We arrived for an early dinner on a Friday nights night, based on a friend's recommendation. Most of the tables were reserved, and I took that as a good sign. Unfortunately, we were almost immediately disappointed. As a former chef, one of my biggest pet peeves is old fryer oil. This is immediately evident when fried items are sitting in a pool of grease, as our fried octopus was. The uneven cuts also means that pieces require different cook times. In this instance, there was a whole lot of rubbery bits. The rest of the meal - edamame, several sushi rolls were just meh, nothing to write home about. We will stick to other sushi spots in the future. read more

Sekisui East - Greasy fried octopus - Japanese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

This chain has been in town for years. Apparently, they have locations elsewhere. Excellent sushi. Pleasant decor.

We have been here quite a few times now and hands down this is the best sushi spot! We love the pyramid and chirashi. That is always a must! The pyramid's combo of tuna, hamachi and salmon with the ponzu, avocado and roe is just a burst of flavors. The chirashi never disappoints. The tamago hands down the best we've had. The variety of different fish from the scallop to the albacore are all great choices. I like to see what's off the menu and slash try at least one thing. This last time I got the salmon belly (forgot to take that pic) and it just melted. The staff there are always so nice, attentive and friendly. read more

Sekisui East - Pyramid - Japanese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

See all

What can i say, still the best authentic japanese restaurant in town. Thank you to Chef Hiro and staff for taking care of us all the time. The chawanmushi is still hands down one of the best I've had. We even got to sit in the tatami room this time which was more private. It can seat up to 8 which was perfect for our group of 6. Definitely a place to try if you are looking for authentic sushi in Memphis. read more

See all

Best sushi in Germantown! Service was fantastic, they were closing and served us anyways (we were new to the area and did not know the hours). Definitely will be back. read more

Everything about Sekisui keeps me coming back! The food, the service, the proximity to my home... everything! I love this location!

Consistently good sushi and excellent service. We go there every time we are in Memphis

Been here over 20 times and never disappoints best sushi in Memphis overall. The staff is welcoming and provide good service.

Still the best authentic sushi in Memphis. Chef Hiro always gets in superb imported Japanese fish. Where else in Memphis can you get Nodoguro or Itoyori in Memphis (hint: it wont be at any other sushi restaurant in town!). read more

Very good sushi. Clean restaurant, though atmosphere is a little boring. Good service. I will eat at this location if I am not craving crawfish tempura. Then, I will have to head to their other Poplar location. read more

I popped in for lunch at 11:50. A few tables were available. It took one of the two waiters quite a few minutes to take my drink order ( a draft beer). By 12 noon, a line was forming for a table. I ordered the lunch box. My beer was delivered. The lunch box came with soup and salad which was delivered. An hour later my lunch box had still not been delivered. I told the waiter that I had been there for an hour and still no lunch. I paid for the beer and left. Won't be back to this place. No explanation was given only a subtle apology. Save your money and go elsewhere. The lunch menu was very limited as far as entrees go but there was an extensive sushi menu. Maybe if I had ordered sushi only, I would have gotten my lunch in a timely manner. I'll never know because like I said before, I won't be back. read more

The sushi rice was on point, and our server was really on the ball. Overall, I had a great time at dinner. Can't wait to go back for more!

Service was just awful. Slow, unorganized, and I was basically ignored the entire time. Food was fantastic! But with service like that, it's hard to go back. read more

I think Sekisui east has the best sushi in Memphis! I love it all here!! Cozy atmosphere

Very cool spot, i believe i saw fish? They have a variety of different food, unfortunately the roll i had seemed to be past date on the crawfish so i couldn't finish it but the service was very good and the environment was calming to say the least. read more

It was good place. Food, stuffs and atmosphere. We ordered Sea Eal！！ It was amazing！！ I love those！ read more

See all

Awesome food and service. Will definitely be going back. Good was fresh and restaurant was immaculate.

Sekisui East was my favorite sushi place around and has been one of my favorites, off and on, for years. It remains special to me because I really love sushi and all Japanese food. I am also a big fan of authenticity and when I originally discovered that this local franchise is owned by a Japanese family it was clear that it was the authenticity was there. Atmosphere is definitely family-friendly (they've got a nice kids menu) and it's very nicely appointed for us grown-ups too. The selections and the are portions are prepared and served with careful attention to the aesthetics and I have always found the ingredients to be very fresh which, of course, is of the utmost importance. In fact, you'll find seasonal fish, which is not offered at many sushi joints. The chef's choice is popular for sushi lovers! It's a variety of sushi, sashimi, and nigiri that are all quite and very fresh. There are typically two Japanese professional cutters on board and if you talk to them they can introduce you to some traditional dishes most Americans don't realize are available here. As for the basics, salad and miso soup are both good, the wasabi is top quality, the ginger is fresh,.not the icky bland frozen stuff, which is a big deal for us because we pie on the ginger and the rice is always perfectly cooked, and last but least, the sushi is served at a perfect temperature. Side note: I am always mindful of the clientele and I have often noticed Japanese businessmen when I have been here for lunch and Japanese families at dinner time, often tell a story. Pacific Rim is not bad at all and more hip or cool than other places around town however Jimmy Ishi's Sekisui East is indeed more traditional. I'm not tooting my horn, but for context, I have had been to a variety of Japanese restaurants and sushi bars around the country and notably in NYC, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago & LA and I've had my fair share of really good Japanese good and a lot of not so good. Certainly everyone's taste varies but, in my opinion, if you're looking for in a more authentic Japanese restaurant in Memphis, you need look no further. Bottom line: The sushi is always great, quick, the prices are fair and the service is always friendly and fast. Recommended read more

