The Trendiest New Restaurants In Nashville, Tennessee Everyone Is Racing To Try
Nashville has always been a city that knows how to throw a party, and right now, its food scene is stealing the spotlight. I’ve been lucky enough to watch this town evolve from hot chicken central into a full-blown culinary playground where chefs are pushing boundaries and bringing flavors from all over the world.
Whether you’re craving authentic Italian pasta, jaw-dropping sushi, or wood-fired pizza that’ll make you forget everything else, there’s something new opening up practically every week that’ll blow your mind.
1. Moto Moda
Walking into this place feels like stepping into a modern Italian dream where every dish tells a story. Chef Fernando Santillan has created something truly special here, blending traditional Italian techniques with bold contemporary twists that keep you guessing in the best way possible.
You’ll find Moto Moda at 1816 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, tucked into a space that feels both intimate and energetic.
The pasta here is handmade daily, and you can actually taste the difference in every single bite. I’m talking about silky ribbons of tagliatelle tossed with seasonal ingredients that change based on what’s fresh and available.
The wine list is carefully curated to complement the menu, featuring Italian varietals you won’t find everywhere.
What really sets this spot apart is the attention to detail—from the plating to the service, everything feels intentional. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between date-night fancy and neighborhood hangout, making it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Don’t sleep on their dessert menu either; the tiramisu alone is worth the visit.
2. Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar
Imagine a place where rustic Italian charm meets Southern hospitality, and you’ve got Culaccino in a nutshell. This restaurant has quickly become one of my favorite spots for when I’m craving authentic Italian flavors that transport me straight to a trattoria in Rome.
Located at 609 Overton Street, Nashville, TN 37203, it sits in a neighborhood that’s buzzing with energy and creativity.
The menu here celebrates regional Italian cooking with dishes that honor tradition while still feeling fresh and exciting. Their wood-fired pizzas have that perfect char on the crust, and the toppings range from classic Margherita to more adventurous combinations that showcase local ingredients.
The bar program is equally impressive, featuring Italian aperitifs and craft cocktails that pair beautifully with the food.
Service here feels warm and genuine, like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home for Sunday dinner. The space itself has exposed brick, soft lighting, and an open kitchen where you can watch the magic happen.
Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or settling in for a long, leisurely meal, Culaccino delivers every time.
3. Sushi-san
Sushi in Nashville just got a serious upgrade, and I’m here for every minute of it. Sushi-san brings a high-energy, hip-hop-inspired vibe that makes eating raw fish feel like the coolest thing you could possibly be doing on a Friday night.
You’ll find this gem at 416 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203, in a space that’s as stylish as the food is delicious.
The fish here is incredibly fresh, sourced responsibly, and prepared with precision that shows real respect for the craft. From buttery toro to perfectly seasoned uni, every piece of nigiri is a little work of art.
They also offer creative rolls that push boundaries without losing sight of what makes great sushi great in the first place.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, with a killer soundtrack and a crowd that’s here to have a good time. The sake selection is extensive, and the cocktails are creative without being overly complicated.
Pro tip: sit at the sushi bar if you can—watching the chefs work is half the experience. This isn’t your quiet, stuffy sushi spot; it’s where flavor meets attitude.
4. Craig’s
Los Angeles cool has officially landed in Nashville, and Craig’s is leading the charge with style and substance. This West Coast transplant has brought its celebrity-favorite menu and effortlessly chic vibe to Music City, and honestly, it fits right in.
Located at 1601 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, the restaurant occupies a beautiful space that feels both glamorous and welcoming.
The menu is classic California-Italian with dishes that feel indulgent but never heavy. Their veal parmigiana is legendary for a reason—crispy, cheesy, and absolutely soul-satisfying.
The Caesar salad is tableside-prepared with just the right amount of anchovy and garlic, and their pasta dishes showcase seasonal ingredients in simple, elegant preparations.
What I love most about Craig’s is how it manages to feel special without being pretentious. Yes, you might spot someone famous at the next table, but the staff treats everyone like a VIP.
The cocktails are strong and well-balanced, perfect for sipping while you people-watch from the patio. It’s become the kind of place where celebrations happen and memories are made over incredible food.
5. The Sicilian Butcher
Meat lovers, this one’s for you—The Sicilian Butcher is a carnivore’s paradise wrapped in Italian tradition and modern flair. Chef Joey Maggiore has created a concept that celebrates butchery as an art form, and the results are absolutely mouthwatering.
Find this meaty haven at 4017 Aspen Grove Drive, Franklin, TN 37067, just a short drive from downtown Nashville.
The restaurant features an in-house butcher shop where you can watch skilled craftsmen break down whole animals with precision and care. That same meat ends up on your plate as perfectly grilled steaks, house-made sausages, and charcuterie boards that could make you weep with joy.
Their meatballs are legendary, coming in flavors like lamb and pork that showcase different regional Italian styles.
Beyond the meat, the pasta dishes hold their own, and the pizza program is seriously underrated. The space itself is industrial-chic with a lively bar scene and an energy that makes it perfect for groups.
Service is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, with servers who genuinely love talking about the food. It’s a dining experience that honors tradition while keeping things fun and approachable.
6. Verna
French-inspired Southern cooking is having a moment, and Verna is the restaurant that’s defining what that means in Nashville. Chef Andrew Carmellini has crafted a menu that feels both familiar and surprising, blending bistro classics with Tennessee ingredients in ways that just make sense.
