Dining Out: Where To Enjoy the Best Sushi In Franklin, Tennessee
Whether you’re going on a first date, hosting a business lunch, spending an evening out with friends, or anything in between, you can’t go wrong with sushi. Here in Franklin, Tennessee, expertly prepared international food is not hard to come by, including incredible local restaurants that serve up the very best of Japanese cuisine, sushi included.
The name sushi refers to a method of preparing and preserving fish that originated in Southeast Asia, dating as far back at the 4th century. The oldest method of fermentation, called narezushi, preserves fish by wrapping it in rice. This original process took months and sometimes even more than a year to complete. By the 19th century, fermentation sped up significantly through widespread access to vinegar, which took the preparation process from months to hours.
Sushi spread from Japan to the rest of the world in the 19th and 20th centuries. Although there was some talk of sushi in the United States in the early 1900s, the first sushi restaurant didn’t open until 1966, when the glamorous Kawafuku Restaurant entered the scene in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo district. Following this introduction, the 1970s saw the creation of the California Roll, which appealed to the American palate and took sushi from a niche dish to a mainstream sensation. Today, sushi comes in endless variations and is a widely loved delicacy enjoyed across the globe—Franklin included.
Wild Ginger
Family-owned and operated, Franklin’s Wild Ginger is a local fine dining favorite, serving up a distinct blend of Pan-Asian, South American, and Western recipes. Among other one-of-a-kind dishes, Wild Ginger offers a variety of sushi appetizers, wok, signature & classic maki, nigiri or sashimi a la carte, and more. Wild Ginger is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. If necessary, you can make a reservation at the restaurant here.
Address: 101 Market Exchange Court, Franklin, TN 37067
Atmosphere: Upscale
Phone: (615) 778-0081
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Known for its incredible menu and atmosphere, Blue Sushi Sake Grill has 2 Tennessee locations, in downtown Nashville’s 5th + Broadway and in Franklin’s McEwen Northside. In addition to a bold, creative menu—sushi and beyond—Blue Sushi Sake Grill is committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Their distinct restaurant design merges Japanese and Western style, creating a fun, memorable dining experience. The Franklin location is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 12-10 p.m., and Sundays from 12-9 p.m.
Address: 5001 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 142, Franklin, TN 37067
Atmosphere: Upscale
Phone: (615) 716-3667
Miso Japanese Restaurant
Located in Franklin, TN’s Harpeth Village Fieldstone, Miso Japanese Restaurant is a casual dining spot with exceptional sushi. Alongside a wide variety of specialty rolls, maki, tempura, nigiri, sashimi combos, and chef specials, Miso also serves bento boxes, rice and noodle bowls, and more. They’re open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (for lunch) and 4:30-9 p.m. (for dinner). Friday and Saturday are 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30-10 p.m. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m.
Address: 2020 Fieldstone Parkway, Franklin TN 37069
Atmosphere: Casual
Phone: (615) 595-6996
Takumi Hibachi Sushi Lounge
In Franklin’s Thoroughbred Village, Takumi Hibachi Sushi Lounge is a contemporary, immersive dining experience, complete with a menu full of traditional Japanese cuisine. A combination of fresh, expertly crafted sushi and sizzling hibachi grills makes Takumi Hibachi Sushi Lounge the perfect destination for a lively afternoon, evening, or celebratory dinner. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (for lunch) and 4:30-9:30 p.m. (for dinner). Friday dinner is hosted until 10 p.m. Saturday hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday hours are from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. You can book a reservation at the restaurant here.
Address: 545 Cool Springs Boulevard, Suite 195, Franklin, TN 37067
Atmosphere: Casual, Interactive
Phone: (615) 472-8046
Umi Japanese Restaurant
Located in the Berry Farms area of Franklin, Umi Japanese Restaurant is known for freshly crafted sushi and Sashimi, bento boxes, and authentic Asian cuisine. The unassuming restaurant is known for being a hidden gem and a must visit for avid fans of sushi and Japanese food. The Berry Farms Town Center restaurant is open for lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for dinner from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Keep in mind that the restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Address: 4000 Hughes Crossing, Suite 100, Franklin, TN 37064
Atmosphere: Casual
Phone: (615) 435-3418
Sunset Sushi & Thai
In the heart of Franklin, Sunset Sushi &Thai is a great spot for sushi and Thai cuisine. Alongside a variety of unique and tried-and-true rolls their menu offers curry, pad Thai, pho, rice dishes, and more. They also have a variety of beverage options and a choice of green tea or mochi ice cream for dessert. Sunset Sushi & Thai is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (for lunch) and 5-9 p.m. (for dinner). Friday lunch hours are 11 a.m. to 2:30 and dinner hours are 5-9 p.m. Saturday the restaurant is open for dinner only, from 4-9 p.m.
