Aya Sushi

So sad to say that Aya is now closed :(we miss it already, sadly it seems that there wasn’t the right level of speed/​staff/​popularity to keep this place going! Hopefully the owner can still look fondly back at all the photos he took!

Good things come to those who wait. Almost tastes just like the restaurants that I ate in Miyazaki-​ken Japan.

Real authentic Japanese restaurant operated by Japanese, both the lady and chief are very friendly and helpful. Come here if you want to have some real Japanese food!

Sad to say this because I had high hopes for this restaurant, but it is way too slow. 2h for a meal. And they forgot an order of gyoza. Also they added gratuity after credit card was taken for receipt. I am not likely eating here again even though their broth for the udon and soba is the best I have had. If you can tolerate a long duration meal that may forget an item and because they forgot an item they add gratuity after you see the check, then this place won’t bother you.

Best place for sushi in the Boro! Definitely coming back!

So it turns out that Middle Tennessee *does* have authentic, delicious sushi — it just happens to be in Murfreesboro, not Nashville.
We’ve been to Aya twice now and we received our food promptly, but the restaurant was not particularly crowded either time.
If you’re worried about wait times, here’s a tip — Aya does take reservations (at least for dinner) and if you’re familiar with the menu, you can tell them what you want to order and they’ll get it started for you so that it arrives at your table soon after you’re seated. How’s that for a smart idea!
But the fact is that sushi — especially sushi this good — is really meant to be savored.
Another reviewer suggested that the owner (who is also the sushi chef) should simply hire another helper to prepare sushi if he has trouble keeping up with demand.
Like I said, we did not have any issues with excessive wait times, but the suggestion ignores the fact that the supply of true sushi chefs — those who have gone through the extensive training and apprenticeship process that makes sushi into an art — are probably few and far between in Middle TN.
Did you know that in Japan, an aspiring sushi chef may work with a master chef for up to 5 years before he is even trusted with the task of preparing the sushi rice? (Well, at least if you believe Wikipedia —
)
Aya Sushi does have a selection of rolls — and they’re made very well — but I think the nigiri and sashimi are the true stars here, as they allow the quality of the fish and the artistry of the sushi chef’s cuts to shine through.
(Also, be aware that at traditional sushi restaurants like Aya, a bit of wasabi is often placed between the fish and the rice in the nigiri sushi. If you’re not a big fan of wasabi, you might prefer to order sashimi so you have more control over your wasabi intake.)
I’m sure there are cheaper sushi restaurants, but IMHO if I’m ingesting raw fish, I’d rather eat sushi as a special occasion and pay more for quality ingredients and knowledgeable preparation.
Without ordering alcohol, we spent around $ 60 (including tax and tip) on dinner for two and left feeling full.
It’s certainly possible to spend less if you have a small appetite or if you order some of the non-​sushi items on the menu — teriyaki, tempura, sukiyaki, etc.
Oh and there are also some interesting vegetarian options, which are not always easy to find in Middle TN.
If you love sushi, Aya is definitely worth the trek from Nashville or anywhere else within at least a 30-​mile radius.

We found this gem on Unilocal and will be regular customers. We went at noon on a Saturday and it was empty, surprisingly. We sat at the bar and had the fire engine roll and the yellow tail tobiko roll as well as albacore, BBQ eel, and salmon nigiri. Our bill was about $ 47, a little higher than some places but it was all delicious. The chef and wait staff were very friendly and attentive.

The rolls we had were very good. We wanted to order more but didn’t have enough time since it took close to an hour to get the first 4 rolls. They could’ve made a lot more money off us but it would’ve taken us 3 hours to have dinner.
Yes, the service is slow. No, if’s and’s or but’s about it. It’s not just the sushi that’s slow, it’s drinks too. There were 4 in my party and 2 people sitting at the sushi bar (they arrived maybe 15 minutes before we were leaving). No matter how much care is put into making the sushi (and I appreciate that) it should not take over an hour between placing your order and finishing your meal when you are the only ones in the place for 45 minutes of that hour!
Super nice people and I wish them well. But I doubt we’ll return unless it’s a cold or rainy afternoon and we have a lot of time on our hands.

Authentic & made with lots of love. I’m positive this is the coolest sushi restaurant I’ve been to. Oh yeah, & the last time I was there, they took our picture for the photo albums they keep for all to look through. So fun!

Let me start by saying I’ve eaten a lot of sushi in a lot of different restaurants over the years. I prefer to eat sashimi over rolls and have eaten plenty of «authentic» Japanese food. That said, this trip to Aya Sushi was my worst sushi experience ever.
We ordered a spicy tuna roll, spicy yellowtail (a third roll that never made it to the table) and the hamachi Kama. First, slow is not the adjective I would use to describe the service. This is obviously a mom and pop joint, but man you have to crank out the food a little faster. Especially when we were one of three tables.
Second, after waiting an hour they brought out the Hamachi which was obviously cooked in the microwave. This is one of my favorite grilled fish dishes that I have eaten many times and I took one bite only to send it back. After another half hour two of the three rolls made it to the table. I took a bite of the spicy yellowtail and immediately thought something wasn’t quite right. My wife smelled the yellowtail before popping it in her mouth as I did and she wouldn’t eat it at all. Both rolls were over powered with spice that you really couldn’t taste the fish and personally I think the yellowtail was on the verge of being rotten.
I quietly took my plates up to the counter to let them know that we did not like the food. Shockingly, the owner asked me where I normally eat sushi because his was «authentic» Japanese and I probably didn’t like it because I eat Korean sushi. Not wanting to cause a scene or put down his food I simply told him we just did not like the food and would gladly pay for our drinks and the small portion we ate. He said we would have to pay for half of the bill because he already made the food. So, without argument I paid $ 30.00 for food we did not like or ate. We went to Toots and had wings.
Safe to say that we will not be going to back to Aya Sushi.

