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If there is better sushi in Nashville I haven't seen it. I'm not usually a big roll eater, but Virago's rolls are DE-FREAKING-LICIOUS. Probably not authentic but could be considered progressive. The chirashi is fresh and delicious. My wifey likes the cooked seafood items too.
This is my favorite restaurant in Nashville and has been for years.
I LOVE VIRAGO
A bunch of Chicagoans descended upon Nashville and just couldn't kick our Sushi addiction. Where to go in Nashville to get sushi? Will it be any good?
Oh yeah, Virago is the place.
Everything about Virago was fantastic...the service, the drinks, the food, the people-watching...everything! Our server was a Southern doll who had absolutely no qualms about giving us separate checks....all 8 of us! That never happens in Chicago...I might just move to Nashville for separate checks alone (well who am I kidding, I'm moving there for the music :-).
Prices seem on the high side for Nashville, but you also seem transported into a different place...it's more LA, or NYC, and definitely worth the price tag.
I can't say enough great things about Virago....next time I am in town I am definitely stopping back for some delicious sushi!
We love this place! Great atmosphere, yummy drinks, friendly servers. That said, neither of us care for sushi, but we have had the endamame as well as the tempura chicken, asparagus, etc...so delish!
So I know this supposed to be Nashville's top sushi spot, but guys, it's not that great. Yes, it's a cool vibe inside and the bar scene may be decent, but the food was just not good.
Started with a really odd tasting plate, the Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps. It came with a pile of dried up ground beef, tasted like cardboard, bad texture. The server didn't give us any spoons to pick up the beef. Total miss on this one. We also had the Pork Shumai, was this frozen from Trader Joe's??? Finally, Shrimp Satay...wow, three 16-20 lb shrimp on a stick, three shrimp guys, come on, they were the barely the size of my thumb.
The rolls weren't any better...and SO OVERPRICED! My girlfriend wanted to try the Aloha roll, sushi chefs in Japan would lose their shit if they saw what was in this roll. It was just not good. Also had the Red Dragon roll. Not as bad as the Aloha.
All in all, go for drinks, don't go for the food.
It's hard for me to take a sushi place seriously when there is a cheese plate on the menu. However, a Japanese cultural experience is not the point of Virago. Virago is about tasty Japanese fusion, fun cocktails, and an upscale trendy environment.
The sushi tastes good. Everything I've had at Virago tastes good. I wouldn't call it the best sushi in Nashville, though most publications claim it to be.
It is expensive. An order of two Nigiri can be $7! On Monday nights, they have a half-off deal on selected Maki rolls and specials on some cocktails and appetizers. I have now been there 3 times in four years, and I will eventually return to sample other things on their menu, such as some of the crazier Maki rolls. I was not one for rolls with a fruity component, but a sushi roll in Las Vegas changed that for me. Virago is a place to enjoy rolls such as those. However, if somebody said, "I'm in the mood for some unbelievable sushi!", Virago would not be my first pick.
I have had the cheese plate before. It was very good.
Seriously some of the most amazing rolls I have ever had in my life - better than in Chicago even! Expensive but definitely worth it - the ambiance is super cool and the food is super yummy.
The Bomb roll was amazing - I didn't want to share but did!
I also tried the yum yum roll which was good and the Aloha roll - the ingredients look a little crazy but it was the best flavor combo!
Sake Sunrise wasn't so hot - the seared salmon on top was overpowering.
Also to note the lychee drink wasn't so great either.
I have dreams about that Bomb maki . . .
So, I get the feeling that this is where guys will take a date when a.) they want to seem cooler than they are, and b.) the girl is easily impressed.
1.) I'm not sure why everything is so expensive here. I mean, they are small plates and sushi rolls - the average price shouldn't creep into the 20s. Virago isn't quite in that league.
2.) The wait staff needs to check the attitude. I'm sorry if I didn't order a wine or liquor with my drink with my meal. But you shouldn't hold that against me.
3.) When the menu says pork loin served with leeks and tempura sweet potatoes, that's what I expect to see on the plate when it arrives. I don't expect pork loin, spinach and mashed sweet potatoes. Does not equal!
