2024 has been a banner year for Middle Tennessee’s restaurant scene, with as many as three new eateries holding grand openings each month. We’ve been visiting each one in turn, and we’re excited to share our picks for the Top New Restaurants in our region. Whether you’re in the mood for a breakfast bagel, a delectable savory sandwich, or an international gastronomic adventure, we’ve got you covered.
Noko
701 Porter Rd | Nashville
Chef Dung Vo has brought what many visitors are calling “the best food in the city” to Nashville at his new restaurant, Noko. Chef Vo blends traditional and innovative techniques to produce wood-fired brilliance with both proteins and a wide variety of indigenous vegetables. We highly recommend indulging in Noko's wagyu tartare, duck bao buns, lemongrass and sesame bok choy, and wood-fired catch of the day.
If you’re visiting Nashville, Noko is not to be missed. If you’re lucky enough to be a local resident, we predict that you’ll visit once, and likely become a repeat patron. Treat yourself, your loved ones, and your closest friends to one of the best meals they’ll ever have.
ONDA
101 17th Ave S | Nashville
Korean cuisine is taking the US by storm, and if you have not yet had the chance to try it, we’re betting that one visit to ONDA will be all it takes for you to fully endorse the hype. The spicy, savory, and sweet offerings like tteokbokki (spicy, slightly chewy rice cake in red chili sauce,) galbi-jim (tender, thinly sliced prime rib that will melt in your mouth,) crispy chicken wings, kimchi arancini, and budae jjigae (spicy stew with ramen noodles) will convert you with one bite.
Whether you are already a Korean cuisine enthusiast or are only curious, let ONDA be your new favorite authentic Korean Restaurant in town.
Choy
121B 12th Ave N | Nashville
Choy, a new Chinese American gem in Nashville, opened just this summer. The restaurant is the brainchild of Moni Advani (Masala House, Mockingbird) and Nishaan Chavda (formerly of the Mina Group), who have teamed up with the renowned chef Brandon Jew of San Francisco’s Mister Jiu’s, along with his sous chef Brian Griffith. Together, they’ve crafted a menu that reimagines traditional Chinese dishes with a modern twist.
Choy’s delectable menu includes stars like their Peking-style whole roast duck served with all the fixings, Dutch crunch barbecue pork buns, squid ink-infused wontons, exceptional trout, turnip cakes, and sourdough scallion pancakes. While each of their dishes is crafted with attention to their culinary heritage, the chef’s imaginative tweaks will keep you engaged from the first bite all the way through dessert.
Service at Choy is top-notch, with knowledgeable staff who are attentive to dietary needs and well-versed in the dishes they serve. The sommelier’s wine recommendations are spot-on, enhancing the overall experience. The restaurant’s attention to detail extends to its use of locally crafted chopsticks, plates, and bowls, which only enhances the dining experience.
If you love Chinese cuisine, you will be enchanted by Choy.
Curry and Tikka
55 E Thompson Ln #105 | Nashville
When one longs for Indian cuisine, nothing else will do. Luckily for Nashville, chef Agni Ranjit has brought his incredible skills and tandoor oven to our city. Lovers of spicy food can enjoy the serious heat of the tender lamb vindaloo, while those who prefer their rich flavors without the heat will adore the tikka mac and cheese and the masala fries.
If you would like to sample the restaurant’s signature entrees and most beloved sides, you must stop by for the lunch buffet. Mix and match to your heart’s content for only $15!
Limo Peruvian Eatery
1008 Fatherland St | Nashville
Far East is gone, sadly, but Chef Marcio Florez and Mauricio Sulay have lifted our spirits with Limo. The traditional Peruvian eatery offers a full menu of delicious eats, including ceviches, anticuchos, and comforting saltado.
On Sundays, beginning at 9 a.m., breakfast is served. If you’ve never had lurin, you’re in for a treat. French bread, sweet potato with a house-made sauce, tamal, and chicharron may just become your new favorite weekend breakfast.
Fonda 12 South
2316 12th Ave S | Nashville
We all miss Josephine, but thankfully Fonda has moved into the space, and the modern Mexican cuisine on offer is impeccable. Chef Roberto Santibañez has already taken New York City and Tokyo’s hearts with his Fonda locations there, and now it’s Nashville’s turn!
Stop by this casual, airy restaurant for oustanding meals including tacos, enchiladas, birria, torta Milanesa con chilaquiles, burritos, and large shareable platters ideal for groups.
