Nashville Welcomes New Mediterranean and Sushi Restaurants

News Summary

Nashville is set to enhance its food scene with the opening of two new restaurants by Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants this summer: Aba and Sushi-san. Aba, a Mediterranean eatery, will offer vibrant dishes and a lively ambiance, while Sushi-san will bring fresh sushi and a unique dining experience. Both establishments promise to delight food lovers as part of the Ashwood 12 South development, slated to open by late 2024.

Nashville Gets Ready for Two Exciting New Eateries

Nashville food lovers, get your forks ready! This summer, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants (LEYR), a beloved family-owned restaurant group from Chicago, is set to take Music City by storm with the opening of not one, but two fabulous new spots: Aba and Sushi-san. Both restaurants promise to bring unique flavors and unforgettable dining experiences to Nashville, and we couldn’t be more excited!

Aba—Mediterranean Paradise

First up, let’s talk about Aba, which will be located at 435 Houston Street in the trendy Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. This will mark the third location for Aba, following bustling establishments in Chicago and Austin. With a Mediterranean menu that’s heavily inspired by sunny California, this spot is sure to become the go-to for fresh and vibrant dishes.

The culinary magic at Aba will be driven by chef partner CJ Jacobson, a star from the reality cooking competition Top Chef. Get ready to savor delectable signature dishes like the mouthwatering Smoky Garlic Hummus, the rich Whipped Feta Spread, and the tantalizing Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak. To finish off your meal on a sweet note, don’t miss out on the Frozen Greek Yogurt drizzled with olive oil and sprinkling of sea salt—it’s as delightful as it sounds!

The beverage program is also set to impress, featuring a collection of spirits and rare wines sourced from lesser-known Mediterranean regions. As for the ambiance, expect a design that embodies the essence of summer in the Mediterranean, complete with lush greenery, climbing ivy, and potted plants. The Moroccan-style lanterns and olive trees will transport you straight to a sun-kissed terrace.

Aba won’t just be a charming spot to grab a bite, it will also feature an expansive patio, full bars both inside and out, and a spacious dining room that accommodates over 250 guests, including semi-private and private dining options for all your special occasions.

Sushi-san—A Taste of Japan

Sushi-san! Located at 2212 12th Avenue South in the developing Ashwood 12 South project, this will be the first Sushi-san outside of its beloved Chicago roots. Sushi lovers, rejoice! You can expect the freshest fish flown in directly from Japan, paired with one of the largest selections of Japanese whisky and a robust sake-by-the-glass list. And yes, the vibes are amplified by golden-era hip-hop music, making it a totally unique dining experience!

The culinary genius behind the Sushi-san menu is master sushi chef partner Kaze Chan. Diners can look forward to indulging in a variety of offerings, from signature maki and hand rolls to San-Sets, nigiri, sashimi, sizzling rice, noodles, and robata-grilled delicacies. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there will be something to satisfy every sushi craving!

The Sushi-san dining room will be cozy and offer seating for 136 guests while also featuring an outdoor patio and a private dining room with a dedicated outdoor area for those special gatherings.

A Worthwhile Investment in Nashville

R.J. Melman, president and CEO of Lettuce Entertain You, is thrilled about their expansion into Nashville. The city is known for its vibrant food scene, and these two new concepts are sure to further enhance that community-driven dining experience.

As part of the Ashwood 12 South development, led by Turnbridge Equities, both restaurants will be nestled within a mixed-use space offering 116,500 square feet of retail and office options. This project is expected to open by late 2024 and will feature improvements to the 12 South neighborhood, including a generous $100,000 donation from Turnbridge Equities to support beautification and natural preservation initiatives.

As the first Aba opened in Chicago back in 2018, followed by locations in Austin and Miami, one thing is certain—Nashville is in for a treat, blending exquisite Mediterranean and Japanese flavors right in the heart of the city!

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Additional Resources

• Nashville Lifestyles
• WKRN
• What Now Nashville
• Food & Wine
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurants