Nashville | First Look at Kisser
Recently, I was out to lunch with one of my dear friends who loves food almost as much as I do, when she raised quite the polarizing question: “ What’s been your best meal at a new Nashville restaurant?” Without hesitation, I immediately responded with Kisser. After all, it must be pretty damn good for me to leave my Green Hills bubble and trek to East Nashville on back-to-back weekends.
As a Nashville native and food enthusiast, I keep a close watch on the ever-changing food scene, and few restaurants have arrived in Music City with more hype than Kisser. Before their official opening, Kisser was named one of the 12 most anticipated restaurant openings in 2023 by Bon Appétit. <insert eek here>. Despite Nashville’s steady stream of restaurant openings, it’s rare. National listicles like Bon Appétit typically focus on larger markets like Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., or Chicago. So, it does my heart good to see my hometown make the shortlist.
Over the last few years, many locals experienced the culinary stylings of husband and wife team Brian Lea and Leina Horii. Maybe you happened upon one of their pop-ups at a local farmer’s markets, or perhaps it was a collaboration at one of the many watering holes in Music City. Horii and Lea used these pop-ups to test dishes for their brick-and-mortar location, now open in Highland Yards. Not only was it a great way to experiment, but a great way to get most Nashvillians hooked on their incredible cuisine.
White Asparagus | Grilled And Chilled // Sesame + White Miso + Buckwheat
The restaurant’s name is an homage to the Japanese kissaten. One might ask, “What is a kissaten?” Trust me. I thought the same thing, so I asked my friend Google. A kissaten is a traditional neighborhood cafe where locals gather to hang out, eat, and drink. Often kissatens are family-run, and you will see couples, one behind the counter cooking while the other juggles the orders and takes the food and beverages to the patrons. Menu items in a kissaten are usually very similar, but undoubtedly you find kara age (fried chicken), tonkatsu (pork cutlet), yaki soba (stir-fried ramen noodles with pork and cabbage or other vegetables), and tonkatsu sandwiches.
Horii and Lea have done an incredible job weaving many of these traditional kissaten elements into Kisser, creating a similar experience for a modern audience.
As you scan through the menu, there’s a strong focus on what many would call Japanese comfort foods like the Chicken Katsu Sandwich and the Tantan Ramen, both of which are my favorites. If you find a dish that intrigues you, order it, as many dishes rotate on and off the menu based on the seasonality of the ingredients.
Smoked WIngs | Black Garlic BBQ Sauce + Togarashi
If you haven’t had a chance to venture over to Highland Yards, here are a few things you need to know before you go.
Kisser is located in Highland Yards, a unique shopping and retail space off Douglas Avenue in East Nashville. If you see East Nashville and already dread the parking situation, don’t worry. There’s more than ample parking in the complex.
Tantan Ramen | Brothless Ramen Noodle + Chicken And Pork Sausage + Chili Crisp + Sesame Tsuyu + Onsen Tamago
Kisser is open Thursday- Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Given their popularity, I’d recommend arriving a few minutes before opening to ensure you make the first seating. If you’re ambitious, arrive early and add your name to the waitlist using the QR code outside the restaurant and then meander over to Flora +Fauna for a bit of caffeination before lunch.
In case you missed it, Kisser does not take reservations; it’s walk-ins only. I know, I’m giving all the type-A planners massive anxiety with that statement.
Chicken Katsu Sandwich | Fried Chicken + Cabbage Slaw + Tonkatsu Sauce + Toasted Kisser Milk Bread
As you peruse the menu, you will notice it is divided into small plates, bigger plates, and desserts. Grab a friend and order all the things as all these dishes are easily shareable… even the ramen.
If you are in the mood for a cocktail, make your way to the Golden Pony. Kisser only serves Beer, Non-Alcoholic Beverages, and High Garden Teas.
Market Vegetables | Leina’s Dad’s Carrot Ginger Dressing + Tempura Flakes + Crunchy Vegetables
If you have your eye on a particular dessert, don’t be afraid to order it when they take your order. It was the first weekend the Strawberry Sando was on the menu, and it was incredibly popular. Even though we made the 11:00 a.m. seating, we placed our order for dessert and called dibs. Some may call us crazy, but they were sold out by the time we were enjoying dessert.
Inari | Sushi Rice + Shrimp +Masago +Tofu Skin
Oyakodon | Grilled Soy Marinated Chicken + Steamed Egg + Dashi Broth + Rice
Kisser is undoubtedly one of the best new restaurants in Nashville. Despite the fact that I didn’t make it to one of their pop-ups, I’m making up for lost time, as it’s currently on repeat.< Nashville friends- you’ve had fair warning!> Whether you are dining solo or coming with a group of friends and ordering the entire menu, you will have zero regrets.
Strawberry Sando | Fresh Strawberries + Kisser Milk Bread + Vanilla Cream
Miso Créme Brûlée | Miso Caramel Crusted
Matcha Tea Cake | White Chocolate + Whipped Cream
Tariff: Small plates are priced between $8.00-$12.00, while bigger plates range in price from $14.00-$20.00, depending on add-ons. Note an 18% gratuity is added to your final bill.
Can’t Miss: If you traveling to Nashville and know this may be your only shot dining at Kisser, you can’t miss the White Asparagus, Market Vegetables, Chicken Katsu Sandwich, and the Miso Crème Brûlée. The menu changes frequently, but the katsu sandwich and crème brûlée are always on the menu. If you are looking to add another dish, try the Tantan Ramen.
Potential Pass: To date, there’s only been one dish that I haven’t been particularly fond of Oyakodon. I didn’t care for the steamed egg on top, and I didn’t feel like it had much flavor. In fact, only one person at the table really enjoyed it.
Until Next Time!