Koto Sushi Bar   

While sushi bars are fairly common now in Nashville, the idea of eating raw seafood wasn't known to many just a decade or two ago. But Koto, tucked away in a slightly forbidding looking concrete building across from the convention center, has managed to not only survive since 1985, but to thrive throughout the years. About 20 tables and booths line up alongside the sushi bar, while Japanese screens and a bubbly fish tank give the place a serene air. Diners at Koto find that the real action is back along the extra-long sushi raw bar. Four to six chefs work the row nightly, chopping, slicing and rolling up colorful fresh sushi and sashimi selections. The bar is especially popular during lunch for solo diners. Not in the mood for sushi? Other menu specialties include multiple soba noodle bowls, fish, beef and chicken cutlets. Plum wine and Japanese beers are also served. -- Sandra Schulman