A Running List of New Restaurants That Opened in Nashville, 2021

Well over a year into the coronavirus pandemic, restaurants across Nashville continue to move forward with openings, sometimes because their concepts could be adapted for delivery and outdoor dining service, but more often because their owners saw no other choice but to forge ahead. Since mid-March 2020, when the state first temporarily closed indoor dining, dozens of new restaurants have opened their doors. This list of Nashville’s pandemic-born businesses in 2021 includes a completely cacao-based concept, two new Italian restaurants, and a long-awaited night-time adaptation of a lunchtime favorite.

Here’s a round-up of the restaurants and bars that opened January through October 2021. This list will be updated often. It’s more than a full-time job to keep track of it all, so if there’s an opening in your neighborhood that we’ve missed, please do let us know at nashville@eater.com.

October 2021

McFerrin Park: The downstairs restaurant at Audrey, Sean Brock’s long-awaited multi-dimensional flagship concept and tribute to his maternal grandmother and all things Appalachia, opened at last on October 15. Of course, the reservations book up early, but you can also pop in upstairs for a drink at the bar and see the space until you snag a seat downstairs for Rufus brown ham swings, cobia with Carolina gold rice, and a trio of Tennessee apple desserts.

12 South: The Butter Milk Ranch, the long-awaited daytime and small-batch pastry spot from the team behind Urban Grub, finally opens on Friday, October 22. A quick peek at the Instagram shows fun finds from pastry chef/partner Alyssa Gangeri like croissant cubes, “c’reubens” (Reubens served on a pretzel croissant), and banana pudding eclairs.

The Gulch: The Dutch, from James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini partnered with hospitality experts Luke Ostrom and Josh Pickard (NoHo Hospitality) on the Nashville outpost of his NY-based restaurant, located within the newly opened W Hotel. Open in early October, the restaurant serves classic American dishes with some international twists for breakfast, dinner, and weekend brunch. Menu highlights include chilled Atlantic red crab with bloody mary dressing, smoked beet salad, an Ora King salmon tostada with pineapple pico and chipotle crema, and Maine scallops with mezcal butter. 300 12th Ave S

Hendersonville: Joyce and Marlon Reed Jr.’s crowd favorite hot chicken spot Slow Burn relocated from its Madison location to larger digs in Hendersonville in early October, and as always there are a plethora of options that go beyond basic hot chicken. Diners can choose from savory options like a hot chicken omelette or breakfast bowl, or cut the heat by mixing with something sweet, a la Slow Burn’s hot chicken donut or hot chicken apple fritter. 387 E. Main Street, Hendersonville

Edgehill: Sadie’s slid into the former home of Taco Mamacita in Edgehill — serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a casual environment. Red Pebbles Hospitality has tapped chef Margaret LaVetty (formerly of Barcelona Wine Bar) to run matters in the kitchen. NY native LaVetty, a classically trained chef and graduate of the California Culinary Academy, returns to Nashville after some time in Florida. Sadie’s is currently open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday — with mezze plate and Slovaki chicken kebabs, slow-roasted lamb, plus plenty of vegetarian-friendly choices like baked halloumi and falafel. 1200 Villa Place

September 2021

Belmont: Nashville institution International Market makes its grand return — one of the most exciting openings of the year. The reemergence of the much-missed mainstay is right across the street from where the last IM once stood — in the former Blvd space. Arnold Myint has been created a buzz, sharing sneak peeks of the space and the menu all summer on social media, with everything from Burmese tomato relish with shrimp powder and shrimp paste — served with prawn crackers and pork rinds for dipping, to smoked char siu tofu and lots and lots of comforting heaps of noodles. 2013 Belmont Blvd.

12South: Emery Wood Fired, Several restaurants have been highly awaited in the 12 South stretch — and the first to race to the finish was Emery, located in the former Royal dry cleaners site at . From the owners of the Stillery, Steve and Alane Kovach, alongside restaurateurs Steve Sargent, Jeff Greenlee, and Sasha Qualkenbush — Emery is 3,900-square foot space, with open-air dining available. The menu, from veteran chef Sean Williams, leads off with starters like duck liver mousse, clams, and charred onion dip then graduates into vegetables from roasted beets and coconut ginger carrots to grilled Henosis mushroom toast. A handful of pizzas are on offer — from classics like spicy sausage or pepperoni to cacio e pepe and bagel-themed pies. Pasta is looking impressive here too — think crawfish tagliatelle and spicy bison Bolognese with gochujang, whipped ricotta, and basil tuile. Steaks and seafood plates round out the menu. Emery is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday currently but plans to open for brunch at a later date. 2500 12th Avenue South

East Nashville: Love and Exile Winery & Bar is the new name of Tyler Alkins’ Nashville Urban Winery, which debuted in 2018 and was destroyed in the March 2020 tornado. Born out of Alkins love of wine and the threat of exile, Tyler Alkins had to start a new business or be forced to leave the place he called home in Nashville and be deported back to Canada. So he decided to do what he always dreamed of doing: make wine. There’s a fancy new look and food offerings in the spot’s rebirth, including much-adored Ricey & Co. catering as a permanent Monday night fixture for sushi rolls and other offerings. 715 Main Street

Sylvan Park: Red Perch, the epic fish and chips shop owned by Cameron and Nicole Payne, has relocated from the Arcade to much larger digs at Sylvan Supply. There’s seating aplenty, a bar menu, and an expanded food menu. Red Perch first opened in the arcade alleyway in the summer of 2018, and since became a crowd favorite for chef Payne’s expertly beer-battered fish and chips, calamari, and shrimp banh mi during weekday lunch. 4101 Charlotte Avenue G120

Downtown: The Rooftop at the Twelve Thirty Club opened in early September at 12-time James Beard Award-nominated restaurateur Sam Fox’s destination establishment in downtown Nashville. Backed by investor Justin Timberlake, the Twelve Thirty Club’s Rooftop Bar offers killer views of Lower Broadway for dinner and weekend brunch. The menu features an array of wine, champagne, beer, and cocktails, but also six frozen drinks including frose, pina coladas, lava flows, and sparkling slushies. There’s also swanky large-format lounge service available only by reservation. 550 Broadway (Fifth + Broadway)

Downtown: The Supper Club at The Twelve Thirty Club also opened in late September, rounding out the full debut of the downtown destination establishment. The self-dubbed “dapper-as-hell” 400-seat Supper Club pays homage to classic steakhouse dishes, with whimsical twists — with prime, grass-fed, and bone-in steak cuts alongside decadent seafood dishes and interesting sides. On the menu, find starters like Wagyu steak tartare, truffle cheese garlic toast and an over-the-top raw bar menu. An impressive wine collection of over 1,800 bottles is housed in a custom-built wine wall is a show stopper, plus of course, there are cocktails aplenty at the supper club. 550 Broadway (Fifth + Broadway)

Downtown: Church and Union opened downtown on Fourth Avenue between Church and Union Streets, serving American cuisine from two-time Top Chef alum Jamie Lynch and chef Adam Hodgson. On the menu, find swanky seafood towers, French onion agnolotti, and a Kurobuta pork chop, plus confit Spanish octopus and a Certified Angus Beef AB porterhouse for two. The 5,900-square-foot space features a white concrete bar, camel velvet banquettes, chandeliers, and rotating floral arrangements, all sitting below all 11,450 handpainted words of Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”. The restaurant from Charlotte and Charleston-based 5th Street Group is the company’s first in Tennessee and the fifth in their portfolio, which includes 5Church Charlotte, La Belle Helene Charlotte, 5Church Charleston, and Tempest Charleston. 201 4th Ave N

Germantown: Monday Night Brewing debuted Monday Night Preservation Society in Germantown — and it’s a stunning spot to sip on beer and slushie pouches. The Atlanta indie beer darlings’ new Nashville taproom is the first to open in the Neuhoff development, which sits within a 14-acre waterfront development on the west bank of the Cumberland. The taproom was constructed in the 1920s as a meatpacking facility. Whether looking to grab a flight of beers while on a bachelorette trolley or looking for a space to work and enjoy a brew, the space lends itself to it all. With hard seltzers, fun slushies, wine, and a handful of tasty cocktails, you won’t feel out of place if you’re not a beer drinker. There’s also a healthy dose of non-alcoholic drinks available for your designated driver and a small selection of snacks (from a cheese box and knotty pretzels to cookies and GooGoo Clusters) to munch on. 1308 Adams Street

August 2021

SoBro: Ella’s on 2nd, named after co-owner Michael Hayes’ grandmother, is a new Southern American bistro located inside the new Hyatt Centric downtown. Another concept from Red Pebbles Hospitality (Adeles, 404 Kitchen, Bajo Sexto, Emmy Squared, and more), there are ample vegetarian-friendly entree options in the teal splashed ground floor space, alongside dry-aged Bear Creek ribeyes, Verlasso salmon, and shrimp and grits. 210 Molloy Street

Sylvan Park: Lola — from Maher Fawaz of Siege Hospitality (Epice, Santo, Kalamatas) — is a stunning new Spanish spot in Sylvan Park. On the menu, look for cold tapas like Spanish olives and montadito, plus jamon Iberico and rotating cheese and charcuterie boards alongside hot dishes from fried artichokes and croquetas to papas bravas and octopus with spiced chorizo. Open Thursday through Monday from 5 to 9 p.m., the 2060-square-foot Madrid-inspired space seats 70 diners, and features an outdoor dining space. 4401 Murphy Road

Five Points: Boutique burger joint Burger & Company opened in East Nashville’s Five Points with a pet-friendly patio — it’s the third location for the brand. Burger options abound, from a gouda burger on a hand-toasted brioche bun to a fried pickle-topped burger and a duo of vegetarian-friendly options like the sweet potato guacamole “burger”. Sandwiches, fried cauliflower, beer-battered cheese curds, and fries seasoned with rosemary salt add a few non-burger options to bank on. 1106 Woodland St., Suite 1

East Nashville: The Authentique, is the third French-inspired spot from Melvil Arnt (Once Upon a Time in France) in less than three years on the east side of town. The wine bar is Arnt’s lifelong dream and serves a list comprised 50-percent of French wines alongside wine classes, beer, and a small food menu featuring cheese and charcuterie boards, foie gras, and macarons. 925 Gallatin Ave Suite 103

Five Points: Up-Down is a chain arcade bar featuring games from the ‘80s and ‘90s, pinball machines, skeeball alleys, Nintendo 64 console gaming, and more. Nashville is the brand’s seventh location. All games cost just 25 cents. The drink menu includes an extensive craft beer selection and even more bottles and cans, as well as house-made pizza by the slice with unique toppings.

Capitol View: Columbus-based chain Condado Tacos opened its first Tennessee location of the fast-casual build-your-own taco joint in the Capitol View development (look for a Franklin location later in the year.) Located at the corner of 11th Avenue North and Nelson Merry Street, Condado offers outside-the-box taco fillings like Korean barbecue, pulled jackfruit, and Thai chili tofu alongside more expected chorizo, pulled pork, and roasted chicken. There’s also queso blanco and a full bar with a large tequila selection. 418 11th Avenue North

The Gulch: Tacos 1989 took over the former home of now-closed Detroit-inspired Night Train Pizza in the Gulch in August. One street taco runs $3.89 here and can be loaded up with meats like pastor, chorizo, suadero, barbacoa, and more. Burritos, quesadillas, and nachos are also on offer. Furthermore, find menu gems like ceviche, handmade shrimp empanadas, chiludos (bacon-wrapped peppers stuffed with cheese and shrimp), octopus, and aguas frescas. 600 9th Avenue South, Suite 100, Nashville

July 2021

SoBro: Calacas Mexican Cuisine opened on the ground floor of the AC Hotel by Marriott, with decor drawing inspiration from dia de los muertos — the traditional Mexican holiday celebrating departed friends and family. Feast on pork pibil tamales, Oaxacan empanadas, and plenty of salsa options alongside barbacoa and carnitas tacos and grilled pescado. 411 Korean Veterans Boulevard

Franklin: Tamale Joe’s brings over 200 tequila options and yes, tamales, to diners in Franklin via this new fast-casual spot from Jose Morales. Tamales are a family tradition for Morales, and there are plenty of nods to his grandmother Doña Casi on the menu.

