Japanese RestaurantSushi RestaurantCocktail Lounge
O-Ku’s menu provides a fresh and innovative take on traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine. Located in the Germantown neighborhood of Nashville, the restaurant offers rare and unique dining options with traditional sashimi and specialty rolls, highlighting seafood from the finest fish markets in Tokyo and Hawaii alongside local and seasonal ingredients.
Reminiscent of traditional Japanese culture, O-Ku’s menu is comprised of signature starters, contemporary Japanese entrees and seasonal traditional sushi that reflect the uniquely designed space.
Many customers praised the attentive and friendly service, with specific mentions of staff going above and beyond for special occasions.
Food Quality
The sushi and other dishes received high marks for freshness and flavor, although some reviews noted inconsistencies in quality and preparation.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's ambiance was frequently described as elegant and inviting, making it suitable for both casual dining and special occasions.
Pricing Concerns
Several customers felt that the prices were high relative to the quality of food and service received, with some expressing disappointment over value.
Mixed Experiences
While many reviews were positive, there were notable instances of poor service and food quality that left some customers dissatisfied.
EF
Erin Fiebig
Nov 14, 2025
5.0
Oh my gosh we were so well taken care of by chris, food 11/10. Would recommend the machida drink it’s so yum will be back!
DA
Dylan Anderson
Nov 11, 2025
2.0
Monday night we celebrated a birthday, the restaurant wasn’t overly busy. Parking here is an annoyance as there is little street parking, no valet, and they don’t validate. 4hr lot parking is $11 for reference. When we were seated, we quickly noticed how bright the lighting was. The service started off friendly, but quickly shifted to pushy and rushed. We ordered cocktails to start. They were good, but took awhile to arrive at the table. The Rock Shrimp appetizer had good flavor, but were caked with batter. The Rib appetizer fell off the bone, but was heavily salted. I wouldn’t order them again. The edamame was standard and the assortment of sushi rolls we shared amongst the table all had nice flavor profiles. The sushi rolls were all a bit heavy on rice, but nice presentation. There seemed to be a bit of a disconnect between the pushy server and the manager. The manager on staff was friendly and engaging and even made a point to drop off desert menus for the table. The issue was the server was already dropping our check. 1/2 way through dinner the dynamic quickly shifted to how fast can I get this table out of the restaurant, this made for a very mediocre experience. A group of 4 celebrating a bday were in and out of the restaurant in 1hr. We have dined at O-Ku many times, unfortunately we won’t be back for quite sometime.
KS
K Snow
Nov 9, 2025
5.0
5PM reservation, got pretty busy quickly on a Saturday. Waiter was communicative on any delays. Food was delish-nice ambiance. Walk in for sushi bar seemed popular. Black magic and usuzukri to start was great. Good portion for 2 people. For a reservation I wish it was a bit more private we were in front of the front entrance. It got a bit noisy. Other than that it was a good experience :)
JJ
JMMUd
Nov 3, 2025
5.0
Best sushi experience in Downtown Nashville for the price. You can go super high end tasting menu or casual bar side. Either way, it’s great!
EB
Elyse Badewitz
Oct 30, 2025
5.0
Incredible service and the best birthday surprise ever!
They went above and beyond to make my mom’s birthday so special. Every dish was absolutely delicious, and the attention to detail made the evening unforgettable. Our waiter, Sam, was attentive, knowledgeable, and truly elevated the experience. The manager was so kind from the reservation process to customer service in the restaurant. Highly recommend!
Does O-Ku accept reservations, and how can I make one?
Yes, O-Ku accepts reservations. You can make one via their OpenTable reservation link at https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?rid=1014964 or by contacting them directly.
What type of cuisine does O-Ku serve?
O-Ku offers a fresh and innovative take on traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine, featuring signature starters, contemporary Japanese entrees, and seasonal sushi.
What are O-Ku's operating hours?
O-Ku is open from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and until 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Does O-Ku have a dress code?
Yes, the attire at O-Ku is dressy, so guests are encouraged to dress accordingly for their visit.
What payment options are accepted at O-Ku?
O-Ku accepts various payments including American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, and cash.
Is there parking available near O-Ku?
Yes, there is both paid parking lots such as Metropolis and SP+ Parking, as well as free street parking in the Germantown area near O-Ku.
Are there other dining options near O-Ku?
Nearby dining includes Star Rover Sound (a Tex-Mex restaurant and concert venue), The Optimist (seafood and American cuisine), and Le Loup (a restaurant and cocktail bar).
What nearby places can visitors explore before or after dining at O-Ku?
Visitors might explore Modera Riverview, a notable landmark and residential building, or visit Elegy Coffee Germantown for coffee and bakery treats nearby.
Does O-Ku offer takeout and delivery services?
Yes, O-Ku offers both takeout and delivery, allowing customers to enjoy their sushi and Japanese cuisine at home.
Is O-Ku accessible for guests with disabilities?
Yes, O-Ku features wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms to accommodate guests with disabilities.