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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Unique seafood spots in Downtown Nashville

Made for those who seek out rare, unconventional preparations of ocean-sourced ingredients.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
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Updated May 2026
01
Kosho image 1
Kosho image 2
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Restaurant

Japanese-inspired restaurant offers a minimalistic, sleek design with blond stained wood and clean lines. Atmosphere feels lively yet intimate, enhanced by jazz music and an open kitchen where chefs prepare meals. Cocktails and sake stand out alongside authentic dishes like chicken karaage and wagyu shabu shabu.

Drinks feature kiwi foam and a shishito sour that stand out for their unique flavors. Small plates offer a variety of flavorful, unique options to try.

Salmon crudo and unagi crispy rice stand out among the seafood options. Korean clams pair well with a side of rice, and shrimp appears in both skewers and bao buns.

People are saying

"The food here is the best Iโ€™ve ever had."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food and cocktails here are inventive and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

2

Kosho validates parking, but costs can be high without validation.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

02
ZuZu Nashville image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant combines Japanese elegance with a modern lounge vibe, creating a cozy and vibrant atmosphere. Live DJ music upstairs adds lively energy without overpowering conversation. Interior design feels stunning and intentional, suited for groups and celebrations.

Cocktails feature unique combinations crafted by a skilled bartender. The ribeye stands out with an Asian-inspired marinade that balances sweet and salty flavors. Every course offers distinctive and memorable tastes.

Fresh seafood dishes include Honey Walnut Shrimp, Yellowtail Sashimi & Nigiri, and Tempura Lobster Roll. The shrimp appetizers and shrimp lo mein stand out for their huge portions and rich flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, especially the honey walnut shrimp."

"The honey walnut shrimp is a must-try seafood dish."

"Every dish was unique, beautifully plated, and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with small plates at great prices.

2

Reservations are recommended for live shows like 'Host Stand Shuffle.'

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with DJs on weekends in the upstairs lounge.

03
Sushi | Bar Nashville image 1
Sushi restaurant

Entrance through a nondescript door leads into a warm, intimate space blending modern sophistication with traditional Japanese elegance. Skilled chefs prepare and explain each dish in an engaging, interactive omakase experience. Thoughtful touches like personalized nameplates and curated sake pairings create a private, exclusive atmosphere.

Unique dining shines through one-off sushi options and unique flavor combinations. The omakase offers a distinct experience with great flavors and textures.

Fresh fish forms the core of the dishes, crafted into decadent sushi right in front of you. Chefs explain each piece and its origin, balancing rice, wasabi, fish, and soy sauce with simple garnishes to highlight quality.

People are saying

"This dinner spot is an immersive experience unlike any other."

"The seafood omakase experience here is amazing and immersive."

"It's a truly unique dining experience that felt very special."

Good to know

1

Reservations open on the 1st of every month for the following month.

2

The restaurant has only 12 seats, so make a reservation early.

3

The total cost for two people, including add-ons, is about $650.

04
Sinatra Bar & Lounge image 1

Steak house with swanky 50s decor and live Sinatra-style music creates a classy, inviting atmosphere. Guests enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and high-quality steaks in a setting that honors timeless elegance. Upstairs lounge offers exclusive, intimate seating despite limited space.

Music and entertainment stand out as truly unique and fun. The ambiance feels like being in Palm Springs, creating a distinct atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and generously portioned."

"The seafood here is superb, with a wonderful atmosphere."

"The ambiance here is so unique, it feels like stepping back in time."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at least two weeks in advance due to high demand.

2

Restrooms are located two flights up, which may be challenging for those with disabilities.

3

Live music starts after 7:30 pm, enhancing the dining experience.

05
The Catbird Seat image 1
New American restaurant

Counter seats surround an open kitchen, creating an intimate setting where watching chefs work feels like performance art. The atmosphere is warm and cozy with a lively energy, though music volume can rise to a distracting level. The space combines elegant design with playful touches, making dining feel both special and engaging.