Sekisui East - Mmmmm sushi! - Japanese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Serving staff that change their attitude depends on customer. I have gone to this establishment once a month for the last five years. I have known for a while that there are women on the serving staff that change their attitudes, demeanor, and priorities depending on the customer. Today I had the worst experience. The meal I ordered was ready after 20 minutes. However, it was not bagged and left unattended for a long time because the staff started giving priority treatment towards the meals of other customers that had arrived after me. I waited patiently with my child for an hour for our meal that was already prepared, but was just sitting there and getting cold. When the server finally handed me my meal, there wasn't an apology for the wait, and she handed over the food in a very forceful and unwelcoming manner. When I checked my food the chicken and soup had become cold since they were left unattended for so long. Two of the to-go boxes were broken. The salmon roe I ordered for the first time was not authentic as I'm from Japan and can differentiate between the taste of real and fake fish. The same can be said for the wasabi. This was the worst $100 I've ever spent. It's not cheap for adult women one child meal for $100. I could have excused the terrible service had there been an apology. But, the serving staff at this establishment obviously likes to make it known which customers they prefer to serve. read more

Sekisui East - the exterior of a restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I visited for lunch and had a Chirashi and Udong. Both service and food were excellent. We are moving to Memphis in December. Can't wait to visit again! read more

I've been to Tokyo and tried their sushi. Nothing compares to the art of those chefs and the quality of their sushi! For the city of Memphis, this is as good as you're going to get. Stop by this location as this is the go! Choose from the Chef's selection and savor the flavor of the BlueFin Fatty Tuna and Salmon Belly! Delish! read more

Sekisui East - Japanese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Tried going here today Saturday July 31st at 9:42pm Yelp shows they close at 10:30pm. The lady advises last order is 9:30pm. I nicely said well your Yelp shows you close at 10:30pm as a gesture to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else. She advised well read the door it says 9:30pm. So if you want lip come to this wonderful establishment!!! Will never give this place a try after that. Go to Sakura instead. If I could I'd give you zero stars I will never eat here or any of restaurants no body deserves to be treated in this manner. read more

It was extremely quiet in this older location. Service was very prompt and the rolls were very good and fresh. I would go back if I'm in the mood for a sushi fix. It won't disappoint for sure. read more

Best sushi in Memphis hands down. Service is always great as well. Sushi is super fresh and the perfect size!

This is the best of the best for the best Japanese Food anywhere East if the Mississippi. I have eaten a lot of Japanese cuisine in my time and spent 6 years of my younger years in Japan. Hiro and staff never disappoint. I now live in NC but long for the food at Sekisui East. Hiro you are my food Hero!!!!! read more

I have always been pleased no matter which Sekisui location I have gone to. From the Ocean Pyramid to the Dragon roll, I can never pinpoint a favorite. The sashimi is guaranteed fresh. The soft shell crab appetizer is a good starter and every meal should end with the tempura cheese cake. Deep fried cheesecake? Why not? Sekisui will remain one of my staple sushi spots. read more

See all

While I was there the sushi tasted average. I had the shrimp dumplings, the todu, the yellowtail nigiri and two rolls. I took home what I didn't finish but felt really sick a short while after eating. read more

This is the new location of Sekisui East. They've relocated from Humphreys. I think this location (East Memphis) will serve them better than the old but not this unit as it's VERY small. We saw on Facebook that they opened a while back officially and were eager to try it. We walked in and were immediately told by the woman behind the counter that they had a sparse menu and only served draft beer. I'm no marketing genius but I wouldn't make that the first impression you say to someone as they enter. I was familiar with this location after they took over for Theo's Bistro. They kept the same tables and chairs from Theo's. That's common practice from a rented unit though. Anyway, we sat down and the hostess that told us about the sparse menu then immediately told us they did not have hibachi. I expected that. Then she told us because of that they were not serving fried rice and would not be serving fried rice in the future. What!? I know Memphis is no San Francisco and we aren't the most cultured but when I see a Japanese restaurant and sushi I expect some fried rice. But that's just me. Surely I'm not the only one. I ordered three spicy tuna rolls and my wife ordered chicken teriyaki with one philly roll. My sushi was not great. It was kind of warm and not chilled. She said her sushi was the same. She did like her dinner though. The clear soup was NOT good. I thought it was bland and lacked flavor. She enjoyed the dressing on her salad. Leaving thoughts: I would have rated this 2 stars. But my wife enjoyed her chicken teriyaki so that bumped it up. The meal with tip fetched $50. This place will not steal us away from our usual Red Koi down the street. It's unfortunate too because this place is much closer. I think Sekisui rushed to pick a place and this unit is way too small for a Japanese/Sushi place. Why they refuse to do hibachi, I'm not sure. If I go to Sekisui, it will be the one in Bartlett but I'll stick to Red Koi or Osaka. read more

