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✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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Present Tense is an izakaya style restaurant & natural wine bar with a 14 seat chef’s counter and a few amazing tables. The kind of place built around good soulful food, drinks, and energy. In Japan, an izakaya is where people gather to eat, drink, and hang. Part restaurant, part bar, always alive. Our menu pulls from that spirit but drifts easily across borders. A love letter to Japanese technique seen through a French and Italian lens. We cook with what’s in season, what’s exciting, and what we can’t stop thinking about. Expect dishes shaped by fermentation, sourcing, and restraint. Food that feels thoughtful but never fussy.
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Present Tense Restaurant | Nashville | Home
Present Tense is a Japanese izakaya and sake bar, also featuring natural wines, unique cocktails and an approachable dining experience.
Present Tense (@presenttensenashville) · Nashville, TN – Instagram
A Japenese-ish bistro. Vinyl & Natural Wine Thursday 4-10. Friday 4-12. Saturday 4-12. Sunday 4-9. Reservation via OpenTable …
Nashville | Eat – Present Tense Restaurant
Present Tense Nashville is a Japanese izakaya and sake bar, also featuring natural wines, unique cocktails and an approachable dining experience.
Reviews
Kelly Kelly
Amazing dinner experience. We tried an assortment of tapas dishes, of which the kanpachi and scallops were our favorite. The chef and owner came out to greet us personally, and gave us salmon with caviar and matcha/miso ice cream on the house. Would definitely come back next time I visit Nashville!
… moreNatalie RG
Super cool dining area and the dishes are great!
The crispy tofu was my favorite, it was fried similarly to age Dashi tofu but came in a fantastic chili oil/sauce situation.
Japanese sweet potato was great, as was the koji chicken. I would skip the duck meatball next time, it was delicious but preferred other dishes. Additionally portions were slightly smaller than expected
… moreThe crispy tofu was my favorite, it was fried similarly to age Dashi tofu but came in a fantastic chili oil/sauce situation.
Japanese sweet potato was great, as was the koji chicken. I would skip the duck meatball next time, it was delicious but preferred other dishes. Additionally portions were slightly smaller than expected
Subhadip
Amazing Japanese fusion! The grilled chicken was perfectly juicy, the duck meatballs were rich and flavorful, and the squid noodles were a unique delight. Every bite was impressive. Excellent service and ambiance made it even better. Definitely coming back!
… moreMJ KIM
Presnt Tense is a restaurant with beautiful interior design, great acoustics, friendly bartenders, and visually stunning dishes. However, a few of the dishes didn’t quite meet the flavor expectations I had. Still, it was an enjoyable dinner overall!
… moreJulia Turner
Wow wow wow! What a hidden gem! My fiancé & I had a perfect date night at Present Tense!! The food was amazing, the atmosphere is unmatched, and the service was fantastic.
We learned near the end of our dinner that one of the servers was sick, so the person who served us was actually the owner, Rick! He was phenomenal & extremely kind!
Cannot recommend this place enough! It’s a must-try!
… moreWe learned near the end of our dinner that one of the servers was sick, so the person who served us was actually the owner, Rick! He was phenomenal & extremely kind!
Cannot recommend this place enough! It’s a must-try!
Amy Zhan
Absolutely LOVE this new chef and menu. My previous experience at the Hart was extremely lackluster. This new restaurant, – the menu, drinks and chef – absolutely blew me away. Every menu item I ordered was incredible, and fairly priced for the quality and unique experience. I was so excited to give this place a try after its opening in May 2023 and I will absolutely be going again as a regular. I also love the Hippo Bodega next door – great place to walk around and browse while waiting on my party. All in all, so thrilled to have Present Tense in town!
… moreEmily Clibourn
So often I go out to eat and it’s just not worth the money anymore, but I felt like it was here. The food was delicious and the staff was so friendly. I sat outside with my dog and they had a nice covered patio looking out to the street. The hamburger was one of the best I’ve had in town. I’d also recommend the sweet potatoe!
… moreEmily Prevatt
A favorite of mine in Nashville! Present Tense made for the perfect date night and first anniversary celebration. I didn’t have a single dish or drink that didn’t taste as good as it looked. The flavor combinations were unique and perfectly paired. The moment you walk in you’re encompassed by a calming energy. The layout of the restaurant makes for an overall relaxing experience. I can’t recommend this place enough. I would love to go back for one of their sake tastings!
… moreJacob H.
I really enjoyed my dining experience at Present Tense. The drinks were incredible and every dish was carefully prepared. Each bite was better than the last. My personal standout dishes were the Sweet Potato and the Cod. The environment was warm and inviting and the serving staff did a great job as well. I can’t recommend this spot enough.
… moreJoseph Iorio
I recently enjoyed the omakase experience at Present Tense, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The ambiance of the restaurant was elegant and sophisticated, with tasteful decor and soft lighting that created a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from the perfectly set tables to the beautiful presentation of each dish. Speaking of the dishes, the menu was a culinary masterpiece. The chef’s creativity and skill were showcased in every bite. Each dish was expertly prepared and beautifully plated, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The ingredients were fresh and of the highest quality, and the menu featured a variety of options to suit every palate. It exceeded my expectations in every way and left a lasting impression. From the impeccable service to the exquisite food and stunning ambiance, it is a culinary experience that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience.
… more