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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeTennesseeDavidson CountyNashvilleEast GermantownJapanese Restaurant in Van Buren StreetO-Ku
O-Ku ico

O-Ku

Japanese restaurant, Lounge ★4.0 (270)·US$50–100

81 Van Buren St, Nashville, TN 37208, USA

4.0
The Tennessee Two Step is one of the best sushi rolls I’ve ever had. The staff was great. Our waiter Nicholas and the manager Tiffany just made sure that we had the best time. Their Onna Old Fashioned is classic and new simultaneously and very refreshing. (Forgive the photo quality). - Martin Lammers
O-Ku Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
US$50–100 per person Reported by 270 peopleUS$20–30US$30–50US$50–100US$100+

O-Ku Introduce

For those in Nashville, TN, seeking an elevated and exceptional Japanese dining experience, O-Ku stands as a premier destination. Located at 81 Van Buren St, Nashville, TN 37208, USA, O-Ku offers a sophisticated ambiance and a commitment to fresh, high-quality cuisine. In the context of the "Doctor Near Me" platform, which serves to connect users with reliable services and goods for immediate needs, O-Ku represents a high-end culinary solution for discerning palates, providing a "fix" for those craving exquisite Japanese flavors and an upscale dining atmosphere. They can be reached directly at (629) 900-0021 or via mobile at +1 629-900-0021, making reservations and inquiries convenient.

The environment and atmosphere at O-Ku are consistently lauded by patrons, creating a memorable dining experience. Reviews frequently praise the "love the atmosphere," indicating a stylish and vibrant setting. O-Ku typically features a modern and chic interior design, often incorporating elements like dim lighting, sleek furnishings, and perhaps a prominent bar area. This upscale ambiance makes it ideal for a variety of occasions, from romantic date nights to celebratory gatherings or even a sophisticated business dinner. The design likely focuses on creating an intimate yet lively space where guests can comfortably enjoy their meal and conversation. This carefully curated environment elevates the dining experience beyond just the food, contributing significantly to O-Ku's reputation as a top-tier Japanese restaurant in Nashville.

The services at O-Ku are frequently described as "impeccable," demonstrating a strong commitment to guest satisfaction. Patrons consistently highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. Individual mentions of specific staff members like "our waiter Nicholas and the manager Tiffany" underscore the personalized attention and dedication to ensuring guests "had the best time." Servers are noted for recommending their favorites, indicating a knowledgeable team that is enthusiastic about the menu and genuinely wants to guide diners to enjoyable choices. This level of attentive and high-quality service aligns perfectly with the expectations of reliability and excellence sought from services discovered through a "Doctor Near Me" search. From seating to ordering and throughout the meal, the service at O-Ku aims to be seamless and attentive, contributing significantly to its overall appeal.

O-Ku’s features are centered around its exceptional culinary offerings, particularly its sushi, alongside a refined beverage program.

  • Exceptional and Fresh Sushi: The sushi is repeatedly described as "delicious" and "so fresh." The emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients is a cornerstone of O-Ku's reputation. A specific standout mentioned is "The Tennessee Two Step," which one reviewer proclaimed as "one of the best sushi rolls I’ve ever had." This highlights O-Ku's ability to craft innovative and memorable rolls that blend traditional Japanese techniques with creative flavors.

  • Diverse Sushi & Sashimi Selection: While specific rolls are not exhaustively listed, O-Ku's menu typically includes a wide array of nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls, offering both classic options and unique chef creations. This variety ensures that both sushi connoisseurs and newcomers can find something to enjoy.

  • Creative Cocktails: The beverage program at O-Ku is a significant feature. The "Onna Old Fashioned" is singled out as being "classic and new simultaneously and very refreshing." This indicates a thoughtful and innovative approach to mixology, offering unique drinks that perfectly complement the Japanese cuisine and enhance the overall dining experience.

  • Modern Japanese Cuisine: Beyond sushi, O-Ku typically offers a curated selection of modern Japanese dishes, which might include small plates (izakaya-style), tempura, and grilled items, all prepared with precision and high-quality ingredients.

  • Upscale Dining Experience: O-Ku is positioned as an upscale dining destination. This means not just the food quality but also the presentation, the service, and the overall ambiance contribute to a premium experience, making it suitable for those looking for a special night out.

While specific promotional information like daily specials or loyalty programs is not detailed in the provided reviews, the very nature of O-Ku's high-quality offerings and impeccable service acts as its strongest promotion. The fact that customers express a strong desire to return for their "second visit in two months" indicates a high level of satisfaction and repeat business, which is the best form of endorsement. Upscale restaurants like O-Ku often rely on their reputation for excellence and word-of-mouth recommendations rather than frequent discounts. However, they may offer seasonal tasting menus, chef's specials, or participate in local restaurant weeks. For any current promotional details, potential diners are advised to visit O-Ku's official website or contact them directly. The perceived value of an exceptional dining experience, where both food and service exceed expectations, often outweighs the need for explicit discounts for its target demographic.

