Nashville and the surrounding areas are a culinary mecca equaled only by our legendary music scene. Middle Tennessee invented hot chicken, and our region is beloved for blending international influences with the comforting essentials that typify southern cooking.
However, there are times when we want to venture off the beaten path and explore new territories. With that goal in mind, let’s tour ten restaurants that offer unique dining experiences, innovative recipes, and outstanding service. All aboard!
The Catbird Seat
1711 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203
The Catbird Seat invites diners to draw close to the chefs as their meals are being prepared. The tasting menu changes continually, yet consistently transports diners to unrivaled heights of gustatory bliss. If you take food seriously and have traveled far and wide in search of enticing new eats, The Catbird Seat should rise to the top of your list of restaurants to visit.
Lockland Table
1520 Woodland St | Nashville
Lockeland Table certainly fits in with the mainstream Nashville restaurant scene due to its blend of Italian and Southern US dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. However, don’t be fooled by this short description—the food on offer is elevated creatively and skillfully which means you’re likely to experience something new and mouth-wateringly perfect during your visit. Take one look at the menu, and you’ll be rushing to book your reservation.
House of Cards
Lower Level, 119 3rd Ave S | Nashville
House of Cards is truly unique not only in Middle Tennessee, but also throughout the South. Located in a 10,000 square foot underground getaway, House of Cards is a love letter to all things magic. Stunning artifacts, antiques, and art from the 1400s through the early 1900s, all revolving around the history of magic, are displayed throughout the venue, so be sure to explore to your heart’s content.
While you experience magical illusions and entertainment from some of the top talents in the country, you will be served fine American cuisine and craft cocktails. While you won’t be taking any culinary risks, the venue more than makes up for the familiar offerings.
Noko
701 Porter Rd | Nashville
Noko is a wood-fired restaurant that evokes the rustic perfection of historic, rural Japan through art and design while embracing innovative culinary ingredients and techniques to create cutting-edge Asian fusion plates. Enjoy indigenous vegetables paired skillfully with locally available proteins, seasoned with flavors from across Asia, then smoked, roasted, and seared to perfection.
The Chef and I
1922 Adelicia St | Nashville
The Chef and I offers farm-to-table Southern fusion cuisine available in either a chef’s tasting format or ordered off the menu. Despite the elevated fare, the overall vibe is chill and fun, ensuring that patrons feel relaxed and welcome to indulge in creative new meals. The Chef and I presents seasonal, a la carte menus in addition to their core offerings, so it is always exciting to visit and see what new delights await.
888
800 Clark Pl | Nashville
No matter how engaged you are with Middle Tennessee’s culinary landscape, if you haven’t yet been to 888 Nashville, you have experienced nothing like it. This Japanese restaurant is also a vinyl listening lounge where you can blend your love of music with your love of novel fusion cuisine while you take in the beautiful interior.
Audiophiles, rejoice! The acoustics and sound system were concieved and created by Stephen Durr Designs, Devon Turnbull, and Soundlux Audio. The result is incomparable and must be experienced to be fully believed.
Valet parking is complimentary for 4 hours.
Redheaded Stranger
305 Arrington St | Nashville
Redheaded Stranger is a casual taco shop, yet patrons have been driving from far and wide to partake in their handmade tortillas stuffed with perfectly seasoned and prepared proteins. In fact, if you were to imagine the best taco you’ve eaten, then the best barbecue you’ve eaten, then combine the two and top them with freshly made, flavor-packed sauces and salsas, you’re close to the experience of Redheaded Stranger. Run, don’t walk, and snag these outstanding tacos, burritos, and even burgers for your next casual meal.
Peninsula
1035 W Eastland Ave | Nashville
Peninsula is beloved by locals for their impeccable, creative cuisine, hardworking husband and wife team, and rotating menu that presents new experiences alongside core favorites. This old-world restaurant offers all small plates, with at least a dozen to choose from, yet this is not your typical tapas restaurant. Instead, both the components and the presentation are unique, making this a great destination for date nights or small parties.
Henrietta Red
1200 4th Avenue North | Nashville
Seafood aficionados, we haven’t forgotten you! Henrietta Red awaits with oysters, crab, shrimp, and an array of fish paired beautifully with seasonal produce. Happy hour is particularly beloved with oysters and cava offered Tuesday - Sunday from 5 – 6, though their brunch, also with seafood as the star, is the perfect way to break away from the usual brunch fare one encounters elsewhere.
The Takeaway
We are proud of Middle Tennessee’s culinary heritage, and equally proud of the innovations that have introduced new techniques and ingredients. We hope you will join us in continuing to pursue meals and experiences that are new to our region. In doing so, we can all support the chefs who work tirelessly to enhance the food landscape in our beautiful home. Bon appétit!
Posted by Parks Compass on
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