Savor Nashville: 2025 James Beard Nominees, Top Restaurants and Where to Stay

Strategic hospitality: A cornerstone of Nashville’s food scene

• Category: Outstanding Restaurateur (Benjamin Goldberg, Max Goldberg and Josh Habiger)

The Goldberg brothers and their hospitality group, Strategic Hospitality, have been shaping Nashville’s dining and nightlife landscape for over a decade. Known for creating innovative concepts that blend high-quality food with immersive atmospheres, Strategic Hospitality is synonymous with the city’s culinary evolution. From the interactive dining experience at The Catbird Seat to the relaxed yet versatile vibe of Pinewood Social, they have consistently set new standards in Nashville’s restaurant scene. Bastion, one of my favorite tasting experiences in the city, constantly delivers exceptional and creative dishes. Locust, another standout, has garnered attention for its playful and precise approach to Asian-inspired cuisine. These ventures not only attract locals but also make Nashville a must-visit destination for food lovers.

What to Try:

• Bastion: A small, intimate restaurant offering one of the best tasting menus in Nashville. With only 24 seats, the experience is as exclusive as it is delicious.

• The Catbird Seat: An interactive, chef-driven dining adventure that’s a must for food enthusiasts. Expect inventive dishes and impeccable service.

• Pinewood Social: A multipurpose venue that combines dining, bowling, coffee and even two dipping pools. The perfect place to get some work done, enjoy drinks or a meal with friends or relax with a game of bowling.

Bad Idea: Late-night creativity and exceptional wines

• Category: Best New Restaurant

Located in East Nashville, Bad Idea adds a fresh twist to the city’s dining scene. Open late, it’s perfect for night owls seeking inventive dishes and a stellar wine list curated by Alex Burch. The playful menu combines bold, unexpected flavors with a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, making it a standout choice for adventurous eaters. With its vibrant take on Lao cuisine, Bad Idea masterfully blends traditional dishes and modern techniques to create a dining experience that’s as exciting as it is flavorful.

What to Try:

• Standout dishes include the Scallops-Stuffed Crêpe and Pain Perdu — a savory-sweet combo of French toast, kaya jam and caviar.

• Nearby Activities: After dinner at Bad Idea, keep the night going in Five Points. Grab expertly crafted cocktails at Rosemary & Beauty Queen, Attaboy, or Urban Cowboy Public House — each offering a unique atmosphere perfect for a nightcap.

Maíz de la Vida: The best tacos in Nashville

• Category: Best Chef: Southeast (Julio Hernandez)

A celebration of authentic Mexican street food, Maíz de la Vida started as a beloved food truck located outside Chopper Tiki Bar in East Nashville and has since expanded to a brick-and-mortar location in The Gulch. Chef Julio Hernandez’s commitment to masa and heirloom corn shines in every dish, from tacos to elote.

What to Try:

• Signature items include the Birria Tacos — slow-cooked beef paired with a rich consommé — and Elote, grilled corn topped with creamy cheese and chili powder.

• Nearby Activities: After enjoying the vibrant flavors at Maíz de la Vida, head into The Gulch to explore boutique shops or snap a photo at the iconic Angel Wings Mural. Feeling lively? Broadway’s honky-tonks and live music are just a quick hop away.

Peninsula: Spanish-inspired fine dining in Nashville

• Category: Best Chef: Southeast (Jake Howell)

Nestled in East Nashville, Peninsula brings the flavors of Spain, Portugal and the Basque region to life. This intimate restaurant focuses on shareable plates and bold flavors, making it ideal for a date night or small group outing.

What to Try:

• Standout dishes include the Hokkaido Scallop and Smoked Hamachi, both offering delicate textures and vibrant flavors that truly shine. The signature Iberico Solomillo is another favorite, with its rich, tender taste that leaves a lasting impression.

• Nearby Activities: Make your evening at Peninsula even more special with a visit to nearby cocktail spots. Stop by The Fox for creative drinks in a cozy atmosphere, or check out Tiger Bar for its 1930s sideshow-inspired vibes and a chance to spin the wheel for a surprise cocktail.

Noko: Asian-inspired wood-fired cuisine

• Category: Best Chef: Southeast (Dung "Junior" Vo)

Located in East Nashville, Noko brings together Asian-inspired flavors with the magic of wood-fired cooking. The space is warm and inviting, making it great for a casual dinner or celebrating something special. What really sets Noko apart is the way every detail feels thoughtful, from the creative dishes to the laid-back vibe. It’s quickly become one of my favorite spots in town — the kind of place you’ll find locals and visitors coming back to again and again for the bold, satisfying flavors.

What to Try:

• Noko's standout dishes include the Tuna Crispy Rice, Duck Bao Buns, Tomahawk Ribeye, Burnt End Lettuce Wraps and Crab Fried Rice. These dishes showcase bold, dynamic flavors and creative presentations, making every bite memorable and worth savoring.

• Nearby Activities: After your meal at Noko, continue the evening with drinks at East Nashville’s favorite bars. Stop by Schulman’s for its cool, elevated dive-bar vibe and laid-back charm, or head to Coral Club for its Tulum beach club-inspired decor and fun, tropical cocktails. For a lively finish, Pearl Diver delivers creative tiki drinks in a playful setting that’s perfect for ending the night on a high note.

A nod to past finalists: the legacy of Nashville’s culinary scene

Nashville’s culinary reputation has been steadily growing, thanks to a legacy of James Beard Award finalists who have put the city on the map. In 2024, Trevor Moran of Locust and Arnold Myint of International Market represented the city with their innovative take on Asian-inspired cuisine and global comfort food. Meanwhile, the 2023 nominees included Josh Habiger of Bastion, celebrated for his tasting menu concept, and Julio Hernandez, who continues to shine with Maíz de la Vida.

These chefs and their establishments remind us that Nashville’s food scene is about more than just Southern staples — it’s a melting pot of cultures, techniques and flavors that invite diners to explore something new with every bite. This diversity is perfectly reflected in the 2025 semifinalists, whose innovative menus continue to push the boundaries of Nashville’s culinary creativity while staying true to the city’s welcoming and dynamic spirit. Their innovative approach continues to inspire the city’s current dining scene, influencing new chefs and concepts that build on their creativity and dedication to excellence. Whether you’re craving haute cuisine or street food, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you in Music City.