Some new, some old, all good. From the Editors, Jill Melton, Carrington Fox, Sarah Wilson and guest contributor, Mark Blankenship.
Uzbegim Halal, Midtown
We started eating at this Uzbek restaurant when it was a scrappy upstart hidden in the back of a pizza parlor, and now it occupies a permanent storefront near Centennial Park. The house specialty is plov, a rice-and-meat dish that’s unctuous, filling and fragrant with spices, and it pairs perfectly with obi non, a braided bread with a reservoir of poppy and sesame seeds in the center. We also crave the tandoor-baked lamb samosas, featuring a thick pastry that’s crunchy on top and tender on the bottom. Open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight, this brick-and-mortar offers a hearty menu to satisfy appetites for Turkish or Middle Eastern food all day long. @uzbegim.halal.restaurant_tn, MB
Ingrained, Nolensville
We have friends who basically write poems about the pancakes at this bakery and café, where all the bread and pastries are made with einkorn, an ancient grain. We’re equally enthusiastic about the decadent breakfast sandwich with maple-sweetened sausage, and we’ve gone back twice for the savory cheddar biscuits. If you dine in, prepare to be charmed by the family that owns the place, because they will strike up a conversation before you’ve made it to the counter. Keep an eye on the Friday menu: It’s the only night they serve dinner, and the dishes change every week. @in.grained.cafe, MB
Gold’s Deli, Columbia
If you’re looking for a sandwich that’s worth a day trip, drive to this Columbia lunch spot. It feels like a classic New York diner, from the row of stools at the wood-topped counter to the menu offering Reubens, pastrami on rye, and subs with both ham and turkey. There’s so much meat on these things that you might not be hungry for the rest of the day, but you should still save room for the bacon-potato salad. And get there early: They prep limited ingredients each day, and they often sell out. @goldsdelicolumbia, MB
Lyra, East Nashville
We could simply say, “Fresh pita baked in house in a wood-burning stove,” then let your imagination wander across the Mediterranean flavors from sumac and za’atar to mint and garlic, but there’s much more to talk about at this easygoing but elevated neighborhood joint, including the mocktail with simple syrup steeped with turmeric and the muhammara dip with roasted bell peppers, walnuts and pomegranate molasses. Of the octopus with almonds and onion, red snapper with fava beans and lamb leg steak with confit tomatoes, the octopus—so tender!—was the standout. @lyra_nashville, CF
Pastis, Wedgewood-Houston
The last time we dined on croque madame at Pastis in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, we surprised our server with the news that the New York nameplate was expanding to Nashville. But he quickly connected the dots: Pastis became famous as Carrie Bradshaw’s fabulous brunch spot in Sexy and the City, and now Nashville is the capital of bridesmaids and brunch. Setting that dubious accolade aside, Pastis Nashville is indeed fabulous and faithful to its New York original. The zinc bar, the white tile, the red awning, the globe lights, the whole “La Vie en Rose” and rose-colored-glasses vibe… all a sexy setup for coffees, cocktails and French-inspired classics. We leaned into French onion soup—cheesy, gooey and wonderful; steak frites featuring hanger steak that was perfection; and halibut amandine, which we hadn’t had since Bright Star in Birmingham 15 years ago. @pastis_nashville, CF & JM
Awedaddy’s Bar & Grill, Gallatin
An on-the-fly Googling of “waterfront restaurant Gallatin” led us to this charming lakeside patio, about 45 minutes from Nashville, where umbrellas, huge fans and lush ferns conspired to shade and cool us on a peak-summer afternoon. We drank draft beer and ate wagyu-and-bacon burgers, tender, fried catfish and brownies with ice cream, while watching festive nautical comings and goings at the docks below. (We’ll save the bushwhacker with bump of banana pudding moonshine for another day.) When winter comes, we’ll recall this warm memory as if it unfolded at a sun-kissed retreat somewhere fancy. But, nope, this was an inlet of Old Hickory Lake in Sumner County, and it’s hard to imagine anywhere better. @awedaddysbarandgrill, CF
Fryce Cream, Donelson and 12 South
Kudos to former Tayst restaurant chef-owner Jeremy Barlow for leaning into our universal-but-questionable habit of dipping French fries into ice cream and for making both elements as good as they can be. Order fries with choices of signature dusty coatings of salts and spices, along with dip options like ketchup, green goddess, barbecue and more. Top soft serve with the likes of candy bar, cookies and candied bacon. Enjoy them separately or order a duo of swirl frites. @fryce_cream, CF
