The April Hit List: 404 Kitchen, Flatiron, The Pink Hermit, and More

The Gulch is an ever-changing, constantly expanding neighborhood, where large chains come together with Nashville’s local establishments. 404 Kitchen has remained one of the neighborhood’s best local restaurants for years, featuring chef Matt Bolus’s seasonal classics. Don’t sleep on the whole-smoked, fried chicken with a trio of sauces for two, or the trout with chow chow and Benton’s ham. It’s also one of Nashville’s best places to drink whiskey, with a deep list of hard-to-find and unique spirits from Kentucky to Japan. 

Pastaria’s spacious dining room and patio are perfectly appointed for longer, sunnier evenings, with a wood-fired pizza oven at the center of its operations. Located right between Charlotte Ave. and West End Ave., it’s a perfect happy hour destination on the way back uptown after work, or downtown to get the evening started, with a large selection of Italian appetizers. Start off with boquerones, crispy risotto balls, white bean hummus, or a trio of dips, before moving to pastas, pizzas, and more. 

The Bobby Hotel has a new restaurant from one of Nashville’s biggest talents, Ryan Poli. Former executive chef of the Catbird Seat, Poli has brought his creative mind to Union Tavern, pulling together a menu with inspiration from around the globe. Jump from crab cavatelli with red chiles, sea urchin butter, toasted nori, and miso to black truffle tortellini with lemon ricotta, chives, and Parmesan butter, mixing in classic cocktails and an extensive wine list along the way. 

Call 615-600-5400 for reservations.

Saint Stephen is already known for its seafood and wood-fired mains like quail and wagyu. Now fans can indulge in a new concept from James Beard Award-winning chef RJ Cooper, at Acqua. Adjacent to Saint Stephen, it features a 14- to 16-course tasting menu focused on sea life, specifically that of Italy’s coastlines. The spaghetti alla chitarra arrives with charred calamari broth, oyster puree, and kaluga caviar that packs a briny punch; to match, choose from a wide range of Italian wines, cocktails, and amaros.  

The Hermitage Hotel continues to expand its offerings with NYC chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. In addition to the recently-opened main dining concept, Drusie and Darr, the hotel has introduced an all-day concept called The Pink Hermit. Stop in for pastries in the morning, casual fare during the day, and elegant snacks like black truffle pizza with fontina cheese, ahi tuna tartare, or a well-appointed cheese board at night. Its distinctive pink awning is a beacon to passersby on 6th Ave., who will be pleasantly surprised by the marble-covered interior and pink accents throughout the cafe. 

Since Flatiron opened last spring, the Flatiron building at 1929 Broadway has seen new life from the team behind Sylvan Park’s Answer. The can’t-miss spot at the split between Broadway and Division offers a menu of classic-leaning American fare with a decidedly Southern side, like Nashville hot fried oysters and potato skins stuffed with pimento cheese.

There’s always room to let the good times roll, and it looks like that’s going to be happening a lot more now that Spicy Boys has rolled into East Nashville. Louisiana natives and siblings Justen and Sarah Cheney are in charge of the spread, which is all about gumbo, fried shrimp, and po’boys, glorious po’boys, topped with roast beef debris, fried catfish, and more. Save room for beignets or an Abita Root Beer float, too. 

Located within the new Hyatt Centric, Ella’s on 2nd is serving a California-inspired menu at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That basically means a menu based around seasonal produce with a variety of influences, often Italian, like the duck Bolognese pappardelle, and branzino a la plancha puttanesca, studded with salty capers, olives, garlic, and tomatoes. The bar menu offers snackier takes on the menu, including a smash burger with Calabrian aioli, and a grilled chicken Caprese salad with pesto and arugula. 

As the name implies, it’s oysters and steaks galore at this downtown Southern steakhouse. But there’s plenty for everyone to love on the menu here, from barbecue shrimp to a farmer’s plate with daily selections like whipped chive potatoes and roasted butternut squash with goat cheese. Brunch is a great way to start a day on Broadway, preferably paired with a spicy bloody mary and a plate of fried chicken and waffles. 

Nashville is now littered with people waiting in lines for things, from Instagram photo opportunities to honky tonks. But the original line has always been at the Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro village, a favorite destination for fluffy pancakes and biscuits with gravy. Now there’s a downtown option for rolled pancakes and country ham, but this time with mimosas and bloody marys on the menu. The new location, located in the new Hyatt Centric Hotel,  is a little different in other ways, too, offering counter service for downtown diners on the go, and a slightly different menu.