I have been very fortunate to live in cities with fantastic sushi restaurants (San Fran, Chicago, D.C.) and when I moved to Nashville two years ago, I was concerned I may not be able to find restaurants up to par. While I have found good to very good sushi (we have tried them all), I have not been blown away until I ate at Hanabi. My wife and I dined there on a Sunday night with our friends, one of which is a very accomplished executive chef at a Nashville hotspot. We ordered some appetizers and asked the sushi chef to create us something. What they created, caused us to break out the camera and take pictures! First let me say about the menu that it is very extensive with dishes you will not see anywhere else in town. A quick start with the house pickled vegetables really gets the palate ready to tackle the more intense flavors. If you are very adventerous, try the monkfish liver. You really could make a meal out of the appetizer list alone! As far as the sushi, there is NO more creative and extensive roll list in the area. From the deep fried rolls like the wake up to the clever square designed parthenon, the flavors and textures mingle beautifully leaving you very satisfied. Also, the nigiri are the perfect size with the right fish to rice ratio. The fish is always of the highest quality and if you have any questions, just ask the very talented chefs. The only downside is the wine selections don't do the menu justice. The selection is limited and not anywhere as exciting as the menu. I am a self proclaimed wine dork though so it may not be as big as a deal to others. You are better off selecting a good sake. I highly reccomend a visit.
Pros: Extensive menu, creative rolls, a true Japanese restaurant
Cons: Wine list could use a some work
more