Every August, East Nashville gets a little juicier with the return of the beloved Tomato Art Fest (August 8 and 9, 2025), a two-day celebration of all things tomato (and all things quirky). What began as a small, art-forward neighborhood event has become one of the city’s most treasured festivals, drawing thousands with its parades, costumes, music, and (naturally) an undying love for the humble tomato. But you don’t have to wait for the fest weekend to get into the spirit. Across town, local restaurants pay tribute to the tomato in deliciously creative ways … with plenty of tomato dishes and even a savory cocktail aptly named The Tomato Festival!
5th & Taylor | Tomato Pie
Neighborhood: Germantown
More Info: 5thandtaylor.com
Enjoy a slice of comfort-meets-craft at 5th & Taylor with its tomato pie featuring Kenny’s Farmhouse fromage blanc. This warm, savory pie uses a flaky cheddar-blanketed crust to house smoky, roasted tomatoes and creamy local fromage blanc. Finished with fresh basil and a touch of oregano, it’s a rustic-reimagined classic that’s rich and deeply satisfying.
Audrey | RC Farms Tomatoes
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: southalltn.com/audrey
Meet Audrey’s RC Farms Tomato Plate, crafted under the Southall umbrella (post-Sean Brock). This standout dish features plump RC Farms tomatoes paired with creamy, subtly sharp Walden cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of quality olive oil. It’s a beautifully composed bite with flavor depth. Our team recently enjoyed dinner at the restaurant, and this was one of the standouts!
Bad Idea | Nam Pa
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: badideanashville.com
If you’re in the mood for something a little unexpected, Bad Idea serves up Nam Pa, a refined dish that blends hamachi crudo with sungold tomatoes, pu’er tea, and sunflower. It’s delicate, complex, and a lovely nod to tomato’s versatility.
Blue Aster | 30-Layer Lasagna
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: blueasternashville.com
Blue Aster’s 30‑Layer Lasagna is a next‑level twist on the Italian classic, featuring Mediterranean flair. Think rich, slow‑braised lamb leg layered 30 times with a luscious tomato sauce, silky whipped labneh, and a drizzle of bold lamb jus. Crowned with fresh oregano sprigs (one of my favorite elements in this flavor profile), each forkful delivers a symphony of savory, tangy, herbaceous goodness. It’s indulgent, inspired, and irresistible.
Carne Mare | Heirloom Tomato Salad
Neighborhood: The Gulch
More Info: carnemarenashville.com
Carne Mare’s Heirloom Tomato Salad is a bold, flavor-packed tribute to the tomato. Thick slices of juicy heirloom tomatoes are layered with nutty vacche rosse cheese and rich basil pesto, then finished with a glossy drizzle of aged balsamico. It’s vibrant, earthy, and beautifully balanced, with each bite delivering a punch of brightness. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece.
The Gumbo Bros | Fried Green Tomato Basket
Neighborhood: The Gulch
More Info: thegumbobros.com
Enjoy a Southern staple at The Gumbo Bros, where a fried green tomato basket pairs crispy tomato slices with Cajun waffle fries and your pick of dipping options — from a classic Remoulade to tangy comeback sauce. It’s fried, salty, and the perfect pre-festival snack … you know, before you head out to experience even more tomato dishes.
Lockeland Table | The Wedge Salad with Fried Green Tomatoes + Red Pepper Jam (& the WSF Summer Salad, too!)
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: lockelandtable.com
Summer is served. At Lockeland Table, tomatoes shine in two standout starters that channel Southern charm with a seasonal twist. The Bibb Lettuce Wedge Salad layers smoky Kenny’s blue cheese dressing, crispy Tennshootoe pork, and a fried green tomato with sweet red pepper jam for a bold, satisfying crunch. I can’t tell you how often I crave this salad!
Meanwhile, the WSF Summer Salad keeps things light and luxe with juicy tomatoes, burrata, toasted sunflower seeds, and a tangy balsamic-apple cider reduction. Two salads, two moods, both delicious.
Margot | Roasted Local Tomato Bruschetta with Herb Mascarpone & Balsamic Reduction
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: margotcafe.com
Margot Café & Bar’s Roasted Local Tomato Bruschetta is East Nashville charm on a plate. Juicy local tomatoes are roasted to deepen their flavor, then layered over crisp bread with a generous smear of herb mascarpone. A drizzle of balsamic reduction ties it all together with just the right acidic yet sweet finish. It’s rustic, elegant, and exactly what you want to snack on while sipping something cold on a warm night.
Noko | Burrata with Wood-Fired Tomatoes
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: nokonashville.com
Noko’s burrata is a flavor-forward stunner that hits all the right notes. Creamy burrata meets smoky wood-fired tomatoes, sweet fig jam, and a drizzle of balsamic honey. Each bite is layered with richness, brightness, and just the right kiss of char. Served with warm, pillowy focaccia, it’s equal parts comfort and culinary sophistication. Whether you’re kicking off a meal or just in it for the apps, this dish is a must-order.
The Pizzeria at Frankies | Tomato Pizza
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: frankiesnashville.com
True tomato purists will want to swing by The Pizzeria at Frankies, where a tomato pizza keeps things refreshingly simple. Think vine-ripened Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes, a sprinkle of Sicilian oregano, and not much else. Because sometimes, less really is more.
Turkey and the Wolf Icehouse | Heirloom Tomato Sandwich
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: turkeyandthewolficehouse.com
Turkey and the Wolf Icehouse delivers a nostalgic Southern classic with a gourmet twist. The Heirloom Tomato Sandwich layers juicy slices with Duke’s Mayonnaise and fresh summer herbs. It’s simple, seasonal, and best enjoyed with a cold drink and some porch shade.
White Limozeen | The Tomato Festival Cocktail
Neighborhood: Midtown
More Info: Facebook
Need something to sip? Head to White Limozeen, where the bartenders are channeling festival energy into a tomato-strawberry cocktail aptly named The Tomato Festival. Made with Altos tequila, apricot chili, lime, and Hellfire bitters (plus a savory salt rim), this one packs a punch. For those going booze-free, the Baby Tomato mocktail offers a refreshing alternative with the same flavor-forward base.
Whether you’re celebrating at the fest itself or simply eating your way toward it, these dishes offer a front-row seat to Nashville’s most flavorful time of year. Oh, and if you’re a home chef with a fantastic tomato-centric recipe, you can register for the Tomato Arts Fest contest HERE!
Craving even more tomato goodness? Check out some of StyleBlueprint’s favorite tomato recipes, including a crowd-pleasing crustless tomato pie, tomato soup, and summer peach and tomato salad.
**********
For recipes, home decor inspiration, travel itineraries, and more — subscribe to StyleBlueprint’s daily emails!