Nectar Urban Cantina, Donelson
In a word: fresh. This Mexican-inspired and chef-curated sister restaurant to nearby TennFold Brewing offers all-day, family-friendly dining with lots of outdoor picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, yard games, a playground and breakfast and brunch menus. Think fresh juices in margaritas, seasonal vegetables on nachos and tacos stuffed with creative combinations such as fried Brussels sprouts with pickled red onion, toasted pepitas and guacamole and roasted root vegetables with goat cheese, pine nuts and parsley salsa verde. Check out nectarcantina.com for a busy calendar of live music and kids’ events on the lawn. @nectar_urban_cantina, CF
51 North Taproom, The Nations
The kind of neighborhood joint we’re always wishing for, this sister of 12 South Taproom fills the bill for a kid-friendly, easygoing vibe, a culinary cut above the pub grub its name implies. One standout on the long, long list of beers on tap is the fact that you can sample them for 50 cents—or a dollar for more expensive kinds. Then move onto a menu of oysters on the half shell, mussels, ceviche, kale salad, sandwiches, burgers, a massive Cobb salad, street tacos and lamb pops with fries, arugula salad and chimichurri. High five, 51. @51northtaproom, CF
King Tut’s Food Truck and Patio, Nolensville Pike
At Ragab “Rocky” Rashwan’s permanently parked food truck, the falafel waffle is… wait for it… awfully good, green with generous parsley in the chickpea-fava bean batter. The mint lemonade is… meant to be healthy, not too sweet, blended with fresh ginger and parsley. The patio is… oh, so delightful! We’ve got unlimited wordplay for the treasures on King Tut’s menu of Egyptian-inspired bowls and salads loaded with chicken shawarma, falafel, rice, fresh vegetables, baba ganoush and more. This fall, we’ll be checking out King Tut’s expanded morning hours and breakfast roster of espressos and Egyptian coffees, along with little deep-fried doughnuts and shakshuka burritos stuffed with baked eggs and cheese, available indoors and on the patio. @kingtutsnashville, CF
Little Rey, West End
Hesitant to have another taco lunch, we ended up at Little Rey in the old Qdoba location on West End Avenue near Vandy around 3 p.m. What a delightful surprise from Superica restaurateur Ford Fry! Adequate parking meets ample seating indoors and outdoors, with a festive patio out front and a secret garden out back. Carrington likes the Esqueleto salad with quinoa, plantains, avocado and cashew crema dressing. Jill likes the quesadillas. We all like the tacos with corn and flour options. When we wished out loud for salt on a margarita, a server magically appeared with a fresh glass with a salted rim. Such responsive service might be even more appealing than a salty glass in the first place. @littlereyalcarbon, JM & CF
Bad Idea, East Nashville
My husband and I went to the wine bar and restaurant Bad Idea for our anniversary, and wow—what a night. It’s in an old church, which gives it a really cool, cozy vibe. The food is Lao-American with French touches, and everything we tried was incredible. The wine list is huge, but their sommelier helped us find something we loved. Our favorite dish (which we almost didn’t order) was a scallop-stuffed crêpe recommended by our server—so good we’re still talking about it. @badideanashville, SW
SuperNormal, Sylvan Park
This off-the-beaten-path eatery in Sylvan Park, nestled in a corner behind Edley’s and Star Bagel, is anything but ordinary. Walk-up window service keeps things simple: burgers, hot dogs, a ham and Swiss plus fries and soft serve. But everything’s done with care and a sense of fun. (If you don’t want breakfast cereal marshmallows on your ice cream swirl, you have to specify. But why would you not want that?) They’ve got a solid veggie burger and gluten-free buns, too. The fries were our favorite (crispy perfection), and outdoor seating on picnic tables is comfy and casual, with umbrellas and huge fans to keep things cool and insect-free. Plus, the packaging is the cutest. It’s a little pricey for a burger joint, but the vibe makes it feel like a treat. Definitely worth checking out when you want something easy, fun and just a little extra. @youaresupernormal, SW
Verna Café & Bar, West End