Each course delivers unique and bold flavors that stand out. Staff provide special insights on food and drink, while distinctive wine and non-alcoholic pairings deepen the experience.

Menu focuses on seafood-heavy dishes with a strong emphasis on summer flavors. Options cater to those who avoid seafood or mushrooms by offering alternatives.

People are saying

"The food here is off the charts good and amazing."

"The food was unique and unforgettable."

"I was blown away by the delicious seafood experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

2

The tasting menu costs approximately $300 per person, excluding drinks.

3

Expect a unique multi-course dining experience with wine pairings.

06
Drusie & Darr by Jean-Georges image 1

Restaurant occupies a beautifully renovated basement space with historic decor and intimate bar setting. Atmosphere feels relaxed yet lively, with a high noise level similar to a bar. Guests often enjoy exceptional cocktails and unique dishes in a setting that blends elegance with casual energy.

Appetizers stand out with unique flavors. Dishes like mushroom pizza, rigatoni, and sea bass offer distinct tastes. Bathrooms also feature a unique design.

Warm shrimp salad stands out with its rich flavors and marinade, often served as an entrรฉe. Tuna tartare and sashimi come with fresh, beautifully prepared fish and tangy sauces.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have incredible food, especially the shrimp salad."

"The appetizers and sushi here are unique and fantastic."

"I loved the warm shrimp salad; its flavors were perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Valet service costs $30, despite claims of being complimentary.

2

Expect to pay $9 per glass of water for large groups.

3

Brunch is offered on Saturdays with a great menu.

07
The Detroit Cowboy image 1

Restaurant offers an eclectic, nostalgic decor filled with memorabilia and a speakeasy room. Atmosphere features live jazz music with a grand piano and a welcoming patio for dogs. Drinks include expertly curated cocktails and a notable wine list.

Burrata and tomato appetizer offers a unique and delicious start. Saffron-shellfish nage adds a distinctive, flavorful accent to dishes.

Fresh oysters from both U.S. east and west coasts stand out, especially at the raw bar. The colossal Executive shrimp and lobster offer gigantic, delicious shellfish experiences.

People are saying

"The service here is outstanding, truly above and beyond."

"I've never had better quality seafood anywhere else."

"The chargrilled tenderloin tips and portabella mushrooms were outstanding."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM with half-price cocktails.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining.

3

The patio party ends at 6:00 PM, limiting outdoor enjoyment.

08
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Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a beautifully curated space with a HiFi sound system and a live vinyl DJ spinning on Altec speakers. The atmosphere feels cool and speak-easy, enhanced by a subtle red light at the entrance and valet parking nearby. Sushi bar seating faces a wall, creating a unique dining setup away from the main bustle.

A 100% unique dining experience combines quality food with an immersive atmosphere. The music, food, drinks, and staff create a distinct and inviting vibe.

Every bite of fresh sashimi and sushi tastes like seafood straight from the coast. The Branzino fish entrรฉe stands out, alongside dishes featuring wagyu and oysters.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here has a fun and energetic atmosphere."

"The atmosphere and music here are so unique and amazing."

"The seafood here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy nights, especially weekends.

2

Valet parking is available for free at the JW hotel.

3

Limited menu is served between 10pm and 11pm on Sundays.

09
Ophelia's Pizza + Bar - Nashville image 1

European cafe style blends with cozy, theatrical decor and loud Italian music to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Private patio seating offers a quiet contrast to the lively indoor energy. The space feels like a unique Italian villa with quirky, unapologetically southern touches.

Dรฉcor features photo walls that stand out and create a very unique atmosphere. The Nashville Hot style pizza offers a distinct twist on a classic dish.

Shrimp scampi comes loaded with shrimp and has a noticeable saltiness. Pizza with truffle also stands out as a distinctive seafood option.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pizza, is authentic and delicious."

"The shrimp scampi here is delicious."

"You can't miss the decadent cream puff with warm ganache."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy times like weekends.

2

The Thanksgiving buffet is a special event offered during the holiday season.

3

The restaurant accommodates gluten allergies without issues.

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Downtown, Nashville

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