See all

This is an excellent spot for lunch or dinner. The food is fresh, the service is wonderful a well. Sushi lunch comes with miso or clear soup and a house salad. Price is $16.00. No waiting in line, excellent relaxing atmosphere. And Ladies, you don't have to visit Japan to experience their luxury toilets. Just come visit this place read more

Sekisui East is one of three Sekisui restaurants in the Memphis area. All three are good and all three, curiously but in a good way, are allowed some autonomy when it comes to decor, menus, specials and other things. Of the three, East is my personal favorite. The restaurant has more windows and is quite well-lit -- a welcome change from just about every other sushi place in town (including its sister restaurants) -- that shows confidence in its products, preparation and staff. And they should be confident, because the sushi and the service is very good. The sushi menu is deep but easy to navigate and covers all the bases. Servers are quick to get your order, help with product descriptions, and generally pleasant to deal with. I get raw sushi exclusively, and can speak to the good quality of the tuna and the salmon. Nigri and sashimi are fresh-smelling, served just below room temp and taste rich and clean. Rolls are well-constructed and well-filled with generous portions of fish. If they're not too busy, the very friendly chefs will make personalized rolls with ingredients of your choosing (within reason). Tipping the sushi bar is recommended -- they earn it. Recommended. read more

Sekisui East - Japanese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

My wife and I decided to finally try this Sekisui location. I've been to every other location before and wanted to see what this one is like. We loved the atmosphere. Is small and cozy and the lighting is just right. The house cucumber roll was perfect! The ponzu sauce was delicious and the size of each piece was exactly right. I can't say the clear soup was as good as the other locations though. It had way too many fresh scallions. Our sushi rolls were excellent. The staff was very friendly and made us feel welcome. We will definitely be back. read more

Cute inside, bigger than I remember Video Station to be. We went early on a weeknight for a small group birthday dinner. Our food and drinks all took 4EVR, but the sushi was well-made, once it arrived. I think they need servers to know the products better, and to keep all sake in stock. They were out of cold sake by the glass, and the waitress (of couuurrrse) suggested I buy a $120 bottle instead. Hardly a substitution! I'm not in a hurry to go back, but if I do, will sit at the sushi bar, where things look more alive. I recently made a second trip to this Sekisui with a girlfriend for an early dinner. The service was better this time, and they had hot sake in stock, so we were in luck. The sushi isn't the best in town, but is consistently good! read more

See all

Not terrible. But ordered takeout and did not receive soy sauce even though it was asked for. I used to love this place but the quality of the food has gone downhill. read more

On 15 Oct 2021 my wife and I went to get a bite here. We ordered two rolls apiece. My wife's cam after a 25 minute wait. After she finished eating 30 minutes later my two rolls arrived. I asked to speak to the manager and was greeted with her saying to me there's nothing she can do. Well, I told her that we came here to eat together and she asked me if I wanted to get up and work there. I was not impressed... read more

If you are a Memphian, chances are you've eaten at a Sekisui...and that is exactly what this is. A Sekisui. Pretty standard across the city (with the exception of SPR which ups the ante a teensy bit with its neon lights)...you get exactly what you expect...decent sushi in a boring, clean atmosphere. The staff is nice enough although they never really engage with the customers. Prices are a lot more reasonable than oh say Blue Fin but the quality and freshness isn't as good as Sakura. Safe bet for business lunches but nothing to write home about. read more

See all

food is wonderful. the manager is petty. favoritism for one client in particular at others expense. drinks are watered down when the manager is present. read more

Love this place. To me it's a true Japanese whole in the wall restaurant. It's not Shogun or Benihana, which is an Americanization version of a Japanese restaurant, which is really what Memphians know. This is the real deal. The head chef is actually from Japan, and speaks more Japanese than English, which in Memphis is rare. I read a review that someone was upset that this place doesn't serve fried rice, really? (it's a Japanese restaurant, NOT Chinese, why would they have fried rice). Every time we go in to eat we always encounter at least one or two tables of Japanese business men, which in my book says a lot. Would you eat in a Mexican restaurant that no Mexicans were eating in? I'd hope not ;) being originally from Los Angeles, California one of the melting pot capital of the USA this is probably one of the few real Japanese restaurant Memphis has to offer. read more

See all

Very nice Japanese restaurant w lots of menu choices. Great food, atmosphere, and friendly staff.

The only reason why I go here is because it's less than 1/2 mile from my house. And every single time is a bigger disappointment from the last. Food portions get smaller and qualities get lower. For example, other Sekisui sashimi has about 7 pieces, this place gives only 3. They also downgrade shiso leaves to cheaper Korean sesame leaves. SPR from now on for me read more

Sekisui East - $25 just for this - Japanese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

They have reduced hours due to the ongoing COVID issue, but I had the pleasure of eating here earlier in the year before the pandemic. The staff was very friendly. More importantly the fish was fresh and well cut! I enjoyed the meal and the $$ was very reasonable. read more