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Meet your new favorite Nashville restaurant

Dining in Nashville is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.

A spread of pasta-focused dishes placed on a dining table with a glass of wine.

At Fancypants, dinner is served with a side of fun. | Photo by Andrew Cebulka via Fancypants

Some people make to-do lists — we make to-dine lists. Many hot Nashville restaurants have opened over the past several months, from familiar names adding more locations to intriguing new kids on the block.

To satisfy those who are really hungry for fresh dining options, we’ve got details on several more Nashville restaurants coming soon, too. Grab your forks as we dig right in.

Newly open

Fancypants, 921 Dickerson Pk. | Reservations: Yes

Fancypants’ playful take on fine dining lets guests craft their own experience with a prix fixe, vegetable-forward multi-course menu. Adding to its charm, the Cleveland Park restaurant is drenched in ‘70s-inspired patterns and occupies a former Piggly Wiggly. See inside the space.

Tavern, 1904 Broadway | Reservations: Yes

This Midtown favorite reopened in mid-June with refreshed brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, as well as expanded craft cocktail selections and a completely renovated interior. Don’t worry, popular dishes like buffalo cauliflower and the “OG” kale salad remain.

Mr. J’s Original, 45 Hermitage Ave. | Reservations: No

Start your day with classic breakfast fare, then drop by for lunch or dinner to enjoy double cheeseburgers, pastrami sandwiches, chili dogs, shakes, and more.

Birria Babe, 410 Woodbine St. (inside Cyanide Cider) | Reservations: No

Cyanide Cider’s new Woodbine taproom is a one-stop-shop for cider and Birria Babe’s tacos (beef, chicken, or lamb), black bean nachos, and birria ramen.

A plate of bread next to a glass of wine, both sitting atop a picnic table with a brick building with large windows out of focus in the background.

Enjoy both indoor and al fresco dining at Butterlamp. | Photo by NASHtoday

Butterlamp Bread & Beverage, 1101 Chapel Ave., #103 | Reservations: No

Butterlamp is part bread house, part wine bar. Expect a “hefty selection” of wines by the glass and bottle, as well as snacks and sourdough loaves.

Choy, 121B 12th Ave. N. | Reservations: Yes

The sleek Gulch restaurant serves dishes that are “rooted in classic Chinese American culture with a southern, American twist.” James Beard Award winner Brandon Jew helped shape the menu, with the large-format Peking-style roast duck as its star offering. Here’s what we tried.

JamBox Sandwich Shop, 1414 3rd Ave. S. (inside Fait La Force) | Reservations: No

The menu features 10 sandwiches inspired by an artist or “jam” from the ‘80s and ‘90s, like “Peaches for Me” (chicken, mozzarella, basil pesto, balsamic glaze, and peach jam) and “Cranberry Linger” (turkey, cheddar, bacon, Alabama white slaw, chips, and cranberry jam).

888, 800 Clark Place | Reservations: Yes

The combination vinyl record listening lounge and Japanese restaurant is set to feature two sushi bars, a private dining room, and a central cocktail island. Expect a menu featuring nigiri, maki, cured salmon onigiri, donabe fried rice, and other selections.

Villa Castrioti, 300 Commerce St. | Reservations: Yes

The West Tennessee-based Italian restaurant has taken over the former Demos’ space downtown. While specific menu details are still under wraps, expect traditional dishes, housemade meatballs, salads, and pizza.

Exterior shot of a brick restaurant with "Villa Castrioti" signage and a red awning.

Villa Castrioti has two Memphis-area locations. | Photo by NASHtoday

Coming Soon

Back 40 Nashville, 315 Deaderick St. | Opening date not announced

The new downtown breakfast, lunch, and dinner concept is described as a “scratch kitchen specializing in modern twists on classic comfort food.” Follow the biz on Instagram for construction updates and grand opening details, and get a sneak peek of the menu.

Halls Catch, 1600 West End Ave. | Opening fall 2024

The team behind Midtown’s Halls Chophouse is nearing the launch of their “high-end yet approachable” seafood concept this fall, offering whole fish entrees, rare caviars, sushi, and more. Expect indoor and outdoor spaces, private dining, and multiple bar areas.

Rendering of a restaurant dining room with wood tables, white chairs, and round light fixtures handing from the ceiling.

Halls Catch will operate out of Midtown’s Broadwest tower alongside sister restaurant, Halls Chophouse | Rendering by Garvin Design Group via Halls Catch

Postino WineCafe, 2317 12th Ave. S. | Opening date not announced

The wine bar’s other locations offer light snacks, boards, and salads, as well as a brunch and wine club service.

The Henry, 2803 12th Ave. S. | Opening date not announced

Sam Fox, known for his other ventures like The Twelve Thirty Club and Doughbird, is expanding his Nashville restaurant portfolio with The Henry. The forthcoming two-level restaurant at 12 South Collection plans to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as coffee and cocktails.

Kase x Noko, 703 Porter Rd. | Opening late 2024

Not many details are known about Noko’s new concept (located next door to the restaurant), but given that the East Nashville dining spot was named the “No. 1 Best New Restaurant in the South” by Yelp, it’s clear the team has something worth watching for in the works.

Check out this Torchy’s Tacos spread. | Photo via RALtoday

Torchy’s Tacos, 1929 Broadway | Opening late 2024

Since its debut in 2006, Austin-based Torchy’s Tacos has made a name for itself with creative Tex-Mex fare. Soon, Nashville will get to savor its tacos (including breakfast options), green chile queso, salsas, and guacamole.

Experience Zuzu, 215 1st Ave. S. | Opening late 2024

All the way from Detroit, Experience Zuzu’s 7,600-sqft Nashville location is taking over the former Green Pheasant space. The concept features wood-fired dishes, small plates like honey walnut shrimp and tomato and crab ceviche, and a sushi tower served with sake on ice.

Jack Brown’s, 2201 Bandywood Dr. | Opening late 2024

The popular burger joint known for its Wagyu burgers is expanding to the former Cole’s Kitchen space, bringing the number of Nashville locations to three. While there are a few classic offerings on the menu, the specialty burgers are the main attraction.

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