10 New Restaurants Coming to Nashville in 2026

Nashville is gearing up for a delicious 2026, and you can practically taste the excitement. From legendary pit-smoked brisket to artful sushi and smart, seasonal Southern fare, the lineup is stacked with reasons to plan your next night out. Whether you chase bold flavors, crave casual comfort, or want a polished dining room that feels like an occasion, there is something here with your name on it.

Dive in now so you can be first in line when the doors swing open.

1. Terry Black’s Barbecue

Follow the unmistakable aroma of slow smoke and you will find the city’s next barbecue destination. Expect pepper-crusted brisket with a deep bark, ribs tugging clean from the bone, and sausages snapping with juicy spice. Classic sides bring welcome balance, from tangy slaw to buttery mac and cheese, plus pickles that cut through richness.

The vibe promises friendly counter service and trays built for sharing, so bring an appetite and a few napkins. You can chase bites with sweet tea or a cold beer and never feel rushed. When cravings hit, this is where you satisfy them, one smoky slice at a time.

2. St. Anselm

If a special night calls for serious steak, this grill-first temple has you covered. Think expertly charred ribeyes, herb-basted filets, and shareable cuts that arrive sizzling, flanked by sauces that mean business. Starters lean bold, too, with fire-kissed vegetables and rich, buttery seafood accents.

The room will feel grown-up without being stuffy, perfect for toasting big wins or lingering on a date. You will find a thoughtful wine list emphasizing steak-loving reds and a few surprises by the glass. Save space for dessert and let the kitchen finish strong with something decadent and warm.

3. Em & Me

Bright herbs, brothy comfort, and crisp textures will make this Vietnamese newcomer a fast favorite. Expect aromatic pho with depth, bouncy noodles, and delicate toppings that you can customize to taste. Small plates bring freshness, from punchy nuoc cham to leafy herbs and citrus that wake everything up.

The menu nods to tradition while leaving room for inventive touches, ideal when you want familiar flavors with a playful twist. Drinks might pair well with spice, think light beers, crisp whites, and refreshing mocktails. If you love layered, fragrant food that feels both soothing and exciting, put this one at the top of your list.

4. Cledis

Seasonal Southern inspiration shines here, where local produce and careful plating steal the show. Expect cornmeal crunch, heirloom vegetables, and sauces that whisper instead of shout, letting ingredients speak. Plates look refined but feel welcoming, the kind you want to photograph and then immediately devour.

The experience should fit date night or celebratory dinners, with staff ready to guide you through the menu and pairings. Cocktails lean garden-fresh and aromatic, weaving herbs and citrus into balanced sips. When you are craving creativity rooted in place, this dining room will have your table waiting.

5. Opal’s Oysters

Briny, cold, and glistening, the raw bar will call your name the minute you sit down. Choose a flight of oysters from different coasts, add mignonette and lemon, and discover your favorite salinity and snap. Small plates echo the shoreline with crisp fritters, buttery rolls, and citrusy crudos.

The room should feel casual yet polished, perfect for a quick dozen before a show or a long, leisurely evening. A bubbly list and chilled whites will do the heavy lifting on pairings. If the thought of a perfectly shucked shell makes you happy, this place is going to be your new ritual.

6. Puesto

This vibrant taqueria brings color, energy, and tacos that refuse to play it safe. Expect handmade tortillas cradling crispy cheese shells, bright salsas, and fillings that stack flavor on flavor. Share a parade of plates and let the table build a choose-your-own adventure bite by bite.

Drinks skew festive, with citrusy margaritas, fresh agua frescas, and a solid mezcal lineup for smoky fans. The music is lively, the service quick, and the vibe perfect for group celebrations or spontaneous meetups. When the craving hits for big personality and bigger taste, you will know exactly where to go.

7. Walker Brothers Saloon

Craving a night out without the usual bar fog, this kombucha-forward spot has you covered. Expect rotating taps of tart, herbaceous ferments alongside low-ABV and zero-proof options that keep the party bright. Food leans clean and satisfying, with bowls, wraps, and snacks designed to complement the tangy fizz.

The space invites conversation, music at a friendly volume, and bartenders who love to guide you toward a new favorite. Think patio hangs, sunlight, and good vibes that carry from afternoon to late. When you want refreshment that feels as good as it tastes, this is where to post up.

8. Prince St. Pizza

Square, thick, and blissfully crisp-edged, these slices bring New York nostalgia straight to your hands. Expect pepperoni cups that puddle with spicy oil, tangy sauce, and cheese that stretches like a dream. The menu stays focused, letting the dough’s airy crumb and caramelized corners do the talking.

Grab a slice at the counter or order a pie for the table and watch it vanish fast. It is casual, fast, and perfect for late-night cravings or family pit stops. When the mood hits for serious comfort, nothing beats that first crunchy-chewy bite.

9. Two Ten Jack

A beloved izakaya returns with ramen that warms you from the inside out and skewers that demand a second round. Bowls feature deep broths, springy noodles, and toppings that land exactly where you want them. Yakitori brings smoky char and just the right amount of glaze.

The energy is relaxed and social, built for sharing plates, sipping highballs, and chatting late. Order a few small bites, then add more as the table discovers favorites. For nights that start casual and end memorable, this spot hits every note.

10. Momotaro

Precision and polish define this Japanese stunner, where sushi is art and the robata grill whispers smoke. Expect pristine nigiri, subtle seasoning, and knife work that highlights fish at peak quality. Grilled skewers and vegetables add warmth and depth, rounding out a thoughtful progression.

The room leans elegant with attentive service, making it ideal for anniversaries, business dinners, or simply treating yourself. Sake and Japanese whisky lists invite exploration, guided by staff who love sharing favorites. When dinner needs to feel like a destination, you will find your moment here.