Curry and Tikka doles out a mean dahi puri, a tender lamb vindaloo, and buttery naan from its unassuming new digs on Thompson Lane — that’s thanks to chef Agni Ranjit, who honed his skills in Maneet Chauhan and Brian Riggenbach’s kitchens. Locals have been flocking in and raving about its dishes (most of which are exclusively prepared in a tandoor oven), including inventive twists on the standards like masala fries and a tikka mac and cheese. The restaurant has also launched a lunch buffet that features all of the menu’s greatest hits for $14.99 per person.

Playdate aims to tap into your inner child with interactive components paired with food and boozy drinks. Situated in a renovated 1920s white wood-paneled house in 12 South, it’s easy to spot thanks to the colorful mural of a cowgirl holding a drink splashed on the side. The outdoor patio with picnic tables and a bar is where you’ll want to be when the weather’s playing nice, enjoying a playful menu of candied bacon, chicken waffle sliders, churro ice cream sandwiches, and boozy slushies.

While it still burns to lose 12 South’s beloved Josephine, the former restaurant’s new occupant is quickly relieving the pain. Nashville is the latest destination for Fonda, a modern Mexican restaurant from chef Roberto Santibañez with locations already in New York City and Tokyo. The 12 South outpost is as bright and airy as its neighborhood, with menu items ranging from tacos and enchiladas to large format shareables that pay homage to Mexico’s culture and cuisine. Its rotating cocktail menu will be refreshing after an afternoon filled with shopping and photo opps.

Many were devastated to learn that M Street’s Tavern would close its doors in 2022, but thankfully, it made clear its plans to reopen in the future with an updated space. That promise was kept and the restaurant is back, and even better now, too, with a refreshed menu and interior design. Menu standouts include dishes like a tangy Thai noodle bowl, Wagyu fried rice, and pizzas ranging from a classic margherita to Nashville hot chicken. And yes, brunch service has returned, too (though may its 2-4-1 cocktails rest in peace).

Owner Elodie Habert moved from Nantes, France to Nashville back in 2016, and quickly made her savory and sweet French pastries and treats a staple at various farmer’s markets and shops around town. Now, Cocorico has grown into its very own brick-and-mortar space in Midtown where you can find croissants in various flavors, sandwiches on crusty baguettes, madeleines, cakes, and quiches Tuesday through Saturday.

This live music bar and barbecue venue from musician Eric Church is offering up some of the best of what Nashville’s honky-tonk scene has to offer. On the food side, the fifth floor and rooftop restaurant (the uppermost level is perched atop the bar’s six-story building) pulls from Church’s Carolina roots, with a menu from lauded pitmaster Rodney Scott on offer. Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog Barbecue at Chief’s offers brunch, lunch, and dinner service, as well as a walk-up order window that operates in the morning and at night. Find dishes like pig skin nachos spiked with Alabama white sauce, sandwiches loaded with meats like prime brisket or pulled chicken, and the pitmaser’s signature whole hog plate.

This year’s Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year winner now has her name in neon lights steps off of Lower Broadway. Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up plays right into the hands of honky tonk dwellers: it’s a three-story venue with two stages, four bars, a chandelier marked by rhinestoned boot-cut jeans, and a 1970s western aesthetic on its rooftop. But, while alcohol-infused good times are sure to be had, the food here is a draw all its own. Nodding to Wilson’s Louisiana roots, Cajun-inflicted dishes include crawfish crab cake sliders, po’boys, and deeply spiced sausage and shrimp pasta.

Just in time for summer, the Poolside bar at the Drift Hotel is opening its doors for Nashvillians to enjoy. The sleek hotel chain, which also has locations in Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and Mexico, has laid out an escapist dream of a pool area: its Poolside food menu will include dishes from late-night favorite Alebrije, a local taco truck. Expect lounge chair-friendly taco boxes packed with carnitas, al pastor, or pollo tacos, as well as snacks like elote and churros with dulce de leche for dipping. Sharable Oaxacan staples like tlayudas slathered with refried beans and queso fresco are on the menu, too.

A dose of the coast has made its way to landlocked Nashville through Coral Club, a trendy new cocktail bar on the east side. Although it’s located on the second level of a Gallatin Avenue strip mall, a step inside the nondescript entrance reveals a shelf of dripping candles, earthy interiors featuring stone and wood, and a tranquil outdoor patio. The coastal-influenced drink menu ranges from palomas and rum-forward concoctions to classic cocktails, beer, and wine. Enjoy small bites while you sip, like tinned fish and black truffle popcorn. 

Shoppy bagel and pasta shop Mr. Aaron’s Goods is now open at TKO. As part of the expanded space and service, diners can order things like bagel sandwiches with lox and schmear, BLTs, and Italian subs made with King salumi genoa, Calabrese salami, and Frippers pepperoni. Drip coffee using Hachi Machi — Mr. Aaron’s proprietary beans roasted locally by Drew’s Brews — will also be available. A mini bodega tucked in the back corner of the restaurant will offer fresh pasta, sauces made with local beef and pork from Bear Creek Farm, olive oils, cheeses, award-winning guanciale and pancetta, and more.