Anko Sushi — Restaurant in Louisville

As I’m writing this there are currently 42 reviews for Anko and they are all five stars. Here’s number 43: If I could give it 10 stars I would. I love Sushi but unfortunately for Louisville the sushi scene here has been pretty far behind other cities. I always hear locals boast about the food scene in conjunction with UPS having their hub here and how “we get the freshest ingredients flown in every day.” I don’t think that is completely true and that is the main reason Louisville had not had a true omakase tasting experience until two months ago when Anh opened up his modest booth in a food court in Louisville’s culturally rich south end. A spot like this is not what I expected for the city’s first true omakase sushi experience but once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right. After my experience last night the whole thing kind of fits in a quirky way that is truly unique to our city and I loved every part of it.

Omakase just means a special meal selected by the chef. In this case it is 12 items and is only served nigiri style on Tuesdays because that’s the day Anko’s supplier delivers his product. In other cities when you order omakase I would typically sit at a bar and watch multiple chefs prepare each course as a skillful dance of mastery. This experience is a little different as you order at a counter, take a number and all 12 courses are brought out to you at once with a tasting menu/guide. This experience is also a third of the price as an omakase service in a major city at $48 and I can assure you Anh is doing the exact same skillful dance of mastery behind his counter even though it’s not on display. Every part of the tasting menu blew us away. We moved through it pretty quick but were able to savor every bite finally ending on a piece of toro that typically would cost the price of our entire meal at other local sushi establishments that serve it. The fish melted in our mouths in a way that was completely new to us and was of course crafted by our chef who had his rice dialed in perfectly to the exact temperature. As we finished, Chef came to our table and asked us about our experience. He was very kind and very interested in what items we didn’t like as I’m sure he is always adjusting his menu to please. We of course loved all of it.

I see great things in the future for this wonderful chef and I can’t wait to see his vision grow for what’s possible in the sushi scene in our city. If you come on Tuesday you will see the vision for yourself and you will participate in the finest tasting experience available...

5 Stars – The Best Sushi and Custom Omakase in Kentucky

If you’re looking for the best sushi in Kentucky, Anko Sushi is an absolute standout. It delivers a level of quality, precision, and creativity you would expect from elite omakase restaurants in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles.

The fresh fish flown in from Tokyo is expertly cut, and paired with perfectly seasoned rice that holds just the right texture. Every piece reflects true Japanese craftsmanship and attention to detail.

What truly sets Anko apart is the customized omakase experience. Rather than the traditional one-piece-at-a-time format, the chef presents thoughtfully composed boards featuring multiple pieces, arranged to tell a flavorful and visual story. I asked for a full bluefin tuna experience, and it was unlike anything I’ve had in Kentucky or the Midwest. From O-Toro and Chu-Toro to rare and exquisite cuts like Toro Cheek, Toro Collar, and Spinal Jelly, I was guided through the entire fish in a way that showcased both the versatility of the tuna and the chef’s mastery.

The offerings don’t stop at tuna. Premium ingredients like buttery A5 Wagyu, creamy uni, and fresh grated wasabi elevate the experience even further, each presented with subtlety and restraint that lets the ingredients speak for themselves.

Beyond the sushi, the izakaya-style small plates are just as impressive. The hand rolls (temaki) delivered bold umami flavors with balance and refinement, the scallion pancake was crispy yet tender, the onigiri was simple and comforting, and the miso-marinated hamachi collar was rich and silky, packed with flavor that lingered without overpowering. Even house-made tamagoyaki was handled with precision and purpose, a true mark of craftsmanship.

Anko Sushi isn’t just the best sushi in Kentucky, it’s one of the top omakase experiences in the entire Midwest. If this restaurant were in Manhattan or Los Angeles, it would stand proudly alongside the city’s best. Whether you’re local to Louisville or Lexington, or traveling from Nashville, Cincinnati, or Indianapolis, this is a destination-worthy experience for anyone who respects fine...

From the moment you walk in, you are greeted by such kind staff. The soft lighting and atmosphere is so comforting. The cabin-like decor makes it feel so cozy. Hidden in the heart of beechmont, this hidden gem beckons sushi lovers with its inviting atmosphere and impeccable cuisine. It sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu has a huge variety of sushi; featuring a wide selection of sushi, sashimi and specialty rolls, each dish is a masterpiece of its own

My personal favorite is the fried shrimp roll. The Fried Shrimp Roll is a amazing fusion of crispy, succulent shrimp encased in a delicate wrapping of nori and rice, then lightly tempura battered and fried to golden perfection. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, with the crunchy exterior giving way to the juicy sweetness of the shrimp within. Accompanied by a drizzle of savory eel sauce. this roll is a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. Served with a side of tangy ginger and wasabi for a touch of heat, the Fried Shrimp Roll is a delectable treat that never fails to satisfy cravings for indulgent sushi delights.

For those craving a culinary adventure, the specialty rolls at Anko are not to be missed. From the indulgent sweet, refreshing tropical roll to the inventive holiday Roll w/o rice. Each creation is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that leave you craving more.

Complementing the exceptional cuisine is the attentive service, provided by a team of knowledgeable and friendly staff. Whether you're a sushi novice or a seasoned connoisseur, they are happy to guide you through the menu and offer recommendations to suit your taste.

In conclusion, Anko is a culinary haven that offers a truly unforgettable dining experience. With its impeccable cuisine, inviting ambiance, and attentive service, it's no wonder that it has become a favorite among locals and...