Discover the latest hotspots in Music City
Exploring Nashville’s dining options goes beyond just finding a place to eat; it’s a vacation through the city’s evolving taste landscape. With each new restaurant that opens its doors, Nashville showcases its growth and culinary entrepreneurship. The surge of fresh dining spots is a clear sign that Nashville continues attracting talent and investment, making it a destination for tourists and those who call Music City home.
As these new eateries pop up across neighborhoods, they bring life and transform corners of the city, inviting locals and visitors to experience something unique and delicious. Whether you’re a longtime resident looking to spice up your dining routine or a first-time visitor eager to taste the latest trends, exploring these new restaurants is a great way to see how Nashville is growing. Take a risk and enjoy some of Nashville’s freshest culinary hotspots making waves this summer.
TL;DR: new restaurants in Nashville
- Best for Whole Hog BBQ: Chief’s on Broadway: Acclaimed pitmaster Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ in downtown Nashville, paired with live music and rooftop views.
- Best for Anticuchos: Limo Peruvian Eatery: Authentic Peruvian dishes like anticuchos and ceviches, showcasing Chef Marcio Florez.
- Best for Churro Ice Cream Sandwich: Playdate: A playful spot in 12 South offering inventive dishes like churro ice cream sandwiches in a fun setting.
- Best for Creative Tacos: Taco Bamba: Chef Victor Albisu’s counter-culture vibe in Green Hills with inventive taco creations.
- Best for Authentic Mexican Cuisine: Fonda: Dishes like grilled lobster and artisanal mezcal flights curated by Chef Roberto Santibañez.
- Best for Baja-Style Fish Tacos: Mercado by Butchertown: Blending Butchertown Hall’s favorites with coastal offerings like spicy Mexican agua chile in Wedgewood-Houston.
- Best for Scratch-Made Bagels: Benji’s Bagel & Coffee House. It offers artisanal bagels like cheddar jalapeño, inspired by Niko’s Albanian and Becca’s Israeli.
- Best for Rooftop Dining: The Rux: Southern dishes and inventive cocktails like the spicy mango lassi atop the Cambria Midtown Hotel with an Art Deco-inspired ambiance.
- Best for Tandoori Specialties: Curry and Tikka: Thompson Lane is home to Indian cuisine, featuring dishes like lamb vindaloo and Tikka mac and cheese prepared in traditional tandoor ovens.
Our favorite new restaurants to try in Nashville this summer
Chief’s on Broadway (Whole Hog BBQ)
200 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Price Range: $$
Don’t Leave Without Trying: Whole Hog BBQ
Chief’s on Broadway is a new six-story marvel in downtown Nashville, showcasing the spirit of country music legend Eric Church. This multifaceted venue combines a bar, restaurant, and live music hub, complete with a rooftop oasis featuring Whole Hog BBQ helmed by acclaimed pitmaster Rodney Scott. Each floor offers a distinct experience, from intimate dining spaces to lively music stages, providing something for everyone. Whether you’re here for the music, the food, or the atmosphere, Chief’s promises an unforgettable night in the heart of Music City. Just don’t go launching chairs off the roof unless you’re pulling a total Morgan Wallen move!
Limo Peruvian Eatery
1008 Fatherland Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Price Range: $$
Don’t Leave Without Trying: Anticuchos
Located in East Nashville’s former Far East space, Limo Peruvian Eatery introduces diners to the rich flavors of Peru under the culinary direction of chef Marcio Florez and Mauricio Sulay. The menu prides itself on traditional Peruvian dishes such as anticuchos (veal hearts marinated in anticuchera sauce) and ceviches like “the Devil,” featuring Nashville hot leche de tigre. With its warm ambiance and authentic dishes, Limo invites guests to savor a taste of South America in a cozy neighborhood setting.
Playdate
2405 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37204
Price Range: $$
Don’t Leave Without Trying: Churro Ice Cream Sandwich
Playdate in 12 South offers a playful twist on dining. It is housed in a charmingly renovated 1920s house adorned with a playful cowgirl mural. This unique spot combines nostalgic games with a menu featuring candied bacon, chicken waffle sliders, and boozy slushies. Whether enjoying the outdoor patio with a giant slide (great for kids!) or exploring the quirky interiors, Playdate promises a lighthearted dining experience perfect for indulging your inner child while savoring creative delights.
Just a heads up, this place can get pretty crowded, especially in the summer when parents bring their kids to have fun while they enjoy some drinks and games with a DJ playing outdoors.
Bad Idea
1021 Russell Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Price Range: $$
Don’t Leave Without Trying: Ping Mak Het (Lions Mane and Stuffed Morels)
In East Nashville, Bad Idea brings a fresh perspective to the dining scene under the stewardship of sommelier Alex Burch and Chef Colby Rasavong. This unique establishment, housed in a former church sanctuary, marries intricate Lao flavors with a meticulously curated wine program. The menu, influenced by Chef Rasavong’s Lao heritage, offers delights such as nam khao croquettes and scallop-stuffed crepes. The venue is a masterpiece of design, featuring a horseshoe bar, original church windows, and custom art installations. Bad Idea is a great idea for food and wine enthusiasts alike.