Ok, so those are the cons - and they had to go first. Admittedly, I enjoyed the pork, which was cooked pretty near perfect. And I did appreciate the 1/2 items on the new menu. But still, the cons totally outweigh any positives that I may have experienced.
Had the Philly Crunch roll, some roll with Strawberries on it (VERY GOOD), a lobster roll which was okay and unagi (eel) roll. Philly crunch is really good if you like wasabi; they use wasabi cream cheese.
They had a large selection of liquor and sake and the prices were pretty decent. I ended up spending less than $30 on my food.
The actual place is really stylish and aesthetically pleasing.
Virago is a stylish sushi joint that offers something refreshingly different from the dive bars, honky tonks, and chain restaurants that dominate Nashville. The cocktails are delicious and the sofa-like seats, dynamic yet dim lighting, mixed music, and large trippy video screens give the place a modern lounge feel. The crowd is mostly stylishly dressed as though you're in New York or L.A., if you can look past the always present handful of guys who still wear their party night striped shirt from 2002.
The menu consists mostly of $9 to $19 maki - the fancy kind of roll that's more cream cheese and sauce than raw fish. You're paying for style, not substance or authenticity. The service is a mixed bag but generally below average for restaurants with similar average ticket prices.
My recommendation is that you come after a diner for some drinks and a shared snack with friends. Unfortunately much of the open seating has been replaced with tables for diners, so you'll have to make a reservation or wait a while for a table on weekend nights. Go in a big group, and go for the atmosphere, not the food or service.
Im so glad this place exists. Thank you Virago owners. This is the first and only place I have been that has made me feel like im "going out" when Im going out in Nashville.
By far the chicest and most stylish bar I have ventured to out here. The rooms are kept dimly lit with red or blue accents. There is a small candle at your table to bring on some mood....(I appreciate thisl) There is loud music playing and the bar crowd is absolutely chatty which lends to Virago making Nashville seem like a real city!!
I read some comments below- that people were dressed up a bit for this place-considering its Nashville. I have to chime in and SCREAM "F'N Hooooooooray!!!!" Dress up Nashvillians! Ladies wear your heels! Men put in that hair gel! Everyone wear some cologne or perfume! Yehawwwww!! There aint no cows to tie down here!
I will say- the sushi does not mirror my beloved Ponzu in Waltham, but for local Nashville- the rolls are great. The menu has such a wide array of choices that you are sure to be able to find something that you like.
I moved to Nashville a couple years ago on my own, and after reading a few online sushi bar reviews, decided to take myself out for my birthday alone to Virago. It was a Tuesday night and I had originally planned on getting takeout, but the bartender convinced me to stay. I'm so glad I did!
For a while they had half-price sushi on Mondays, but recently did away with that due to some patrons abusing the promotion. Regardless, I still come nearly every Monday night. The fish is always fresh, the drinks are creative and tasty, the bartenders are a blast, and I've even been pleased on the rare occasion I stray from the sushi menu (try the ceviche). Before 7, a handful of martinis and other specialty cocktails, as well as a few appetizers, are priced at $5.
Cons...for a long time I tried getting reservations for Monday nights while they were still doing half-price. It seemed every time I called, no matter how far in advance, they were booked. I don't know if this was a slick way of denying my reservation, but after a while I took to just waiting on a seat at the bar. Sometimes it can be quite a wait, and while you're standing around waiting for a seat to open up, chances are a server will bump into you, as the area isn't all that large or conducive to those in waiting.
A tip: if you're dining alone at the bar, or with some friends and looking for a quieter area, sit in the front bar. The majority of the restaurant faces the back bar, and it can get rather loud on that side.
Virago...let's see, I've gone between "it's an ultra-cheesy-wanna-be" place about 3 years ago to "it's a totally decent sushi restaurant and cool bar" today. I understand where others are coming from though. The clientele there can still be a little overdressed "to impress" if you will, but you just have to look past that and have a great time with whoever you came with.
