Sushi-san, the popular Chicago-based Japanese restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants (also behind Aba), officially opened in Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. This marks the restaurant’s first location outside of the Chicago area. Sushi-san is best known for its super-fresh fish, deep sake, extensive Japanese whisky offerings, and old-school hip hop on the stereo. Nashville’s location already has a five-star Google rating from over 280 reviewers. Nashville Guru stopped by to get a look inside the new buzz-worthy destination.
The Interior
Sushi-san’s interior offers space for up to 158 guests. The atmosphere is dimly lit with a 24-seat bar and lounge area, booths, tables, and a 12-seat private dining room. Get a seat at the sushi counter to watch the mastery of the sushi chefs. Japanese-inspired art and decor are featured throughout alongside plants and green tones to give a natural and earthy vibe.
The Exterior
Sushi-san is located in the back portion of Ashwood 12 South near Lalaland and Sunlife Organics. There’s an outdoor patio plus the brand’s first walk-up soft-serve window featuring unique rotating flavors like Hokkaido Vanilla and Pineapple Whip and desserts by Netflix School of Chocolate winner Juan Gutierrez.
The Menu
Sushi fans will love the creative menu created by Master Sushi Chef Kaze Chan, who has two decades of sushi mastery and deep ties to the Martinez and Yamasaki families from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. Menu highlights include curated nigiri and sashimi sets like Mr. Maguro (Balfego bluefin tuna from Spain), maki and hand rolls, binchotan-roasted meats, and small plates like Spicy Tuna Crisy Rice.
On the beverage side, expect 65 Japanese whiskies, blast-chilled Asahi draft, and cocktails using Japanese ingredients. Sushi-san’s sake list offers over 20 options, too, including the restaurant’s own private label, Sake-san, brewed in Osaka.
The Details
Sushi-san adds a fresh and upbeat experience to Nashville’s culinary scene. If you like Japanese cuisine, this should be on your list of new places to try.
- Address: 2212 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37204 (map/directions)
- Phone: (629) 258-7667
- Directory Listing
- Official Website
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