Since its debut this past December, Kase x Noko has quickly become a standout addition to East Nashville's thriving dining scene. This omakase restaurant offers a dining experience that balances exclusivity with approachability. Developed by the celebrated team behind Noko —Jon Murray, Wilson Brannock, and Chef Dung “Junior” Vo — Kase x Noko continues their tradition of crafting unique culinary concepts that capture the hearts (and taste buds) of Nashville diners.
Omakase, meaning “I’ll leave it up to you,” is a Japanese dining experience that highlights the chef’s expertise through a prix-fixe menu of meticulously prepared dishes. While many omakase spots can cost upwards of $190 per person, Kase x Noko reimagines this tradition with a surprisingly accessible price of $75 for its 14-course tasting menu. Guests can savor an array of expertly crafted nigiri, hand rolls, and dishes like A5 wagyu beef and foie gras—all served within a 75-minute dining window.
The fish, sourced globally from Japan, Spain, Hawaii, and New Zealand, arrives fresh daily. The team takes pride in balancing quality and sustainability, with farm-raised fish ethically sourced to complement their wild-caught selections.
Kase x Noko offers three seatings per night, Tuesday through Sunday, at 5:30, 7, and 8:30 p.m., with reservations required.
With only 14 seats and a four-seat bar, Kase x Noko is an intimate affair. The small size allows for personalized service and an up-close look at the culinary artistry of the chefs, led by Chef Vo. Each dish is prepared and presented with precision, offering diners a visual and gastronomic feast.
The name “Kase” is a clever nod to both omakase and the connection to its sibling restaurant, Noko, located just next door. This sense of connection extends beyond the kitchen—1% of net profits from Kase, as with Noko, are donated to the Nashville Children’s Alliance, a nonprofit supporting children who have experienced abuse.
The thoughtful design of Kase x Noko transforms the two small shop spaces next to its sister restaurant Noko. The interior boasts dark ambient lighting with accents of moody wood, Gyotaku art—traditional Japanese fish prints and Vintage photographs of Tokyo in the 1970s. Chef Vo even collaborated with Zane Ceramics, a local pottery studio, to design custom dinnerware that enhances the presentation of each dish.
Kase x Noko’s whiskey bar is a standout feature. Dubbed the smallest bar in Tennessee, the four-seat space is inspired by Tokyo's intimate cocktail lounges. The bar serves as a perfect prelude to the omakase experience, inviting guests to relax with creative cocktails or sake pairings tailored to their meal. Open on a walk-in basis from 5 to 9 p.m., the bar offers an impressive range of whiskeys and sakes.
Behind the scenes, the Kase x Noko team emphasizes sustainability and employee well-being. In addition to sourcing fish responsibly, they provide staff with health insurance, four-day workweeks, and paid vacation. This commitment to a positive workplace reflects in the seamless and attentive service guests receive.
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