Where to Eat in December: Punk Wok, Luogo, Gully Boyz, and More

This tiny subterranean sushi restaurant in the Sylvan Station complex lives up to its name, with an amusingly aggressive decor scheme featuring dramatic murals and a quote from former Sex Pistol Johnny Rotten emblazoned on the wall. Like Mr. Rotten, the kitchen at Punk Wok isn’t afraid to break a few rules on the plate, with bold combinations of flavors infused into traditional sushi rolls, bowls, and dishes cooked in a screaming-hot wok.

Love Language is all about options. The multi-level restaurant features an airy main room, an appropriately dim and sultry bar area, and a private event space on the top floor. The menu also offers choices, with a variety of international cuisines represented from Spanish tapas to Italian pizzas to French inspirations. You can even choose to dine alfresco on the outdoor patio, weather permitting.

Call 615-840-8996 for reservations.

After a move from the shared kitchen where Vivek Surti opened his first restaurant, he’s found his own home at the other end of Taylor St. He tells the story of his experience as a first-generation Indian-American through his seasonal menu of creations inspired by the Gujarati cuisine he learned to cook at his mother’s side in the kitchen. Surti puts his own spin on many of the dishes and is quite entertaining as he explains his rationale to guests between each course.

Email hi@tailornashville.com for reservations.

Lower-case “lou” is an understated restaurant built in a converted house that still feels like home. The brunchy menu harmonizes California cuisine with French influences in a way that also feels totally Music City. Wine is an equal focus, the list filled with obscure offerings, including lots of natural-minded wines — anything fom Andi Knauss’ trollinger rosé from Germany to Roberto Henriquez’s skin-contact Super Estrella orange wine from Chile. The servers here are some of the most wine-knowledgable in town, so as for recommendations and you’ll be rewarded with something new and remarkable.

This lovely Lebanese bistro is an oasis among the bustling 12 South neighborhood. Amid the sidewalks filled with bevies of strolling bachelorettes, you can duck in here for a calming respite while you enjoy a menu of artfully-plated Middle Eastern classics like creamy hummus, piquant shakshuka, and za’atar roasted chicken.

Call 833-936-3873 to make a reservation.

Maybe you didn’t realize that Nashville was missing Australian cafe culture, but Two Hands would prove that assumption wrong. Serving an all-day menu of specialty coffee drinks, pastries, salads, and sandwiches, the food skews a little more international during the evening meal. Dishes like lamb barbacoa and tri-tip with black chimichurri sauce are dinner standouts.

Pakistani and Indian food share a lot of similarities, but you rarely see both on the same menu. Gully Boyz is a new project from two South Asian restaurant veterans who have created a fast-casual menu featuring both cuisines. The interior of the building is bright and boldly decorated, and the line moves quickly as diners build their own bowls and rolls from a menu of proteins, rice options, curries, and sauces. Expect plenty of vegan and vegetarian options that don’t sacrifice any flavor.

No reservations.

It’s refreshing when hotel restaurants aren’t afraid to step beyond your normal sandwich, salad, burgers, and steak fare, as does this modern Mexican restaurant in the AC Hotel in downtown. Decorated as an homage to Dia de los Muertos, Calacas recognizes past generations with traditional regional Mexican recipes updated with contemporary touches. The bar’s selection of agave-based spirits rivals any collection in town.

Even after three moves around the Green Hills area, this casual bistro has maintained its status as the neighborhood’s favorite spot to meet and eat. Thanks to a laser focus on hospitality and excellent food, including daily, weekly, and monthly specials, Green Hills Grille is the sort of popular place where patrons take an extra five minutes to get to their table as they greet friends sitting around the attractive dining room.

NYC restaurateur Anthony Scotto has brought his emphasis on fresh, seasonal Italian food from the Big Apple to Music City, and Nashville is the luckier for it. Regional dishes include a delightful array of seafood dishes plus a variety of handmade pastas specifically paired to highlight traditional sauces. We’re already looking forward to the planned weekly Sunday supper served family-style at the table.