a good quality meal that tastes great. For a decent price.

    (5)

  • Steph H.

    We all know that my heart belongs to Samurai when it comes to sushi, but every now and then I feel like trying something new just to make sure there aren't any other tastier fish in the sea. Walking into Koto feels a lot like what I would imagine it feels like to walk into a charming little sushi bar in Japan. The place isn't very big, and the decorations definitely give off a quaint Japanese vibe, though not in a cheesy way. The atmosphere is really nice, and the only thing that detracts from the ambiance is the tv they have up on the wall, which seems unnecessary and is a bit of a mood killer. Also, I definitely noticed a distinct "fish" smell when we walked in, and while it wasn't enough to deter us, I have to say that it was a bit offputting because I've never noticed this issue with any of the other sushi places I've tried in Nashville. Given that so many people have praised how fresh the fish is here, I was a surprised by the pungent odor, but I have to say that despite the scent, we had no issues with the freshness or quality of our meal. Another thing that surprised me was how CHEAP the food was! Most of the rolls were in the $4 range, and even the appetizers were very reasonable. We got an order of gyoza, and for $4 and some change, we got six succulent dumplings. As for the rolls themselves, I did NOT feel like the selection was very interesting or creative: most rolls were just one kind of fish wrapped in nori and rice with some avocado, cucumber, egg, burdock root, or scallions. Nothing wrong with this because the flavors were very clean and the simple ingredients really let the ingredients shine. BUT if you're used to places that put fruit in their sushi or have 5 or 6 ingredients in each roll, you might find the choices here a bit pedestrian and underwhelming. I did feel that while the flavors were really good here, part of why the rolls might be less expensive is because they are definitely on the smaller side and they do include fewer ingredients. Also, visually, they weren't as appealing or impressive as the sushi at Samurai - the rolls didn't seem as cleanly executed, and even our spider roll didn't have the visual impact of the one at Samurai (no little soft-shell crab legs peeking out to look like spider legs!). I have a feeling that the sushi here might be more authentic (not having had sushi in Japan, I can't say), so I think it might be unfair to compare it to a place like Samurai; both places are very good in their own rights, they just do different things. I was definitely excited to see that under their nigiri options that they had lots of unusual options listed that are very traditional but are generally not offered at most Japanese restaurants in town. Unfortunately, when I tried to order the toro (fatty tuna) I was told they were out, and that apparently they might not have that any more. Some other people tried to order various items and were also told they didn't have them... in that case, I think it might make more sense to have a specials board where you list what options are available daily for nigiri to minimize ordering disappointment! We had to swap in unagi (eel) instead, and it was really delicious, but I had my heart set on the tuna! Although Koto sushi didn't change my mind about my favorite spot for sushi in Nashville, it still was a solid dining experience, and I could definitely see coming here on nights when I didn't feel like braving the crowds at Samurai. It's a different style of sushi and a different vibe, so for those looking to compare the two, just know that they could not be more different! (About the only thing the two have in common is bad parking options!) Using that as my baseline I would say that I found Koto's sushi to be less exciting and original, but most rolls were about half the price of the rolls at Samurai (but maybe smaller portions as well). Koto also appears to offer other Japanese fare apart from sushi, so perhaps the next time I'm craving tempura or some udon, I'll check this place out!

    (3)

  • Taylor Ann D.

    I like this place simply because it is easy for me to get to and is vegetarian friendly. However, Koto is just average and could use some more fresh veggies atop the noodles. The salad dressing is really good and the salad would have been too if it hadn't been premade and a bit frozen from sitting in the cooler. There is an older guy that makes sushi and I can appreciate his hard work. My BF said the sushi is pretty good. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by, it's a cute hole in the wall. Otherwise, eh, look somewhere else. Happy eats, TA

    (3)

  • Lashona M.

    This place stays packed so some people do like it! It has a great atmosphere though but its small like most sushi bars. Don't expect a fast checkout especially during lunch hour. Their sushi presentation wasn't that attractive nor was the taste fresh but not stale. It was just ok. All I can say is I've had better.

    (2)

  • Kate B.

    This humble establishment was more than acceptable for a sushi joint. The room is small and decor is simple, but I loved the samurai warrior in the front window. To start, the saki was perfect and we sat with friends taking saki shots. The miso soup was delicious! However, they had regular spoons instead of the normal japanese soup spoons, which disappointed me. The house salad dressing was a bit different. Not your normal ginger dressing but an odd onion dressing that left little to be desired. Next came a huge sushi platter that we all ordered. It came out on a big plate in the shape of a fish (cute). The fish tasted fresh and the sushi tasted really good (kudos to the chef). All in all I must say that this place was enjoyable and acceptable. I've been to better sushi places in other cities but im not sure if you can expect much more in Nashville.

    (3)

  • Jamie D.

    Miso - Just like you would expect Eel roll - Perfect Hook roll - Very fresh Hot tea - Hot This is a good place to go for lunch while working downtown. I paid just over $14. Not bad. Service was very friendly and fast. I really like this place and will be back very very soon. Seating is rally limited to about 4 people to a table. Not a large place. But, the food is really good for Nashville sushi.