Cocorico Bakery & Cafe
1600 Division St First Floor #120 | Nashville
Elodia Habert relocated from Nantes, France to Nashville eight years ago and began selling her handcrafted French pastries and desserts at farmers markets and various independent shops. Finally, though, we can visit Elodia’s own bakery, Cocorico, in Midtown.
Stop by Tuesday through Saturday to satisfy your cravings for authentic croissants, quiches, crusty baguette sandwiches, tender madeleines, beautiful cakes, and of course, coffee.
Jambox Sandwich Shop
1414 3rd Ave S | Nashville
When you visit Fait La Force Brewing, you’ll find Nashville Jam Company now open inside serving a variety of wildly creative sandwiches unlike anything you’ve had elsewhere. Sweet, savory, creamy, spicy, and salty all meld beautifully in combinations made from house-made jams, pesto, and flavor-packed chicken, turkey, bacon, and cheeses. Of course, we recommend pairing your delicious sandwich with a pint from the warm, inviting taproom.
Cheba Hut
329 Donelson Pike #103 | Nashville
Nashville finally has our own Cheba Hut! Though the chain has been growing steadily since it began in 1998, we are just now able to order our own sandwiches from their over 30 signature toasted subs. Grab Rice Krispy treats for desserts, salads to balance out your indulgences, and a craft beer from local breweries to top off your meal.
Stop by this community-oriented sub shop during the day or late at night, and if you wish, please bring your pooch to relax on the outdoor patio dining space. The staff will happily bring your dog a bowl of refreshing water, too.
Tavern
1904 Broadway | Nashville
When Tavern closed back in 2022, we were all saddened. However, Tavern is back, and the restaurant is bigger and better than ever. Your favorite dishes from brunch through dinner are still on offer, but there are innovative additions that you simply must try: wagyu fried rice, zesty Thai noodles, crispy Korean pork belly, and ahi tartare.
We recommend making reservations, because Tavern’s popularity picked up right where it left off in 2022—that is to say, it’s hopping!
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog Barbecue at Chief's on Broadway
200 Broadway | Nashville
Eric Church’s live music bar and traditional barbecue joint has swiftly gained a reputation for offering some of the best eats of any honky-tonk in Nashville. Head up to the fifth and sixth floors to either grab a seat or order Carolina-style barbecue from the walk-up take-out window. We recommend the prime brisket, pulled chicken, pig skin nachos, and of course, the signature whole-hog plate.
Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up
120 3rd Ave S | Nashville
The 2024 Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year has extended her creative endeavors to include a three-story honky-tonk with two stages, four bars, and a heaping helping of Louisiana-style cuisine. When you have a hankering for a po’boy, crawfish crab cake sliders, spicy sausage and shrimp pasta, broiled oysters, Cajun-style corn ribs, or a shareable charcuterie board, Bell Bottoms Up should be your your next stop!
Poolside at Drift Hotel
10 Interstate Dr | Nashville
Drift Hotel has arrived in Nashville, and summer just got that much better. Lounge poolside, and you can order from our locally famous taco truck Alebrije. Next thing you know, taco boxes prepared with lounge chairs in mind will complete your evening. Indulge in al pastor, pollo, or carnitas tacos, elote, and of course, perfectly crisp churros. If you prefer to share plates with your friends, Oaxacan plates are also on offer and will fit the bill perfectly.
Mr. Aaron's Goods at TKO
4204 Gallatin Pike | Nashville
Mr. Aaron’s bagels and pasta are now served Tuesdays through Sundays at TKO! The bigger and better shop now includes sandwiches like BLTS, bagels with lox and schmear, and traditional Italian subs packed with salumi genoa, salami, and pepperoni. Grab a coffee while you’re there; the shop’s proprietary beans are roasted by Drew’s Beans here in the city, so they’re fresh and flavorful for every brew.
Head to the back corner of the restaurant and you’ll find a tiny bodega offering take-and-heat meals, house-made meat sauces, authentic Italian canned tomatoes, Rancho Gordo dried beans, artisanal cheeses, incredible fresh pasta, olive oils, pancetta, guanciale, coffee by the pound, and much more.
The Takeaway
Just when we thought our diverse and delicious cuisine offerings in Middle Tennessee couldn’t get better, we’re happy to report that the Top New Restaurants of 2024 proved us wrong. If you haven’t yet had the chance to get out and try some or all of our recommended restaurants, we hope you will soon!
Is your favorite new restaurant in town on our list? If not, we’d love to hear from you. We just may include your recommendations on our next "Best" list.
If reading through our list of incredible new eateries in the area has you wishing you lived here, too, please reach out to your trusted agent today! We would love to welcome you to the area soon.
Posted by Parks Compass on
Leave A Comment