In the context of the "Doctor Near Me" platform, O-Ku serves as a highly specialized and top-tier "provider" for a specific culinary "fix." Just as one would seek out a highly recommended medical specialist for a particular health concern, individuals craving an authentic, high-quality, and modern Japanese meal can confidently rely on O-Ku. Its prime location on Van Buren Street in Nashville makes it a desirable and accessible destination for a special night out. The restaurant's unwavering commitment to fresh ingredients, innovative dishes like the Tennessee Two Step roll, and consistently impeccable service ensures a satisfying and memorable outcome. O-Ku's reputation for excellence and its vibrant atmosphere solidify its position as a go-to establishment for discerning diners in Nashville, offering a premium and reliable culinary "prescription" for those seeking an unforgettable Japanese dining experience.

O-Ku Menu

  • Good Citizen Coffee

  • French Press US$4.00
  • Sparkling Wine

  • Prosecco, Jeio US$11.00

    Veneto, Italy NV

  • Blanc De Blanc, Raventos I Blanc US$59.00

    Catalonia, Spain 2016

  • Champagne, Gosset Brut Excellence US$120.00

    Champagne, France NV

  • Brut Rose, Clara Vie Cremant De Limoux US$12.00

    Languedoc-Roussillon, France NV

  • Brut Rose, Schramsberg US$93.00

    California 2016

  • Savory + Light

  • Two Cranes US$17.00

    Tokusei | Daiginjo | 24 oz

  • Divine Droplets US$150.00

    Ginga Shizuku | Junmai Daiginjo l 24 oz

  • Murai US$10.00

    Tokubetsu Honjozo | 24 oz

  • Complex - Nuanced

  • Dragon God US$12.00

    Ryujin l Ginjo Nama Genshu l 24 oz

  • Chrysanthemum Water US$13.00

    Kikusui | Junmai Ginjo l 24 oz

  • Crisp & Light

  • Sauvignon Blanc, Merieau “Les Hexagonals” US$11.00

    Loire Valley, France 2017

  • Sauvignon Blanc, Delaporte Sancerre US$80.00

    Loire Valley, France 2017

  • Sauvignon Blanc, Peregrine US$75.00

    Central Otago, New Zealand 2018

  • Chenin Blanc, Radley & Finch US$9.00

    Western Cape, South Africa 2018

  • Chenin Blanc, Domaine Bergerie Anjou Blanc US$50.00

    Loire Valley, France 2016

  • Albarino, Ramon Bilbao US$46.00

    Rias Baixas, Spain 2017

  • Gavi Di Gavi, Il Poggio US$48.00

    Piedmont, Italy 2015

  • Exotic & Aromatic

  • Pinot Gris, Kracher US$60.00

    Burgenland, Austria 2015

  • Pinot Blanc, Elk Cove US$12.00

    Willamette Valley, OR 2017

  • Chenin Blanc, Sauvion Vouvray US$44.00

    Loire Valley, France 2017

  • Riesling, Leitz “Dragonstone” US$12.00

    Rheingau, Germany 2017

  • Riesling (dry), Domaine Loberger “Vielles Vignes” US$68.00

    Alsace, France 2016

  • Rose, Floriography US$10.00

    Provence, France 2018

  • Bright - Full-Bodied

  • Tarusake US$8.00

    Kiku-Masamune | Cedar Barrel | Tokubetsu Junmai | 24 oz

  • The Panda US$14.00

    Miyozakura | Junmai l 6 oz

  • Way of The Warrior US$8.00

    Kizakura l Junmai Genshu l draft

  • Lush & Layered

  • Chardonnay, Hahn “SLH” US$13.00

    Santa Lucia Highlands, CA 2016

  • Chardonnay, Dutton Goldfield “Dutton Ranch” US$85.00

    Russian River Valley, CA 2016

  • Chardonnay, Flowers US$120.00

    Sonoma Coast, CA 2016

  • Aromatic - Creamy

  • Silky Mild US$8.00

    Sho Chiku Bai | Nigori l 24 oz

  • Dreamy Clouds US$16.00

    Rihaku l Tokubetsu Junmai Nigori | 10 oz

  • Poochi Poochi US$32.00

    Suehiro l Sparkling Nigori | 10 oz

  • Cocktails

  • Shogun US$11.00

    Japanese roku gin, lemon, agave, Thai basil

  • Sugar & Spice US$10.00

    Habanero-Infused Picker’s Vodka or Goza Tequila passionfruit, lemon

  • Onna Old Fashioned US$12.00

    Suntory Japanese whisky, shochu, rice syrup, sesame tincture

  • Let’s Celebrate! US$12.00

    Ozeki sake peach jello shot with aperol

