Aug 25, 2026 - Food and Drink

Bon Appétit names Nashville's Junior one of America's best new restaurants

Adam Tamburin

Interior view of a cozy bar: large white circular ceiling fixtures, warm lighting, a long wooden counter with metal stools, liquor shelves, a coffee machine, framed art, and windows with blinds. — Photo: Courtesy of Junior

One of the godfathers of Nashville's fine dining scene is getting new plaudits.

Zoom in: Chef Philip Krajeck, the mastermind behind the Germantown stalwart Rolf & Daughters, tried something new with his restaurant Junior, which opened two years ago on Dickerson Pike.

According to the folks at Bon Appétit, it worked. The culinary magazine recently named Junior one of the nation's 19 best new restaurants.

What they're saying: "In a town of honky-tonks and barbecue joints, Junior stands out for its finesse," they said of the restaurant, which heavily features open-fire grilling.

"Out of the gate, Junior exudes a lived-in bravado that shines through the Nashville neon."

💭 Our thought bubble: Junior is also noteworthy for its part in the ongoing revitalization of Dickerson Pike.

The corridor has added several buzzy culinary destinations in recent years, including the nearby Fancypants and cocktail bar Cherries.

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Bon Appétit names Nashville's Junior one of America's best new restaurants

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