Honestly, I've been to Nobu in Miami and the sushi there is top notch--but I have to say that Virago takes the number 1 sushi slot in Nashville. Also great are the tempura green beans and gyoza. ALWAYS get at least one of those for an appetizer! The artisan cheese plate is the best in Nashville in my opinion too. It's way more food than one person can eat, so make sure there are at least 2 or 3 of you! Comes complete with 4 or 5 cheeses (including fried brie!) and grapes, strawberries, pineapple, or whatever is in season.
If you are serious about sitting at a table for dinner, call at least a day ahead for a reservation. The bar is full service though and is first come first served. If it's busy, expect slow service, but I've never had a bad experience there besides the crowd a few years back. And I have to just blame that on my own close-mindedness.
Want great sushi, a chance to get dressed up (or at least out of your jeans), and stellar people-watching? Check out Virago!
Brandon D is spot-on in his description of the vibe at Virago: "wannabe-L.A. lounge-y-slash-I' m-trying- to-be cooler-than-thou-when-I' m- really-a-tool"
So far, it is the best sushi I have had in Nashville. But that's not saying a lot. The first maki on their special list (The Monster? The Beast? something like that) is delicious, but by no means is this authentic Japanese sushi.
If you don't have a reservation, don't go -- they are constantly "already booked up for reservations" (even on a random weeknight) (can you feel that vibe yet?), and an hour wait really means two hours, and its just so not worth it. Go to the Cheesecake Factory or something instead. Seriously -- same difference.
Dress is casual - there are tools there who are all glitzed up and wearing trends head-to-toe rather than subtly incorporating them into their wardrobe a la Stacy London -- but seriously, jeans and a sweater are fine. Like Brandon D said ... this is Nashville freaking Tennessee.
So I had one of the best Sushi dishes called "the bomb" and it is exactly that. Virago is a casual but stylish Sushi joint. The bar has a good list of drinks. Very comfortable and a must while in town.
Great food and selection. There breaded Indian pudding is pretty nice. Just request some extra caramel sauce. Price is on the high side but any nice downtown sushi place will cost you the same.
Decor hasn't changed. Drink menu hasn't changed. Sushi rolls haven't changed. Bartenders haven't changed.
Still THE place to people watch Nashville without looking at tourists.
My favorite place in Nashville to get dressed up, have a great cocktail, see great friends (and some not so great ;-), and share some fantastic sushi.
What I love the most....all ages are welcome. Whether you are here on business and want to dine alone at the bar, or out on the town with the girls....virago is the place.
Sushi's good. But if you've been to Tao (Vegas & NY), Nobu (Vegas & NY), your taste bud gets a little spoiled. But I like it and I would eat there again.
You know once you go to places like this, yeah it's a seen-and-be seen-wanna' bes-whatever, but I don't let that bother me. If I like the food and the company is good, I'll keep going. I like Virago, just don't plan on having a romantic date here, it gets really loud, but fun enough to go now and then. The hostesses can be a little more friendly though, they need to get over themselves, there's a lot of pretty women in this world and you're just some of them.
I'm proud of my city and how far it's come along, so those of you who just got here, don't knock it, live with it or leave.
So I know if you're trendy and a gal about town, you're supposed to love Virago, but I just don't. I've been here several times but the first few times I just went for drinks at night, and I really think that's what I'll confine it to in future.
While the food is good, and it is known for its fusion sushi rolls, I can think of many other places in town I can get better, more interesting sushi for a lower price.
I'll give this place a good rating based on two cocktails: the champagne and ginger vodka with a twist of pickled ginger and the sakitini. Both are great and worth stopping by here to try.
However, making reservations here is an ordeal. You have to leave a message, and they say they will call you back confirming your time. I had to call them three times to make sure I had a reservation and when I got there, they acted like I was an intruder and had no right to be there.
I had several other problems with the service that night, but I'll just say that Virago is a place to go if you don't care how much money you spend, how long you'll wait, or if you accept that you're not as trendy as anyone who works there.
Because it's in that ring of late night places to go around Division and Demonbreun, I wouldn't totally cross it off my list, but treat it casually, like you're too hip for it, and you won't come away with a broken heart.
Oh man, I only rememebr being here for a few minutes but I'm sure I was there for an hour or so. Trendy nightclub and sushi bar a little drive away from downtown.