Taco Bamba
www.tacobamba.com/location/nashville
4017 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215
Price Range: $
Don’t Leave Without Trying: Taco Bamba, The Torta Tradicional, Pack The Bowl
Founded by James Beard-nominated Chef Victor Albisu, Taco Bamba arrives in Nashville’s Green Hills from the Northeast with a reputation for redefining taco culture. Known for its energetic atmosphere and counter-culture vibe, Taco Bamba offers a menu distinct to each location, providing a unique taste wherever you visit. From the classic El Gringo with Bamba spiced ground beef to inventive breakfast options, including free coffee daily, Taco Bamba invites diners to savor bold flavors and creative twists on traditional Mexican food.
During our inaugural trip to Taco Bamba in Nashville, we were instantly immersed in its vibrant, counter-culture atmosphere. The eclectic mix of reds and blacks, funky art, and a hint of recording studio gave off a unique vibe that blended effortlessly with the taco shop scene. At first glance, the menu seemed overwhelming, teeming with numerous choices (especially breakfast with free coffee daily!).
However, Kush was drawn to the Torta Tradicional, going for the mouthwatering slow-roasted barbacoa, chihuahua cheese, mayo, black beans, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, creamy avocado, and zesty pickled jalapeno. Meanwhile, Ana opted for the “Pack the Bowl” featuring the Bamba power mix (kale, carrots, cabbage, sprouts), a delightful combination of sweet corn and black bean quinoa, marinated avocado, refreshing cucumber pico de gallo, savory garlic herb spread, tangy pickled onion and chile, the flavorsome Mexi-trail mix. Before concluding our meal, we decided to share a shrimp taco (a great choice) and walk off our food along the well-designed Green Hills shopping district surrounding Taco Bamba, complete with Whole Foods, William & Sonoma, Kate Spade, Anthropology, and much more.
Fonda
2316 12th Ave South, Nashville, TN 37204
Price Range: $$
Don’t Leave Without Trying: Pollo Tinga Enchilada
Fonda, a celebrated addition to Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood, brings the authentic flavors of Mexico to Music City under the guidance of Chef Roberto Santibañez. With a menu created to showcase the richness of Mexican cuisine, Fonda offers everything from Ensalada de Nopales to grilled lobster and wagyu ribeye with mole sauce. The dining experience at Fonda goes beyond food, incorporating a carefully selected beverage menu that includes handcrafted margaritas and artisanal mezcal flights.
Mercado by Butchertown
625 Hamilton Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Price Range: $$
Don’t Leave Without Trying: Daily fish special
Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood welcomes Mercado by Butchertown, an exciting culinary venture from local restaurateur Terry Raley and Amaranth Hospitality Group, renowned for the beloved Butchertown Hall. This new addition features a vibrant atmosphere with its centerpiece raw bar and rooftop oasis, Ramone’s Oyster Bar and Citrus Club. Mercado delights patrons with a blend of Butchertown Hall favorites and fresh coastal offerings, including Baja-style fish tacos and spicy Mexican aguachile. The interior, designed by Terry Raley, exudes modern comfort with diverse seating options and a lively outdoor patio, perfect for soaking in the Nashville sunshine.
Benji’s Bagel & Coffee House
6108 Robertson Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209
Price Range: $
Don’t Leave Without Trying: The Uncle Gino Bagel
Benji’s Bagel & Coffee House, founded by husband and wife duo Becca and Niko Bendaj, brings West Nashville a taste of scratch-made bagels, schmears, and pastries inspired by Niko’s Albanian and Becca’s Israeli heritage. From traditional za’atar to inventive cheddar jalapeño bagels paired with tahini and chili crunch schmears, Benji’s offers a cozy spot to savor these breakfast delights. Accompanied by freshly brewed Lavazza coffee, each visit promises a delightful experience.
The Rux
1612 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37203
Price Range: $$$
Don’t Leave Without Trying: Gold-flecked churro sundae.
Perched atop the Cambria Midtown Hotel, The Rux combines Southern hospitality with a sophisticated rooftop ambiance. Featuring an Art Deco-inspired bar and lush outdoor patio, this venue is perfect for enjoying dishes like Tennessee poutine and macadamia-crusted chicken breast. With offerings ranging from hot chicken to a thyme-garlic blend burger, The Rux promises a memorable dining experience complemented by inventive cocktails like the spicy mango lassi with mango-and-habanero-infused vodka.
