Look ahead: Nashville restaurants, bars set to open in 2024

Though Nashville's food scene may benefit from more international cuisine, and perhaps a few more late night options, there's a lot to look forward to over the course of this year.

Despite the tumultuous ups and downs that can come with owning and operating restaurants — especially in uncertain economic times — there are still plenty of vibrant, creative and exciting dining options making their Nashville debut this year.

From cocktail clubs to (even more) Italian food, here's what you should know about the restaurants set to open soon in Nashville.

Salento Italia to join growing list of Donelson eats

The Donelson area of Nashville has become somewhat of a mecca for both locally-owned restaurants and new dining options from outside companies alike. Joining the lineup this year is Salento Italia, which is set to open at 329 Donelson Pike, from Sam and Bill Darsinos, the family behind Greko Greek Street Food and Darfons Restaurant and Lounge.

The Italian restaurant is set to join breakfast spot SweetMilk at Emery Commons, a mixed-use development undertaking by the Darsinos family that will also include a Scout's Barber Shop location, upscale tattoo parlor and toasted sub sandwich franchise Cheba Hut.

"Donelson is a really great community," Bill Darsinos said. "It has been for years, but now people are taking notice of it. We wanted to do something that was definitely going to be an asset to the community... we're really proud of it."

Salento Italia will open before the end of January, Darsinos said. It will serve Southern Italian comfort food with a slight Greek influence, courtesy of Darsinos' family heritage.

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Two concepts coming from Make A Play Hospitality

After the opening of Supper Club on Belcourt last year, Make A Play Hospitality, led by Rob Higgins and Joe Johnson, is gearing up to welcome guests into Bungalow10 and Jar Cocktail Club in a matter of weeks. The restaurant concepts will make a trifecta of sorts on Belcourt Avenue in Nashville's Hillsboro Village neighborhood.

Guests can expect Bungalow10 to be a slightly more relaxed yet still upscale counterpart to Supper Club. Jar will bring an upbeat nightlife experience with live DJ's, drinks and dancing.

Fresh lineup at Piggly Wiggly development

The redevelopment of the former Piggly Wiggly site at 917 Dickerson Pike is making steady progress, and several restaurant concepts are scheduled to open there this year.

The mixed-use building will be divided into six units, which will house businesses by Philip Krajeck of Rolf and Daughters and Folk, Bryan Weaver and Jake Mogelson of Butcher and Bee and Redheaded Stranger, Alexis Soler of Golden Pony and Old Glory, and Alex Vaughan and Quinn Kiesow of FLWR Shop.

Weaver and Mogelson, under their company's name Honest to Goodness Hospitality, revealed details about their restaurant, Fancypants, in September. Vegetables will take center stage at the chef-driven restaurant, with meat sometimes guest-starring off the regular menu. It's a different approach sure to create some culinary buzz.

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Alexis Soler has a lot in store for 2024

While entrepreneur and bartender Alexis Soler is working on her upcoming concept on Dickerson Pike, she has also partnered with Drift Hotel near the East Bank to develop several food and beverage concepts.

These projects are set to include mid-century inspired The Sun Room, a bar and restaurant with light Spanish tapas, Dawn, a coffee shop serving Good Citizens Coffee Co. and a poolside bar.

New bars, entertainment venues coming to Nashville

For those looking for new spots to bring the party, there are several bars opening in the downtown area this year.

Neighbors in The Gulch is planning to open very soon, according to social media posts from the bar. It will be the sports bar's fourth Nashville area location.

Several bars and entertainment venues are scheduled to open this year on Lower Broadway, including Eric Church's Chief's and a bar dedicated to Hank Williams Jr. Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks and Strategic Hospitality has already entered a soft opening phase, but the entire venue is expected to open sometime this year.

A bar inspired by Luke Combs will take the place of the Wildhorse Saloon on 2nd Avenue. The bar is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: New Nashville restaurants, bars opening in 2024