Something to keep in mind, Unilocalers: Quality takes time. If you want a quick fix, the boxed sushi bar at Kroger is calling your name. If you want food with exceptional ingredients that is thoughtfully prepared and served by genuinely kind people in a cozy setting, come to Aya (which, if you didn’t know, is Shoin’s wife’s name– she’ll probably be the one serving your sake).
Aya’s offers guests many attentive, personal touches such as bringing out a small dish of fish and onions and sauce to snack on with your sake while you wait.
You won’t find any deep-​fried mango-​tuna-​pineapple «crazy rolls» here. The small menu consists of deceptively simple, extremely tasty offerings. Nice, clean flavors that show off the quality of the ingredients and attention to detail. Maybe this is why I see large groups of employees from the Nissan plant enjoying a meal here rather than one of the other less than authentic «Japanese/​sushi/​hibachi» places in town.
We come here often, it’s not much more than some of the chain restaurants and yes, sometimes it can take some time for things to get out to your table (keep in mind there is but ONE sushi chef practicing his craft behind the bar), but I’d prefer to pay and wait for food that is good and served by good people. Be prepared for your close-​up after the meal, Shoin doesn’t let anyone get out without cheesing for the camera!

TOOK… FOR-​EVER. It took them over an hour and a half to get our last roll to us… I really don’t know what all the hype is about this place! Besides being super SUPER SLOW, the food wasn’t very good. Also, it’s always a negative when you serve soda in cans…

This place is awesome, I got yakatori and sukiyaki, both tasty, I’m not a sushi eater, but I love sukiyaki, I try to get it everywhere I go… great service, a bit pricey, and I felt a bit uncomfortable about the owner taking picture at the end, but overall, good food, good service.

While the sushi was good, I’ve had better, and i’ve had it for cheaper without being forced to take an awkward photo afterwards.

Authentic Japanese Food. They prepare their sauces with love. Their Sushi comes in portions you can fit in your mouth without looking like a fool and having to use a fork and knife.
I don’t judge if you don’t know how to use chop sticks. I’m just saying, some sushi chefs give you big pieces, that fall apart because it takes multiple bites. Everything is done well here, from the homemade teriyaki sauces, thinly sliced beef, traditional japanese menu dishes you only find in Japan.
Although it’s a side of the building restaurant and the décor isn’t five star, the worldly jazz music and cool sushi chef make up for it.
In the end it’s about the food. And Murfreesboro is lucky to have one of the best in the area. arigato.

There are lots of places to get sushi in Murfreesboro, but this is the most unique place of them all.
It’s located behind Toot’s, just look for the big wall painting of a woman singing. It’s not a big restaurant with lots of fancy decorations. It’s a small and cozy place. They do a great job of making you feel at home. The owner is also a photographer, so you’ll notice some of his work on the walls. If you ask, he’ll show you some of his portfolios.
They have a full menu, but we always go there just for the sushi. The prices are a little high compared to the other big restaurants, but the quality and authenticity is worth it. They have some Americanized rolls, but they also have traditional rolls for more experienced sushi fans.
When you leave, the owner will take your picture. The first one is just a smile, then you can do whatever you want for the second one. It’s a fun bonus.
I recommend them, check them out.

Atmosphere feels like you are in the heart of TOKYO! Owners are Authentic from Japan! And extremely friendly =)
Very Pricey but worth it! Must come back!

The picture that they take doesn’t make up for the price tag.
I have eaten at several sushi places and I must say that Aya is among the most expensive. While the food is very good and they will take care of you as a regular customer, the prices are a bit out of hand. I know, I know, sushi is expensive, etc, but this is a real issue for me.
It is one of the more authentic places that I’ve eaten sushi and I appreciate that. The food has a good taste, but nothing that really sets it apart. I can’t really complain too much about the service. The photo is a weird kind of bonus.
Fat guy has settled for less. =X

This is a great place to go for sushi in Murfreesboro. It is off Medical Center Parkway behind Toot’s and deserves to be more popular than Toot’s. It is a family owned and run business. The owners are very nice and friendly and the service has always been good.
The atmosphere is relaxed and the food is fresh. For appetizers I always get the gyoza. All of the sushi I have tried has been fantastic. It is very nice and fresh.
The owner will want to take your picture before you leave. Don’t be camera shy!

I ate here several months ago and enjoyed the experience but wasn’t Unilocaling at the time. Went again last week and wanted to give a boost to this little known but above average sushi house. This restaurant is located behind Toot’s and is in the same parking lot. The sign is not very large and you may miss it if you are driving by on the street.
This place has a cool, cool vibe. I don’t know where it comes from, exactly. It could be the hip, jazzy music that they play. Or, the relaxed, casual atmosphere that comes from people who are repeat customers. I like it that this place really has a family feel to it. The Papa and Mama are there and also the college-​age daughter, and that is all I see in there.
The food must be good too, because this is the reason for coming here in the first place. There is an extensive list of appetizers and the sushi is of generous size, tastes fresh and has a good wasabi kick to it. For diners who prefer cooked food, there are tempura and teriyaki dishes that are also very tasty. There is Japanese beer and sake on the drink menu.
The service is polite and prompt but not rushed. And do be prepared to have your photo taken as you leave. They download all the photos and publish them on their MySpace page the next day.