Green Hills has long been a frequented neighborhood for so many reasons — shopping at The Mall at Green Hills, popping into The Cosmetic Market for a facial, catching a movie at Regal Cinemas or getting groceries with Kroger, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods all vying for your attention. What it hasn’t necessarily been until recently, though, is one of Nashville’s hot destinations for dinner.
Over the last few years, we have seen more and more restaurants open their doors in this busy Nashville neighborhood, and it’s great news for local restaurant rookies and veterans alike. A mixture of locally owned restaurants and well-established chains, these Green Hills restaurants bring something unique to the table perfect for your next date night or dinner out with friends.
In case you’ve missed the changing face of Green Hills, the following restaurants have all opened in the past few years, some as recently as the past few weeks, and promise a yummy meal or a tasty libation.
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Emmy Squared — opened May 2019
3821 Green Hills Village Dr, Nashville, TN 37215 • (615) 800-5400
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The newest addition to the neighborhood is Emmy Squared, a Brooklyn-based restaurant serving Detroit-style pizza and some tasty burgers, which recently opened its second location in Nashville. The restaurant opened its doors in the Gulch in March 2018, and the tiny haven has been packed ever since. Last month, they took over the building once home to Table 3, a space muchlarger than their first. Emmy Squared in Green Hills not only has a large full-service bar and private dining area, but also a patio that seats 60. Howard Greenstone, a partner at Emmy Squared, explains, “We picked Green Hills because it’s where a lot of our existing local guests live. We wanted a slightly larger space for the concept to allow us to serve families and larger parties. We chose this space because it has a wonderful bar area, outdoor patios and a great room for private parties.” Stop in for a Colony Squared pizza topped with pepperoni, pickled jalapeño and honey, or taste the famous Le Big Matt burger before you catch a flick. Howard adds, “It’s also next to a movie theater, and what’s better before a movie than pizza and burgers?”
PinSanto — opened May 2019
3998 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215 • (615) 336-3426
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – late; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Just down the road, find the sister restaurant to a couple of Nashville’s gems. Santo, owned by the team behind Epice and Kalamata’s, opened in May, and the sexy concept serves modern Mediterranean dishes. On the corner of the Vertis building, step through the eye-catching navy and gold entrance and into a chic and buzzy atmosphere. You can expect the same attentive, familial service you get at Epice, almost like you’re stepping into a friend’s home for dinner. Each menu item is thoughtful and flavor-filled. The crab galette (reminiscent of a crab cake but much lighter) was a table favorite during a recent visit, as were the fresh and flavorful salads on the menu. It was the deconstructed whipped cheesecake, though, that had us scraping up every last morsel — a can’t-miss item!
PinRELATED: Your Complete Guide to the Gulch
Härth Restaurant and Bar — opened February 2019
3801 Cleghorn Ave, Nashville, TN 37215 • (615) 297-9979
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Inside of the new-to-Green Hills Hilton, find Härth, a delightful restaurant serving American-style dishes. The open-concept kitchen allows guests a peek into the kitchen, where the chef uses locally-sourced ingredients for each dish. The upscale atmosphere invites lingering conversation over delicious food. Begin your evening with the white truffle espresso beef carpaccio and a craft co*cktail, but good luck making a decision after that! The brick oven pizzas are a popular option, and the chicken & kale pizza with rosemary, Parmesan cream, provolone and mozzarella cheese is certain to be a hit. If it’s seafood you’re craving, try the roasted sea bass with crab and lobster risotto, saffron asparagus, carrots, swiss chard and a beurre blanc. Before or after dinner, head to the roof and experience Green Hills’s very first rooftop bar, SkyBar, with sweeping views of the neighborhood and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
PinTrue Food Kitchen — opened September 2018
3996 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215 • (615) 383-7333
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
True Food Kitchen opened its doors in September of last year and brought with it a healthy menu that can cater to almost any dietary restriction or preference. The highly anticipated opening of this Denver-based restaurant was met with a satisfied clientele. The idea behind True Food Kitchen is that nutrient-packed food doesn’t have to sacrifice flavor or creativity. On the menu, you’ll find everything from kale guacamole and edamame dumplings to spaghetti squash casserole and SB favorite, fish tacos. Even the co*cktail menu infuses nutritious ingredients with familiar spirits. Both the food and co*cktail menus change seasonally, using the freshest ingredients in every creation and ensuring a fresh experience each time. Even those of us with special food preferences or habits like to enjoy a night out now and then, and True Food Kitchen brought that opportunity to Green Hills!
