Samurai’s Cuisine received low scores from the Tennessee Department of Health during a routine health inspection on September 10. The restaurant was cited for multiple health code violations, like drinks stored improperly and operators not following correct protocols while working in the establishment.
Please note that the score mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on September 10, 2025, and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.
Highlights
- The Tennessee Department of Health recently conducted a routine inspection at Samurai Cuisine.
- The restaurant scored unsatisfactorily, due to multiple health code violations, including a lack of sanitation and improper food storage methods.
- The restaurant is required to correct the violations and request a reinspection.
Samurai’s Cuisine
- Where: 451 N. Thompson Ln, STE G, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
- When: September 10, 2025
- Score: 77
Samurai’s Cuisine, a Japanese restaurant in Murfreesboro that offers hibachi and sushi. The restaurant serves traditional Japanese dishes, including spicy rolls, tempura, teriyaki, and fried rice. The restaurant had long been a favorite spot for locals to gather and celebrate special occasions.
On September 10, the Tennessee Department of Health gave the restaurant a score of 77 following a routine inspection. Inspectors cited multiple violations and noted a lack of managerial control. Officials noted an employee drinking a Red Bull directly over the prep cooler, a clear violation of health guidelines.
The report also observed several other violations, including a bug zapper hanging in the kitchen near cooking equipment and multiple fly strips suspended from the ceiling over prep and warewashing areas. Inspectors also found a basket of cooked tempura shrimp left on a cart by the deep fryer, shell eggs stored at room temperature instead of in a cooler, and cooked General Tso’s chicken sitting out to cool.
Additionally, drinks were stored improperly in various areas, and two knives were discovered wedged between a table and the prep cooler. The full official report is available here for more information.
Follow-Up Inspection
Officials advised the restaurant operators to improve managerial oversight and work toward implementing a formal Food Safety Plan. This plan would help ensure the prevention of repeated violations of priority health code items.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, the restaurant is required to correct all cited violations, bring operations into compliance with food safety standards, and then apply for a reinspection. Failure to correct the violations within 10 days of inspection will result in the suspension of the food permit.
