If 2025 was big for Nashville's food scene, 2026 is taking it up another level.
From globally recognized chefs to strong local expansions, this year's restaurant openings are adding serious depth to the city's dining landscape. Whether you're looking for elevated date-night spots, new neighborhood staples, or something completely different from what you've tried before, there's a lot to look forward to.
Here are the most anticipated restaurant openings in Nashville in 2026, including estimated opening timelines where available.
Highly Anticipated Openings
Zaytinya by José Andrés (The Gulch - Opened February 2026)
The José Andrés Group officially landed in Nashville with Zaytinya, bringing vibrant Eastern Mediterranean mezze and bold flavors inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisine.
Bar Mar & Butterfly (W Nashville - Early 2026)
Also from José Andrés, Bar Mar focuses on seafood-driven dishes while Butterfly delivers rooftop cocktails and energy. Together, they add a high-design, high-flavor experience to the Gulch.
Ocean Prime (Nashville Yards - March 2026)
Ocean Prime opened this spring at Nashville Yards, bringing steak, seafood, sushi, and polished service to downtown's fine dining lineup.
Puesto (Nashville Yards - Summer 2026)
Set to open this summer, Puesto will serve Mexico City—inspired tacos and fresh, vibrant Mexican cuisine in a lively setting.
Indaco (Germantown - 2026)
The Charleston-based Italian concept is bringing handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian dishes to Germantown this year.
Kuya (West End - 2026)
From the team behind Noko and Kase x Noko, Kuya will introduce another elevated Asian-inspired dining concept to Nashville's West End.
The Salt Line (East Bank - 2026)
This D.C. favorite is bringing New England—style seafood, think oysters, lobster rolls, and seafood towers, to the East Bank development.
Em & Me Cafe (Germantown - Summer 2026)
A Vietnamese coffee and snack concept opening this summer, adding something unique to Germantown's café scene.
Additional Restaurants to Watch
A few other notable openings expected this year include:
- Nobu (East Bank) — The globally recognized Japanese restaurant brand expanding to Nashville.
- Momotaro (Wedgewood-Houston) — Modern Japanese cuisine from a respected hospitality group.
- Prince St. Pizza (Downtown) — The iconic New York slice shop coming to Fifth & Broadway.
- Terry Black's BBQ (Downtown) — Texas-style barbecue making its Nashville debut.
- Sushi by Scratch (The Arcade) — An intimate omakase experience expected early 2026.
Nashville's restaurant growth in 2026 isn't just about quantity, it's about range. Global names, chef-driven concepts, neighborhood expansions, and destination dining are all arriving at once.
If you've been saying you want to try somewhere new, this is your year.
Sources: Zaytinya, The Bazaar, Ocean Prime, Puesto, Indaco, Nashville Lifestyles, Open Table