Thai Samurai Cool Springs — Restaurant in Franklin

We were excited to see this place when we searched for nearby restaurants from the mall that would have Japanese or Thai food. We were seated immediately, and once I took a look around I almost felt a bit underdressed because everything is so pretty, right down to their dishes and silverware. (I came in with yoga pants and a sweatshirt!) But they clearly catered to casual dress as well, the atmosphere wasn’t stuffy at all. I’m a sucker for aesthetics so I appreciated the little touches in their design choices. The menu is quite expansive and our server- Justin C.- didn’t make me feel rushed as I took entirely too long to look it over. I settled on salmon sashimi and the crispy rice tuna tartare appetizer as my meal. My daughter opted for fried rice with beef. My sashimi came out first and it was a superb quality, just like butter to bite into. I’m fairly selective with my sushi and this place definitely makes my come-back list. My crispy rice took a little longer to prepare but it was absolutely worth it. My goodness it was delicious!! I even saved a couple pieces to bring home to my husband (even though I was tempted to clear the whole plate and hoard it to myself). I will say that I wasn’t expecting it to be a more battered and deep fried kind of crispy rice, but it was absolutely delicious nonetheless. Just be prepared for that! It was super filling and all of the flavors melded so well together. And it had such a satisfying crunch. It was a big portion size than I was expecting as well- easy to make your main course (if you’re someone who gets full from a larger sized sushi roll, for example). My daughter loved her meal as well- also a generously sized portion, in my opinion. She saved about a third to bring home with her.

Everything was SO beautifully plated as well. I am a firm believer that well plated food tastes better!

Our server, Justin C., was superb. He went above and beyond from the moment he introduced himself. He had a little humor with us that was much appreciated! But his professionalism was top notch. On par with going somewhere like Bourbon Steak- he could easily work in any high end restaurant for sure. He even boxed our food for us instead of just leaving the boxes on the table. He was a delight to have as a server!

Overall, I think the prices reflect the quality of the food, atmosphere, and service. And honestly could be higher based on those factors, if their location were a little different (downtown for example). Great place to stop anytime, but I could see this as a good date night, or a place to take anyone you’d want to show off for and give them...

Overall, I hate the fact that the entrees were so good. Our service was atrocious, I mean awful. 20 minutes to get appetizers out during a slow period, 35 for my meal. I used to run a kitchen, I know what it takes to be attentive, and I hate leaving a bad review. Server came around once after dropping off appetizers? Was missing silverware from the table. Overall there’s a remarkable lack of attention to detail. Two families of four game in after my wife and I, and got their entire meals before we were served ours. If understand if I ordered a complicated dish, but fried pork and rice isn’t a time intensive process.

The sushi was - fine. Spongey seaweed left for an interesting chewing experience. The sushi rice is under seasoned and our baked roll was cold in some areas, scalding in others. I’m pretty sure it was a remake? At one point I’m pretty sure they burned the original roll. The sushi is WILDLY overpriced for not just portion but quality. $18 for 8 pieces of imitation crab and sauce? That’s gouging.

I had the pork kutsu, which I hate to say was very very very good - after what was at least a 35 minute wait, in a very empty restaurant. My wife had the pad Thai, which was pretty good. I don’t know how it’s possible to underseason pad Thai but they have found a way. I do respect the fish sauce though, that’s brave in this area.

The portions are very respectable for the price. The come in this ridiculous bowls without a flat bottom, so they just spin like a globe on your middle school teachers desk as you try to eat. I don’t care that much, but throw that on top of 2/10 service or lack of acknowledgement of a long wait - it was bad.

I will be ordering the kutsu again - to go - an...

Update: 10/2025...I took someone here after bragging how great it was. I was really embarrassed. We stood in the lobby almost 10 min before being greeted. Fortunately, the table busser took pity on us and sat us. Then we waited another 10 min before anyone even took our drink order. Once again it was the busboy. Thank God for him. Finally a server came over several minutes later. We placed our order. The food came out in an acceptable timetable. But, it wasn't up to the par that it was the first time. My guest didn't even finish it. Said it wasn't very good. We were given the check before I could order the Mango Sticky Rice. Which was phenomenal. Thank God. But, all in all, it didn't live up to the wonderful experience I encountered on my first visit. As impressed as I was on my first visit. This second visit definitely fell very short. So I am changing my ratings as a result.

Original Review: This is the best Thai food I've had in the Nashville area. Everything about this place was great! I can't wait to go back. The decor was sophisticated, yet welcoming, and very clean. The menu had a nice selection of Thai, Japanese and Sushi. The prices were good. The food was really beautiful and super delicious. Our server, JJ, was exceptionally great! An all around great dining experience. Highly...