Located at 1200 Villa Place, Nashville, TN 37212, the restaurant sits in a charming neighborhood that adds to its appeal.
The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always expect dishes that showcase technique and flavor in equal measure. Their roast chicken is a masterclass in simplicity—perfectly crispy skin, juicy meat, and sides that complement without overwhelming.
The raw bar is stellar, featuring oysters from different regions and crudo preparations that highlight the quality of the seafood.
Verna’s wine program deserves special mention, with a list that leans French but includes interesting bottles from around the world. The space itself feels elegant but not stuffy, with natural light during the day and a romantic glow at night.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself to a fantastic meal, Verna delivers an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
7. Babychan
Asian-fusion done right is a beautiful thing, and Babychan proves that point with every dish that leaves the kitchen. This spot takes inspiration from across Asia—think Japanese, Korean, and Chinese influences—and blends them into something entirely unique.
You’ll find it at 1906 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203, in a space that’s as Instagram-worthy as the food itself.
The menu is designed for sharing, which I absolutely love because it means you get to taste more. Their bao buns are pillowy soft with fillings that range from traditional pork belly to more inventive options.
The ramen bowls are rich and satisfying, with noodles that have that perfect chewy texture and broths that taste like they’ve been simmering for days.
What really makes Babychan special is the creativity and playfulness in every dish. The cocktail program mirrors this approach with drinks that incorporate Asian ingredients like yuzu, shiso, and lychee in unexpected ways.
The vibe is casual and fun, making it a great spot for groups or a laid-back date night. Don’t skip the dumplings—they’re crispy, flavorful, and absolutely addictive.
8. Alebrije
Mexican cuisine in Nashville just got a whole lot more exciting with Alebrije bringing authentic flavors and modern presentation to the table. Named after the colorful Mexican folk art sculptures, this restaurant embodies that same sense of whimsy and celebration in every aspect.
Located at 1422 4th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208, it’s become a neighborhood favorite almost overnight.
The menu showcases regional Mexican cooking that goes way beyond the typical Tex-Mex fare most people are used to. Their mole is complex and deeply flavorful, the kind of dish that makes you understand why some recipes are passed down through generations.
The ceviche is bright and fresh, with perfectly balanced acidity and heat that wakes up your palate.
Tacos here are an art form, with handmade tortillas that serve as the foundation for creative and traditional fillings alike. The mezcal and tequila selection is extensive, featuring small-batch producers you won’t find everywhere.
The space itself is vibrant and colorful, with artwork that celebrates Mexican culture and a soundtrack that keeps the energy high. It’s the kind of place that turns dinner into a fiesta.
9. Sho Pizza Bar
Pizza purists, prepare to have your minds blown—Sho Pizza Bar is rewriting the rules on what Nashville-style pizza can be. This isn’t your typical pie; it’s a Japanese-inspired take on pizza that somehow makes perfect sense once you taste it.
Find this innovative spot at 1906 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203, sharing space with other exciting concepts in a food hall-style setup.
The pizzas here feature unconventional toppings like teriyaki chicken, Japanese curry, and even mentaiko mayo that create flavor combinations you never knew you needed. The crust strikes that ideal balance between crispy and chewy, providing the perfect base for these creative toppings.
Each pizza is cooked to order in a high-temperature oven that creates those desirable charred spots.
What I appreciate most is how Sho respects both pizza and Japanese culinary traditions while creating something entirely new. The portions are generous, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality you’re getting.
The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner where the focus is purely on the food. Trust me when I say you’ve never had pizza quite like this before.
10. Kase x Noko
Sometimes two great concepts are better than one, and Kase x Noko proves this theory deliciously. This dual-concept space brings together Japanese comfort food and innovative cocktails under one roof, creating an experience that’s both satisfying and surprising.
Located at 1906 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203, it’s part of the exciting food scene developing in this area.
The Kase side focuses on Japanese sandwiches and rice bowls that are hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Their katsu sandos are legendary—crispy breaded cutlets tucked between soft milk bread with just the right amount of sauce.
The Noko side shakes things up with a cocktail program that incorporates Japanese spirits and ingredients in creative ways.
What makes this place work so well is how the food and drinks complement each other perfectly. You can grab a quick bite at lunch or settle in for a full evening of eating and drinking.
The space itself is minimalist and modern, letting the food and drinks take center stage. Prices are fair, portions are generous, and the quality is consistently high.
It’s become my go-to spot when I want something different but still comforting.
11. Golden Prawn #3
Seafood lovers, rejoice—Golden Prawn #3 is bringing coastal flavors to landlocked Nashville with serious skill and passion. This third location of the beloved seafood spot has quickly become a destination for anyone craving fresh fish, flavorful shellfish, and that beachy vibe that makes you forget you’re hundreds of miles from the ocean.
You’ll find it at 1906 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203, alongside other exciting food concepts.
The menu focuses on simple preparations that let the quality of the seafood shine through. Their poke bowls are fresh and customizable, with toppings that add texture and flavor without overwhelming the fish.
The lobster rolls are generously stuffed and served on buttery toasted buns that have just the right amount of crunch.
What sets Golden Prawn apart is the commitment to sourcing sustainable seafood and treating it with respect. The casual, counter-service format keeps things relaxed and affordable while maintaining high quality.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch on the go or sitting down for a leisurely meal, the food delivers every time. The bright, beachy atmosphere adds to the experience, making it feel like a mini vacation with every visit.