Wow, a bona fide East Nashville eatery just off West End near Centennial Park. Owner Beau Gaultier moved to West Nashville from his previous cocktail bar, Bay 6 (in The Wash off Gallatin Avenue), for a fresh start and a new audience. Verna is in the bright, airy bungalow-turned-restaurant just around the corner from Exit/In, off Elliston Place, where Coco’s used to be. But like East Nashville, the menu is hip and happening and good. Verna is open for breakfast, dinner and late night, with a bar in the back named Connie’s Upscale Dive. For breakfast, we had mango rice pudding and miso-maple overnight oats. Both excellent. The inventive Baby Cakes offer a smaller, denser version of pancakes. We tried the miso corn cake with yuzu kosho butter. Sweet and salty with a big bang of umami. We’ll definitely be back for the chili pork melt sandwich and, of course, cold beers and cocktails at Connie’s. @verna_nashville, JM
Little Hats Italian Market, Hillsboro Village
After the success of the flagship location in Germantown, Little Hats has come to Hillsboro Village. And not a minute too soon. Next to The Grilled Cheeserie on Belcourt Avenue, this Italian market brings all the grit and goodness of a New York Italian deli to an area desperately in need of some local love. The “Traditional” cold sandwich came piled high with a red onion and pepper slaw atop a treasure trove of deli meats: prosciutto, salami, soppressata and provolone. Be sure to finish with tiramisu, a thing of creamy beauty. And you won’t leave without Alfresco Pasta and Bravo Gelato, both local, to go. @littlehatsmarket, JM
Modern Love, Fairlane Hotel, Downtown
From the owners of Pearl Diver and Tiger Bar comes Modern Love, a vibrant restaurant and bar in the lobby of the Fairlane Hotel. (Ellington’s, their fourth-floor restaurant with a downtown view, is now an event space.) Split into two personalities, Early Bird by day and Night Owl by night, Modern Love is a dynamic homage to the ’60s-era Beat poets, artists and mod aesthetics. Lush green plants and ’70s art make it a welcoming space (reminiscent of my sister’s bedroom) decked out with comfy sitting areas. We ordered off the Night Owl menu and loved the seared scallops and hamachi crudo, as well as the sweet corn agnolotti. The flatbread our neighbors got looked fire, as well. If you find yourself downtown, stop by for a good meal with a dose of calm. @thefairlanehotel, JM
The Optimist, Germantown
We visited this favorite after being away for a few years. In short, it still delivers great food. But also, great service. The staff are genuinely having fun while ad-libbing on the dishes. The food is fantastic, as we expect from a Ford Fry concept, but the dish to be had is Shrimp a la Plancha. Shrimp are delivered head-on in a creamy, rich sauce, atop “sopping toast.” Add the rolls served at the beginning of the meal and a couple oysters and glasses of wine for a reasonably priced, fancy-ish date night. If you don’t want the night to end, head upstairs to Le Loup for one of the sexiest bars in town. Ask Ryan to make you a drink. @theoptimistnashville, JM
Koré, East Nashville
We all want a restaurant that feels like home, right? Koré is it. The vibe of this place is instantly palpable when you walk in the door. Cozy and low-lit with a staff that is happy you’re there. But a welcoming, homey vibe is not all that stands out at this friendly place. The globally inspired menu will keep us coming back to explore the likes of udon, gnocchi, mole, kimchi and crudo. Korean tapas and cocktails are spot on. Spicy tuna on crispy rice and K-Pop chicken are both fantastic, as is the Basque cheesecake for dessert. @kore.nashville, JM
New & Notable
Colby Rasavong, executive chef of Bad Idea, keeps chalking up the accolades. Bad Idea was named one of America’s best restaurants by The New York Times in 2024 and a semifinalist for best new restaurant in the 2025 James Beard Awards. Most recently, Colby was named one of 2025’s best new chefs by Food & Wine. Kudos, Chef. Can’t wait to get in. @badideanashville
Chris and Emma Biard of S.S. Gai have announced plans to open a brick-and-mortar at 1106 Chester Ave., former home of The Golden Door, and they plan to open doors next year. Until then, fans can still get their street-food, Thai-style chicken fix at S.S. Gai’s current location in The Wash. @ssgainash
Prime + Proper steakhouse is gearing up to open later this year in the Grand Hyatt in Nashville Yards. The Detroit-based nameplate, founded in 2017, will make Music City its first location outside Motor City, taking over the space formerly occupied by Sean Brock’s The Continental. If the pop-up sample menu at Henrietta Red in September is any indication of what to expect, we look forward to wagyu beef, butchered and dry-aged on site in display cases, along with oysters on the half shell, caviar and wood-fired seafood. @primeandproperrestaurants