Seven Nashville Restaurants Where We Want To Be Regulars

Two Ten Jack has become a staple in its East Nashville neighborhood, but equally alluring for Nashvillians from across the river who come on a quest for steaming bowls of ramen, garlic noodles with butter crab, and Japanese fried chicken. Its cozy, bustling energy keeps us coming back for more, especially when skewers of expertly grilled yakitori are involved—we must insist on ordering the wagyu-filled shishito pepper, corn with miso butter, and the sleeper hit of the century, the cherry tomato brushed with wasabi oil. The latter comes perfectly grilled, bursting with hot juice when bitten, and backed up with a mighty kick of wasabi at the end. 

Regulars are common at Folk, where Apero Hour brings in locals for glasses of natty wine and pizza bianco with garlic butter and ricotta during golden hour. Exceptionally healthy plants abound in the marble-topped bar, which is perfect for drinking cocktails over olives. The dining room is bathed in the glow of enormous paper lanterns, and attended by friendly servers who handily lead diners through a menu that is filled with fleeting, seasonal dishes that you’ll want to return for as soon as possible. We’re regulars there, and you can be, too. 

For over 20 years, regulars have flocked to Margot over and over again to dine within its brick-covered walls. Friendly staff (who probably know your name if you attain regular status) are knowledgeable about the daily-changing menu that’s all about French-inspired cuisine with a dash of Southern style. Order plates of chicken liver pate with cornbread and roasted grapes, or grilled quail with green bean and arugula salad with buttermilk dressing with glasses of Sancerre and settle into a cozy table in the petite dining room; it never gets old. 

Chef Sean Brock has worked tirelessly to shape the menu and experience at Audrey, his flagship restaurant that opened in 2021. Since then, it has shifted from a tasting menu format to a la carte, cementing its place for would-be regulars in constant rotation. The recent launch of brunch is yet another reason to return to Audrey again and again, particularly with the introduction of the Hearth Soufflé Omelet that’s whipped for 30 minutes before being, as they describe it, “cooked in the fire with lots of butter.” 

A big reason to become a regular at Peninsula: Never miss a single variation of the constantly changing broth—or any other dish on the menu, for that matter. Chef Jake Howell is constantly reinventing the menu, with takes on the cuisine of the Iberian Peninsula like octopus with charred onion, avocado, and passionfruit, and Spanish tortilla. As for the aforementioned broth, it’s a true sleeper hit, no matter the flavor profile: Everything from strawberry-vanilla to mushroom has hit the menu. It’s a must order, along with a gin and tonic and slice of Spanish tortilla. 

Regulars at Rosepepper return for a myriad of reasons, not least the icy margaritas and crispy tacos served on an ample covered patio. It’s a true neighborhood spot deep in East Nashville, and it’s been serving up bowls of queso and crispy tortilla chips for decades at this point; they have the regular game on lock. It never hurts to grab a Resy though, because it’s always bustling at lunch, dinner, or brunch.

Becoming a regular at Drusie and Darr means more time in the historic Hermitage Hotel, which is a very attractive proposition. Jean-Georges Vongerichten has successfully brought his sophisticated style of cooking to Nashville, serving dishes like “crispy sushi” with sea trout, chipotle emulsion, and mint, and whiskey-poached lobster with passion fruit butter. The gorgeous bar next door is yet another reason to become a repeat customer with classic cocktails, dim lighting, and easy access to the hotel’s famously photographable restrooms.