In terms of staying power in the Nashville dining scene, Virago is high on the list.
When my wife and I moved to Nashville from Atlanta in 2008, as a DINK couple (double income no kids), we dined out quite often. And from day one, Virago was one of our go-to spots.
The Asian concept opened in 2000 as the first restaurant in the M Street group–who owns other standout Nashville spots like Kayne Prime, Whiskey Kitchen, and Moto, among others.
The sushi is, hands down, the best in the city. While the grill offers a lot of fun, inventive, tasty dishes, like lobster soup shots, crispy rock shrimp with chili-mayonette and hot chicken katsu.
My wife and I love the waygu strip, which is shared and served with hot rocks and togarashi salt. It’s a fun presentation that allows you to cook the thin strips of waygu yourself. The rocks are at such a high temperature that you’ll want to make it quick, just a few seconds on each side.
On the sushi roll side, you’ll definitely want to give the “Godzilla” roll a try–tempura shrimp, masago, cream cheese, chives, sesame seeds, spicy mayo and sriracha. If you’re feeling adventurous and cool with spending a little extra, go for the “Kayne Prime” roll–a nod to Virago’s sister restaurant in the gulch. The Kayne Prime is a “surf and turf” roll composed of tempura lobster, seared filet, boursin cheese, avocado, asparagus, and jalapeno pickled onion, in a soy wrapper.
Yeah, that roll is ridiculous.
Virago’s ambiance is perfect for a date night or night out with friends–it’s dark and vibrant inside. And, outside, you’ll find a rooftop vista with beautiful views of Nashville. The lounge scene is lively and the bar is what you’d expect from a high-end bar in one the country’s “it” cities.
Executive Chef Andrew Whitney and Sushi Chef Himmi Vasquez have continued to make Virago one of the best, if not the best, Asian spot in Nashville. M Street knew what they were doing when they made Virago their initial concept 18 years ago.
All that, plus the delicious food, makes it very easy for me to list Virago as my #10 restaurant in the Nashville Food Dude top 10.
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