  • Light & Fruit Driven

  • Pinot Noir, Evolution by Sokol Blosser US$11.00

    Willamette Valley, OR 2017

  • Pinot Noir, St Innocent “Freedom Hill Vineyard” US$85.00

    Willamette Valley, OR 2015

  • Pinot Noir, Spy Valley Vineyards US$79.00

    Marlborough, New Zealand 2015

  • Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat US$65.00

    Santa Barbara, CA 2017

  • Pinot Noir, Failla “Keefer Ranch” US$110.00

    Russian River Valley, CA 2016

  • Grenache / Graciano, Azul Y Garanza “Garciano” US$44.00

    Navarra, Spain 2017

  • Gamay, Domiane Du Vissoux “Vieilles Vignes” US$12.00

    Burgundy, France 2016

  • Spicy & Rustic

  • Mencia, Losada US$40.00

    Castilla y Leon, Spain 2015

  • Cotes-Du-Rhone, Domaine De Servans US$10.00

    Rhone Valley, France 2015

  • Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Domaine De Saje US$96.00

    Rhone Valley, France 2016

  • Syrah, Holus Bolus US$75.00

    Sta Rita Hills, CA 2016

  • A.A. Badenhorst “Secteurs US$46.00

    Swartland, South Africa 2016

  • Tempranillo, Bodegas Lan “Reserva” US$14.00

    Rioja, Spain 2011

  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages

  • Matcha Mule US$5.00

    Yuzu, matcha, ginger beer

  • Spirited Away US$5.00

    Hibiscus, pineapple, passionfruit

  • Lychee Lemonade US$5.00

    Lychee, lemon, bubbles

  • Bold & Complex

  • Malbec, Ben Marco US$11.00

    Mendoza, Argentina 2016

  • Malbec, Tikal “Amorio” US$74.00

    Mendoza, Argentina 2015

  • Cabernet Blend, Mark Ryan “The Vincent” US$15.00

    Columbia Valley, WA 2017

  • Cabernet Sauvignon, the Counselor US$80.00

    Alexander Valley, CA 2016

  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Miner “Emily’s Vineyard” US$105.00

    Napa Valley, CA 2016

  • Beer

  • Sapporo Rice Lager US$6.00

    Japan | 4.9%

  • Blackberry Farm Brewery US$7.00

    “Yallarhammer” American Pale Ale | TN | 5.2%

  • Bearded Iris US$7.00

    “Homestyle IPA” | Nashville | 6%

  • Bottles

  • Kirin Ichiban US$5.00

    Japanese Rice Lager | 4.9%

  • Wiseacre US$6.00

    “Tiny Bomb” Pilsner | Memphis | 5.4%

  • Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager US$7.00

    Japan | 5.5%

  • Diskin US$6.00

    “Lil Blondie” Southern Cider | Nashville | 5.6%

  • Omakase*

  • Chef’s multi-course tasting menu US$140.00
  • Add Sake Pairing US$50.00
  • Tobanyaki

  • A-5 Wagyu Beef* US$55.00
  • Chefs Specialties

  • Wagyu Tartare* US$32.00

    Pickled root vegetables, herb aioli, fried caper, truffle olive oil, confit egg yolk

  • Tebasaki US$17.00

    Choice of Belle Meade and gochujang BBQ or glazed honey garlic, topped with chive and sesame seeds

  • Poke TunaTacos* US$24.00

    avocado, crispy shallot, sweet soy

  • Oku Rock Shrimp US$15.00

    Spicy aioli, chive, mixed greens Nashville hot style available

  • Kung Pao Cauliflower US$15.00

    Tempura cauliflower tossed in firecracker sauce, crispy onion, scallion, peanuts

  • Usuzukuri* US$16.00

    Sake, black lava salt, wasabi stem, truffle ponzu

  • Tuna Tataki US$25.00

    bourbon togarashi crusted tuna, sesame vinaigrette, truffle soy

  • Japchae US$16.00

    glass noodles, bell pepper, sweet onion, egg, scallion, sesame

  • Hamachi Carpaccio* US$20.00

    Yuzu miso, jalapeño, togarashi salt, citrus

  • Chirashi ichiban US$35.00

    Chef's choice assorted sashimi over rice

  • Black Magic US$32.00

    Squid ink rice, lobster, crispy shallot, spicy aioli, chive

  • Signature Makimono

  • Playboy* US$19.00

    Crab, wagyu beef, herb aioli, avocado, chive, goat cheese mousse, truffle soy glaze

  • Nashvegas* US$16.00

    Crab, goat cheese mousse, avocado, tempura, spicy salmon, sweet soy glaze, spicy aioli