Virago is one of the swankiest sushi places in Nashville. Actually, I went to Virago for my first time this past September because they had a half off deal for all their new sushi rolls. I must say, I am impressed with the selection of rolls, wow, so many to choose from! The fish seems really fresh and the servers are some of the best. I had a roll that was (I think) fried in panko. It was super delicious and had shrimp and seaweed in it. I love the loungy feel in the place, it has a great vibe... a great departure from some of the other more mundane sushi places in town.
I totally appreciate the food at Virago, but not the attitude that comes with it. I've been to Virago a half dozen times over the last year, and I think the food quality has been stable, but possibly slipping a bit. Their rolls are very tasty, but the most expensive in town. Last night I had some friends in from out of town and I brought them here between stops at Flyte and Rumbah. There was nobody waiting in the lobby, and the hostess told us it would be 45 until we would be seated. As she was lying to us, several parties started leaving. We asked if we could be seated now since tables had cleared out, and we got another lame excuse that they were understaffed that night. At that, we decided to leave, and also to cross their sister restaurant, Lime, off the list of places to visit.
i just dined at virago last night. i started frequenting virago almost two years ago after hearing so much talk about their sushi. being a vegetarian but one who does eat shrimp and crab and some fish and loving sushi i had to check this place out.
the first time i went to there i tried the key lime tartini and FELL IN LOVE! it is by far the best cocktail in town. bartender ben crist makes the best one hands down. they have a huge wine list and most servers are very versed on what wines are the best depending on what you're in the mood for. i have had very few drinks here that i didn't like. they also serve saki *even though i am not a huge fan* and various asian beers.
as far as appetizers go the edamame is excellent YET my favorite has got to be the tempura which they serve with your choice of four two dipping sauces per order. you can get a medley of three different tempuras in one order or just choose one large order of one specific thing, such as shrimp, crab, green bean, asparagus and sweet potato--my favorite being the shrimp, green bean and sweet potato.
as far as rolls go--- i love the cripsy firecrunch-- a piece of tempura shrimp wrapped in rice and rolled in panko and flash fried for a crunchy taste/texture topped with firesauce which rocks and spciy mayo! i love it and everyone that i recommend it too agrees that it is awesome... they also have a new roll that is actually an old roll they have put back on the menu that is called the BOMB and has crab and shrimp tempura and has a sweet yet spicy/hot kick to it.. it is wonderful! you can't go wrong with any of their rolls---such as the emerald dragon, the yum yum... etc.....
the decor is modern and awesome, with dj and big video screen in the front room/lounge area and an awesome bar with two sides to it in the middle of the restaraunt
if you are in for a fun night out---and awesome sushi---check out virago
Crowded. Sushi was par with anywhere else, bartender and servers were great and friendly.
Hmmm. I kinda grew up there! I remember being 23, dancing on top of the bar after hours with lisa, when they still had the patio........til today, where, its a good place to get some sushi and a cold martini! Totally dont dig the "club virago" vibe, so we always sit at the bar or the round booth, but its nice for the "cool and pretty" crowd.
Best sushi in Nashville, no contest.
Even though Virago is known for its sushi, I wouldn't go there for that but rather for its chic atmosphere. With great modern décor, Virago also has great modern prices (ie. It's expensive). My visit to Virago included their most popular Godzilla Roll that was just the right amount of spicy but I don't think was that great. I also hear that their popular Dragon Fire roll and Crispy Dragon fire roll are pretty good. Virago is definitely trying to create the high end, classy, and modern vibe, and though their dishes are beautifully platted I would rather just not spend that much. I got the cheapest option on their sushi menu - $9 which is more expensive that the average prices at any other sushi place around town - which was good but I didn't think it was necessarily worth what I was spending. I will say their bar was fun, which a lot of nicer end matini options. They get 4 stars for their ambiance but not for their food.
Nashville, TN
Category: Latin American
Neighborhood: Belmont/Hillsboro
Category: Bars
Nashville, TN
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Hillsboro/West End
Category: Sushi Bars
Neighborhood: East End
Category: Wine Bars
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