Present Tense — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

Nestled in the heart WeHo, this Japanese-inspired fusion restaurant is a true gem that has captured our hearts and palates.

From the moment you step through the door, you are enveloped in an atmosphere that is worthy of its own paragraph: The interior is a visual feast, minimalist design elements, soft, ambient lighting, and lush greenery at each corner and even overhead! It's a comfortable balance between nature and modern sophistication.

The culinary journey begins with a menu that reflects a masterful fusion of Japanese flavors with international influences. The chefs here have truly mastered the art of blending tradition with innovation, creating a dining experience that is both familiar and yet delightfully surprising.

One of the standout features of this establishment is its sake selection. The knowledgeable staff is more than happy to guide you through the curated list, helping you find the perfect pairing for your meal. This feature is expected to grow even more impressive, as the owners' own proprietary sake will be available on the menu soon. Additionally, there is a large list of interesting cocktails. We did not pick a cocktail, but rather stuck to the sake list for our dinner.

The wait staff themselves are a testament to the commitment to excellence that defines this establishment. Our server Miranda was very attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about her craft, ensuring that every aspect of our dining experience was seamless. Her recommendations were spot-on, and her presence added an extra layer of warmth to the already inviting ambiance.

It appears that the menu changes regularly, thus making specific "knockout" dishes less necessary to mention. Nonetheless, an octopus dish, a plate of shishito peppers and okra, and the dan-dan noodles were standout choices. We also saved room for dessert, which was also a strong move on our part: the sesame seed soft-serve was the perfect closer, paired with a sweeter sake choice.

In conclusion, this Japanese-inspired fusion restaurant is a must-try in the culinary scene. From the exquisite dishes to the sake selection, and the impeccable service provided by the skilled wait staff, every aspect of this dining...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Present Tense and I must say, it was an absolute delight for all the senses. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted with warm hospitality, an inviting ambiance. Present Tense truly exceeded all my expectations, and I cannot wait to share my exceptional dining experience with you.

Exquisite Cuisine: The menu is a masterpiece, showcasing a fusion of flavors and innovative culinary techniques. Starting with Shishito & Okra and the Shigoku Oysters followed by the Lamb & X.O. and finishing with the Ube Soft Serve. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted with the finest ingredients, resulting in a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. From the first bite to the last, every dish was a revelation. The presentation was impeccable, with each plate resembling a work of art. The attention to detail and the balance of flavors in every dish truly showcased the skill and passion of the talented chefs.

Ambiance and Atmosphere: The ambiance is both elegant and inviting. The tasteful decor, soft lighting, and comfortable seating create a warm and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. The attention to detail in the interior design, from the beautiful artwork to the carefully chosen table settings, adds to the overall charm of the restaurant. The soothing background music further enhances the dining experience, allowing for easy conversation without overpowering the senses.

Conclusion: In conclusion, The exceptional cuisine and inviting ambiance make it a must-visit for any food enthusiast. Whether you are looking for a memorable fine dining experience or simply want to indulge in a culinary adventure, Present Tense will exceed your expectations. I cannot recommend it highly enough and I am already eagerly planning...

I really hate to leave this review, but our recent experience was a major disappointment. We had dined here on Valentine’s Day and absolutely loved it—excellent service, a great atmosphere, and truly outstanding food. Unfortunately, our visit last night fell far short of that first impression.

Our server was inattentive from the start. Even though the restaurant was mostly empty, we had to flag him down just to get our check. Several menu items were unavailable, which can happen, but it became an ongoing issue throughout the evening. We ordered the chicken skewers but were instead brought the pork katsu. When we let the food runner know, he took it back to the kitchen. The server returned to explain that he had mistakenly written down the katsu, but that they were out of the chicken anyway, and asked if we’d take the katsu instead. That made three dishes we’d been looking forward to that weren’t available.

Feeling awkward and ready to move on, we reluctantly accepted the katsu, though it wasn’t something we wanted—and unfortunately, we didn’t enjoy it at all. When the server later checked on us and saw we’d barely touched it, we let him know it hadn’t been good.

On a positive note, the tuna toast, sweet potato, and pickles were fantastic. But the oysters, seaweed bread, and katsu were underwhelming. To top it off, the server didn’t remove the katsu from our bill, despite the mix-up and our feedback. At the end of the meal, we had to flag down a hostess to get our check because our server never came back to the table.

Overall, this was such a letdown for a restaurant at this...