Nashville’s culinary landscape continues to flourish, offering residents and visitors an array of new dining experiences alongside beloved food truck staples. Here’s a look at some of the latest additions and enduring favorites that are defining Music City’s food scene.
New Restaurant Openings
Earls Kitchen + Bar
Located at 26 Platform Way South in the Nashville Yards development, Earls Kitchen + Bar brings its upscale casual dining experience to Tennessee. With 70 locations across North America, this marks Earls’ first foray into the state. The restaurant offers a blend of bold flavors and elevated design, providing a sophisticated yet approachable spot for any occasion.
Aba
Set in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, Aba introduces a fresh, modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine with a California influence. Led by Chef Partner CJ Jacobson, the restaurant offers a menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese flavors. This marks Aba’s largest space to date and Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants’ first venture in Tennessee.
Zaytinya by José Andrés
Renowned chef José Andrés has expanded his culinary empire to Nashville with the opening of Zaytinya in The Gulch. The restaurant features vibrant Eastern Mediterranean mezze, drawing inspiration from Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines. This addition brings a new dimension to Nashville’s dining options, offering a unique blend of flavors in a contemporary setting.
Food Truck Favorites
The Grilled Cheeserie
A staple in Nashville’s food truck scene since 2010, The Grilled Cheeserie has garnered acclaim for its gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Founded by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Crystal De Luna-Bogan and her husband Joseph Bogan, the truck has won Nashville Scene’s Best Food Truck award eight consecutive years. Signature offerings include the Pimento Mac & Chee Melt, featuring pimento cheese, cheddar, mac and cheese, tomato, and Benton’s bacon on country white sourdough.
Chivanada
Bringing authentic Colombian flavors to Nashville, Chivanada specializes in traditional empanadas made from corn masa and filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, cheese, and lentils. Beyond empanadas, the truck offers patacones (fried green plantains), yuca fries, and tomato avocado salad, all of which are gluten-free.
Chang Noi Thai-Lao Fusion
For those seeking Thai and Laotian street food, Chang Noi Thai-Lao Fusion delivers a diverse menu featuring dishes like pad kra pao chicken, drunken noodles, and Thai milk tea. The truck also offers fusion items such as Hawaiian fried rice with tofu, eggs, and pineapple, catering to vegan and gluten-free diners.
Nashville’s food scene is ever-evolving, with new establishments and food trucks continually enriching the city’s culinary offerings. Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal at a new restaurant or a quick bite from a beloved food truck, there’s always something exciting to discover in Music City.