Celebrity chef Christian Petroni relaunches Ella’s on 2nd

The new coastal Italian concept, Ella’s by Christian Petroni, opens on Friday, March 15 at Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville.

Three plates of fried meatballs, prosciutto di parma, and housemade ricotta sit on a table surrounded by two glasses of wine and an old fashioned.

The table wants this trifecta to start — fried meatballs, prosciutto di parma, and housemade ricotta.

Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee

Ella’s on 2nd will look a little different come Friday, March 15. The Southern-inspired restaurant at Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville will take on a new concept, menu, and name under the helm of Food Network star and restaurateur Christian Petroni.

The Bronx native will make his Nashville debut as he unveils Ella’s by Christian Petroni, an all-day Italian dining experience. Here’s what we’ll be ordering on the menu:

  • Starter | Housemade ricotta (charred broccoli, hazelnut, fresh chili, and lemon) and fried meatballs (Sunday sauce, ricotta, and fresh baked focaccia)
  • Entree | Black truffle risotto (porcini, pangrattato, and brown butter)
  • Side | Potato croquette

Plus, three more things to love:

  • Daily brunch (Monday-Friday, 7-11a.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.)
  • Seasonal selection of spritz and negroni drinks — the strawberry rhubarb has our name written all over it
  • Happy hour (Monday-Friday, 2:30-5:30 p.m.) with $10 margaritas and old fashioneds
More from NASHtoday
Airbnb’s travel predictions for the year + how you can take part starting in Music City.
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
These local picks offer ways to save money, stay active, and spend more time with the people who matter most.
We’re asking our readers to submit their top questions about Nashville. We’ll do our best to answer them in 2026.
These city gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
Whether you’re looking forward to Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas, here are some ways you can celebrate around town this year.
It may not change for you, but if it does, expect a new pickup day starting in early February.
Billy Strings? Check. Rascal Flatts? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
From plows to color-coded routes, Nashville has outlined how it will handle whatever winter brings.
A grassroots effort is helping Middle Tennessee properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.