Unearth The Voyage
Tennessee’s restaurant scene is on fire in 2026, and food lovers across the state have every reason to celebrate. From world-famous chefs planting their flags in Nashville to local concepts finally getting the bigger stages they deserve, this year’s openings are nothing short of extraordinary.
Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just someone who loves a great meal, these new spots are worth every bite. Get ready to update your dining bucket list, because Tennessee just got a whole lot tastier.
Zaytinya — Nashville (Opened February 2026)
When superstar chef José Andrés brings one of his crown jewels to your city, you drop everything and make a reservation. Zaytinya, which first wowed diners in Washington D.C., finally arrived in Nashville in February 2026, and the city has been buzzing ever since.
The concept revolves around mezze-style dining, meaning you order lots of small, shareable plates rather than one giant entrée.
The menu pulls from Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese traditions, so expect dishes like creamy hummus, smoky eggplant spreads, grilled lamb skewers, and flaky pastries stuffed with cheese. Every plate feels like a mini adventure for your taste buds.
The restaurant’s design is just as impressive as the food, with a warm, airy space that feels both upscale and welcoming.
Nashville’s food crowd has embraced Zaytinya with open arms, and early reviews rave about the bold flavors and generous portions. Going with a group makes the experience even better since sharing plates is kind of the whole point.
Book your table in advance because walk-ins are tough to come by.
Bar Mar — Nashville (Opened Early 2026)
Seafood in a landlocked state might raise an eyebrow, but Bar Mar is making believers out of everyone. Also the brainchild of José Andrés, this concept zeroes in on ocean-inspired dishes with a globally influenced spin that feels completely fresh.
Opening in early 2026, it quickly carved out a reputation as one of Nashville’s most exciting new addresses.
The menu is a passport of flavors, touching on Spanish, Japanese, and coastal Mediterranean influences all in one sitting. Think perfectly seared scallops, creative crudo preparations, and cocktails that taste like they were mixed somewhere near the sea.
The bar program alone is worth the visit, with inventive drinks that complement the food beautifully.
What really sets Bar Mar apart is how it manages to feel simultaneously luxurious and fun. You can dress up for a special occasion or simply drop in for drinks and a few shared plates without feeling out of place.
Nashville needed a serious seafood destination, and Bar Mar answered that call louder than anyone expected. Snag a bar seat if the dining room is fully booked — the view of the kitchen action is half the entertainment.
Ocean Prime — Nashville (Opened April 21, 2026)
Few restaurant openings in 2026 carried as much anticipation as Ocean Prime landing at Nashville Yards on April 21st. Part of the nationally respected Cameron Mitchell Restaurants group, Ocean Prime is the kind of place where the steaks are thick, the seafood is impeccably fresh, and the cocktails arrive looking like works of art.
Nashville’s upscale dining crowd had been waiting for exactly this.
The menu reads like a greatest hits album for carnivores and seafood fans alike. Buttery filet mignon, cold-water lobster tails, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and decadent sides like truffle mac and cheese share the spotlight without any single dish outshining the rest.
The wine list is equally impressive, offering bottles that range from approachable to genuinely splurge-worthy.
Nashville Yards itself is a massive development transforming the area around the convention center, and Ocean Prime fits right into that upscale vision. The interior is sleek and polished, with a bar scene that hums with energy on weekend evenings.
Reservations fill up quickly, especially for prime weekend slots. If you’re planning a celebration dinner or simply want to treat yourself to a truly elevated meal, Ocean Prime absolutely delivers on its promise.
Indaco — Nashville (Opened 2026)
Charleston’s beloved Italian gem packed its bags and headed to Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood in 2026, and locals are absolutely thrilled about it. Indaco built its reputation in South Carolina on handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a vibe that manages to feel both refined and totally relaxed.
That same energy has translated beautifully into its new Tennessee home.
The pasta is made fresh daily, and you can taste the difference with every forkful. Dishes rotate with the seasons, so the menu stays exciting no matter how often you visit.
The wood-fired oven produces pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts and toppings that feel carefully considered rather than randomly thrown together.
Germantown was already one of Nashville’s most charming dining neighborhoods, and Indaco fits right into the streetscape like it’s always been there. The exposed brick walls and warm lighting create an atmosphere that’s equally suited for date nights and family dinners.
The cocktail and Italian wine lists are thoughtfully curated without being overwhelming. Staff members are genuinely knowledgeable about the menu, making recommendations that feel personal rather than scripted.
Indaco is the kind of Italian restaurant that makes you want to linger long after your plate is clean.
Cledis Burgers & Beer (Gulch Location) — Nashville (Opened March 2026)
Some restaurants aim for fancy, and some restaurants aim for absolutely perfect burgers — Cledis Burgers & Beer falls squarely in the second camp, and that’s exactly why Nashville can’t stop talking about it. The Gulch location opened in March 2026 and immediately developed lines that stretch out the door on weekends.
When a burger joint earns that kind of loyalty, the patties better be worth the wait — and these very much are.
Cledis leans into Southern comfort with a modern edge, serving smash-style burgers with crispy, lacey edges and toppings that feel familiar yet creative. The beer selection is curated to match the casual, no-fuss energy of the food, with local craft options rotating regularly alongside reliable classics.
The Gulch is one of Nashville’s trendiest neighborhoods, filled with murals, boutiques, and buzzing nightlife. Cledis fits into that energy without trying too hard, keeping the focus on delivering an exceptional product rather than chasing aesthetics.
Prices are reasonable, portions are generous, and the staff moves with impressive speed even during the busiest rushes. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between errands or starting a night out with something satisfying, Cledis delivers every single time.
Jo’s Coffee — Nashville (Opened April 2026)
Austin, Texas has been hoarding Jo’s Coffee for years, and Nashville finally got its own slice of that beloved café culture in April 2026. Famous for its outdoor seating, vibrant murals, and breakfast tacos that have developed an almost mythological reputation, Jo’s Coffee brought an unmistakable personality to downtown Nashville that feels both energetic and effortlessly cool.
The coffee program is the real star, with espresso drinks crafted carefully and cold brew that regulars describe as dangerously drinkable. Pair any drink with a breakfast taco stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, and salsa, and you’ve got a morning that needs no improvement whatsoever.
The menu stays simple on purpose, letting quality speak louder than variety.
Jo’s has always been more than just a coffee shop — it’s a gathering place where the community comes together, and that spirit carried perfectly into Nashville. The downtown location draws a mix of hotel guests, locals, and tourists who’ve specifically sought it out after hearing the hype.
The outdoor seating area fills up fast on pleasant mornings, so arriving early is a smart strategy. Jo’s Coffee isn’t trying to be the fanciest café in town — it’s just trying to be your favorite one.
Perenn (Cheekwood Location) — Nashville (Opened May 1, 2026)
Eating a flaky croissant while surrounded by blooming gardens might just be the most civilized way to spend a morning, and Perenn at Cheekwood makes that dream a Tuesday reality. Opening on May 1, 2026, this café and bakery concept settled into the grounds of Nashville’s stunning Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, immediately becoming one of the most scenic dining spots in the entire state.
The menu centers on breakfast and brunch staples done exceptionally well. Expect beautifully laminated pastries, seasonal sandwiches, and espresso drinks prepared with real care and skill.
Everything feels intentional, from the ingredients sourced for the kitchen to the way each plate is presented before reaching your table.
Cheekwood itself is already a beloved Nashville destination, drawing visitors for its rotating art exhibitions and spectacular botanical gardens. Perenn adds another compelling reason to spend an entire morning or afternoon on the property.
The café’s design mirrors the elegance of its surroundings, with natural materials and an open, airy layout that invites you to slow down. Families, couples, and solo visitors all find something to love here.
Perenn proves that great café food doesn’t need a busy city block — sometimes a garden is the perfect backdrop.
Earls Kitchen + Bar — Nashville (Opened April 16, 2026)
Earls Kitchen + Bar walked into Nashville Yards on April 16, 2026, and immediately made itself at home in a big way. The Canadian-born chain, which has cultivated a devoted following across North America, brings a menu so eclectic it almost defies categorization.
Steaks sit next to sushi rolls, seafood shares the page with Thai-inspired noodles, and somehow it all makes perfect, delicious sense.
The bar program is equally ambitious, featuring craft cocktails, a strong wine list, and a buzzy atmosphere that makes the space feel alive from the moment you walk in. The interior is large without feeling cavernous, designed with the kind of moody, sophisticated aesthetic that makes every visit feel like a mini event.
Nashville Yards is rapidly becoming the city’s premier dining and entertainment district, and Earls fits that vision perfectly. The restaurant handles large groups well, making it a go-to for birthday dinners, corporate outings, and celebratory gatherings.
Service is attentive and the kitchen moves efficiently even during packed weekend nights. If you’re the type who agonizes over choosing between steak and sushi, Earls is your answer — because here, you genuinely don’t have to choose.
Just order both.
Lion’s Share — Nashville (Opened April 2026)
Sylvan Park has always been one of Nashville’s most charming under-the-radar neighborhoods, and Lion’s Share arrived in April 2026 to give it a serious culinary upgrade. Built around live-fire cooking techniques and a raw bar that seafood enthusiasts are already obsessing over, this restaurant brings an elevated dining experience without the stuffiness that sometimes comes with the territory.
The live-fire setup produces dishes with smoky depth and beautiful char that you simply can’t replicate on a standard stovetop. Proteins emerge from the flames with caramelized crusts and juicy interiors, paired with sides that complement rather than compete.
The raw bar offers fresh oysters, chilled shrimp, and rotating daily selections that reflect what’s best and freshest that week.
What makes Lion’s Share particularly appealing is how naturally it fits into a neighborhood setting. This isn’t a downtown spectacle designed to impress tourists — it’s a genuine community restaurant where regulars build relationships with the staff and return weekly because the cooking consistently earns it.
The wine and cocktail lists are concise and well-chosen, skipping filler options in favor of bottles and spirits that actually belong on the table. Lion’s Share is the kind of neighborhood gem that makes locals fiercely protective of their table reservations.
Soy Cubano (Expanded Location) — Nashville (Opened 2026)
Bold flavors, bright colors, and the kind of food that makes you close your eyes and exhale with satisfaction — that’s the Soy Cubano experience, and Nashville’s Sylvan Park neighborhood got an expanded version of it in 2026. The original concept had already earned a loyal fanbase, but the bigger space allows the kitchen to flex even harder while giving more guests a seat at the table.
Cuban cuisine doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the American dining landscape, which makes Soy Cubano feel like a genuinely exciting discovery for newcomers. Dishes like slow-cooked ropa vieja, crispy fried plantains, black beans simmered with aromatics, and citrus-marinated roast pork arrive with flavors that are complex without being complicated.
The expanded dining room carries an energy that feels festive without being loud, with warm tones and design details that nod to Cuban culture authentically rather than superficially. The cocktail menu leans into classic Cuban drinks, with mojitos and daiquiris made properly — meaning with fresh lime juice and real sugar, not shortcuts.
Soy Cubano has proven that great Cuban food resonates deeply with Nashville diners, and this expanded chapter feels like the beginning of something even bigger for the brand.
Prime + Proper — Nashville (Opened 2026)
Nashville’s steakhouse game leveled up considerably in 2026 when Prime + Proper officially opened its doors, adding serious competition to an already competitive fine dining market. Originally a Detroit darling celebrated for its premium dry-aged cuts and impeccable service, Prime + Proper brings that same obsessive commitment to quality beef to Music City with impressive results.
The menu centers on prime-grade and wagyu steaks aged in-house for maximum flavor development. Each cut arrives with expert preparation guidance from the staff, who genuinely know their beef and aren’t shy about helping you make the best possible choice.
