Where We're Eating Now (March & April 2023)

In every issue of Edible Nashville we share new restaurants and shops we're excited about. Here's our picks from our March and April 2023 issue.

Lola, Sylvan Park

Sister of Epice and Santo, this unassuming restaurant in Sylvan Park is fantastic. The smart staff is exceptional and will lead you through the menu perfectly. We skipped the entrées and opted for a bottle of wine and tapas; the eggplant dip was dreamy and the crispy artichokes were perfectly fried.

Smokin' Oaks Organic Farm Market, Melrose

This farm market and butcher has all manner of local organic products, but the meat case is what to go for. And the sandwiches. We got “the Italian”: local bread spread with a creamy mixture of pepperoncini Parmesan and topped with local roast beef and ham, roasted red bell pepper, arugula and provolone, then pressed. Next to the original 8th & Roast on 8th Avenue. All meats come from their farm Smokin Oaks Organic Farm in Springfield, TN.  

International Market, Belmont

Risen from the ashes of its scrappy sister market torn down to make way for Belmont growth, this restaurant is sleek and just as good as you would expect from Arnold Myint (aka Suzie Wong). On a cold, drizzly day we popped in for the curried chicken bowl, which is a thing of beauty: noodles, gutsy curry broth and tender chicken. Check out Arnold's Thai Cucumber Salad here. 

Greys Fine Cheese, Sylvan Supply

A full-service cheese shop offering cheeses, artisan products, charcuterie boards, cheese workshops and a dine-in menu. Based in Memphis, the Nashville location is in Sylvan Supply on Charlotte Pike.

Xiaobao, East Nashville

Insanely good Asian comfort food. Bao buns and hand-pulled noodles anchor this menu with fried dumplings, stir fries, curry and other fusion delights. Check out their wine pairings, beer and unique cocktails too.

Maiz De La Vida Tortilleria, North Nashville

Congrats to chef Julio Hernandez for his James Beard Awards nomination as Emerging Chef! You can find him and his homemade tortillas and authentic Mexican dishes at his tortilleria on Clarksville Pike and his food truck located at Chopper Tiki bar in East Nashville. Do not miss the mole negro, made with the ashes of pepper seeds and roasted plantains. Unbelievable. So are the empanadas.

In other news...

• Gammon's Wedgewood Market (sister market to Hendersonville Produce) has opened in Wedgewood Houston, specializing in responsibly raised local produce, meats and artisan products.
• oneSHOP Nashville, a market wedged into the oneC1TY complex on Charlotte Park (next to Kokos and SandBar), features local artisan products including cocktail mixes from Perfectly Cordial, French products from Cocorico Cuisine, baked goods from Lovin’ From the Oven and to-go vegan dishes from Radical Rabbit.
• Congrats to Yolan Executive Pastry Chef Noelle Marchetti for her James Beard Awards nomination for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker!