Lyra
Cozy, modern, local. Shareables. Middle Eastern, citrus, spice-forward dishes. Try manti (Turkish dumplings), cardamom chocolate cake & the za’atar-infused Ursula cocktail. Chef Arakelian, born in Lebanon, moved to Nashville as a boy and started Lyra with his wife, Liz Endicott.
Mas Tacos por favor
Grown from food-truck to brick & mortar, here you’ll find the best taco flavors in town. Try soup. pulled pork, cast iron chicken tacos & elote (slightly charred, spicy, creamy). Add pickled veggies, hot sauce. Expect a line, though it moves. Four tacos, street corn, plantains for $16! Take-out/outdoor patio. Cash/venmo.
Peninsula
Intimate restaurant serving shareable plates, old world wines, Spanish style gin & tonics. Sustainable, local ingredients, seasonal, creative dishes influenced by Iberian Peninsula. Rustic modern. Absolutely delicious!
Check for MANJU Dumpling Pop-Up’s here!
King Solomon Gyros
Fresh, friendly, & family-owned. So much food for a fair price. Try the spicy gyro with feta, grape leaves, & baklava. Food is cooked to order & piping hot. Very delicious. Drive-thru window.
Once Upon a Time in France
Must-try authentic French Bistro. Musician/sound engineer Melvil Arnt left Paris with recipes crafted by family for generations. In Nashville, Melvil's mother joined father & son to open the friendliest, most delicious and affordable, staple of the French culture. Exclusive wines.
Slow Burn
Seafood, chicken sandwiches, fried pork chops, and more! Excellent everything: chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, Cole slaw, onion rings. Friendly service, great prices. Authentic Hot Chicken with flavor, not just heat. Prep for a small wait since its cook-to-order.
Pelican & Pig
From husband-wife team Nick & Audra Guidry comes this wood-burning hearth in a converted mid-century auto upholstery shop. Casual-fine dining, voted best restaurant of 2019. Must try’s include: soft shell crab, pork chops, frites, asparagus, & chocolate chip cookies.
Slow Hand Bakeshop
Attached to Pelican & Pig you’ll find a counter full of pastries, both sweet & savory. Chai’s are worth every sip. Try a jalapeño & cheese croissant, chicken biscuit, or any pastry & coffee.
Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Garden
Fresh, local ingredients at great value. 100% Tennessee-raised beef & 100% pure cane sugar in sodas. Hard-working staff grinds, stuffs, & smokes every wurst. House-crafted condiments. Old-school phosphates, milkshakes, & sodas. Beautiful biergarten & community pride.
Kawaii Poke Bowl
Hawaiin flavors, culture, hospitality. Pronounced “pohkay” - the dish features bite-sized cubes of fresh marinated seafood, served over rice / mixed greens. Lots of veg; choose pickled condiments, sauces. Try the sesame or shoyu sauce on the salmon, yum. Outdoor seating.
Pearl Diver
Authentic & gorgeous island vibe. Patio with cabanas & a pool-like pit. Food includes oysters, yuca fries, shrimp, egg roll, wings, fish tacos, yakitori, Cubano sandwich, pu pu platter, ama salad. Walk up to the patio’s walk-up window.
Nomzilla!
More than just a sushi or asian fusion restaurant. Kimchi spicy ramen, tonkatsu broth are next level. Low key place to get sushi & creative entrees. Try the rainbow roll or nigiri.
Hearts
Breakfast, brunch, & lunch. All-day Australian-inspired cafe by Kate Ross of Melbourne & owners of Attaboy, Michael & Sam. Try: chia pudding, hotcakes, coffee. Great (rock) music. Patio & corn hole.
East Side Banh Mi
Husband-wife duo Gracie Nguyen & Chad, veteran chefs, bring these fab Vietnamese sandwiches like lentil, fermented chili, fried shallot mayo. Limited-time guest chef creations, like smoked squash, give $1 per sam sold to Nashville Food Proj! Check Insta for feature offerings.
Kettner Coffee
Beautiful, artistic, comfortable, modern. Beyond coffee, expect premium soft serve ice cream plus pastries from Sam Tucker of Village Bakery & Provisions.