Nashville isn’t the only city with a Sushi Bar to call its own. The omakase chain has a few locations scattered throughout the country, including Miami and Austin. But Sushi Bar seems to have perfected their formula in Music City, because from the moment you step in, the experience is flawless.
The night starts with a pre-dinner cocktail at Golden Sound, a glam '70s retro bar in a former recording studio that serves as a front for the speakeasy-style setup at Sushi Bar. After getting properly lubricated, guests are led into one of the private omakase rooms with seats for 12 people around an elevated prep area manned by three chefs. From there, it’s an onslaught of thoughtful and often experimental pieces of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls—17 courses of it. There’s shrimp topped with dehydrated rice pears, red ribbon sorrel, and ponzu that explodes on the palate in a tangy burst; yellowjack that slaps the tongue with sliced serrano and bright citrus from the lemon zest; and a tuna tartare hand roll with a fresh, vegetal note from the shiso, basil, and mint.
Since you’re already handing off all eating decisions to the chef, do the same with your drinks. While cocktails can be ordered à la carte, go the tasting menu route with your wine, Champagne, sake, or Japanese whiskey. Each comes with four to six glasses that aren’t your standard, mass-marketed labels. They’re also timed perfectly to complement several of the chef’s courses in one go—so be judicious with your sips.
The vibe: An intimate and luxe Japanese tea room.
The food: Experimental pieces of sushi and nigiri, like scallops topped with ruby grapefruit confit and Australian winter truffle.
The drink: Wine, Champagne, sake, and Japanese whiskey flights to go with several courses.
Time Out tip: Sushi Bar offers supplements to your meal for an extra cost. They’re pricey and will quickly hike up your bill, so skip them. Besides, the 17 courses are more than filling enough.