North Nashville: EG & Mc, a new cocktail bar and southern-rooted tapas spot, took over the former home of the much-missed Garden Brunch Cafe. EG & Mc is the brainchild of Clint Gray, Derrick Moore, and EJ Reed (the crew behind Slim + Husky’s Pizza Beeria), alongside craft cocktail guru Gemaal Pratts of Aperitif. The menu is a refreshing and interesting one — with shared plates like cheddar bourbon fondue, stuffed lamb meatballs with cheese grits, and peach barbecue glazed candied yam mac and cheese on the menu alongside drinks like the EG&Mc signature drink with raisin-soaked Uncle Nearest, Amaro, vermouth, bitters, and chicory liqueur. 924 Jefferson Street

Bellevue: South Indian restaurant 615Chutney ventured out to just west of the city center for its new home. 615Chutney began its life as a food truck, with a focus on gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian South Indian dishes. Some popular choices include samosas, pickled idli (steamed rice cakes with South Indian spices), malabar parotta (a layered flatbread), and Chutneyville sambar (lentil-based vegetable stew cooked with dal and tamarind broth). 7075 Hwy 70 S

Downtown: Chilangos is the next opening inside Assembly Food Hall at Fifth + Broadway. The new Mexican taqueria from chef Joel Mendoza is located on the north side near DeSano, serving barbacoa tacos and other spit-grilled meats alongside cheesy quesaberria tacos. 5055 Broadway Place

Downtown: Chicken Guy, Guy Fieri’s fried fowl-focused chain, opened up adding to the plethora of chicken options peppering Nashville. Located in one of the buildings damaged in Nashville’s Christmas Day bombing, the restaurant also offers grilled chicken options in tender and in sandwich form, plus salads, plenty of fries, and a whopping selection of 22 sauces, plus apple cinnamon cereal shakes for a sweet finish. 139 2nd Avenue N

North Nashville: InnerG is a new juice and yoga option in North Nashville, owned by Nielah Burnett. It’s Nashville’s first cold-pressed juice bar and yoga studio, with a wide range of juices and juice subscriptions available. 1807 9th Ave N

June 2021

East Nashville: Van Gogh Wine Bar gave East Nashville a new wine drinking destination, and the corner Victorian house sets the perfect scene. There’s ample intimate outdoor seating here, and non-wine drinkers — don’t fret, as there’s food, beer, and a full bar here, too. 1112 Woodland St

Midtown/Music Row: H&S Bagels is a new NY-style bagel shop in Midtown from New Jersey-born Hector Sanchez, who has over 40 years of experience. Sanchez serves up real-deal hand-rolled bagels plus fried Taylor ham (or pork roll, depending on who you ask) breakfast sandwiches. Sanchez uses high-gluten flour to give his bagels proper elasticity, then adds sugar, yeast, and water before leaving them to proof overnight, and then boiled fresh for optimal chewiness. 105 17th Avenue S

Lenox Village: Pegasus Pizzeria replaced a recently closed pizza joint and is already getting rave reviews as the much-preferred alternative. On the menu, look for a variety of thick Detroit-style pies with Vegan, dairy-free options plus a selection of six pasta dishes including penne pesto or spaghetti with meat sauce. To start, folks also rave about the Sicilian-baked meatballs and the mozzarella sticks. 6601 Sugar Valley Dr #115

Elliston Place: Koi Sushi & Thai joined the growing list of sushi options on the popular Rock Block, opening at the end of June. Dara Danh’s newest location replaces the former IHOP, with the familiar Koi menu of rolls, nigiri, and red snapper tempura alongside lots of Thai dishes. 2214 Elliston Place

May 2021

Smyrna: Zorba Cafe brought a new quick-service Mediterranean option to Smyrna diners. The restaurant became a fast neighborhood favorite for its customer service and food offerings like hummus, falafel platters, gyro, tabbouleh, and baklava. 1610 Lee Victory Pkwy

Crieve Hall: Crieve Hall Bagel is a new sourdough bagel shop from Ben and Lizzy Cornfield which got its start out of their home kitchen during quarantine. They just got an official storefront in yes, Crieve Hall, where they offer flavors from plain and cinnamon sugar to jalapeno cheddar, also all available as bagel braids with plenty of schmears to choose from. 4825 Trousdale Drive, Suite 228

North Gulch: The Continental, Sean Brock’s new ground-level restaurant inside the Grand Hyatt Nashville, finally got to open up for in-house dining, and the presentations alone look like it's worth planning ahead for a reservation. Plus, there’s a roving prime rib cart. 1000 Broadway Ste 101

Downtown: Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa opened on in that celeb-named stretch of Lower Broadway, and it’s a girly taco and queso lover’s dream. Step away from the bro-country bars that pepper the street and step into a room surrounded by hot pink booths, intricately tiled floors, and Miranda and Elvis-themed walls prime for photo ops. 308 Broadway

East Nashville: By the Bottle Neighborhood Wine Bar opened in the parlor on Urban Cowboy’s first floor, a passion project by Nashville native Kate Cunningham. The city’s first by-the-bottle-only wine bar features a rotating selection of natural and sustainable wines priced at $25 and $45, with a few “baller-level” bottles for special celebrations. 1603 Woodland St

Hillsboro Village: Shokku Ramen, the Las Vegas-born ramen spot expanded to Music City — and it’s the first Asian-owned ramen-specific spot in town. The Japanese anime-themed ramen shop is known for serving up both traditional and newly innovated styles and varieties of made-from-scratch broths and house-made spice blends, fried rice, beer, and sake at their 24-hour operation in the heart of Las Vegas’ Chinatown. 2127 Belcourt Ave

Hillsboro Village: Central BBQ, the Memphis-based smoked meats chain, opened its second Nashville location on 21st Avenue, serving up smoked meats alongside sides and banana pudding. 1601 21st Ave S

Hendersonville: Sea Salt was reborn a short drive from its former home in downtown Nashville, with chef Brad Webb (most recently of Setsun) leading the kitchen. Find a raw bar, Nashville hot chowder, steak frites, and a new take on ricotta agnolotti on the menu. 209 Indian Lake Blvd Unit 100, Hendersonville

Germantown: Emmy Squared took on a third Nashville location for its quickly growing pizza and burger empire. Emmy took over the former Silo space, which was damaged in the 2020 tornado. 1121 5th Avenue N

Midtown: Elliston Place Soda Shop reopened at last in gorgeous new digs, bringing back banana splits, Ms. Linda’s pies, and much-missed old-school Nashville vibes back to the Rock Block (plus, find new boozy shakes). 2105 Elliston Place

Downtown: Sixty Vines, the Texas-based wine lovers’ dream restaurant, was the next restaurant to open at Fifth + Broadway. Find the stunning, sprawling space on the third floor of the development, where diners can feast on pizzas, pasta, and charcuterie while choosing from so many options of wines by the glass. 5055 Broadway Place

Midtown: Flatiron debuted from the owners of Answer at the Broadway/Division split, with options like Nashville hot fried oysters, tomato bisque with waffled grilled cheese, and filet with bearnaise butter. There’s also a solid weekday happy hour featuring a selection of $5 drinks and snacks. 1929 Broadway

Downtown: Assembly Food Hall at Fifth + Broadway opened its second phase, and with it a string of new food stalls as new downtown dining options: Coco’s Fresh Italian, Horu Sushi, Istanbul Shawarma, the Liege Waffle Co., Pharmacy Burger, Pharmacy Wurst, the Philly Special, Prince’s Hot Chicken, Saffron, Steamboys, and Velvet Taco. See all of the opening menus here. 5055 Broadway Place

April 2021

Murfreesboro: Pisco305 Peruvian Cuisine and Steakhouse is named after the Peruvian city most known for the drink and the area code of Miami, and it’s been getting big-city rave reviews well outside the Nashville city limits. Quick crowd favorites here include ceviche platters, Peruvian fried rice, lomo saltado, and churrasco verde. Pisco305 also serves brunch on weekends. 452 N Thompson Ln Suite C, Murfreesboro

Downtown: The First Level at the Twelve Thirty Club rolled out in April of 2021, just the first of four levels of the new experiential dining destination at Fifth + Broadway. The self-described elevated honky-tonk’s menu runs the gamut from pork belly dumplings, sashimi, and Old Bay-rubbed wings for the table. Also on the all-encompassing menu, find a selection of salads plus mains like burgers, pastrami sandwiches, fish tacos, and barbecue. 550 Broadway

Downtown: Eddie V’s, the swanky seafood and steak chain from Texas, opened its first Tennessee location in April, with oyster platters and shellfish towers aplenty. 590 Broadway

East Nashville: Bite a Bit Thai and Sushi opened quietly on McGavock with a variety of , plus gummy bear-topped martinis and Thai chili-adorned margaritas.
1402 McGavock

Elliston Place: I Love Sushi, a Huntsville, Alabama-based sushi restaurant, spread its wings (not more angel ones, thankfully) to Music City — to Elliston Place, specifically. Look for a wide array of starters, noodle dishes, and bento boxes, plus so many choices for sushi, sashimi, and flashy rolls. 2300 Elliston Place

East Nashville: Samurai Sushi East quietly slid into the former Eastland Cafe space in April of 2021, bringing in a new chef from Tokyo, Tomo, to bring an upgraded menu to its third location, complete with wider nigiri and sashimi options plus plenty of raw and cooked rolls. 97 Chapel Avenue

March 2021

The Gulch: The Gumbo Bros., a Brooklyn-based but NOLA-themed restaurant, debuted in the Gulch in early March, giving Nashvillians a culinary escape to New Orleans via comforting Cajun and Creole cuisine. On the menu, look for an array of po’boys, a trio of gumbos, fried alligator bites, and more from Mobile, Alabama born/LSU grad Adam Lathan. Plus bananas foster pudding for dessert. There are plenty of beer options plus classic hurricanes and Tabasco margaritas to wash it all down. 505 12th Ave S

Downtown: Assembly Food Hall at Fifth + Broadway (more on that later) opened its first phase, and with it enter these food stalls as new downtown dining options: Thai Esane, Whisk Crepes, Donut Distillery, Cotton & Snow, DeSano Pizzeria, NoBaked Cookie Dough, Oke Poké, and Smokin Chikin. 5055 Broadway Place

Downtown: Fifth + Broadway is the larger complex that hosts the food hall, and has plenty of ground floor, street entry dining options that opened in March: Slim + Husky’s, Shake Shack, Blanco Cocina + Cantina, Le Macaron, Cava, and Elixr Coffee. Intersection of Fifth Ave and Broadway

Charlotte Pike: Ichiban Japanese Restaurant opened in March on Charlotte Pike, giving West Nashville diners a new Japanese dining option. Hibachi chicken or shrimp comes served with soup, salad, and fried rice, and rings in at $15.99. 5515 Charlotte Pike

East Nashville: Shep’s Delicatessen gives East Nashville a real deal Jewish delicatessen — and the city responded with overwhelming approval. The new Five Points spot named after owner restaurateur Howard Greenstone’s grandfather sold over 400 lbs. of pastrami and corned beef in its first two days. Folks poured through the doors in its first weekend open in March, ready for bodega-style stacked breakfast sandwiches, egg creams, and pancake-battered blintzes. Check Shep’s social media for updated hours. 1000 Main Street

East Nashville (reopened after tornado): Smith and Lentz reopened a year post-tornado, amid pandemic times with a brand new pizza program from chef Chris DeJonge (formerly of Rolf & Daughters). Find excellent pepperoni-studded and hot honey slathered NY-meets-Neapolitan style pies for dine-in and takeout at the brewery’s revamped space. 903 Main Street

February 2021

Charlotte Ave: Family Tacos is a new family-operated Mexican restaurant serving breakfast all day plus tacos, huaraches, and other specialties. 4304 Charlotte Ave, Suite F

The Gulch: Blue Stripes, founded by chocolatier Max Brenner, is not a chocolate cafe — so be careful not to call it that. The concept is based on cacao instead, focused on the superfood’s stated benefits alongside sustainability. With sustainability in mind, Blue Stripes uses everything — from the beans to the shell and the fruit for its decadent beverages and smoothies, baked goods, savory snacks, and cacao waters. 333 11th Avenue South