  • Predator US$18.00

    Shrimp tempura, unagi, avocado, spicy aioli, sweet soy glaze, candied walnuts

  • Green Goddess US$15.00

    Crispy sweet potato, cucumber, roasted red peppers, avocado, sweet miso

  • Tennessee Two Step* US$18.00

    Shrimp tempura, avocado, spicy tuna, salmon, spicy aioli, sweet soy glaze, chive

  • Tanuki US$18.00

    spicy salmon, mango, cucumber, avocado, walu, honey garlic, sesame

  • Lo Pan US$16.00

    crab, salmon, cucumber, avocado, crispy rice, cilantro aoili

  • Yama US$17.00

    suzuki, spicy tuna, shiso leaf, ponzu, micro greens

  • Titan Up US$19.00

    tuna, shrimp tempura, avocado, mango, crispy rice, truffle soy glaze

  • O-Ku Nigiri (1 Pc)

  • Tuna* US$10.00

    strawberry, wasabi

  • Hamachi* US$8.50

    Yuzu miso, serrano, cilantro

  • Salmon* US$7.50

    Aburi-style, lemon zest, ikura, citrus aioli

  • Unagi US$7.00

    Candy walnut crunch, spicy aioli, truffle-soy glaze

  • Wagyu* US$18.00

    seared foie gras, onion jam, chive, rosemary salt

  • Suzuki US$9.00

    shiso, aka yuzu kosho, ponzu, chive

  • Robata-Yaki

  • Tomorokoshi US$8.00

    Sweet corn, Japanese aioli, togarashi, citrus butter

  • Yakitori US$8.00

    Chicken, scallion, togarashi salt

  • Lemongrass Sausage US$9.00

    ponzu mustard, spice vinegar

  • Kamo-Negi US$14.00

    Five-spiced duck breast, scallion, plum BBQ

  • Shishito Peppers US$8.00

    flake salt, citrus

  • C.A.B. Tenderloin US$16.00

    ginger soy reduction, shiso chimichurri

  • Hot Dish

  • Tokyo Chicken Donburi US$20.00

    House-made teriyaki, seasonal vegetables, steamed rice

  • C.A.B. Yakiniku Beef US$28.00

    sweet onion, japanese mushrooms, fragrant rice, fresno chili, scallion

  • Japanese Mushroom Farro Risotto US$22.00

    Wild Japanese mushrooms, truffle Parmigiano, arugula

  • Nigiri & Sashimi (2 Pc)

  • Maguro* US$10.00

    Red tuna

  • O-Toro* US$22.00

    Fatty blue fin

  • Sake* US$8.00

    Scottish king salmon

  • Sake Harami* US$9.00

    Salmon belly

  • Wagyu Beef* US$20.00
  • Hamachi* US$8.00

    Yellowtail

  • Hamachi Harami* US$9.00

    Yellowtail belly

  • Ikura* US$9.00

    Salmon Roe

  • Uni* US$24.00

    Sea urchin

  • Hotate* US$11.00

    Scallop

  • Walu* US$8.00

    Escolar

  • Unagi US$9.00

    Broiled eel

  • Tako* US$7.00

    Octopus

  • Starters

  • Edamame US$5.00
  • Miso Soup US$5.00

    Tofu, scallion, seaweed

  • Asian Mixed Greens US$12.00

    Asian pear, radish, candied walnut, seasonal garnishes, sesame dressing

  • Seaweed Salad US$7.00
  • House-Made Sunomono US$6.00

    Tosazu vinaigrette, radish

  • Classic Makimono

  • California US$12.00

    Crab, avocado, cucumber

  • Spider US$13.00

    Soft shell crab, avocado, cucumber, spicy aioli, sweet soy glaze

  • Spicy Tuna* US$11.00

    Spicy tuna, cucumber

  • Shrimp Tempura US$11.00

    Tempura shrimp, avocado, spicy aioli, sweet soy glaze

O-Ku Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great cocktails
  • Great tea selection
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Assistive hearing loop
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Healthy options
  • Small plates
  • Spirits
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar on site
  • Toilet
  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere

  • Cosy
  • Trendy
  • Upmarket
  • Crowd

  • Family friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Locals
  • Tourists
  • Transgender safe space
  • Planning

  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • High chairs
  • Parking

  • Free of charge street parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Parking
  • Pets

  • Dogs allowed outside

O-Ku Photos

O-Ku Picture 1O-Ku Picture 2O-Ku Picture 3O-Ku Picture 4O-Ku Picture 5O-Ku Picture 6O-Ku Picture 7O-Ku Picture 8O-Ku Picture 9O-Ku Picture 10

O-Ku Location

O-Ku

81 Van Buren St, Nashville, TN 37208, USA

O-Ku Reviews

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