    (4)

  • Janet S.

    Always liked Mr and Mrs Koto, extensive menu of Japanese with a few Korean thrown in from Mrs Koto. Tuna Sashimi appetizer - 5 big pieces for 8.50, very good value, Hiyakko with ikura on top 6.50, YUM, a pot of one cup sake ( I used to collect these One cups) for another $6.50 and ta da, dinner. Lovely soothing atmosphere with gentle music, must go more often, though still get a bit nostalgic for the old place every time I drive past and Mrs Koto's octopus bimibap.

    (4)

  • Allan K.

    This little gem is hidden just across the street from the Doubletree hotel. We were a little nervous walking in as people looked as though the service might have been slow. We ordered a boat load of Sushi and a few items off the dinner menu, and I must say it was quite good. This restaurant moves people in and out at a steady pace and overall highly recommended.

    (4)

  • Helena S.

    I was pleased with this Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Nashville. As an L.A. transplant, I can't say it's the best Japanese, but very nice for Nashville. Certainly the actual interior and decor was, not to rhyme or anything but...surprisingly "Japanesey" without being cheesy. We order 2 dinner specials, a bento and a platter of sushi, with a pick your own roll option. I loved the unique citrus salad dressing, clearly made in house with a fresh twist on Japanese salad dressing. Tempura was great. Service was very casual. Staff is Japanese so I am assuming it's probably Japanese owned. Free soda refills. They have green tea ice cream but try the Red Bean ice cream for dessert for something different. About 5 Japanese beer choices and a handful of Saki choices as well.

    (3)

  • Nari P.

    Pro: Have good tempura. Price for lunch set is very reasonable. Like ginger mizo salad dressing, mizo soup is good. Good portion of foods. Con: Server tried to put me and my guest into a corner of bar while there was a table available. Loose rice rolls -- rice was not stick together as it should be.

    (4)

  • Jennifer M.

    Well, I'm still on my quest to find a new sushi gal pal, and Koto just didn't make the cut. The ambiance is fine--better than Samurai, not as good as Sushi Yobi or Virago. The service was really, really good. Unfortunately, the rolls were a little to boring for me. If you're someone who likes a California roll and a bowl of miso soup, Koto will probably be a great pick for you, but if you prefer outside-the-box rolls with bold flavors, Koto isn't going to cut it.

    (2)

  • Rich F.

    This was a great sushi joint. The fish was fantastic and I'll definitely go back. I have trouble getting excited about sushi - except in a negative way! Anyways, the food was great. And the waitress was cute too!

    (4)

  • H K.

    Great sushi. No extra-ordinary combinations, just the usual. But nonetheless it was fresh and delcious! Great prices too! $4-12 a roll...I'm used to Cincinnati $6-16 a roll.

    (4)

  • Eric B.

    i like this place a lot. their new location is worlds nicer than the old spot on seventh! i remember going there many nights before hitting the clubs, always a good way to start the night. this is one of my preferred sushi spots in nashville, the value is second to none! my only beef is the maki seems to be rolled a little carelessly/messy (but that's what i get for ordering maki, right? lol) and both times i've been since they moved in the new spot, they haven't had toro. but aside from that, i can't diss this place at all! eric b

    (4)

  • Anna A.

    Being that in my past life, I used to work downtown, I have spent many wonderful lunches at Koto. They used to be on 7th near Commerce and they moved in the last couple of years. Now that I have found them again, I will be heading back their way very soon. For the most part, I have eaten lunch there and stuck with the lunch boxes which come with a roll. The teriyaki chicken is good. The tempura is really good. Very light. However, I will spend the bulk of my review discussing the typical Japanese restaurant fare. For starters, I love their salad dressing. I love the ginger dressing but I really like it to have a little bit of creaminess to it. I feel Koto may be my favorite dressing. The rolls are all good. They have most of the standard stuff and some of the more exotic options. I really, really love their crunchy shrimp and California rolls. They do those particularly well. My husband is partial to the udon noodle soup. I think it's a little fishy but he just raves about it so what do i know. Green tea is also really warm and consistently good.

    (4)

  • Heather R.

    After all the nice review this place has, I want to know what went wrong when we went there. The green tea came in a beautiful pot, and tasted like grass. Pretty sure they were trying to stay as true to the tea ceremony as possible here, because this stuff was nasty. I ordered an assortment of sushi. Every freaking piece was slathered in wasabi. Seriously?! I can't stand wasabi, I have a very sensitive stomach, and trust me, my sinuses were cleaned out by the time we left. There was no way I was paying twenty bucks for a dinner and not eating it. I left with heartburn and very peeved off.

    (2)

  • Elizabeth M.

    Eh, it was okay. The tuna nigiri and spicy tuna roll were fresh enough, though not as fresh as they could have been; both were sort of tasteless (except for the green onion in the roll, which was just weird). The spider roll was better, though, again, not as flavorful as I'd have liked -- I missed the sauce most places put on them -- but it was fine once I doctored it with wasabi and ginger. But the service was good, and while it was easy to get a table on a weeknight, there were plenty of other diners there.