The Gulch: Arnold’s After Dark at Nashville’s iconic meat-and-three Arnold’s Country Kitchen launched at last in February, after years of buzzy anticipation. (The city is still waiting on breakfast, but Sunday brunch is coming soon.) No, it’s not technically a new restaurant, but sitting at the new bar sipping tequila and eating crispy tacos and cheese and brisket-slathered nachos, it certainly feels like one. Plus, it’s the first time many are able to visit, with the new night-time and all-day Saturday hours. 605 8th Ave S

Brentwood: Thai Esane’s second location hit Brentwood just weeks before Nina Singto’s third opens up downtown, so needless to say the chef’s popular Thai restaurant is thriving among the hard pandemic days. The menu is a familiar one for TE’s loyal customers, who flock for papaya salad, drunken noodles, pineapple boat fried rice, and more which can all be elevated to Singto’s signature “Nina hot” level. 203 Franklin Road, Suite 100

Cool Springs: Waldo’s Chicken & Beer expanded its fast-casual, fowl-focused menu of wings, tenders, chicken sandwiches, and comforting sides South of town to Cool Springs’ Liberty Station in February. Waldo’s is another concept from Fresh Hospitality, which also envelops Biscuit Love, The Grilled Cheeserie, Martin’s BBQ, Juice Bar, and more. 1201 Liberty Pike, Franklin

Five Points: Popular sfincione purveyor and Sicilian street food spot St. Vito Focacciaria slid into the kitchen/dining space at East Nashville’s Vandyke just a few short weeks after the permanent closure/departure of Setsun. Owner/chef Michael Hanna has worked in the restaurant industry for years in Memphis, Nashville, and beyond. There’s been much buzz around town about the chef’s real deal sfincione, most recently served out of Citizen Kitchen to the masses. 105 S. 11th Street

January 2021

Downtown Franklin: Culaccino brought Nonna-worthy meatballs, ravioli, and wood-fired pies to Harpeth Square in downtown Franklin in January. Of note: it also brought downtown Franklin its only outdoor bar. It’s a menu of homespun Italian fare from chef Frank Pullara, who previously manned the kitchens of the acclaimed Campagna Hospitality Group (Osteria Tulia, Bar Tulia, The French) in Naples, Florida. Pullara also assisted chef Vincenzo Betulia at the James Beard House back in 2016. Culaccino is his first solo concept. 104 E Main St, Franklin

Cool Springs: A second new Italian restaurant for Franklin, Chrysalis Modern Italian, snuck into the Cool Springs/Corothers stretch recently. It’s not traditional mom-and-pop style Italian, but it’s already become popular for takeout and dine-in with a menu of create-your-own cheese/charcuterie boards, small plates, pasta, panini, and flatbreads. 9040 Carothers Parkway, Suite A201, Franklin

East Nashville: Flamie’s Hot Chicken Factory started serving its take on, yes, Nashville hot chicken — with a selection of wings, tenders, and-bone in fiery fowl ranging from “sweet heat” to “son of a gun”. 3231 Gallatin Pike

Pie Town: Blu Ox Bar and Restaurant at Bad Axe Throwing Nashville (now the largest Axe throwing venue in Tennessee) opened in January. It’s a full-service restaurant and bar featuring skyline views, live music, an outdoor seating area, and mural photos ops — open to ax-aficionadas and non-ax-throwers alike. Blu Ox offers “a Northwoods-inspired menu with a southern twist.” The Bad Axe chain has dozens of locations across the US plus some in the UK and Canada. 648 Fogg St

East Nashville: Eastwood Deli Co is now open for breakfast and lunch with a straightforward menu of biscuit sandwiches, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and salads. Located in the former home of The Wild Cow (which moved to Fatherland Street last year), the deli is owned by husband and wife Alex Griffin and Stefanie Kisselburg. 1896 Eastland Ave

Hillsboro Village: Grain & Berry opened in January adjacent to the neighborhood’s Moxy Hotel, and Banh Mi + Roll Plus. The restaurant provides another new “health-focused” option in Hillsboro Village, featuring superfood bowls, flatbreads made with cauliflower or broccoli crusts, and juice shots and smoothies. 1806 20th Ave S