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.
Service experiences varied significantly; while many praised attentive and friendly staff, others reported rude interactions and slow service.
Food Quality
Food received mixed reviews; some dishes were highly praised for freshness and flavor, while others were criticized for being undercooked or lacking in quality.
Atmosphere
The ambiance was generally well-received, described as warm and elegant, though some found it too loud or crowded.
Special Occasions
The restaurant is noted for making special occasions memorable, with personalized touches for birthdays and anniversaries.
Pricing Concerns
Several customers felt the pricing was high relative to the quality of food and service received.
MS
Margaret Sanders
Feb 18, 2026
5.0
Walked in thinking it was a different place , but still chose to eat here. Soo glad we did! Food was incredible, our server Nathan was very kind and attentive, and prices were reasonable. Cannot wait to come back!
CC
conner caruthers
Jan 31, 2026
4.0
I think they changed their menu up from the last time I went. The rock shrimp which is usually my favorite was way different. Sushi is still great. Also didn't see the wings on the menu anymore
EE
Erin
Jan 23, 2026
5.0
Our waitress was fabulous and literally every dish on our table was delicious. Exceptional food. We will absolutely be going back!
KK
Kendall
Jan 2, 2026
2.0
I chose O-Ku to celebrate my birthday (12/30) and made sure it was clearly noted multiple times, including in the reservation. Unfortunately, the experience was extremely underwhelming and did not come close to the birthday celebrations this restaurant advertises and routinely provides for others.
The food was disappointing. I ordered the Tennessee Two Step, Eel of Fortune, Titan Up, and O-Ku Rainbow rolls, and while they looked appealing, the flavors were not what I expected and ultimately unenjoyable. I also ordered the Machida drink, which I disliked after only a few sips and gave away.
Service was equally lacking. Our server, Justus J, did little beyond taking orders. He never asked if anyone wanted another drink, did not offer a birthday dessert, and provided nothing beyond a quick verbal “happy birthday” at the start of the experience and when dropping off the check. Instead, he attempted to upsell a dessert, which felt inappropriate given the situation.
After leaving, I returned to retrieve the receipt and saw multiple OpenTable reviews describing elaborate and thoughtful birthday experiences—custom menus, gifts from O-ku, and desserts. This made it clear that my experience was not only disappointing but inconsistent with how O-Ku treats other birthday guests. I spoke with the manager, Tiffany, who admitted that they typically reach out in advance for birthday reservations for the birthday menus but failed to do so for mine. While she offered a round of drinks and a dessert as a correction, the dessert should have happened during the actual reservation—not after the fact.
The only positive part of the night was the manager, Tiffany, and the bar staff, Jimmy and Thomas. They were attentive, professional, and genuinely kind. Thomas ensured I immediately had a lemon drop martini, and Jimmy brought out a matcha KitKat dessert with a candle, allowing me to make a birthday wish. Their effort was the sole reason this review is not one star.
Unfortunately, having to return inside to salvage what should have been a celebratory dinner disrupted the rest of my birthday plans. O-Ku failed to deliver a basic birthday experience, let alone the elevated one it promotes. I would not return, and if I ever did, it would only be for a lemon drop martini and the matcha KitKat—and only if Jimmy and Thomas were behind the bar.
RS
Rachel Shanks
Dec 29, 2025
5.0
I made a reservation for my best friend’s birthday through the website and was contacted by management asking if the guest of honor had any favorite colors/hobbies etc, so I was immediately impressed before we even arrived!
When we got there for our 5:30 reservation, the hostess immediately acknowledged the birthday girl and we were given personalized happy birthday menus which was SO sweet. At 5:30 most tables were empty, but the place quickly filled up and there were people waiting to be seated when we left around 7:30.
The happy hour deals were great, and we got a discounted but very large portion of the kung pao cauliflower which was SO good. We were brought multiple birthday treats including the shishito peppers (yummy, and our waiter thought to hold the bonito flakes since I had said I’m vegetarian!) and another small plate for the birthday girl. I had the green goddess roll, and my friend got the Nashvegas roll as well as a raw fish dish that she said was delicious. We finished with a surprise birthday mochi ice cream trio—all very yummy.
Service was great and our waiter was super kind and knowledgeable about the menu. I really appreciated his understanding of my dietary needs. The atmosphere is very nice and it was a little noisy but I could always hear my friend. Some of the smaller tables are pretty close together, but that seems typical of all restaurants now, and there were several other seating options like the bar, larger tables, booth seating, and maybe some high top tables too.
Parking was par for the course, AKA it sucked. $22 for 3 hours in the attached lot, or you can attempt the limited street parking.
Overall recommend for a fun sushi night especially if it is a birthday!
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.