    (3)

  • John K.

    Koto Sushi Bar is the worst restaurant I have ever been to in my entire life. The service was horrible and slow. The sushi chef kept making orders of maki sushi and did not even start our order of sashimi after 2 hours. The Sake was not hot at all. I would not recommend this restaurant to anybody I know.

    (1)

  • brandon o.

    I went to Koto Monday night with a major hankering for Sushi. From previous reviews, Ichiban had been my Sushi bar of choice. No longer! This quaint and small little family run business is. my new fav in Nashville. Clean, friendly and welcoming, my Maki was excellent, fresh and complex. I could not believe the prices! Has to be the most economical quality Sushi I've ever had. Highly recommend for a try! A note on the green tea-It is different here, very strong and somewhat bitter. With that said, I liked it! Not your mothers green tea, more like your Japanese grandmothers green tea!

    (4)

  • Emily Y.

    It's jammed packed during the lunch hour, but I don't see why. I ordered a standard dish--tonkatsu. It was prepared dry and tough. Re. the salad w/ ginger dressing that came w/ it, was bland, and a bit odd tasting. I did not order the sushi, but I can't imagine it'd be too great, if they can't do a standard dish right. For Nashville area, Peter's is still the best.

    (2)

  • Liliana G.

    this is the best sushi in nashville. period. i've been going to koto since it was just a little hole in the wall with 4 seats at the bar and only six tables over on 3rd ave. this is where my dad introduced me to tako and unagi when i was 11 and told me if i was going to be eating sushi with him, i'd have to start with these. the chef/owner knows my dad on sight - which i'm sure doesn't hurt the service (or the bill) any.

    (5)

  • Sarah R.

    It's a good price for what you're getting. Standard Japanese menu with a great bento box for lunch.

    (4)

  • Robert K.

    Koto is a really nice sushi bar downtown on Union Street. I am shocked I had never heard of this place before. The sushi was spectacular, It has been a long time since I have had fish that fresh in Nashville, plus the location is great for downtown folks. The wasabi is also definitely very fresh. I went with a sushi hating friend and he had one of the many teriyaki dishes that they serve up. It tried the teriyaki chicken and it was really good, the sauce they use is nice and viscous with sesame seeds, just how I like it! The place was completely packed and the servers were still quick to bring us the food, check, and drinks. This has got to be one of the best lunch time spots for busy business people who work downtown. Good luck finding parking!

    (5)

  • Matt D.

    Thrilled with the whole experience! Lunchtime seating was quick - we arrived at 11:45am on a Thursday with a party of six. Quality food, excellent service, beautifully designed atmosphere. I had Fresh Eel Nigiri and l-o-v-e-d it. A lovely space for fresh, fabulous food.

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    A nice place to cure your sushi craving in downtown Nashville. I don't think the food will blow you out of the water... but I don't think it will get any complaints either.

    (3)

  • Stella S.

    I think I was still buzzing from the sake bombs when i wrote this review...I misspelled "potatoe"....lol...it's been corrected now!

    (3)

  • Joe C.

    I used to walk to this place for lunch with co-workers when my company was still in 2nd Ave. This is a very small place with only a few tables, but we always sat at the sushi bar. This place made awesome sashimi at a very reasonable price. It beat many of so called high-end Japanese places. Can't wait to visit Nashville and try this place again.

    (4)

  • Jasmine S.

    Very fresh, most authentic I've had in Nash. Keeping it simple.

    (5)

  • R R.

    Unfortunately I wasnt even able to eat at Koto... I must say we walked in 15 minutes before they closed since we got into Nashville late, most places will still serve you with a smile but NOT THIS TIME... when we walked in the server let out a huge sigh of displeasure that we had enough nerve to come in shy of them closing for the night. He promptly informed us that they were closing in 15 minutes.. we inquired about the sushi bar and he told us that the sushi bar was closed, even though there were 2 sushi chefs still standing behind the bar... that was enough for me, if they dont want my business I can clearly understand that server acting like that, I made it a point to let them know that with his attitude (I even mentioned his huge sigh) that we would find another place that wants our business.. we headed for SAMURAI on Elliston... Samurai was wonderful and by this time they were ready to close in 15 minutes as well but greeted us nicely when we came in and didnt mention it even though we knew they closed at 10pm... the service and food at SAMURAI was amazing and that is where we will spend our money on sushi at SAMURAI when we come to Nashville. As for the server working at KOTO last night.. your attitude sucks and I hope your boss reads this...

    (1)

  • Donna K.

    I am a foodie from California who is accustomed to getting fresh Hamachi Sashimi catch that day. For a sushi place that must fly in their catch due to the location in the country as well as being part Korean it is surprisingly high quality sushi cuts. I had the Gyozo and Hamachi Sashimi and thought it was good for the location. It is not the sushi calibar of a Nobu in Vegas or Morimoto's in Philly (iron chef) that I frequent, but it is good for a quick lunch or sushi craving in Nashville.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Quiet
    Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Koto Sushi Bar

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