Curry and Tikka
55 E Thompson Ln #105, Nashville, TN 37211
Price Range: $$$
Don’t Leave Without Trying: The lunch buffet is all you can eat daily, but on Tuesdays, it costs only $14.99
Curry and Tikka brings strong flavors of Indian cuisine to Nashville’s Thompson Lane, led by chef Agni Ranjit, known for his tenure at acclaimed kitchens. From tender lamb vindaloo to inventive twists like tikka mac and cheese, each dish is prepared in a traditional tandoor oven for an authentic taste. The restaurant also offers a lunch buffet featuring favorites like masala fries and dahi puri, making it a local favorite for those seeking bold flavors and culinary innovation.
Blueprint Underground Cocktail Club
156 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN
Price Range: $$
Don’t Leave Without Trying: Blueprint Underground Cocktail (signature cocktail)
Nashville’s nightlife scene just got a jolt of creativity with the arrival of Blueprint Underground Cocktail Club in Printer’s Alley. This venue may not be your typical restaurant. But it is a sensory playground where fashion shows, international DJs, and local talents converge to create an immersive experience. Known for its celebrity clientele and energetic atmosphere, Blueprint Underground Cocktail Club promises a night out unlike any other in Music City. Whether you’re sipping on their signature cocktails or enjoying the eclectic entertainment lineup, this hotspot is a must-visit for those looking to indulge in Nashville’s nightlife.
JamBox Sandwich Shop
1414 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210
Price Range: $
Don’t Leave Without Trying: The Kool Moe Dee sandwich
JamBox Sandwich Shop, located within Fait la Force Brewing in Wedgewood-Houston, is the brainchild of Nashville restaurateurs Shane Nasby and Tyler Lechtanski. With a menu inspired by iconic songs of the 80s and 90s, each sandwich at JamBox is a flavorful journey topped with creative jams that add to the dining experience. Every bite from the Orange Crush to the Kool Moe Dee showcases Nasby and Lechtanski’s passion for blending quality ingredients with a dash of musical nostalgia. Whether you’re a local or visiting Nashville, JamBox Sandwich Shop offers a unique twist on classic comfort food in a laid-back brewery setting.
DeLuca
21 White Bridge Rd, Ste 104, Nashville, TN 37205
Price Range: $$$
Don’t Leave Without Trying: Chef Rosario’s homemade gelato.
DeLuca brings the essence of Italy to West Nashville’s Belle Meade neighborhood with its upscale take on authentic Italian cuisine. Led by Chef Rosario, whose culinary resume spans from Rome to Nashville, DeLuca is home for food enthusiasts seeking traditional flavors with a modern twist. From handmade pasta to Mediterranean-inspired entrees, every dish at DeLuca tells a story of Italian heritage and culinary excellence. Pair your meal with one of their exclusive wines or craft cocktails for a complete sensory experience in a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
5036 Broadway Pl, Suite 220, Nashville, TN 37203
Price Range: $$
Don’t Leave Without Trying: Truffle Salmon sushi roll
Blue Sushi Sake Grill expands its footprint in Nashville with its second location in Midtown, offering sustainably sourced seafood and innovative sushi creations. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality, Blue Sushi Sake Grill invites guests to treat themselves with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite during Happy Hour or settling in for a full dinner experience, Blue Sushi Sake Grill promises a memorable dining adventure that captures the essence of Japanese cuisine with a modern twist.
Brotherly Love Cheesesteaks
www.brotherlylovecheesesteaks.com
1610 54th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
Price Range: $
Don’t Leave Without Trying: Classic Philadelphia-style cheesesteak
Brotherly Love Cheesesteaks brings a taste of Philadelphia to Nashville’s The Nations neighborhood with its dedication to authentic flavors and community spirit. Founded by Nashvillian John Hoffman, this eatery is a gathering spot where food lovers come together to enjoy iconic cheesesteaks made with quality ingredients and a side of hospitality. Whether craving a classic sandwich or exploring their menu of Philly-inspired favorites, Brotherly Love Cheesesteaks promises a delicious experience that celebrates tradition and culinary craftsmanship.
Exploring Nashville’s ever-evolving food scene
Nashville’s culinary scene is full of diverse flavors and innovative dining experiences, constantly expanding and redefining itself. Each new open restaurant brings a fresh perspective to the city, offering locals and visitors a chance to indulge in unique culinary creations and reimagine traditional dishes.
From intimate eateries tucked away in historic neighborhoods to lively spots buzzing with energy, Nashville’s new dining destinations have something for everyone. Whether you’re craving bold international flavors, farm-to-table freshness, or creative twists on local favorites, there’s something here to satisfy every taste bud.
What sets these establishments apart isn’t just their menus and their stories. Each chef and restaurateur brings a passion for food and a commitment to quality that shines through every dish.
Whether planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, find your perfect base at Nashville Luxury Stay. Our accommodations combine comfort with style, offering the ideal retreat after a day of exploring the city and filling your belly with dishes from the best new Nashville restaurants.
Visit Nashville Luxury Stay today to book your stay and plan your unforgettable Nashville vacation. It’s time to taste the city like never before.
