Koshō by Tabu debuts in Nashville’s SoBro neighborhood

In the heart of Nashville’s SoBro neighborhood, Koshō by Tabu just marked its grand debut yesterday, March 7th, 2025, as a new Japanese-inspired restaurant that blends time-honored traditions with modern flair. Backed by the creators of California’s famed Tabu Shabu and Oak & Coal, this 3,500-square-foot concept unites the art of Japanese hot pot dining with the lively spirit of an izakaya under one roof. Patrons are invited to “dive into a world of delightful small plates, exquisite Shabu Shabu, and masterfully crafted cocktails” that promise to transport them straight to the heart of Japanese cuisine. The result is a dining experience that feels both authentically Japanese and distinctly at home in Nashville.

Image: Koshō by Tabu, Nashville

At its core, Koshō by Tabu’s philosophy centers on honoring Japanese culinary traditions while delivering them in a fresh, engaging way. The team – led by restaurateur Jeff Chon – has combined the best elements of two successful California brands (the hot-pot specialty of Tabu Shabu and the yakitori focus of Oak & Coal) to create something unique for Nashville. A key value is quality: the restaurant emphasizes sourcing small-batch, high-quality ingredients and celebrating diverse Japanese techniques in every dish. This means you’ll find influences from various regions of Japan on the menu – from the casual comfort of izakaya bites to the interactive tradition of shabu-shabu hot pots.

Image: Koshō by Tabu, Nashville

Importantly, Koshō strives to deliver authentic flavors in a modern, fun, and hospitality-centric atmosphere. The ambiance reflects this ethos: expect warm dark wood tones and intimate lighting, alongside a downstairs cocktail bar with cozy booths and banquettes fostering a convivial vibe. Every element, from the friendly service to the stylish decor, underscores Koshō’s commitment to Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) paired with Nashville’s welcoming charm.

Image: Koshō by Tabu, Nashville

Koshō by Tabu’s menu is as dynamic and exciting as its concept. It spans a broad range of Japanese culinary styles, inviting guests to explore and share. The offerings include everything from a raw bar and inventive small “bites” to a dedicated shabu-shabu bar, plus larger shareable plates, an array of yakitori skewers, flavorful sides, and an elevated craft cocktail program. In practice, this means diners can customize their experience – perhaps starting with delicate cold appetizers, then diving into a steaming hot pot, and sampling grilled skewers, all in one meal.

Image: Koshō by Tabu, Nashville

For instance, you might begin with a bright salmon crudo from the raw bar or some crispy wagyu beef croquettes, which are among the artful small plates hinted at during Koshō’s pre-opening tastings. Heartier offerings include the restaurant’s signature “kosho” garlic noodles – a savory, umami-rich twist on a comfort favorite – and a selection of yakitori. Skewers of meat and vegetables are grilled over open coals in authentic fashion, with highlights like the chicken-and-scallion yakitori delivering smoky, succulent bites straight from the robata grill. To cap the meal, Koshō even puts an inventive spin on dessert, offering treats such as an ube banana pudding – a clever East-meets-West nod that infuses a Southern classic with Japanese flair (ube is a purple yam).

Image: Koshō by Tabu, Nashville

Throughout the menu, the culinary approach balances tradition with creativity. Guests can enjoy the interactive experience of shabu-shabu hot pot, swishing premium cuts of meat and farm-fresh vegetables in simmering broths at the table, just as one would in a traditional Japanese hot pot bar. Yet alongside those time-honored dishes, there are contemporary touches – whether it’s a sprinkle of yuzu-koshō (a Japanese chili-citrus paste) to brighten a dish, or cocktails crafted with Japanese whisky and house-made syrups. The drink program is no afterthought either: Koshō features a curated list of craft cocktails to complement its food. Expect inventive drinks that might incorporate Japanese spirits, sake, or ingredients like shiso and ginger, all designed to pair smoothly with the bold and subtle flavors on the menu.

Image: Koshō by Tabu, Nashville

Koshō by Tabu’s culinary team has clearly set out to elevate Japanese cuisine in Nashville. Every detail – from the sourcing of ingredients to the style of service – reflects a desire to provide an experience that is both deeply authentic and thoroughly engaging. With its combination of Japanese hot pots, grill artistry, and creative small plates, Koshō offers Music City something truly new. It’s a place where you can savor the soul of Japanese cooking (be it a comforting bowl of broth or a perfectly charred yakitori skewer) in a setting that’s contemporary, social, and fun. In short, Koshō by Tabu is more than just a restaurant – it’s an ode to Japanese culinary culture, brought to life with Nashville’s energy and hospitality. Whether you’re an aficionado of Asian cuisine or simply an adventurous diner, this vibrant spot invites you to experience Japanese dining in a whole new light.

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