Address: 1031 Riverside Drive, Suite G, Franklin, TN 37064
Atmosphere: Casual
Phone: (615) 465-6274
Health Sushi
A quality stop, Franklin’s Health Sushi is committed to the use of organic and wild caught ingredients in all of their recipes. Led by chef and owner Joseph Khup and his wife Ciin, the restaurant strives is to provide sushi and Asian food that are tastier and healthier than your average favorites. The menu includes sushi rolls, poke bowls, ramen, and more. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Address: 600B Frazier Drive, Franklin, TN 37067
Atmosphere: Casual
Phone: 615) 472-1190
Sakura Sushi & Thai
A top spot for authentic and delicious Japanese and Thai food in Franklin, Sakura Sushi & Thai serves classic sushi rolls and house specialties, always prioritizing high quality, fresh ingredients. Alongside their sushi bar, Sakura’s menu also has a variety of favorites in Asian cuisine, including lo mein, teriyaki, curry, pad Thai, and more. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (for lunch) and 4:30-9 p.m. (for dinner).
Address: 595 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, TN 37064
Atmosphere: Casual
Phone: (615) 591-1020
Bodeli Sushi
In Cool Springs, Bodeli Sushi is a go-to destination for authentic Japanese sushi. A bonus, Bodeli is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, adding a touch of novelty to your dining experience. The first rotating sushi bar in Middle Tennessee with an all-you-can-eat option, Bodeli is sure to be a hit for guests of all ages and palates. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (for lunch) and 5-10 p.m. (for dinner). Keep in mind that the rotating bar is offered until 1:30 p.m. during lunch hours, and 8 p.m. during dinner hours.
Address: 330 Mayfield Drive, Suite D-5, Franklin, TN 37067
Atmosphere: Casual, Interactive
Phone: (615) 503-9902
Koi Sushi & Thai
Serving Franklin for over a decade, Koi Sushi & Thai serves lunch and dinner with a selection of top-quality Japanese sushi and Thai cuisine. Alongside a selection of colorful, flavorful sushi rolls, their extensive menu includes curry, rice and noodle dishes, bento boxes, classic Thai recipes, and so much more. They’re open 7 days a week, Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-9 p.m. Call-in reservations are recommended for parties of 5 or more.
Address: 102 Lumber Drive, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064
Atmosphere: Casual
Phone: (615) 538-6018
Hot Wok
Since 1990, Franklin’s Hot Wok has been serving the best in Chinese and Thai cuisine and mouthwatering sushi. The fast-casual restaurant is a great place to find local, unique sushi rolls, bubble tea, fried rice, pad Thai, and more. A great place for a quick lunch, dine in dinner, or a classic takeout night, Hot Wok is proud to serve Williamson County. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 1113 Murfreesboro Road, Suite 409, Franklin, TN 37064
Atmosphere: Casual, Takeout
Phone: (615) 905-4962
Thai Samurai
While not exclusively a sushi spot, Thai Samurai, located near the CoolSprings Galleria mall, is a chic cocktail bar and restaurant with a menu full of Thai, Japanese, and Asian culinary favorites. Led by a team of talented chefs, Thai Samurai offers authentic Asian fusion and precision-crafted sushi rolls, available at their immersive sushi bar. There are 3 nearby locations, in Nashville, Franklin, and Mt. Juliet. The Franklin restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 1762 Galleria Boulevard, Franklin, TN 37067
Atmosphere: Upscale
Phone: (615) 788-8223
Good Eats In Middle Tennessee
Our city is no stranger to great food. Beyond top-notch sushi spots, there are dining options fit for every palate and craving. In fact, there are a plethora of places to find incredible international cuisine in Franklin.
Other dining favorites (especially for distinctly Southern taste buds) include Williamson County and Nashville barbecue joints, Nashville hot chicken shops, and a mile-long list of places to grab brunch. If you’re looking for an extra great deal on both food and drink, be sure to check out the top happy hours in Franklin and Brentwood! As an added bonus, if you’re a fan of dinner with a view, check out Waterfront Restaurants Near Franklin, Tennessee.
Sushi restaurants often provide great options for those who have dietary restrictions, as many dishes are gluten-free, dairy-free, meatless, and easily customizable. Alongside vegan and vegetarian options, there are some allergen-friendly restaurants and bakeries locally that are dedicated to putting those with allergies or food sensitivities at ease while dining out.
Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur or just looking to try something new, you’ve come to the right spot! We often take for granted how awesome it is to live in a time and place that allows access to food and flavors from around the world, passing the plate between cultures and over borders. As always—whether you’re having sushi for dinner in Franklin or something else—we hope you find excuses to gather with those you love, sharing a meal and building community in big and small ways!
