3 Exquisite Sushi Restaurants in Memphis, TN

What Is It?

Recently renovated, RYU offers a cozy spot on Summer Avenue, serving up a delightful menu of sushi and pho. This local gem is perfect for those craving fresh, delicious meals in a welcoming atmosphere. Patrons often rave about the quality of ingredients and the variety of choices available.

The Experience

Walking into RYU, you’re greeted by a charming ambiance adorned with plenty of greenery, making it feel like a hidden oasis off Summer Avenue. You settle in and take in the cozy surroundings that perfectly set the mood for a relaxing meal. The friendly staff makes you feel right at home, ready to recommend their favorite dishes. You're guided through the menu, and after contemplating, you decide to order a mix of sushi and their famous pho. The salmon skin roll catches your eye, and you can't resist the fried cheesecake for dessert — a recommendation you’ve heard from many happy diners.

As the dishes arrive, you're immediately struck by the vibrant colors and fresh presentation of everything on your table. The sushi rolls are generously sized, filled with fresh and tantalizing ingredients, and the first bite of the salmon skin roll delivers a delightful crunch that dances on your tastebuds. Every piece of sushi is crafted with care, making it clear that the chefs take great pride in their work. You pair the sushi with the kimchi pho, which boasts a broth full of flavor with just the right hint of sweetness. Each slurp of noodles is pure comfort, making you wish you could take a pot of it home!

You’re enjoying every moment, and the service matches the quality of the food. The staff are attentive but not intrusive, making sure you have everything you need while letting you savor the meal at your own pace. As you finish off your meal with the mentioned fried cheesecake, you can't help but smile. It’s creamy and decadent, a perfect end to an already fantastic dining experience.

Feeling satisfied and grateful for having discovered RYU, you make a mental note to return with friends. You leave the restaurant with a full belly and happy heart, having found your new favorite sushi spot in Memphis.

When to Go

To enjoy a quieter dining experience, consider visiting RYU during the early lunch hours or late afternoon. Most diners recommend going before the peak dinner rush—around 4 PM to 5 PM—to avoid the crowd while still getting to savor their delicious offerings.

What Is It?

Red Koi Japanese Cuisine is a lively spot in Memphis known for its tantalizing Japanese dishes and innovative sushi rolls, all served in a colorful, contemporary atmosphere. The restaurant features a spacious bar and is a favorite for sushi lovers looking for a satisfying and vibrant dining experience.

The Experience

When you step into Red Koi Japanese Cuisine, the lively buzz of conversations and the tempting aroma of fresh sushi greets you. Imagine the excitement as you peruse a menu bursting with creative roll options, including favorites like the Koi Tempura Roll and the Rolls Royce—each one promising an explosion of flavors. As you settle in, maybe you start with the complimentary spring rolls, freshly fried to perfection and paired with a savory dipping sauce that has patrons raving. You can already tell this will be a dining experience to remember.

Once you place your order, the efficient service takes you by surprise. Plates of beautifully crafted sushi rolls start to arrive at your table almost right away, each one more impressive than the last. As fellow diners around you delve into their hibachi favorites, you can’t help but feel the sense of community here—a relaxed atmosphere where families and friends gather to share delicious food. The sushi is fresh and well-portioned, making it hard to resist a second roll even as you feel completely satisfied with your first choice.

As the meal progresses, the conversation flows easily, perhaps over a refreshing drink from the bar, which has garnered its share of compliments for generous servings. Anyone at the table could happily dive into the hibachi options too. In fact, some visitors highlight that the chicken fried rice is the ultimate comfort food, and it doesn’t disappoint on flavor—perfectly seasoned and likely to become a quick favorite of yours, just like it has for many repeat diners.

Throughout your meal, the attentive waitstaff keeps an eye on your drink levels and checks back to ensure everything is to your liking. There’s a certain warmth in the service, a key element that keeps guests coming back. You might even hear laughter from the hibachi grill, where other diners are experiencing that theatrical cooking show, adding to the overall lively vibe of Red Koi. It’s trips like this that affirm your love for sushi and the joy of discovering standout dishes without the need to break the bank.

When to Go

For a more laid-back experience, consider visiting during weekdays for lunch or just after peak dinner hours. Many guests suggest that dining between 2 PM and 5 PM will allow you to enjoy the food without the hustle and bustle typically present at lunchtime or during weekend evenings.

What Is It?

Sekisui Pacific Rim is a contemporary Japanese eatery located on Poplar Avenue in Memphis, known for its expertly crafted sushi, flavorful noodles, and a variety of other Asian-inspired dishes. With an inviting atmosphere complemented by artful decor and a lovely aquarium, it has become a popular dining destination for sushi enthusiasts and casual diners alike, offering lunch boxes and unique specials that keep patrons coming back for more.

The Experience

As you step into Sekisui Pacific Rim, the welcoming vibe immediately sets the stage for a wonderful night out. Soft lighting, a cozy atmosphere, and impressive art pieces create a chic dining experience that feels both modern and inviting. You glance at the menu, where an array of fresh sushi rolls, beautifully plated entrees, and flavorful appetizers await your selection. After careful consideration, you decide to start with the signature Redbirds Roll, a delightful blend of crispy crab and shrimp, and a side of the highly praised House Crab Salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors.

As your meal arrives, you can’t help but admire the presentation—each plate looks like a work of art, and the tantalizing aromas wafting toward you only heighten your anticipation. The sushi is fresh and expertly made, with patrons raving about the grade A tuna and creative specialty rolls. You take a bite, and the flavors explode in your mouth, leaving you humming with joy. Between bites, you soak in the friendly service that makes you feel right at home. It’s clear the staff loves what they do, and their enthusiasm is infectious.

After indulging in sushi, you can’t resist trying one of the desserts recommended by other guests: the tempura cheesecake. It arrives at your table, golden and warm, and you take a moment to appreciate its elegant appearance before diving in. One taste confirms it—a perfect way to cap off a fantastic meal! With the delightful ambiance around you, and some lovely tea to wash it all down, the time seems to fly by as you enjoy your date night in this lively setting.

Before heading out, you can’t help but smile at the thought of sharing this gem with friends. As you leave, you notice the place has a steady flow of other diners, all sharing the same experience you just had. It’s easy to see why Sekisui Pacific Rim has found such a dedicated fan base, making it a must-visit spot for sushi lovers in Memphis.

When to Go

If you're looking to avoid the hustle and bustle, consider visiting Sekisui Pacific Rim on a Thursday evening. Patrons note that it's less crowded than Fridays, making it a great time to enjoy a leisurely meal without much delay in service.