Photo by Nathan Zucker.
Yolan/Denim
Located inside The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, internationally renowned chef Tony Mantuano and his wife, wine and hospitality expert Cathy Mantuano, offer high-end Italian cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Yolan. The couple also oversees The Joseph’s stunning rooftop lounge, Denim, which features seasonally inspired craft cocktails, and a thoughtful menu of American fare with Mediterranean influences. (403 4th Ave. S., 615-231-0405, yolannashville.com; Denim, 401 Korean Veterans Blvd., 629-231-3180, thejosephnashville.com/denim)
Photo supplied.
The Nashville Grange
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, The Nashville Grange is located on the lobby level of the Grand Hyatt Nashville. Specializing in “Tennessee to table cuisine,” the restaurant features unique Southern flavors with a modern twist using the highest quality ingredients. (1000 Broadway, 615-622-1234, thenashvillegrange.com)
Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee.
Locust
Trevor Moran’s little dumpling and shaved ice shop on 12 South gives credence to the maxim “Less is More.” No matter that there’s four items on the menu; each has been meticulously crafted and imbued with a harmony of deep, balanced flavors and textures exemplified in Moran’s decadent dumplings, which come crispy fried or steamed. (2305 12th Ave. S., 615-205-3737, locustnashville.com)
Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee.
The Optimist
This fish camp experience by chef and restauranteur Ford Fry occupies the historic former Hammermill warehouse in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood. In the kitchen, executive chef Ryder Zetts, a native of the south, expresses his creativity through a timeless presentation of wood-grilled seafood and Southern-sourced ingredients with a menu that highlights parallels of classic technique and contemporary flair. (1400 Adams St., 615-709-3156, theoptimistrestaurant.com)
Photo by Nathan Zucker.
Roze Pony
Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a quick grab-and-go, chef Julia Jaksic has you covered at her all-day restaurant Roze Pony. Much like Jaksic’s first all-day café concept, East Nashville’s Café Roze, Roze Pony follows the all-day model with a breakfast/lunch menu and separate dinner menu; in addition to a strong in-house baking program serving up a daily assortment of goodies by pastry chef Emily Wilson. (Belle Meade Galleria, 5133 Harding Pike, 615-942-5057, rozepony.com)
Photo from Zeppelin Nashville.
Zeppelin
Set between downtown and Germantown in Nashville’s Capitol District, rooftop restaurant Zeppelin overlooks the city skyline from seven stories above, featuring an expansive bar and a temperature-controlled outdoor lounge. Executive chef Aaron Thebault creates a casual and approachable menu that draws inspiration from West Coast cuisine mixed with Americana and globally inspired dishes, along with an impressive cocktail program designed to complement the menu. (505 3rd Ave. N., 629-236-0035, zeppelinnashville.com)
Photo supplied.
Radish Kitchen
Located inside Sylvan Supply, Radish Kitchen strives to make fresh, quality, and approachable food accessible to the local community. Founded by chef and cookbook author Amanda Frederickson, the fast-casual eatery specializes in salads, wraps, bowls, and fresh frozen yogurt with an emphasis on fostering good from the inside out using the finest quality ingredients.(Sylvan Supply, 4101 Charlotte Ave. Building G #10, 615-953-7058, radishkitchen.com)
Photo from Michael David Rose Photography.
East Side Banh Mi
After months of hosting pop-up events around the city, husband and wife duo Grace Nguyen and Chad Newton are serving up an array of artisanal, locally sourced bites and Vietnamese-style bánh mì sandwiches at their new fast-casual eatery, East Side Bánh Mì. On the menu, guests will find classics such as a cold cut combo with ham hock terrine, pâté, and smoked bologna, marinated and seared chopped steak, and impossible “pork” meatball in addition to various bowls, spring rolls, and Vietnamese beverages. (1000 Gallatin Ave., 615-953-7424, eastsidebanhmi.com)
Photo by Mayter Scott.
Jasper's
Chef Deb Paquette serves upscale flavors in corner-pub-style comfort at West End’s casual eatery and market, Jasper’s. The expansive menu features playful and creative renditions of classic crowd-pleasers like flatbreads, burgers, salads, hearty entrees, and more; plus, a market featuring a selection of grab-n-go prepared foods and sweets. (1918 West End Ave., 615-327-4410, jaspers.restaurant)
Photo by Darion Barnhart.
Joyland
Chef Sean Brock brings burgers, biscuits, and a whole lot of joy to East Nashville at his ode to fast-food joints, Joyland. Inspired by the nation’s original fast-food restaurants and drive-ins, the all-day burger and biscuit joint doles out handheld food—sandwiches, fried chicken, and fries, all packaged to be carried and eaten on-the-go. (901 Woodland St., 615-922-4934, eatjoyland.com)