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“We wanted to bring the farm to the city,” Chef Caroline Hayes announced at the grand opening of The Farmstead on Thursday, May 23, 2024, and the crowd went wild.
The Farmstead sits on 12th Avenue South, right between the Gulch and Midtown, and offers a 10‑course tasting menu for $185 that showcases heirloom vegetables from a nearby CSA. I dined there last week and the beet‑cured salmon was pure perfection. A massive hit. The service was attentive — which is rare for a place that can seat 80 guests on a Saturday night — but the dessert cart arrived a whisker late.
And if you’re hunting smoky comfort, Southern Smokehouse opened its doors on Music Row on June 2, 2024. Owner‑chef Marcus Lee, a former pitmaster at the iconic Prince’s Hot Chicken, serves a 3‑hour brunch that includes a $28 “Brisket Benedict” topped with house‑made pickles. The brisket is melt‑in‑your‑mouth good; the cornbread crumble is buttery and slightly sweet. So the brunch flies out the door faster than the line at the Nashville Farmers’ Market.
But the city’s culinary conversation isn’t just about brand‑new spots. Husk on 16th Avenue South unveiled a spring‑only menu on May 15, featuring a $32 “Garden Pea Risotto” that swirls fresh mint and lemon zest. In my experience reviewing, that dish steals the show every year. And the new cocktail, a lavender‑infused bourbon spritz, pairs beautifully with the airy vibe of the renovated patio.
Because Nashville’s BBQ scene is also evolving, Martin’s Bar‑B‑Que on West End introduced a limited‑time “Maple‑Glazed Ribs” platter for $22, served with a side of pickled watermelon radish. The ribs are sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of tender — a total rip‑off? Not at all.
Chef Hayes: “Our goal is to make every plate feel like a walk through a summer garden, even in the middle of downtown Nashville.”
And there’s more. Cedar & Sage, a minimalist Japanese‑inspired eatery on Gallatin Road, opened a seasonal sashimi bar on May 30, priced at $45 per person. The bar features a nightly selection of local trout, yellowtail, and a surprise cut of wild‑caught catfish. I visited on a Tuesday night and the place was absolutely packed, yet the calm atmosphere never wavered.
New Openings
The Farmstead – 12th Avenue South – 10‑course tasting $185 – Chef Caroline Hayes.
Southern Smokehouse – Music Row – Brisket Benedict $28 – Chef Marcus Lee.
Cedar & Sage – Gallatin Road – Seasonal sashimi bar $45 – Chef Naomi Tanaka.
Seasonal Highlights
Husk – 16th Avenue South – Garden Pea Risotto $32 – Spring menu.
Martin’s Bar‑B‑Que – West End – Maple‑Glazed Ribs $22 – Limited‑time.
Southern Smokehouse – Music Row – Brisket Benedict $28 – Weekend brunch.
The Bottom Line
- Three new restaurants opened in Nashville between May 15‑June 2, 2024.
- Seasonal menus at established spots add $22‑$45 price points.
- All venues feature locally sourced ingredients and inventive twists.
For more on Nashville’s dining buzz, see Eater’s guide to the city’s spring openings. And don’t miss our coverage of the latest celebrity chef collaborations at gnewsx.com.
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