Sides are designed to complement rather than distract, with classics like creamed spinach and roasted bone marrow executing their roles perfectly.
The interior design is where Prime + Proper really distinguishes itself from the typical steakhouse formula. Rich materials, moody lighting, and a layout that feels theatrical without being overdone create an atmosphere that makes the meal feel like a genuine occasion.
The bar program matches the ambition of the kitchen, with aged spirits and classic cocktails prepared with precision. For anyone who takes steak seriously — and plenty of Nashvillians absolutely do — Prime + Proper is already an essential destination in the city’s growing luxury restaurant landscape.
Sushi by Scratch — Nashville (Opened Early 2026)
Twelve seats. One chef.
No menu choices — just trust. Sushi by Scratch operates on a philosophy that strips away the noise of modern dining and replaces it with something rare: total focus on the craft of traditional omakase.
Opening in early 2026, the Nashville outpost of this nationally recognized concept brought one of the most intimate and memorable dining experiences in the entire city.
Every piece of nigiri is crafted with precision, using fish sourced from premium suppliers and rice seasoned with a careful hand that takes years to perfect. The tasting menu evolves regularly, reflecting seasonal availability and the chef’s creative instincts rather than a fixed, unchanging script.
Guests sit at the counter, close enough to watch every deliberate movement of the chef’s hands.
Sushi by Scratch isn’t for every occasion — this is a special night out, priced accordingly and worth every dollar for the right person. Conversations flow naturally at the counter as the chef explains each dish, turning what could feel intimidating into something genuinely educational and warm.
Reservations open weeks in advance and disappear almost immediately. Set a calendar reminder, book early, and prepare for a sushi experience that redefines what you thought was possible in Nashville.
Prince St. Pizza — Nashville (Opened 2026)
New York pizza loyalists have very strong opinions, and Prince St. Pizza is the kind of place that even the most skeptical slice purists tend to respect. The legendary Manhattan shop — famous for its square Sicilian slices stacked with crispy pepperoni cups that form little grease-pooling bowls of perfection — officially expanded into Nashville in 2026, and the city welcomed it like a long-lost friend.
The signature pepperoni square is the thing to order, full stop. The crust achieves that impossible balance of crispy on the outside and pillowy within, topped with a bright tomato sauce and cheese that bubbles and browns in exactly the right places.
Lines form quickly, which tells you everything you need to know about how Nashville feels about this pizza.
What’s impressive is how Prince St. maintains quality at scale — expanding to new cities without the product suffering is genuinely difficult, and Nashville’s slice tastes just as good as what regulars describe from the original location. The ordering process is casual and counter-style, keeping things unpretentious despite the hype surrounding the brand.
Grab your slices, find a spot, and prepare to understand why New Yorkers get so passionate about their pizza. Prince St. Pizza makes the argument very convincingly.
Bar Roze — Nashville (Opened 2026 expansion)
The Nashville Arcade — a gorgeous historic passageway dating back to 1903 — is getting a modern makeover, and Bar Roze is one of the most compelling reasons to pay attention to that redevelopment. Opening as part of the 2026 Arcade revitalization, this creative concept blends contemporary dining with the kind of atmospheric setting that old buildings naturally provide when treated with respect.
Bar Roze leans into a playful, modern identity while honoring its historic surroundings. The cocktail program is inventive and visually striking, with drinks that photograph beautifully and taste even better than they look.
The food menu complements the bar offerings with shareable plates designed for a relaxed, social style of eating that encourages lingering over multiple rounds.
The location itself is a major part of the appeal. Sitting inside the Nashville Arcade while enjoying a thoughtfully crafted cocktail and a creative small plate feels like participating in something genuinely special — a piece of the city’s history being reimagined rather than erased.
The crowd skews creative and curious, drawn by the concept’s originality and the Arcade’s undeniable charm. Bar Roze represents exactly the kind of thoughtful, place-specific hospitality that makes Nashville’s dining scene so much more interesting than a simple collection of chain restaurants and hotel lobbies.
