Ken's Sushi and Japanese Restaurant: a diamond in the rough

Nestled on the corner of Broadway and Division Street, Ken’s Sushi and Japanese Restaurant might be easy to overlook.  But don’t let the nondescript building and overall lack of aesthetic exterior and interior beauty fool you: Ken’s Sushi has been a local favorite for years. Local university students think of the eatery as their own little hidden treasure. (The restaurant is within walking distance of Vanderbilt University.)

The dining rooms are small, and the table settings are simple. Yet, Ken's boasts fresh sushi and superior service. Expect a crowd during the lunch hour, especially when school's in session. In the evening, Ken’s serves as a great preface to the rest of a fun-filled evening on the town. Its central location makes the restaurant convenient to the West End or downtown Nashville.

Ken’s menu consists of several traditional Japanese dishes. Enjoy the Teriyaki Plate with chicken or beef, steamed rice and miso soup for $7.50. Go all out with the Fried Seafood Plate for $10.50 and indulge in squid, oyster, shrimp and white fish.

Naturally, Ken’s staff also serves a variety of sushi favorites. Nigiri Sushi pieces start at $1.25 and can be made with tuna, white fish, yellow tail, squid, smelt roe, salmon, surf clam, crab stick, eel, shrimp and much more. Sushi rolls with seaweed outside include the cucumber roll ($2.25), avocado roll ($2.75), tuna roll ($3.95), salmon roll ($3.75) and yellow tail ($4.25). Rolls with rice outside include the California roll ($3.95), crunchy shrimp roll ($3.95), spicy tuna roll ($4.25) and many more.

The restaurant features several specialty rolls that vary in price and ingredients. Visit Ken’s for the updated menu!  Although the restaurant does not have a website, the staff at Ken’s will gladly fax a copy of their menu to you at home or work. 

sushi japanese steak seafood chicken