Cookeville has sit-down hibachi restaurants with sushi bars, a counter-service chain, a craft-beer bar with rolls, and local restaurants that have served fish in the Upper Cumberland for years.
1. Fuji Hibachi & Sushi
864 S Jefferson Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
Fuji Hibachi & Sushi is at 864 S Jefferson Ave. The menu includes a la carte nigiri and sashimi, chef's special rolls, hibachi entrees, bento boxes, teriyaki, udon, and a sushi party boat. Reviews cite the fish. Ask the server which fish came in that week. The salmon nigiri is clean and correctly portioned. The tuna holds its color. The specialty rolls are built with restraint. The dinner bento box includes soup, salad, a sushi roll, tempura, and rice. The tempura batter is light and drained. Hours are Monday through Wednesday from 11am to 3:15pm and from 4:15pm to 9pm. Call ahead for the split shift. Takeout is available. Fuji takes reservations.
2. Little Kobe
768 S Jefferson Ave, Ste H, Cookeville, TN 38501
Little Kobe is at 768 S Jefferson Ave, Ste H. Call to confirm current hours. The lunch special is a bento box built around a sushi roll, with gyoza and tempura. The Kobe rolls are a signature item. Portions are large. The gyoza have char on the bottom and a full filling. The chefs' platter includes scallops, shrimp, and lobster. The miso soup with the lunch special has tofu and seaweed. The room is modest. Little Kobe serves lunch and dinner.
3. Drake's
1010 S Walnut Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
Drake's is at 1010 S Walnut Ave. Drake's describes itself as a restaurant that loves beer and a bar that loves food. Drake's has over 20 taps, burgers, and a sushi menu. Specialty rolls use salmon, crab, and spicy combinations, with sauces. One listed roll is teriyaki salmon with avocado and seaweed, topped with crab stick, fried onion, sushi sauce, and spicy mayo. The rice is seasoned with vinegar. The rolls are American-style. Hours run Sunday through Thursday until midnight, and Friday and Saturday until 1am.
4. Rock N Roll Sushi
541 S Willow Ave, Ste 103, Cookeville, TN 38501
Rock N Roll Sushi is a chain based in Alabama with locations across the Southeast. The Cookeville location is at 541 S Willow Ave, Ste 103, in the former CiCi's Pizza on South Willow. The location has a following. Named rolls include the Crowd Surfer, the VIP roll, and Spicy Tuna Rockstars. Spicy Tuna Rockstars are rice stars topped with spicy tuna, jalapeños, ponzu, spicy mayo, and house-made hot honey. The menu also includes hibachi, a kids menu, desserts, and a bar. Hours are 11am to 9pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 10pm Friday and Saturday.
5. Sakura Hibachi Express
220 S Willow Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
Sakura Hibachi Express is at 220 S Willow Ave. Call to confirm hours. Sakura is counter service. Hibachi plates come with chicken, steak, shrimp, scallop, or salmon. The menu also has teriyaki, fried rice, yaki soba noodles, and combination platters. The food comes out quickly. Sakura offers takeout and delivery through the website or DoorDash.
6. Sakura Hibachi Express (Delivery)
220 S Willow Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
Sakura Hibachi Express at 220 S Willow Ave is on 931 Delivers, DoorDash, and sakurahibachicookeville.com. The hibachi plates and teriyaki dishes are the delivery orders named here. The website lists the full menu.
7. Taiko Noodle & Sushi Bar
125 W Broad St, Cookeville, TN 38501
Taiko Noodle & Sushi Bar is at 125 W Broad St. Call before a trip. The menu has included the Cookeville Roll, the Smoky Mountain Roll, and noodle dishes. Some platforms list the restaurant as closed. Other platforms list it as able to reopen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sushi restaurant in Cookeville TN? Fuji Hibachi and Sushi at 864 S Jefferson Ave is the first sushi pick on this list. The menu covers a la carte nigiri, sashimi, and chef's special rolls.
Is there good Japanese food in Cookeville? Fuji Hibachi and Sushi has hibachi, sushi, bento boxes, and teriyaki. Little Kobe on South Jefferson Avenue is the lunch-special pick. Rock N Roll Sushi on South Willow is the casual chain option, and the menu works for families or a quick dinner.
Does Cookeville have sushi? Fuji Hibachi and Sushi serves nigiri, sashimi, and specialty rolls. Drake's on South Walnut serves specialty rolls in a craft beer bar. Rock N Roll Sushi serves American-style rolls daily from 11am.
Where can I get sushi in Cookeville Tennessee? The sushi spots named here are Fuji Hibachi and Sushi (864 S Jefferson Ave), Little Kobe (768 S Jefferson Ave), Rock N Roll Sushi (541 S Willow Ave), and Drake's (1010 S Walnut Ave). Fuji is the sit-down Japanese menu. Drake's is the roll with a beer.