PinChar — opened September 2018
3988 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215 • (615) 891-7181
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Char also found a home in the Vertis building, opening its doors in September of 2018. Doug Hogrefe, owner of 4Top Hospitality, which includes Char, shares, “I think it’s great that Green Hills has finally started to become a dining destination. The support for locally owned restaurants, like etc. and Char, has been fantastic, and we are very thankful.” Char is located in the Vertis building with Santo, True Food and Brixx Wood Fired Pizza. The transplant steakhouse has been well received by locals who love the live nightly jazz and weekend brunch. Peruse their classic American steakhouse menu with a variety of meats and cuts, as well as sides to share. We’d recommend a large slice of pecan pie to end your meal.
PinRH Café — opened June 2018
2101 Green Hills Village Dr, Nashville, TN 37215 • (615) 209-7644
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
RH Café and Wine Vault, the restaurant within Restoration Hardware, is just steps away from Emmy Squared, but we don’t think you could miss it if you tried. The large, beautiful building is just off Hillsboro Road in front of The Mall at Green Hills, and inside, you’ll find an amazing and impactful dining experience. Beneath the glass atrium and comfortably seated on Restoration Hardware furniture, dine with girlfriends, coworkers or your significant other. The lovely atmosphere is light and bright for brunch, and cozy and candle-lit for dinner. Start your meal with the addictive burrata appetizer with oven-roasted tomatoes, aged balsamic and charred bread. The lobster roll with fries is a popular choice for brunch or dinner, and the broiled salmon is expertly cooked with dynamic flavor and texture. If you’re just looking for something to sip on, grab a glass of wine or a coffee and browse all that Restoration Hardware has to offer while you enjoy.
Pinetc. — opened August 2016
3790 Bedford Ave, Nashville, TN 37215 • (615) 988-0332
Hours: Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Mid-Day Menu: Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Dinner: Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nashville’s beloved etc., also part of 4Top Hospitality, is tucked away on Bedford Avenue, and with Deb Paquette at its culinary helm, you’re guaranteed a fabulous experience with each visit. The small, intimate restaurant offers a quiet escape in Green Hills along with a menu of inventive dishes. Deb has received countless awards and accolades over the years as a trailblazer in the Nashville restaurant scene, and the flair she adds to each dish illustrates why. Stop in for lunch during the week, dinner Monday through Saturday, or brunch on Sunday to try it for yourself.
RELATED: Local Food Pros Dish on Their Top Kitchen Essentials
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Green Hills Grille — opened Fall 2015
2002 Richard Jones Rd #104A, Nashville, TN 37215 • (615) 620-8390
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Another Green Hills dining destination is Green Hills Grille. The restaurant operated for 18 years before a seven-year hiatus, but in Fall 2015, this beloved spot reopened its doors. The expansive menu offers everything from tacos to burgers to their famous tortilla soup. Their longevity and their connection to the community, though, set them apart. Owner Stephen Smithing shares, “We have people who come eat every day, three times a week or even multiple times a day. I joke with guests that I eat there twice a day, so they can too.” The loyalty of local customers is of paramount importance, and that’s why the team works to cater specifically to their demographic, making deliberate decisions with their menu that they know their customers will love. Having been a part of the restaurant for more than two decades, Stephen has seen the growth and changes in Green Hills. As national chains move in, he notes that the competition, while difficult, is great for business. “We’re very, very happy to be where we are, and our business is doing well. All of this competition brings more people to Green Hills, and our sales are up because of it.”
PinAs the Nashville dining scene continues to evolve, so does each neighborhood’s culinary offerings. The current landscape of Green Hills makes the case for an elevated dining experience perfect for a date night or girls night out.
SB TIP: If it’s breakfast, lunch or more casual dining you’re looking for, Green Hills offers that too! Check out our guide to local restaurants in Green Hills right here.
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For more Nashville restaurant buzz, visit our local restaurant archives here!
About the AuthorAnnie Reeves
When she isn't scoping out the South's newest hangs, you can find her teaching CycleBar classes or eating queso at her neighborhood Mexican spot.
