New on Resy: Josephine, Hathorne, The 404 Kitchen

Bringing together chef Andy Little’s Pennsylvania Dutch roots and the Tennessee bounty, Josephine stands as an American farmhouse gem. Lined with antique mirrors and leather banquettes, the 12 South mainstay beckons well-heeled patrons with its duck fat hash browns, Brussels sprouts, and beef cheeks with horseradish risotto. Opt for the X|X (that’s 10 by 10) tasting table experience that’ll divulge just why chef Little was a James Beard semifinalist not once, but twice for his work here.

Settle into a church pew and praise the glory of Southern food at this former fellowship hall. Named after his grandmother, Hathorne is veteran chef John Stephenson’s first restaurant. So, run, don’t walk, to this Sylvan Park newcomer, and build a feast from the featured seasonal plates—grilled acorn squash, roasted golden beets, and braised lamb tagliatelle are not to be missed.

Matt Bolus cooks to the tune of the seasons at his critically-acclaimed 404 Kitchen, set in a spacious locale in the bustling Gulch neighborhood. Local purveyors play a hand in the menu of hyper-fresh offerings, where diners can feast on Hudson Valley duck leg, braised rabbit, and fried smoked chicken, alongside a knockout whiskey collection.

Sleek and stylish in a way only a converted Germantown warehouse could be, 5th & Taylor stuns upon arrival. Whimsical Southern plates pepper the menu, and call back to simpler times when Sunday dinners spent with family were a staple. We’re talking macaroni & cheese laced with andouille, bacon-wrapped quail, chicken doused in beer sauce, and fried apple pie.

A Nashville standby through and through, J. Alexander’s does wood-fired cuisine with heart. The hospitality-driven restaurant plays the American classics beautifully—juicy prime rib, perfectly charred pies, and hearty sandwiches—alongside an outstanding selection of wines available by the glass and bottle. Cheers!

Adele’s comes with serious starpower, with celebrity chef Jonathan Waxman at the helm. Seasonal cuisine shines at this luminous Gulch locale, where a wood-fired oven anchors the open kitchen. Be sure to order Waxman’s signature chicken smothered in salsa verde, meatballs and polenta, and, for dessert, the ravishing Southern coconut cake.

Taking a cue from Old World café traditions, Liberty Common introduces brasserie culture with a side of Southern hospitality. Cozy up in one of the powder blue booths and peruse the menu at your leisure: you’ll be hard-pressed to choose between the duck cassoulet and grilled trout amandine.

Owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team, the highly anticipated Pelican & Pig doles out rustic fare against a seducing industrial chic backdrop. The kitchen relies entirely on wood fire, smoke, ashes, and embers to cook its seasonal menu, so tuck into rabbit n’ dumplings, boudin steamed buns, and a surprising shrimp & grits.

Founded in 2006, this cherished stalwart was one of Nashville’s first farm-to-table pioneers. Fresh, local, and original, FLYTE serves an ever-evolving menu of seasonal goodness that highlights chef Christopher Stallard’s love for Tennessee produce. Pro-tip: indulge in the excellent by-the-glass wine program, full of Old and New World treasures.

Germantown gets a taste of Brooklyn-style dining with Saint Stephen. Named after a Grateful Dead hit, the casual eatery is manned by James Beard Award-winning chef RJ Cooper, who promises rock’n roll vibes, gastronomic cuisine, and late-night bar snacks. Do slather the creamy burrata on the sweet and spicy focaccia.

Hand-cut steak takes center stage at Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, an elegant locale where fresh seafood and signature salads round out the carnivorous offerings. Sip on hand-crafted cocktails, local beers, or boutique wines, and perch yourself at the bar for a more casual affair.