Ninki Japanese Sushi Steakhouse

Japanese restaurants in Nashville are not hard to come by, but which ones are worth your money? In my opinion, Ninki’s makes the top of the list.

I have eaten at and gotten take out from Ninki’s numerous times. Ninki’s menu options include a large variety of everything from entrees with steak, chicken, shrimp, or salmon; more sushi roll choices than you can even read in one sitting; specials like yakisoba, udon noodles, and bento boxes; as well as classics like chicken or shrimp fried rice.

If you eat at the restaurant, you have the choice of sitting at the hibachi grill or at a regular table. Especially on the weekends, wait times can become very long and make you very hangry if you want to sit at the hibachi grill. However, if you are planning on ordering hibachi, it is definitely worth the wait. One time, I ordered hibachi chicken when I did not sit at the grill, and not only were the portions smaller, but I also had to pay extra for fried rice instead of steamed rice. At the hibachi grill, everything is included: everyone’s favorite clear onion soup, salad, cooked vegetables, two pieces of shrimp, and fried rice, in addition to the protein of your choice. Unfortunately, gratuity is also included with hibachi orders, so you will end up spending around $20 on a meal like this. However, unless you can eat as much as my dad (which is a lot), you will have enough leftovers to make a second meal which helps me feel a little better about spending so much on one entree.

Personally, I think ordering take out sushi from Ninki’s is the best way to go. That way, I don’t have to worry about waiting for a table (my couch always seems to have seats available). My favorite roll is called the “Hawaiian.” Sadly, I do not have a picture of this majestic masterpiece, but it consists of tempura shrimp, asparagus, and cream cheese, topped with avocado and mango. It sounds like a strange combination, but TRUST ME, IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. I mean come on, what other food product could deliver all of these delicious flavors in one bite? A single roll rings up at a pricey $11.95, but it has more pieces than some of the other rolls, so I think it’s worth the splurge every now and then.

Another one of my favorites is the “Jack’s Roll” (bottom roll in picture above) which offers a delicious combination of fried halibut, avocado, and cream cheese. The favorite roll of several of my friends is the “Happy Sunday.” This roll contains salmon and cream cheese and is deep fried and topped with eel sauce. Both of these rolls are smaller, but cost less than $6 each, so they are a little easier on the wallet.

There are also plenty of raw sushi options like the hamachi which is sliced yellow tail atop rice or the sake which is sliced salmon atop rice. I stay away from these items, so I can’t really give much feedback other than saying I personally don’t know why anyone would want to eat something uncooked when you can pay the same amount and get something cooked, but maybe that’s just me.

If you are looking for a Japanese restaurant in Nashville that is worth your time and money, Ninki’s is the place to go! With mouth-watering hibachi and endless sushi options, you are sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. Just make sure you are prepared to wait if you go for a weekend dinner date!